Record Reviews

FRANCESCO BRUNO ~ ZAKYNTHOS ALFA MUSIC 285 (Barcode: 8032050023243) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Italian guitarist / composer / bandleader Francesco BrunoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Andrea ColellaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marco RovinelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Bruno. In many respects this intimate guitar trio recording is a celebration of a “full circle” in Francesco’s career, which spans decades and a wide range of stylistic encounters. Stripped down to the basics, with the guitar clearly in the epicenter and Jazz at helm, Bruno demonstrates his cumulative experience and his natural talent, now completely matured and ripened. I have accompanied Francesco, who happens to be also a Dear Friend, since many years now, and after hearing him play on several occasions some time ago, I told him that I truly enjoyed his guitar playing again, which received less prominent exposure in his projects, and encouraged him to bring the guitar up to the front again, and I am very happy to see him doing just that. As a result, we are able to hear a wonderful cascade of notes he manages to create on this album, which goes back to the style and feel of the legendary Classic guitar masters, like Jim HallFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist, Joe PassFind albums by this artist and others. The new compositions are also somewhat more vibrant and full of delightful Mediterranean breeze, as the title of the album suggests. Sunny beaches, a “zephyr” wind and the smell of the sea if what we, the people living around the Mediterranean all love, and which brings us together, often without a need for words. The compositions are ideal vehicles for the extensive guitar soloing, and the sensitive and amicable rhythm section is up to the task at all time. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz guitar trio album, sounding both contemporary and fondly reminiscent of the classic Jazz guitar recordings, beautifully played, composed and recorded, which should delight all Jazz lovers around the world and make guitar freaks salivate. There are very few guitar recordings like this one made nowadays, so don’t even think twice before you grab a copy. Molte grazie, amico mio!

Updated: 06/08/2023Posted: 06/08/2023

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GARY BURTON ~ SOMETHING`S COMING! / THE GROOVY SOUND OF MUSIC / THE TIME MACHINE BGO 1241 (Barcode: 5017261212412) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1966 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of three early albums by the legendary American Jazz vibraphonist / composer Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist (his third to fifth albums): "Something`s Coming!Find albums with this title" from 1964, "The Groovy Sound Of MusicFind albums with this title" from 1965 and "The Time MachineFind albums with this title" from 1966. "Something`s Coming!" was recorded in a quartet setting with guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist, bassist Chuck IsraelsFind albums by this artist and drummer Larry BunkerFind albums by this artist. It presents seven pieces, two of which are original compositions by British composer Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, one is by Hall and the remaining four are standards. "The Groovy Sound Of Music", as the title suggests, includes Burton interpretations of eight songs from the musical "The Sound Of Music", recorded in a sextet setting with trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Joe PumaFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and alternating drummers Joe HuntFind albums by this artist and Ed ShaughnessyFind albums by this artist. "The Time Machine" was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Larry Bunker. It presents ten pieces, four of which are original compositions by Burton, two by Gibbs, one by Swallow and the remaining three are standards. These wonderful albums tell the story of the early days of Burton´s musical development and already point out towards several characteristics of his music in the later years, like his close friendship and cooperation with composer Michael Gibbs, his close association with bassist Steve Swallow, who would continue to record with Burton for many years, his appreciation and understanding of the role of the guitar in Jazz, which will soon after lead to his revolutionary cooperation with Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist and the birth of the American Jazz-Rock Fusion, etc. Whereas the first two albums find Burton still engulfed in Bebop and Cool Jazz, the third album is distinctly different and shows his individual voice and stylistic differentiation from mainstream Jazz, which shifts into more sophisticated approach both as a player and a composer, which would eventually bring Burton to be much closer to European Jazz than almost any other of his compatriots. Although these albums were recorded fifty years ago, they all sound absolutely fresh today and the music lost absolutely nothing of its wonderful vitality, musicality and exquisite taste. For Burton and vibraphone fans this is an absolute essential piece of Jazz history, but all music connoisseurs should find it absolutely delightful. Not to be missed!

Updated: 17/10/2016Posted: 17/10/2016

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PAUL DESMOND ~ THE COMPLETE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION SONY 886979394124 (Barcode: 886979394124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 1965 Released: 2011 Although primarily known as a member of the Dave BrubeckFind albums by this artist quartet, the most popular Jazz ensemble on the scene in the 1950s and up to mid-1960s, saxophonist / composer Paul DesmondFind albums by this artist made also a serious contribution to the Jazz art form as a leader, playing and recording music in parallel to his work with Brubeck and after the legendary quartet folded. In order to avoid any confusion, comparison and legal entanglements he signed with the RCAFind albums on this label label (the Brubeck quartet recorded for ColumbiaFind albums on this label), and his quartets would be piano-less and as a result guitar-based. He recorded six wonderful albums for RCA between 1961 and 1965 and all of them feature his close friend and musical soul-mate, guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist and drummer Connie KayFind albums by this artist (member of the Modern Jazz QuartetFind albums by this artist). Several different bassists participated in these recordings, including Eugene WrightFind albums by this artist from Brubeck´s quartet, Percy HeathFind albums by this artist (also a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet), Gene ChericoFind albums by this artist and others. The last of the RCA albums presents the collaboration between Desmond and the superb baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, another great icon of Cool Jazz. Desmond´s completely unique sound, style and sensibility are fully exposed on these recordings. His incredible ability to present a sweet melody without turning it into sugary pastiche is simply unparalleled. Of course his technique and complete command of his instrument are clearly noticeable and are a classic example of elegance and aesthetics. His dialogue with Jim Hall is also quite remarkable and one of the most intimate cooperation captured on record. This Box Set includes all the six albums Desmond recorded for the RCA label, remastered and expanded with numerous bonus tracks and accompanied by informative liner notes. It is definitely something no serious Jazz connoisseur can ignore and a proud addition to any serious music collection. Although less popular than many other Jazz recordings, this music easily holds the ground in comparison to anything else recorded at the time. Simply brilliant!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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JIM HALL ~ IT`S NICE TO BE WITH YOU MPS 4029759097303 (Barcode: 4029759097303) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by legendary American guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist and his trio, which included American (resident in Europe) bassist Jimmy WoodeFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in Germany for the MPSFind albums on this label label and produced by Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. It presents eight tracks, three of which are original compositions by Hall, one is by his wife and the remaining four are standards. Considered the guitarists´ guitarist, Hall was one of the great pioneers of Jazz guitar and often described as the last of the classic Jazz guitar Masters. His recording career started rather slowly and this album is one of the few albums recorded before 1970. The accompanying trio plays along with the complex phrases, providing a most amicable backing the guitarist might have hoped for. The music, although mainstream, is very interesting, mostly due to the very unique way Hall is playing, using both single notes and chords in a very unusual way, setting him apart from all other Jazz guitar players at the time. In many ways his playing was more "European" than his American counterparts, putting elegance and restraint before speed and showmanship. The overall atmosphere of this album is all about intimacy, virtuosity and sharing the love of music between the musicians and the listeners. Obviously it sounds perfectly contemporary almost five decades later and still pretty amazing today. 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: 23/05/2016

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ASSAF KEHATI ~ NAKED NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 888295121361) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the third album by Israeli, resident in the USA, guitarist / composer Assaf KehatiFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with two Israeli players: bassist Ehud EttunFind albums by this artist and drummer Ronen ItzikFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Kehati and the remaining three are standards, arranged by him. Musically the album is kept well within the Jazz guitar tradition, sounding similar to the works of Masters like Jim HallFind albums by this artist and Joe PassFind albums by this artist, but of course quite original and personal. Kehati emphasizes not only his playing but also, and perhaps primarily, his compositional skills. His lyrical and beautifully melodic compositions are the heart and soul of this album. Overall this album is a very intimate affair, mostly quiet and slowly developing, full of wonderful guitar work, superbly supported by the rhythm section. Some Middle Eastern motifs can be heard as part of the melodic contents, but the music is not strongly influenced by World Music as such, staying within the mainstream Jazz milieu. It is quite difficult to find young guitar players these days, which are not immediately drawn into the abused Fusion and follow the great Jazz guitar tradition. Kehati is one of the few exceptions and he deserves to be encouraged and appreciated for doing just that. Of course his playing and music writing abilities are also great assets. Jazz guitar enthusiasts will find this album a must, but also every Jazz loving listener should be able to enjoy this eloquent and elegant music repeatedly. Well done!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

GARY MCFARLAND / ORCHESTRA ~ SPECIAL GUEST SOLOIST: BILL EVANS FIVEFOUR 3 (Barcode: 5013929310322) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1962 - 1963 Released: 2005 This wonderful and sadly little known album combines the talents of two great American Jazz Masters: composer / arranger / vibraphonist Gary McFarlandFind albums by this artist and virtuoso pianist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. McFarland composed and arranged this music for his Orchestra with Bill Evans in mind as the featured soloist and fortunately the project was eventually realized. His beautifully lyrical and contemplative music is an ideal vehicle for Evans´ exquisite piano playing, which always shared the same musical qualities as McFarland´s compositions. The music is seemingly quite melodic, but the undercurrents of contemporary Classical counterpoint and sophisticated multi-layered arrangements turn the music into an enchanted listening experience. Apart from McFarland and Evans, other musicians participating in the recording are all stars by themselves: guitarist Jim HallFind albums by this artist, reedman Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard DavisFind albums by this artist and drummer Ed ShaughnessyFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this music is still completely valid and intellectually challenging some 40 years after it was recorded. It´s great to have this gem back in circulation and hopefully younger listeners will discover its beauty.

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