Record Reviews
15 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | GUN ~ GUN
REPERTOIRE 4840 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
1st album from 1969 by this extraordinary UK group, which created a fantastic mixture of Hard Rock, Prog and Psychedelics. Led by one of the greatest guitar players of all times - Adrian Gurvitz.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GUN ~ GUNSIGHT
REPERTOIRE 4841 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
2nd album from 1970. More of the same unique sound, with a few more lyrical tracks, but still a true classic. Remastered with bonus tracks, digipack.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GUNNAR HALLE ~ HALLE`S PLANET
OZELLA 094 (Barcode: 4038952000942) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2019
This is the second album by Norwegian trumpeter / composer Gunnar HalleFind albums by this artist, recorded with a Scandinavian quintet, which includes guitarist Stephan SiebenFind albums by this artist, bassist Putte JohanderFind albums by this artist and two drummers: Knut FinsrudFind albums by this artist and Wetle HolteFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Halle.
As the lineup suggests, the music is Fusion related, but far from the customary Fusion concepts, concentrating on the trumpet playing with relatively limited accompaniment by the rest of the band. The result is mostly mellow, lyrical and melodic with a heavy (well double drums) sound behind, which is kept well in check. The guitar mostly adds only coloring rather than intensive soloing and the result is somewhat "industrial", which probably is exactly what Halle had in mind.
The overall sound is pretty unusual and takes a while to get into, but works very effectively altogether. Halle uses some keyboards and electronics to spice the proceedings and the music is quite interesting, although the short playing time of the album (less than forty minutes) leaves the listener expecting more when the music is over.
Somehow this immediately brings on "Heavy Metal Bebop" associations, which means it can´t be bad at all. This is "different" enough to be worth checking out and one never knows what might strike listeners fancy ;)
| | Updated: 20/09/2020Posted: 20/09/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN GUNNAR HOFF ~ FLY NORTH!
LOSEN 119 (Barcode: 7090025831195) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is the fourteenth recording as a leader by the celebrated Norwegian pianist / composer Jan Gunnar HoffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with Norwegian trumpeter Arve HenriksenFind albums by this artist, Swedish bassist Anders JorminFind albums by this artist and Danish (born in US) drummer / percussionist Marilyn MazurFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, all by Hoff.
Recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist, this album is the epitome of what is known as Scandinavian Jazz or Scandinavian Sound, popularized for decades by ECM Records. Characterized by slow, melancholic, introvert and minimalistic melody lines and delicate, rounded notes, that seem to be floating like leaves in the wind or flowers on the (icy) water, The Scandinavian Sound has many avid followers around the globe and honestly nobody even tries to mimic this unique phenomenon, not even the Chinese ;)
Of course Scandinavian Sound is often criticized by (mostly American) Jazz fans and critics for being tedious and lacking the basic daring Jazz spirit of exploration and discovery. Sadly in some cases this is indeed true, but certainly the entire idiom is very far from that shortsighted criticism, and in many cases produces extraordinary music, full of intelligence and deep emotion, and proudly representing the multifaceted European Jazz.
There is no doubt that this music, apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, is also very communicative. The ability of musicians to communicate with their audiences without compromising their artistic vision is often underestimated, and this album is a superb example of such a case. This music can be absorbed on many different levels, from the purely emotional to the deeply intellectual, with each of these levels having something magical to offer to the listener.
Although the focus of the album is directed towards Hoff´s piano, which he plays with grace and virtuosity, the other members of the quartet also contribute enormously; Henriksen´s "flute-like" trumpet sound is absolutely unique and captivating, Jormin, who is one of my all times favorite bassists, plays marvelously and his long melodic lines are a balsam to the ears and finally Mazur is, as always, more ornamenting the proceedings with her delicate and wonderfully timed touches, rather than setting the rhythms.
Overall this is an instant Scandinavian Sound classic, which was warmly received upon its release and surely will keep many listeners happy in years to come!
| | Updated: 08/03/2016Posted: 08/03/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JAN GUNNAR HOFF ~ JAN GUNNAR HOFF GROUP FEATURING MIKE STERN
LOSEN 196 (Barcode: 7090025831966) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is an album by the excellent Norwegian trio led by pianist / composer Jan Gunnar HoffFind albums by this artist with bassist Per MathisenFind albums by this artist and drummer Audun KleiveFind albums by this artist, expanded to a quartet with the addition of the American guitar hero Mike SternFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, five by Hoff and three by Stern (originating from his solo recordings). The music is superbly recorded and offers a spectacular sound quality and clarity.
The music is a wonderfully melodic amalgam of Scandinavian moods, Fusion and Progressive Rock nostalgic vistas, which flows smoothly from one tune to the next like a gentle breeze over a fjord. The well crafted tunes are ideal vehicles for all the musicians to show their talents and the album offers an intimate opportunity to hear the individual performances by four first class musicians.
Stern´s playing on this album deserves a special attention, as it is quite different from what can be heard on his numerous recordings to date. It seems to be much more delicate and gentler than before, perhaps an effect of the time passing by or just the atmosphere and the musicians involved in this project. One thing is sure; it is definitely some of the finest guitar artistry ever produced by Stern over time.
Hoff is not only a prolific composer and recording artist but also a virtuoso keyboard player, able to create a palette of moods and sound vistas which are both intelligent and sophisticated and at the same time accessible to a large audience. His musical approach has a nostalgic (in the best meaning of the word) tinge to it, fondly resembling the great Prog / Rock / Fusion keyboardists of the late 1960s / early 1970s.
Mathisen is a Monster bassist, considered as one of the top electric bass players today, who leads his own projects and is a renowned composer as well, being a great representative of Norwegian music worldwide. His playing on this album represents his gentler, more relaxed character, which personally is my favorite.
Kleive is also a prolific Jazz artist and composer, very diverse but always right on the money. His performances here are a textbook example of supportive drumming without being obtrusive, full of grace and good taste.
Overall this is a terrific piece of music, which keeps things simple and straight to the heart, full of great playing and superb melody lines, devoid of unnecessary pose, which sadly rules in music today. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 09/11/2018Posted: 09/11/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / MORTEN GUNNAR LARSEN ~ IN A RAG BAG
MEANTIME 19 (Barcode: 7041880101923) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012
This is a lovely album by iconic Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and pianist Morten Gunnar LarsenFind albums by this artist, recorded live in Oslo. The album presents fourteen tracks, which are a tribute to Ragtime Jazz, five of which are compositions by Fats WallerFind albums by this artist, one is by Scott JoplinFind albums by this artist, one is an original by Larsen and the rest are by various other composers.
Larsen is a renowned stride piano specialist with numerous recordings to his credit, and his playing is absolutely delightful. Krog is a universal Jazz vocalist and seems to feel perfectly at hope with early Jazz, as much as she does in Avant-Garde. Together they are just perfect, performing the music with panache and obvious feeling, which results in a delicious serving of nostalgic Jazz history, going back a Century of so.
Of course Ragtime lost nothing of its joy and elegance and it is a pity it is so rarely performed these days. This album certainly proves that the loss is all ours.
Overall, this is a true gem of an album, which Jazz lovers should have a field day with, if they truly love Jazz as much as they think. Brilliant piano technique and idiosyncratic vocals by one of the greatest European Jazz vocalists should be enough for everybody. What a joy!
| | Updated: 06/05/2022Posted: 06/05/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HILDEGUNN OISETH ~ TIME IS COMING
LOSEN 142 (Barcode: 7090025831423) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015
This is the fourth album by the female Norwegian trumpeter Hildegunn OisethFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Espen BergFind albums by this artist, bassist Mats EilertsenFind albums by this artist and drummer Per Oddvar JohansenFind albums by this artist. Oiseth plays trumpet, flugelhorn and the bukkehorn (Billy goat horn, an instrument going as far back as the Vikings). The album presents eight original compositions, two each by Oiseth, Berg and Eilertsen, one by Johansen and the remaining one by yoiker (Google it up!) / musician Frode FjellheimFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded at the celebrated Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by the legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist.
The music is a wonderful Scandinavian flavored European Jazz, heavily influenced by folkloristic touches and deeply reflective. A trumpet quartet is one of the greatest minimalistic Jazz entities, and when it is at its best, it has but little competition. Although the music was composed by five separate individuals, it is beautifully cohesive and creates an amalgamated atmosphere of unity and aesthetic beauty, elegance and consistency.
Oisethīs playing is in many respects comparable to that of the Polish trumpet Master Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, emphasizing the expression rather than technical perfection. The slightly "dirty" tone, seemingly unstable during the vibrato notes, unites Oiseth with Stanko, which of course is meant as a compliment here. The bukkehorn parts, which sound a bit like oboe, are simply delightful and introduce another layer in the wondrous structure of this music.
But of course the three other members of the quartet also contribute invaluably; Berg is the melodic essence, Eilertsen holds all the elements together with his pulsations and Johansen ornaments the proceedings delicately and sparingly, like only best of drummers do.
This album offers the listener a spiritual experience, simply by overflowing all the senses, if allowed to do so. We can of course hear it, but it also touches our hearts, we can almost smell it, see the colors it paints in our mind and taste it in our mouth, not to mention the exhilaration of our intellect. Itīs been a while since I heard music of such quality.
This album easily stands shoulder to shoulder with the best European Jazz achievements released by the top record labels, like ECMFind albums on this label, both as far as the music quality is concerned and of course also as far as the recording quality, which in this case comes from the same source. Itīs great to have labels like LosenFind albums on this label Records producing music of such quality, which make us all both proud and happy.
| | Updated: 13/02/2016Posted: 13/02/2016 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | SPRIGUNS ~ REVEL, WEIRD AND WILD
UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9516 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
3rd album from 1976 by this Folk / Prog group from Cambridge. Formed in 1974 as Spriguns of Tolgus, a British Folk group led by singer Mandy Morton, they soon acheived a solid following which led to the recording of 2 albums for Decca after a self produced cassette and album in 1974 and 1975 respectivly. The material is mostly traditional, with excellent arrangements and great instrumental performances, all this of course in addition to Morton`s superb vocals. The original album is a very rare collector`s item.
Limited Edition
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | SPRIGUNS ~ TIME WILL PASS
UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9517 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
4th and last album from 1977 by this Folk / Prog group led by the excellent singer Mandy Morton, who went on to form the Mandy Morton Band after Spriguns folded. The material is similar to the previous album, with many traditional folk tunes well arranged for the band and excellently performed. The original album is a very rare collector`s item.
Limited Edition
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HANS-GUNTHER WAUER / GUNTER SOMMER ~ VERSCHRANKTE KONSTRUKTION
EDEL CONTENT 4029759080633 (Barcode: 4029759080633) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1986 Released: 2012
This is a reissue (first time on CD) of an album by a duo of East German improvisers: organist / composer Hans-Gunther WauerFind albums by this artist and drummer / composer Gunter SommerFind albums by this artist. It presents eight original compositions, three composed by Wauer, two composed by Sommer and three co-composed by the two musicians. The music was recorded in the Cathedral of Merseburg during a festival of organ music.
The magnificent church organ is meant to be played solo of course, or to accompany chants sung during prayer, but it can be occasionally found also in quite different musical environments, including Jazz and Improvised Music, like the project presented here. Pairing instruments with the church organ is of course an extremely difficult and complex task, both musically and sonically, as the overwhelming sound produced by the organ often surpasses everything else in the vicinity, but this project masterfully combines the organ with a most unlikely companion a drum set.
The music, although mostly improvised, is still very much under the spell of the dominant organ sound, which brings associations of the organ music tradition going way back to the times and work of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist. Wauer creates a modern polyphonic sound not limited by fixed meters or scales, but whatever his efforts might strive to achieve the result still sounds similar to what people associate with church organ music. It is Sommer who brilliantly adopts the drum set to play along with the organ, which is probably the most successful attempt of this kind ever made. His absolute control of the unlimited possibilities of the drums present, both rhythmically and melodically, is simply extraordinary.
The urge to move forward and attempt seemingly impossible amalgams is one of the key characteristics of European Jazz, and this album is just one of the numerous such attempts.
In retrospect, this is still one of the most successful and interesting projects of this kind, which lost absolutely nothing of its fascination and intrinsic beauty over time, not to mention its originality. Open minded listeners, who love church organ music, should have a field day with this album, and of course Improvised Music connoisseurs will find this lost gem to be simply irresistible.
Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems.
Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!
| | Updated: 11/05/2016Posted: 19/03/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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