Record Reviews

GUY BARKER ~ SOUNDTRACK PROVOCATEUR 1030 (Barcode: 5038491103028) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 British trumpeter / composer Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his first on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label, continues Barker’s fascination with cinema, as the title suggests. The central piece of the album is an epic suite entitled “Sounds in Black and White” and is homage to classic movies. Performed by a septet consisting of excellent European musicians, the music is a great example of contemporary Jazz, with a strong melodic basis, but with plenty of fascinating twists and turns and diverse enough to keep the listener interested at all times. The level of the performances and improvisations is everything one might expect from a musician of Barker’s statue, and should more than satisfy every Jazz connoisseur. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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GEORGIE FAME ~ BIRTHDAY BIG BAND THREE LINE WHIP 007 (Barcode: 640999906428) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 2004 This is an album by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, recorded live during a concert celebrating his fifty-fifth Birthday, recorded with a fabulous Big Band created especially for the occasion and conducted by composer / arranger Steve GrayFind albums by this artist. The eighteen strong Big Band includes some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: trumpeters Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, bassist Geoff GascoyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist and others. Guest artists include guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and vocalists Madeline BellFind albums by this artist, Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and Ben SidranFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-three songs, fourteen of which were composed or co-composed by Fame. The music presents, as appropriate for the occasion, the entire retrospective of Fame’s musical career, including his greatest hits, as well as the entire scope of his stylistic diversity, presenting Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Rhythm And Blues songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. This album, due to the Big Band arrangements, is one of the most Jazz oriented recordings by Fame, but by far not the only one, as he loved to perform and record with Big Bands, something I was lucky to witness in person several times over the years. Fame is definitely one of the very few vocalists who is able to blend in perfectly with a Jazz Big Band and a Rhythm And Blues combo with the same, impeccable result. The album is an orgy of great tunes, superb instrumental performances and brilliant vocals, which simply cannot leave any music lover cold, unless he is already cold dead. What luck this concert was recorded and eventually released on record (six years later, but of course better late than never). It has been one of my favorite Fame recordings since the day it was released and a superb summary of those first fifty-five years. God Bless!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 15/05/2021

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GEORGIE FAME ~ CHARLESTONS THREE LINE WHIP 006 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003 This is a delightful album by veteran British vocalist / organist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, my all times favorite British Jazz singer. With a splendid career going back to the early 1960s, Fame moved gradually from Rhythm And Blues and Pop, which dominated his early career, towards Jazz, and became a superb interpreter of standards as well as fabulous writer of original material, which is completely unique and full of deep lyricism and Blues undertones. On this album Fame is surrounded by a superb group of top British Jazz musicians: trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Nick PaynFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist, bassist Geoff GascoyneFind albums by this artist, drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist (the two Powells are of course Fame’s sons). Fame sings and plays keyboards as usual and two fabulous vocalists: Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and Madeline BellFind albums by this artist help with the singing. The album presents eleven tracks (one a medley of two songs), eight of which are original songs by Fame and four are standards. The music is absolutely delightful from start to finish, as expected, and it is truly heartwarming to see (and hear) an artist in the fifth decade of his career sounding as fresh as ever and full of productive powers, enriched over the time with experience. Combined with the typical “Englishness” and tongue in cheek attitude, this music is just pure delight. Sadly, this is one the very last albums recorded by Fame in the new Millennium, which is a great pity. Some archival recordings of his and collections of his earlier recordings still pop up once in a while, proving that he is definitely not forgotten. For his many fans, this album is an absolute must have of course, and although nor easy to be found these days, it is definitely worth pursuing. A Gem!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 07/03/2021

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GEORGIE FAME ~ RELATIONSHIPS THREE LINE WHIP 005 (Barcode: 5020883007342) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 This is a delightful album by veteran British vocalist / organist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, my all times favorite British Jazz singer. With a splendid career going back to the early 1960s, Fame moved gradually from Rhythm And Blues and Pop, which dominated his early career, towards Jazz, and became a superb interpreter of standards as well as fabulous writer of original material, which is completely unique and full of deep lyricism and Blues undertones. On this album Fame is surrounded by a superb group of top British Jazz musicians: trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Peter KingFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist, bassist Geoff GascoyneFind albums by this artist, drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist (the two Powells are of course Fame’s sons). Fame sings and plays keyboards as usual. The album presents twelve tracks (one a medley of two songs), eleven of which are original songs by Fame and two are standards. The music is absolutely delightful from start to finish, as expected, and it is truly heartwarming to see (and hear) an artist in the fifth decade of his career sounding as fresh as ever and full of productive powers, enriched over the time with experience. Combined with the typical “Englishness” and tongue in cheek attitude, this music is just pure delight. Sadly, this is one the very last albums recorded by Fame in the new Millennium, which is a great pity. Some archival recordings of his and collections of his earlier recordings still pop up once in a while, proving that he is definitely not forgotten. For his many fans, this album is an absolute must have of course, and although nor easy to be found these days, it is definitely worth pursuing. A Gem!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 05/03/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GEORGIE FAME ~ SWAN SONGS THREE LINE WHIP 010 (Barcode: 5052442008002) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a delightful album by veteran British singer / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, one of my all time favorite British Jazz musicians and especially vocalists. He is supported by a wonderful team, which includes trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist, drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist (the last two are Fame´s sons since his real name is Clive PowellFind albums by this artist after all) and percussionist Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist. Legendary vocalist Madeline BellFind albums by this artist appears on two tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, ten of which are original songs by Fame and two are standards. As the album´s title ominously suggests, this album was meant to be the last recording by Fame, and sadly so far, six years after it was recorded, no other new album was recorded by him, which is a great pity, especially in view of the excellent form he displays on this album. The music is the usual mixture of Blues, Rhythm And Blues and Jazz, which Fame so uniquely combined into his own idiom for decades. His highly personal delivery, always mixed with a dash (or more) of British humor, and his charismatic presence will remain forever in the memory of those who knew him and his music. The album´s songs present a concept of a person telling his life´s story via the autographical songwriting, which works beautifully from start to finish. The album as a whole is simply a marvelous piece of artistry and if this is indeed to be Fame´s swan song, it is a most appropriate goodbye gesture. I don´t think I need to persuade anybody familiar with Fame´s music to grab this marvelous album as long as it is available. As for me – Fame´s music was a true ingredient of the soundtrack of my life, from his very first recordings in the early 1960s and until this one – five decades of joy and musical bliss. Thank you!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 29/09/2019

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

GEORGIE FAME ~ THREE LINE WHIP THREE LINE WHIP 001 (Barcode: 5017771102623) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993 This is the first album recorded by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist with his two sons: guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist and drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist, a family trio called Three Line WhipFind albums on this label, which also became the name of Fame’s record label. The trio is augmented by some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: Trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter KingFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and bassist Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine songs (one repeated twice), mostly Fame originals. The music is absolutely lovely, as always, and presents Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Blues / Soul / Pop songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. Fame’s last album on his label, the fabulous “Swan SongFind albums with this title” released in 2015, hints as to the possibility of being his last recording, but I still firmly believe and hope that he might bless us with some more of his musical bliss. Please!

Updated: 01/05/2021Posted: 01/05/2021

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GEORGIE FAME ~ TONE-WHEELS `A` TURNIN` THREE LINE WHIP 008 (Barcode: 5032396000031) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 This is an album by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, recorded with a fabulous band that includes his two sons: guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist and drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist, as well as some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist. Fame half-jokingly calls the band The Last Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist, a tribute to the revolving band that accompanied him throughout his career since 1962. The album presents twelve original songs, all composed or co-composed by Fame. The music is absolutely lovely, as always, and presents Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Rhythm And Blues songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. This album also features prominently Fame’s playing the Hammond organ, which was less prominent on his later albums, proving that he was one of the best organists on the British scene ever. Despite the “Last Blue Flames” warning, Fame recorded another album on his label five years later with almost identical lineup, the fabulous “Swan SongFind albums with this title” released in 2015, hinting as to the possibility of being his last recording, but I still firmly believe and hope that he might bless us with some more of his musical bliss. Please!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 09/05/2021

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COLIN TOWNS ~ BOLT FROM THE BLUE PROVOCATEUR 1012 (Barcode: 5019148613398) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 - 1991 Released: 1991 The music scene is surely one of the greatest sources of unexpected surprises. The case of keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist is really an excellent example of strange metamorphoses that occur in the world of music. Take a man, who was the keyboards player and composer for the Ian Gillan BandFind albums by this artist, one of Britain’s most notorious rockers of the early 1970s, transport him 20 years forward and you get one of Britain’s most famous TV and Film composers. As if this wasn’t enough, the same person also has ambitions to become a Jazz composer and actually assembles a big band, which he calls the Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist, writes a collection of Jazz compositions, arranges and records them and eventually releases an album on his own label, called ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records, which boldly states as it slogan: “Improvise not Compromise”. Now that’s something that truly deserves to be called a chutzpah! The amazing part of all this is that it not only works, but actually works wonders. Towns’ debut recording with his ensemble is a majestic piece of music, refreshing and illuminating, continuing the Ellingtonian tradition of big band Jazz composition and at the same time invigorating that tradition, taking it up to contemporary standards. The Mask Orchestra is a dreamy assemblage of some of Britain’s most illustrious veteran Jazz instrumentalist, like John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), John TaylorFind albums by this artist (piano) and Dave GreenFind albums by this artist (bass), together with some superb younger players of the second generation like Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) or Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (drums). These players can play anything, regardless how complex or demanding the actual score is. And play they do – like there’s no tomorrow. It is difficult to imagine this music without actually hearing it, believe you me. Nothing compares to the power, multiplicity of sounds and harmonies, overwhelming euphoria and ecstasy of sound, like music performed by a great big band. Although this music was recorded almost 20 years ago, it lost absolutely nothing of its power and beauty, as well as element of surprise. It is almost impossible to believe that is a debut recording, but apparently miracles do happen, even in music. If you can lay your hands on this album, grab it, which won’t be easy as it is currently out of print, hopefully not for long. Gorgeous and essential stuff, deserving all the praise it received at the time of its release and certainly a superb document of the British Jazz scene, which apparently still has a few tricks hidden up in its sleeve.

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COLIN TOWNS ~ NOWHERE & HEAVEN PROVOCATEUR 1013 (Barcode: 5029152801322) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 British keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist presents his 2nd large scale Jazz project on this album, released on his record label ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records. Five years after his previous release, which was a great surprise and a stunning example of modern big band Jazz music, Towns takes the listener even further into the realm of orchestral Jazz, with an ambitious and complex piece of music, performed by his Mask Orchestra, which includes some of the best Jazz players in Britain, such as Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (drums). But the greatest surprise on the album is the presence of Italian singer Maria Pia De VitoFind albums by this artist, who delivers some remarkable vocal parts, cleverly incorporated into the music, often taking the music places previously unexplored. Incorporating vocal parts into large scale orchestral Jazz is not new in the British Jazz tradition and has been previously used during the golden age of the late 1960s / 1970s by composers like Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and others. I suppose Towns is familiar with these examples and I’m happy to see him creating an up-to-date example of this compositional device. The music is truly grand, rich and sophisticated; somewhat similar to Classical Music at times, but more dynamic and of course retaining the element of swing, which clearly keeps the music well inside the overall framework of Jazz. Perfect performances, with many splendid solo parts and the fantastic sound quality all contribute to the success of this album, which deserves a worthy place in the Pantheon of the valued British Jazz tradition. Although requiring attentive listening, patience and open-mindedness, this music is richly rewarding and holds many intellectual as well as emotional qualities, which should keep all Jazz lovers happy. Wholeheartedly recommended!

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