Record Reviews
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  | ROBERT BACHNER / HELMAR HILL ~ EIN FEINER ZUG
ATS 0644 (Barcode: 9005216006441) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
This is the debut album by the duo comprising of Austrian Jazz musicians: trombonist / composer Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Helmar HillFind albums by this artist. The album presents six (one being a three-part concerto for trombone and piano) original compositions, three each by the duo members.
Bachner and Hill, who are among the busiest players on the local scene, are both members of the splendid Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, but also record with their own ensembles as well as play in many other outfits.
This album beautifully emphasizes their abilities both as talented composers and superb instrumentalists, presenting a masterpiece recording in the "Art of the Duo" Jazz idiom, which always was one of my favorite Jazz facets. It is intimate and demanding, showing perfectly the interplay and communication between the two musicians and their telepathic coordination, and allowing a proper display of their individual chops, which are spectacular indeed.
The compositions are all wonderfully melodic, exhibiting the typical European melancholy, especially so in the case of the concerto composed by Hill, which combines several musical themes and an almost Classical compositional approach.
This album is a perfect example of the "less is more" principle, which albeit its seemingly limited instrumental possibilities proves that two great musicians can be no less effective than a much larger ensemble. The elegance, finesse and astounding musicianship offered by the duo attest to the strength of the European Jazz scene, which has no reason to display any inferiority complex in reference to Jazz musicians from across the pond.
For European Jazz lovers who are not familiar with the Austrian scene, this album is a great introduction both to the local talents and the vitality of the music being performed there. For "Art of the Duo" enthusiasts, this is an absolute must have. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 01/02/2020Posted: 01/02/2020 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHURCHILLS ~ 1968-1971 (EXPANDED EDITION)
HED ARZI 64360 (Barcode: 7293372436093) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1971 Released: 2003
Newly reissued double album including the 1st ChurchillsFind albums by this artist album released in Israel and the 2nd album released in UK under the name Jerico JonesFind albums by this artist, with rare prevoiusly unreleased material. Churchills were the first Israeli Rock / Psychedelic group with strong Prog ties and this is as complete as possible. A real treat for collectors of Israeli material.
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOL COXHILL ~ EAR OF BEHOLDER
ESOTERIC 2275 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011
This is the debut album by British Avant-Garde hero, saxophonist / composer Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. His activities over the years, sadly not often properly documented on record, show him as one of the most forward-thinking artists on the scene. His involvement with Rock and Jazz musicians alike show his versatility and complete disregard of conventions. A brilliant instrumentalist, Coxhill can truly move the listener and bring him to places rarely visited beforehand. This album, which collects many live performances and a few studio pieces, recorded over a span of one year, show Coxhill in charge of his element. The music is completely beyond classification, and probably extremely weird to an untrained ear, but to an Avant-Garde connoisseur this is heaven on earth. The original double LP was released on the legendary DandelionFind albums on this label label, co-owned by John PeelFind albums by this artist, and has been out of print for decades. This reissue is a most welcome act of recognition to the man’s great talent and a superb opportunity to rediscover this gem. A must to all British Jazz / Avant-Garde fans!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHRIS FARLOWE ~ FROM HERE TO MAMA ROSA
REPERTOIRE 1331 (Barcode: 4009910133125) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2017
This is a reissue of the fourth album by the seminal British vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, one of the most distinctive voices of the British Isles´ musical history. His career started in the early 1960s and he was at the epicenter of the British Rhythm And Blues explosion with his group The ThunderbirdsFind albums by this artist. He was considered as one of the top three acts of the era, together with Georgie FameFind albums by this artist and the Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist and Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and the Big Roll BandFind albums by this artist. Farlowe recorded no less than three albums in 1966, all excellent examples of the Blues and Rhythm And Blues. In time The Thunderbirds morphed into The HillFind albums by this artist, the group that accompanies Farlowe on this album, which included guitarist Steve HammondFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Peter RobinsonFind albums by this artist, cellist Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist, bassist Bruce WaddellFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin DavyFind albums by this artist. The original album presented nine tracks, all but one composed by Waddell or co-composed by him. This reissue adds three bonus tracks.
Musically this album is very different from Farlowe´s earlier Rhythm And Blues recordings and it has a distinctive Progressive Rock flavor, which is hardly surprising considering that soon after the recording of this album Farlowe was about to join the mighty ColosseumFind albums by this artist and later also Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist, two of the most important representatives of the British Progressive Rock and Jazz-Rock Fusion.
The album presents excellent tunes, all beautifully performed, with impressive instrumental soloing, as appropriate for the Prog idiom. Superb Hammond organ parts and of course cello, which was quite unusual in the Rock setting.
In retrospect this is one of those rare gems that almost completely slipped under the radar of the Prog fans over the tears, which can be rectified with this reissue of course. As for Farlowe, some listeners seem to be allergic to his unique vocal capabilities and theatrics, but personally he was always one of my favorite vocalists, with very few equals over the years.
This is definitely one of the best albums of his solo recording legacy, all of which are definitely worth checking out. It´s great to see this album back in circulation and hopefully it won´t be missed out by his many fans this time. This is a little known gem, which deserves to be heard!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 05/06/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | G. F. FITZ-GERALD / LOL COXHILL ~ ECHOES OF DUNEDEN
REEL RECORDINGS 003 (Barcode: 641444015528) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007
Scottish guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist is an Avant-Garde musician best known for his 1970 MouseproofFind albums with this title album. His activities span Psychedelic, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz. This album presents him in cooperation with one of the greatest British improvisers, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, performing a series of musical “conversations”. Recorded live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and selected from hours of material, this is a most wonderful window into the intimate world of spontaneous music creation by two masters. Coxhill is at his best here, always lyrical and often strangely romantic, even at the very peak of heated improvisation. The interplay is telepathic and inspired. Not an easy listening, but a most rewarding intellectual experience. Intended for Improvised Music enthusiasts.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JULIUS HEMPHILL ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE
CAM JAZZ 1019 (Barcode: 8052405140623) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1977 - 1993 Released: 2012
This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American saxophonist / composer Julius HemphillFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The set includes five albums he recorded as a leader or co-leader, one each in a duo, trio and quartet settings and two with his all saxophone sextet.
Best known as the founder of the World Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist, Hemphill was also a prolific recording artist on his own, with an impressive list of albums to his credit. The albums recorded here present his output between mid-1970s and early 1990s, shortly before his death in 1995. He actually does not play on the second sextet album due to ill health, but is listed as composer and conductor. These recordings are all excellent examples of his work, which concentrates on Free Jazz and Improvised Music, executed by a group of players mostly belonging to the New York´s Free Jazz community, which kept the tradition of Free Jazz alive and kicking.
The list of the players present on these recordings reads like the Who´s Who of the American Avant-Garde scene and includes trumpeter Olu DaraFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Marty EhrlichFind albums by this artist, Carl GrubbsFind albums by this artist, James CarterFind albums by this artist, Andrew WhiteFind albums by this artist, Sam FurnaceFind albums by this artist and Fred HoFind albums by this artist, cellist Abdul WadudFind albums by this artist and drummers Don MoyeFind albums by this artist (Art Ensemble Of ChicagoFind albums by this artist) and the legendary Warren SmithFind albums by this artist. The music is completely free spirited and very interesting, which connoisseurs of Free Jazz will find obviously fascinating, but others might find quite difficult. In any case in retrospect this is an important document of the American Free Jazz movement, which deserves to be preserved for posterity and which should serve as a source if inspiration to the young generation of contemporary Free Jazz artists.
Remastered, mini-sleeved, and with a great bargain price – this Box Set an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector.
Side Note
The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label.
The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented.
However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty.
These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!
| | Updated: 12/04/2020Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANDREW HILL ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE
CAM JAZZ 1039 (Barcode: 8052405141866) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1980 - 1986 Released: 2015
This superb Box Set collects recordings by the legendary American pianist / composer Andrew HillFind albums by this artist released on the Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label labels. It includes four albums, two of which are solo piano recordings: "Faces Of HopeFind albums with this title" and "Verona RagFind albums with this title". The album "Strange SerenadeFind albums with this title" was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Alan SilvaFind albums by this artist and drummer Freddie WaitsFind albums by this artist. The album "ShadesFind albums with this title" was recorded in a trio / quartet setting with saxophonist Clifford JordanFind albums by this artist, bassist Rufus ReidFind albums by this artist and drummer Ben RileyFind albums by this artist. Most of the music was composed by Hill.
Hill is best known from a long stream of albums released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the 1960s, recorded with the top American players at the time, which show his brilliant technique and superb compositional talent. Later on Hill moved out of the Bebop and Post-bop traditions into more adventurous explorations, playing almost exclusively his own compositions, as documented on the albums included in this Box Set.
The music is still absolutely fresh and shows why Hill was so influential to generations of Jazz piano players and composers. This is definitely an important document of the American Free Jazz movement, which deserves to be preserved for posterity and which should serve as a source if inspiration to the young generation of contemporary Free Jazz artists.
Side Note
The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label.
The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented.
However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty.
These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!
| | Updated: 01/05/2020Posted: 01/05/2020 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING
VIRGIN 2031 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
1st album from 1975. After leaving Gong, where he played on the entire `Radio Gnome Invisible` trilogy, Hillage recorded this excellent debut album with some of his ex-Gong cohots participating, but adding the great Dave Stewart and even Lindsay Cooper (from Henry Cow), to create a much more sophistcated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mothly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. In retrospect this album mamages to keep at it`s extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ FISH RISING (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373415 (Barcode: 094637341520) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1974 - 1975 Released: 2007
1st album recorded while Steve HillageFind albums by this artist was still a member of GongFind albums by this artist. After recording with Gong the entire “Radio Gnome Invisible” trilogy, Hillage decided it was time to start a solo career, where his music would be featured more prominently, with this album being the first step in that direction. In Gong Hillage met his life-long partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, who would become his musical collaborator and they both composed all the music and the entire concept of this album. Most of his Gong cohorts participate, but Hillage added the great Dave StewartFind albums by this artist on keyboards and Lindsay CooperFind albums by this artist (from Henry CowFind albums by this artist) on bassoon, to create a much more sophisticated sound and instrumentation. The material consists mostly of 3 long (2 over 14 minutes) suites and a few shorter pieces. The overall sound and style of the album is still very much Gong related / influenced and can be considered as another Gong off-shot project (which many Gong fans do), but Hillage’s individuality is certainly already present and it will come to full fruition starting with the next album. In retrospect this album manages to keep at its extraordinary qualities well and is still fresh and exciting, adding another Canterbury classic album to the list.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ L (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373419 (Barcode: 094637341926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
2nd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and his most (commercially) successful release ever. In contrast to the debut album, which was recorded while Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist were still members of GongFind albums by this artist and included strong similarities to Gong material, this album was quite a different affair. Hillage used his record label’s connections to establish contact with US musician / producer Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, who agreed to produce this album. Hillage and Giraudy left for the US, where this album was recorded and produced by Rundgren, with members of Rundgren’s band UtopiaFind albums by this artist serving as the backing band. The material includes both original material by Hillage / Giraudy and a few covers of what Hillage describes as “his favorite songs at the time” (including a great version of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”). The album stands the test of time fabulously and is a great example of both Hillage’s strength as a composer and a guitarist. One more point of interest is the participation of the great jazz trumpet player Don CherryFind albums by this artist, who adds an interesting coloring to the album’s atmosphere. A classic by all means!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ LIVE HERALD (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373440 (Barcode: 094637344026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 - 1978 Released: 2007
5th album by the legendary guitarist Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and the only live document of his music during the early period of his solo career. Recorded during a period of 18 months when Hillage and his band (three different band lineups are featured) performed frantically all over the world in support of his excellent solo albums, this material was initially released as a double LP. The first 3 sides of the album included live material and the fourth side included new studio material. For the CD reissue the 3 live sides were combined into a single CD (now with bonus live material previously unreleased) and the studio material was moved as bonus tracks of the next album (OpenFind albums with this title), where it rightfully belongs. Hillage composed almost all the music on the album with his life-long musical companion and synthesizer pioneer Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, whom Hillage befriended during his GongFind albums by this artist days. The sound of the band is often quite similar to Gong’s familiar mixture of psychedelic Space-Rock and early ambient influences (which would later develop as Hillage’s main interest) are also quite evident. In retrospect this is quite visionary music, foretelling by almost 20 years the ambient explosion of the late 1990’s. There is a lot happening (musically) here, which means this stuff requires attentive listening to truly comprehend its complexity. This is an important historical document, which sheds a lot of light on the music scene of the late 1970’s, which existed in parallel to the punk dominated mainstream.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ MOTIVATION RADIO (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373425 (Barcode: 094637342527) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2007
3rd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist also recorded (same as its predecessor) in the US. Hillage was trying to expand the scope of his music beyond the Prog and Canterbury genres he was associated with and to include other elements, especially Funk, which he found interesting at the time. He approached the legendary producer Malcolm CecilFind albums by this artist (producer of FunkadelicFind albums by this artist) who agreed to produce the album. The resulting music is much lighter and funkier that the previous albums, bearing less Psychedelic elements. Steve is the main soloist and his guitar playing on this album is definitely some of his finest ever. Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist adds some tasty spacey keyboards and the rhythm section provides a strong steady basis for Hillage’s extended guitar outings. Steve’s compositions are also particularly strong here and the album stands the test of time fabulously. Definitely a classic and a must for all Hillage fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ OPEN (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373459 (Barcode: 094637345924) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007
7th album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist in less than 5 years and the third one originally released in 1979 – a very busy year for him. As already mentioned (see Live HeraldFind albums with this title) the album opens with four studio tracks originally included as side 4 of the Live Herald album and then continues with the tracks recorded a few months later as the original OpenFind albums with this title album. As usual most of the music was written by Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, with just one cover of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song and a most surprising instrumental track based on a song by the legendary Egyptian singer Oum KalsoumFind albums by this artist. This proves that Hillage was looking everywhere for inspiration and his openness to music outside the strict rock circles was always obvious. Just two months after the album was released the Steve Hillage band would play a couple of farewell concerts and disband and it would be three years until the next Hillage album would be released. The album stands the test of time beautifully and the remaster upgrades the sound considerably, so this is another must for SH fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ RAINBOW DOME MUSICK (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373458 (Barcode: 094637345825) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007
6th album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist, which was really an off-shot project from his “normal” sequence of solo albums, as it was recorded to serve as background music for a special event staged in London in April of 1979 – the “Mind And Body Festival”. As part of the festival’s preparations a special dome was erected, called the Rainbow Dome, as it presented the visitor / spectator with special light effects. The festival’s organizers contacted Hillage with their plans and he immediately agreed to write the music, which would be played continuously in the Rainbow Dome. Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist quickly assembled an ambient soundtrack for the project and the music was released to coincide with the festival’s opening. The music is a beautiful example of early ambient composition, executed with deep sensibility and grace. It was to be an extremely influential piece of music, which would be often cited by members of the young generation of composers of ambient music some two decades later as one of their main influences. Hillage and Giraudy themselves changed their main musical activity to ambient and electronic music in the later days of their career, still being active today as System 7Find albums by this artist. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOËLLE LÉANDRE / BARRE PHILLIPS ~ A L`IMPROVISTE
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 16 (Barcode: 634479752964) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
French bassist Joëlle LéandreFind albums by this artist is one of a relatively few women pioneers on the Free Jazz and Improvised Music scene to earn a legendary status. Her activities on the scene have brought her in contact with the most distinguished performers, both European and American (such as Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist). She also worked in the field of contemporary Classical music with composers like Pierre BoulezFind albums by this artist and John CageFind albums by this artist. Her partner for this recording is no other than another bass virtuoso – American born (but living in France since the early 1970s) Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, one of the most esteemed Free Jazz and Improvised Music players, with a career stretching back to the 1960s and cooperation with such great musicians like John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, Paul BleyFind albums by this artist and many others. His ECM album with Dave HollandFind albums by this artist “Music From Two BassesFind albums with this title” was the first bass duo recording (1971), which brings us to this superb duet. Excellently recorded by the French Radio, the music is a completely improvised set, full of beautiful conversations and exchanges between the players, who display almost telepathic contact. Full of deep feeling and lyricism, but always inspired by the fire and passion for the music, the duo performs some incredible music, which although demanding, is most enjoyable. It is a great example of how Improvised Music can stay being Avant-Garde in nature, but become mature and technically flawless. Highly recommended to lovers of acoustic bass and challenging musical experiences.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE MILLER / LOL COXHILL ~ MILLER/COXHILL COXHILL/MILLER / THE STORY SO FAR…OH REALLY?
CUNEIFORM 253/254 (Barcode: 045775025322) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1971 - 1974 Released: 2007
This extraordinary reissue project brings back to life the recording legacy the cooperation between of two of the legendary figures of the UK Avant-Garde scene: pianist Steve MillerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. It spans the years 1971 to 1974 and includes the two albums they recorded together as well as additional live material by the duo, solo pieces by Miller and the group DeliveryFind albums by this artist of which they were both members. Except for the Delivery recordings, which was the prototype of the Canterbury scene to develop later into groups like CaravanFind albums by this artist, Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist and many more, most of the material is very experimental and Avant-Garde, which would characterize the direction Coxhill was to pursue later on, when he became an integral collaborator to the UK Free Jazz scene. Additional musicians include such Canterbury scene icons as Steve’s brother Phil MillerFind albums by this artist (guitar), Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist (bass), Pip PyleFind albums by this artist (drums), Robert WyattFind albums by this artist (percussion) and others. This is by no means easy listening stuff, but those music lovers, who are ready to make the special effort and undertake the intellectual challenge to penetrate this complex mesh of creativity, are in for a treat. The wonderful balance between Steve’s structured chord sequences and Coxhill’s ventures into deep space creates a deeply rewarding listening experience. This reissue offers a wonderful glance at the most fascinating years of musical development of the UK scene and a historic document of high importance. Kudos to the CuneiformFind albums on this label label for their efforts to preserve this music for eternity. Grab it!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | OVER THE HILLS ~ ESCALATOR OVER THE HILL
IMR 008 (Barcode: 3426300098870) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015
This is an album by French Jazz nonet called Over The HillsFind albums by this artist, co-led by bassist Bernard SantacruzFind albums by this artist and drummer Bruno TocanneFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, it is a remake of the iconic Jazz opera “Escalator Over The HillFind albums with this title”, composed by Carla BleyFind albums by this artist with libretto by Paul HinesFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1971. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Bley and included in the original version of the opera (but appearing in a different order), arranged by members of the nonet.
The original recording of “Escalator Over The Hill” took three years and included some of the greatest talents on the international music scene, like bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Don CherryFind albums by this artist, vocalists Jeanne LeeFind albums by this artist, Sheila JordanFind albums by this artist and Linda RonstadtFind albums by this artist and many, many others. It was a true spiritual experience, with an Avant-Garde concept and attitude at the helm, reflecting the wonderful atmosphere of freedom that the Arts enjoyed at this period of human Artistic apogee, perhaps the last, surely the last so far.
This remake, recorded forty-five years later, reflects some of the power of the original music, but fails to rekindle the drama and shocking innovation of the original delivery. It is simply way to well organized and beautified / smoothed up in comparison, at least to me. The somewhat hectic, disorganized aura of the original is lost here completely in favor of coherent orchestral arrangements, which are all very skillful of course.
But of course the brilliant music by Bley is still here, and the performances are all first class, creating a very enjoyable listening experience. If any younger listeners are about to discover the original opera thanks to this recording, all is well and the effort was worthwhile. This album is definitely worth being discovered just a token of appreciation for the heroic effort involved in this undertaking.
| | Updated: 31/08/2021Posted: 31/08/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAN PHILLIPS QUARTET ~ CONVERGING TRIBUTARIES
LIZARD BREATH (Barcode: 075549198976) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017
This is the debut album by a jazz quartet led by American guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist, with trombonist Jeb BishopFind albums by this artist, Polish (resident in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and drummer Timothy DaisyFind albums by this artist. The album presents four original compositions, two by the leader and two improvised pieces co-credited to all four members of the quartet. Philips, Pabian and Daisy recorded several albums together as a trio but this is their fist recording in the quartet setting.
The music is very diverse and moves between melody based contemporary Jazz / Fusion and Improvised Music. The presence of the trombone shifts the music more towards Jazz, in comparison to the a.m. trio recordings, that have a tendency towards Fusion. The two lengthy improvised pieces are typical group improvisations, which allow for solo statements and duo, trio and quartet conversations, which develop spontaneously, at times entering a hypnotic groove stage.
The album enables all four players to display their individual statements, which are impressive, as well as showcase excellent team work, and altogether is a good example of contemporary Jazz, which refuses to stay within the boundaries set by the Jazz tradition and offers cross-genre fertilization. The rhythm section is given an equal status within the quartet and contributes equally, both on the compositional and instrumental levels.
Overall this is an interesting album, which is worth investigating by the open-minded Jazz enthusiasts, who are ready to make an intellectual effort while listening to music, in order to embrace it. Well done!
| | Updated: 01/05/2018Posted: 01/05/2018 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAN PHILLIPS TRIO ~ DIVERGENT FLOW
LIZARD BREATH (Barcode: 755491110256) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
This is the fifth album by American guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist and his trio with Polish (resident in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and American drummer Timothy DaisyFind albums by this artist, for whom this is the debut recording with this trio. The album presents seven pieces, five of which were composed by Phillips and two are improvisations attributed to all the trio members.
The music is clearly highly improvised, but maintains some basic structure and melody contents, which makes it very accessible in spite of its free spirited nature. The themes are clearly stated at the onset of each of the composed tunes and then expanded into the Free realm, with an impressive trialogue between the trio members.
Due to the clear and non abusive tone produced by the electric guitar, the bass and drums are clearly audible and the listener is able to enjoy their contributions in full. Phillips uses a lot of echo and reverb which give his guitar an eerie but attractive tone, which resembles early John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist´s recordings made almost half a century earlier.
Pabian´s bass is a dominant ingredient of the music, laying the foundation upon the music slides elegantly. Daisy provides a rhythmic barrage, powerful but subtle, which manages not only to keep the music clicking but also ornaments it polyrhythmically. The trio manages to create a typical "less is more" intimacy, which works very effectively, creating an aura of delicate probing in parallel to the melodic lines. Even the freely improvised pieces manage to be deeply expressive and avoid the chaos which such music often falls victim to.
Overall this is a highly original music, which offers superb musicality and a unique sonic experience, which should keep the hordes of guitar players out there licking their lips nervously. Both artistic and professional at the core, this music is a reflection of the Chicago based American progressive / Avant-Garde scene, which is an oasis of Jazz exploration on the great American desert.
Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 28/03/2018 | CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAN PHILLIPS TRIO ~ FADING LIGHT
LIZARD BREATH ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2015 - 2016 Released: 2017
This is the fourth album by American guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist and his trio with Polish (resident in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and American drummer Tim MulvennaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader.
The music is a highly sophisticated Jazz-Rock Fusion, with a lot of space for improvisation and excellent guitar riffs, which make it highly accessible in spite of its complex contents. The basic melodic themes stated at the beginning of each track are than expanded by the trio into lengthy improvisations, which remain coherent and highly organized for the entire duration.
The individual performances are brilliant all the way through. Phillips manages to create a unique guitar sound, which includes a lot of reverb and echo, quite different from most straightforward Jazz / Fusion guitar sounds used by other players. Although he plays quite densely there is enough space left to be able to hear the brilliant bass and drums parts, which are nothing short of virtuosity. Pabian builds a solid ground upon which the entire sound of the trio is based, playing often shoulder to shoulder with the guitar at the same level of complexity. His plucking sound is round and beautifully melodic and his arco work (which he sadly uses way too seldom) is superb. Mulvenna is a very busy drummer and yet he manages to stay at the same level of intensity with the trio members, ornamenting the tunes with his polyrhythmic, but perfectly timed drum parts.
Overall this is a brilliant Fusion album, which offers a unique musical concept and sound, something very rarely found these days. Guitar freaks, Fusion lovers and music connoisseurs in general should really enjoy this album in full, especially in view of the fact that it reaches a limited audience in today´s highly competitive and narrow minded music market and deserves to do much better. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 05/04/2018Posted: 05/04/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAN PHILLIPS TRIO ~ SOUND ENERGY IN SPACE
LIZARD BREATH (Barcode: 755491136904) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
This is the sixth album by American guitarist / composer Dan PhillipsFind albums by this artist and his trio with Polish (resident in US) bassist Krzysztof PabianFind albums by this artist and American drummer Timothy DaisyFind albums by this artist. It presents ten original compositions, nine by Phillips and one co-composed by Phillips and Pabian.
The music is consistent with earlier recordings by the trio, presenting modern Jazz with some Fusion undertones and a lot of open space, which allows the musicians to express themselves extensively. Daisy´s presence opened a lot of new possibilities for the trio´s overall musical scope, as he is equally competent playing almost straightforward / swinging rhythms and free improvisation with the same ease and elegance. Pabian, as always, is the backbone of this music and his steady and beautifully rounded pulsations keep the music together. Phillips´ clean guitar tone and excellent technique create a barrage of notes which are all perfectly audible. Although not stated on the album´s artwork, some of the tracks feature electronically generated "white noise", which most probably refers to the album´s title and which I could easily live without.
Overall this is a nice album, which guitar and Free Jazz fans should be able to enjoy in the same way as all earlier recordings by this trio. However in the great scheme of things it seems like the trio is somewhat stuck in the same space-time coordinates and even the change of the drummer didn´t manage to create enough momentum to make it move forward in any direction. Of course this does not negate some fine playing present herein.
| | Updated: 08/11/2019Posted: 08/11/2019 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HAROLD RUBIN / BARRE PHILLIPS / TATSUYA NAKATANI ~ 3 ON A THIN LINE
HOPSCOTCH 25 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2012
This completely Improvised Music, created by clarinetist Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, bassist Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist and percussionist Tatsuya NakataniFind albums by this artist was recorded live at the Levontin 7 club in Tel Aviv, known since many years as the meeting place of Israeli Avant-Garde. These three masters of Improvised Music played a continuous set, which was later divided into six separate tracks for the sake of the album, but the music is not credited to any particular performer and therefore remains a spontaneous creation of the three collaborators.
Harold Rubin, Israel´s most creative and extraordinary musician, is a true magician, creating a completely unique world of sound with his clarinet. This recording is a document of that magic, which Rubin is able to create in spite of his relatively advanced age, and contrary to the anticipated trend, his playing simply gets better all the time. As someone, who has been lucky to be able to follow his astounding development for now almost three decades, I am constantly surprised every time I hear him playing live or listening to his recordings. He is simply a Force Of Nature, with almost no parallel scale on this planet. The happiness of knowing such a Genius personally and working with him is almost always accompanied by a sadness and disappointment from the fact that his Art is known to just a miniscule group of music lovers.
Accompanied by veteran improvises of international reputation and admiration Rubin is able to stretch out and display his entire arsenal of abilities and sensitivities, which is, as always simply stunning. This music flows freely like a wind over fields of flowers, twisting and turning constantly and taking the listener places he never visited previously "upon the wings of music". Of course words can hardly even touch the lofty feelings and emotions involved with the experience and listening is the only true alternative.
Everybody familiar with Rubin´s music will of course love this album instantly. To others it might serve as an introduction, although more accessible (to general public) material by him is available, some of it on my JazzisFind albums on this label label. This particular album comes also with cover art created by Rubin, which of course is a beautiful bonus. In short, this is a portrait of a multi-talented Renaissance Man at work. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEFANO TRAVAGLINI / ACHILLE SUCCI ~ BOOK OF INNOCENCE
NOTAMI 043 (Barcode: 8054729511219) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
This is an album by the Italian Jazz duo comprising of pianist / composer Stefano TravagliniFind albums by this artist and clarinetist / saxophonist Achille SucciFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, eight of which are original compositions by Travaglini and one is by Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist.
The music is excellent modern European Jazz, based on the solid melodic themes composed by the pianist with a considerable degree of Freedom during the extended improvised parts. The omnipresent Italian lyricism and romanticism are still very much in the air or course.
The rapport between the two players is truly excellent and they function like one mind for the duration of this album, which is obviously fascinating. I personally love the clarinet, so every time Succi switches to that instrument my ears rise high, never to be disappointed.
The music was superbly recoded and offers a first class sound quality, which allows for all the aural nuances to be perfectly audible. The warmth and intimacy that this music displays, is a wonderful example of human communication, which music is general and Jazz even more intensely relays on, and which was brought to perfection on this album.
Overall, this is a very intense album by the duo with superb interplay between them, obvious mutual respect and understanding, which all are the basis for great Jazz performances. This is a typical display of the “Art of the Duo” idiom and a worthy part of any decent Jazz records collection.
| | Updated: 09/04/2023Posted: 09/04/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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