Record Reviews

STEPHANE GRAPPELLI / DIZ DISLEY TRIO ~ VIOLINSPIRATION MPS 4029759097259 (Barcode: 4029759097259) ~ FRANCE ~ Gypsy Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by legendary French violinist /composer Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist recorded with an excellent trio led by British (born in Canada) guitarist Diz DisleyFind albums by this artist, which also featured another British (born in Burma) guitarist Ike IsaacsFind albums by this artist and Swiss bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist. Disley managed to persuade Grappelli to return to public performance playing music in the style of the original Hot Club de France and this quartet (with some lineup changes) was later called Hot Club of London. On this album they perform thirteen tunes, one of which is an original composition by Grappelli, another one is an original composition by Isaacs and the rest are standards. The album is a beautiful example of the Gypsy Jazz sub genre, and marks a rebirth of the tradition started by Grappelli and Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in 1934, which can be considered as one of the first significant original European Jazz contributions to Jazz. Grappelli continued the revived tradition playing for years with Disley and then rejuvenating his group with the inclusion of the great British guitarist Martin TaylorFind albums by this artist. This beautifully recorded album remains as one of the finest examples of Grappelli´s virtuosity and the Gypsy Jazz tradition. The performances by all the participants are stellar and the music is simply forever young. As such, this album is an absolute must to all Gypsy Jazz lovers anywhere on this planet. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 08/07/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HAMPTON / MANGELSDORFF / PERSSON / WHIGHAM ~ TROMBONE WORKSHOP MPS 602517797499 (Barcode: 602517797499) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 This is a reissue / remaster of the album recorded by an international trombone quartet, which comprised of American trombonist / composer Slide HamptonFind albums by this artist, German trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, Swedish trombonist / composer Ake PerssonFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) trombonist / composer Jiggs WhighamFind albums by this artist. They were accompanied by a rhythm section, which comprised of Swiss pianist George GruntzFind albums by this artist, and bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist and American (resident in Germany) drummer Tony InzalacoFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, one composed by Hampton and two each by Mangelsdorff and Whigham. The music was recorded live in Switzerland and the album is one of a series of albums released by the MPSFind albums on this label label under the “Workshop” or “Summit” moniker, which were dedicated to a specific instrument. Many of the later recordings in this series were produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer status enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record. The music, although somewhat “conventional” stylistically, is completely revolutionary as far as putting several instrumentalists playing the same instrument together, accompanied only by a rhythm section, where each of them would play solo parts and all would play together the intros and outros, as well as many of the intervals within each composition. Obviously the Mangelsdorff’s compositions were often more advanced than those by the Americans, who had a traditional baggage on their shoulders. The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its dramatic jumpstart in the early-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the American musicians embraced warmly and many of them simply moved to Europe to enjoy and exploit the advanced approaches and Freedom of Artistic expression, which was not to be found in US. All the MPS “Workshop” and “Summit” albums are worth their weight in gold. I produced a long series of “Summit” concerts during my residence as the Artistic Director of the Singer Jazz Festival in Warsaw, in memory of Berendt and his legacy. Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 11/04/2025Posted: 11/04/2025

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HANK JONES ~ HAVE YOU MET THIS JONES? MPS 4029759097310 (Barcode: 4029759097310) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1977 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by American pianist Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, the oldest of the three famous Jones Brothers (Thad, Elvin and Hank) recorded with a trio with also included Swiss bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist and German drummer Kurt BongFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Germany for the MPSFind albums on this label label and produced by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist. It presents eight tracks, one of which is an original composition by Hank Jones, one is by his brother Thad JonesFind albums by this artist and the remaining six are standards. Jones was famous for his delicate touch and superb feel, which made him one of the most sought after accompanists by Jazz vocalists like Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist and many others, but played Bebop and may other forms of Jazz with the same ease and elegance. This date finds him playing mainstream Jazz with his typical finesse and in a very relaxed atmosphere. For classic Jazz piano trio lovers this is heaven on earth, especially in view of the excellent sonic quality this album offers. Although Jones recorded many albums during his long career, this is one of very few albums he recorded with a European rhythm section, and therefore a rare opportunity to investigate of the influence of these players on his performance. This forgotten little gem is definitely worth being discovered! Side Note The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet. In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker. Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace. In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically. Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 26/05/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MAL WALDRON ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE VOLUME 2 CAM JAZZ 1043 (Barcode: 8052405142528) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 - 2000 Released: 2016 This superb Box Set collects recordings by the American pianist / composer Mal WaldronFind albums by this artist on the Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label labels. It is the second such collection, this time dedicated to solo, duo, trio and quartet recordings, following the previous Box Set with quintet recordings. It includes eleven albums: "UpdateFind albums with this title" is a piano solo, "Sempre AmoreFind albums with this title" (*) and "CommuniqueFind albums with this title" (*) are duets with saxophonist Steve LacyFind albums by this artist, "DedicationFind albums with this title" and "Remembering MalFind albums with this title" are duets with bassist David FriesenFind albums by this artist, "Riding A ZephyrFind albums with this title" is a duet with vocalist Judi SilvanoFind albums by this artist, "Up And DownFind albums with this title" with saxophonist Chico FreemanFind albums by this artist, German bassist Ricky KnauerFind albums by this artist and Italian vocalist Tiziana GhiglioniFind albums by this artist (on two tracks only), "Sometimes I`m BlueFind albums with this title" with vocalist Kim ParkerFind albums by this artist, Swiss bassist Isla EckingerFind albums by this artist and drummer Ed ThigpenFind albums by this artist, "Our Colline`s A TreasureFind albums with this title" with bassist Leonard JonesFind albums by this artist and drummer Sangoma EverettFind albums by this artist, "I`ll Be AroundFind albums with this title" with Ghiglioni and Italian trumpeter Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist and finally "Six Monk`s Compositions (1987)Find albums with this title" (*) with saxophonist Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, bassist Bluell NeidlingerFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill OsborneFind albums by this artist. Most of the music is by Waldron, except for the album dedicated to the music of the great composer Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, and of course some standards. Waldron is considered as one of the most influential and prominent American Jazz personalities and a great master of the piano. He started his career as a Bebop player but moved later also into the Avant-Garde idiom. He was also one of the first American Jazz musicians who discovered European Jazz and understood its importance. He moved to Europe in the mid-1960s, where he spent the rest of his life. He left a most impressive recorded legacy of well over a hundred albums. The music is absolutely timeless, and offers a perfect glance at Waldron´s diversity as a composer and player. It is also a unique document of European Jazz, as most of his albums involved European musicians playing side by side with their Americans partners. For serious Jazz connoisseurs this Box Set is a pure delight and an absolute must! The albums marked with (*) were also included in other Box Sets of this series. 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: 20/05/2020Posted: 20/05/2020

CD 11 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend