Record Reviews

CHICK COREA ~ THE COMPLETE `IS` SESSIONS BLUE NOTE 40532 (Barcode: 724354053221) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2002 The Blue Note reissue of the 3rd Chick Corea album "Is". These 1969 sessions were recorded shortly after Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist joined the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensemble, replacing Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, and just in time to participate in the musical revolution Miles was conducting at that time (with Bitches BrewFind albums with this title to be recorded soon). Chick would play some of the most intensive music ever recorded with Miles, often in a keyboards threesome (with Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist & Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist). He took two of the Miles’ players with him to take part in this recording: Dave HollandFind albums by this artist (bass) and Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist (drums) – one of the finest rhythm sections ever. The rest of the players were Chick’s companions from the past: Hubert LawsFind albums by this artist (flute), Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist (tenor sax – he of course came to fame later playing in Herbie Hancock’s groups – who was omitted from the album’s credits due to record companies’ contractual bullshit), Woody ShawFind albums by this artist (trumpet) and a second drummer Horace ArnoldFind albums by this artist. The line-up collects some of the most talented cats on the scene at the time, and the resulting music does not disappoint.

CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN KENYATTA ~ UNTIL WOUNDED BIRD 2005 (Barcode: 664140200524) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008 American saxophonist / flautist / composer Robin KenyattaFind albums by this artist first appeared on the Free Jazz scene in the mid-1960s playing as a sideman with such distinguished musicians as Bill DixonFind albums by this artist, Andrew HillFind albums by this artist and others. This album was his debut recording as a leader and was released on the VortexFind albums on this label label, the experimental outlet of AtlanticFind albums on this label. He is supported by a great cast of some of the best players at the time, including trombonist Roswell RuddFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Mike LawrenceFind albums by this artist, pianist Fred SimmonsFind albums by this artist, bassist Walter BookerFind albums by this artist, drummer Horace ArnoldFind albums by this artist and others. Three of the four tracks are his original compositions and the music is a great example of the late 1960s American Jazz, which combines the tradition with modern approach developed by innovators of the Free Jazz movement. The Kenyatta / Lawrence interplays are similar to some extent to the Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist / Don CherryFind albums by this artist exquisite cooperation. Arnold´s drumming is excellent and emphasizes his role as one of the best American drummers sadly little know outside a small circle of connoisseurs. It´s great to have this album back in circulation after so many years of oblivion as it is a classic of the genre and a valuable historic document. A must to Free Jazz buffs!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend