Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ ONE FOR THE ROAD JMS 077 (Barcode: 3383001867528) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is a solo album by British Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, which features him playing acoustic and electric pianos, organ and synthesizers. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions by Beck. It was released on the French JMSFind albums on this label Records, owned by Jean-Marie SalhaniFind albums by this artist, one of the most important European Jazz record producers. Beck was associated with the label for many years and recorded several albums for the label. In order to avoid confusion, it should be noted that the album’s title is identical to the title of Beck’s debut solo album, recorded in 1976 and released a year later on the tiny (but superb) JaguarFind albums on this label label, which still remains unreleased on CD and is a highly sought-after collectors’ item. Seven of the compositions from that album appear also on this album, which makes it a re-make of sorts, which is a fascinating opportunity to compare the two recordings bridging almost a twenty-years gap. The music is, as always, a brilliant example of Beck’s lyricism and superb keyboard technique, which made him one of leading British keyboardist on the local scene. He was a sublime accompanist and played with many leading figures, but his recordings as a leader where always excellent examples of melodic modern Jazz, although he could play Free Form if appropriate for a given moment. Overall, this is a brilliant solo keyboards album, full of great music and exceptional performances, most notable on the acoustic piano. Sometimes romantic and at other moments experimental and adventurous, his music is always an uplifting experience. His death in 2011 was a great loss to all music lovers and to the British Jazz scene at large.

Updated: 21/07/2024Posted: 21/07/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ALAN HOLDSWORTH / GORDON BECK ~ WITH A HEART IN MY SONG JMS 044 (Barcode: 3129679004427) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1988 Released: 1988 This is a brilliant duo album by British guitarist / composer Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist and keyboardist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, one of several albums they recorded together. The album presents seven original compositions, five by Beck and two by Holdsworth, with two of the tracks being solo pieces, one each by the duo members. The album was recorded in the USA and was produced by Holdsworth. Starting with the late 1970s Holdsworth and Beck recorded many albums for the French OwlFind albums on this label (owned by Jean-Jacques PussiauFind albums by this artist) and JMSFind albums on this label (owned by Jean-Marie SalhaniFind albums by this artist) labels, both of which were vastly important on the European Jazz scene at the time and released superb albums of the highest quality. This album presents the more romantic / lyrical side of their musical personas, as well as their amazing technique and composing depth. The music is all melody based, and the wonderfully crafted compositions are ideal vehicles for both musicians to spread their wings as performers / soloists, although this album emphasizes mostly their wonderful mutual understanding and camaraderie. The music is soaked in synthesizer sounds, since Holdsworth uses mostly guitar synthesizer and Beck uses synthesizer keyboards. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of the Holdsworth and Beck recording legacies, which although perhaps less celebrated, is definitely worth being discovered and deserves an honorable place in every serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 04/06/2025Posted: 04/06/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend