Record Reviews

CRIMSON JAZZ TRIO ~ KING CRIMSON SONGBOOK VOL.1 VOICEPRINT 373 (Barcode: 604388321421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is a perfect marriage of two of my favorite worlds: Jazz and Prog. The piano trio was always my jazz vehicle of choice, as it is ideal to provide both the improvisational and rhythmic jazz qualities. The music of the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist was always right on top of my preferred music. The Crimson Jazz TrioFind albums by this artist combines both of these preferences perfectly. Jody NardoneFind albums by this artist (piano), Tim LandersFind albums by this artist (bass) and ex-KC Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist (drums) take the music of KC places, which were unimaginable so far – far into the land of swing (I wander if anybody could have imagined the music of KC in that setting before). The players shine and sweat from the onset to the very last note, full of imagination, brilliant technique and intelligent interplay. The sound is perfect as well, with clear definition of sound, which enables the entire range of the piano to sound balanced and the drum kit (from bass drum to hi-hat) to be perfectly audible. I can only join Robert FrippFind albums by this artist in his reaction to this masterpiece: “Can’t wait for Vol.2”!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HUMBLE PIE ~ I NEED A STAR IN MY LIFE CLEOPATRA 03172 (Barcode: 889466317224) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2020 This is a reissue / remaster of the “lost” album by one of the greatest British Rock groups of all time, Humble PieFind albums by this artist. This album was rejected by the group’s record label A&MFind albums on this label, but they continued to record for many months, until the group fell apart and the music remained shelved, while they released their swan song album “Street RatsFind albums with this title” in the meantime. The album presents twenty tracks, most being originals written by the group members. In addition to the regular group members: vocalist / guitarist Steve MarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Jerry ShirleyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Tim HinkleyFind albums by this artist, they invited a plethora of guests to take part in this project, including such luminaries like bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist, drummer Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist B. J. ColeFind albums by this artist and others. These tracks surfaced in 1990s as “Scrubbers Sessions”, both on bootlegs and eventually on Eagle Records, but are not available anymore and this new reissue offers a good sound quality and nice packaging. Overall, this is a great document, both of the era and one of the greatest British Rock groups ever, which definitely is worth being remembered. Marriott had one of the most distinctive voices of Rock and his premature and tragic death in 1991 robbed the world of his magic forever. A great piece of history!

Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JACKSON HEIGHTS ~ BUMP `N` GRIND ESOTERIC 2172 (Barcode: 5013929727229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2010 4th and last album by British Prog band Jackson HeightsFind albums by this artist formed by bassist / vocalist Lee JacksonFind albums by this artist following the folding of the NiceFind albums by this artist in 1970. The band was basically a trio with guitarist John McBurnieFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Brian ChattonFind albums by this artist. Ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist drummers Mike GilesFind albums by this artist and Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist played the drum parts and several other musicians also help out. Orchestral arrangements were also used on this album, expanding the band´s sound considerably. On this album they played original material written mostly by the keyboardist. The band had a unique sound and style, which combined different musical influences from Folk to Jazz, and lost nothing of its charm in time. Mostly forgotten in the years gone by, this reissue is a nice reminder of how good the band was. Recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PETER SINFIELD ~ STILL (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC / MANTICORE 1003 (Barcode: 5013929380325) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2009 Only album by legendary lyricist / producer Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, the man behind the first four landmark King CrimsonFind albums by this artist albums, where he lurked in the shadows as an informal virtual member of the band. His lyrics and production were an integral part of the magic of these milestone Prog recordings. Once Sinfield and King Crimson terminated their cooperation, he turned into a successful producer for other bands and finally found time to record his only album, which in many ways is a continuation of the work done by King Crimson Mk I. Supported by an assemblage of Prog and Jazz stars, Sinfield created another masterpiece, which although initially callously received by fans and critics alike, in retrospect sounds great today and does not lose ground to the King Crimson recordings. The supporting musicians include Greg LakeFind albums by this artist, Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, John WettonFind albums by this artist, Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and numerous other illustrious musicians. The material is often atmospheric and introspective, but some heavier moments are also present. The original album was released on the ManticoreFind albums on this label label, owned by Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, and the new edition adds a plethora of previously unheard alternate tracks and mixes, obviously to the delight of the fans. A must for all Prog-heads!

CD 2 Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

IAN WALLACE ~ HAPPINESS (WITH MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS) VOICEPRINT 367 (Barcode: 604388320226) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 1st album. It took Ex-King CrimsonFind albums by this artist drummer Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist almost 30 years to come up with his first solo effort, but it was definitely worth waiting for. This excellent album is probably the strongest and most consistent piece of music recorded by any of the ex-KC many members. Wallace collected a multi-talented group of musicians to help him record, including Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, Pat MastelottoFind albums by this artist (both ex-KC as well) and the truly magnificent Clive GregsonFind albums by this artist on guitar. Definitely worth getting, not only for KC fans.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend