Record Reviews
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  | PETE BROWN / PIBLOKTO ~ THINGS MAY COME AND THINGS MAY GO... / THOUSANDS ON A RAFT
BGO 522 (Barcode: 5017261205223) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2001
1st and 2nd albums by UK group PibloktoFind albums by this artist, led by poet / musician Pete BrownFind albums by this artist. Brown was one of the most colorful and interesting figures on the UK scene in the 1960s, a part of a larger group of friends, which included Jazz, Rock and Avant-Garde musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and even John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist. He took active part in the Jazz & Poetry experimental movement leading a group called First Real Poetry BandFind albums by this artist, which was combining elements of Blues, Avant-Garde Rock, Jazz and Jazz-Rock. Of course Brown is mostly remembered for his co-writing of many songs with Jack Bruce, which were part of the CreamFind albums by this artist repertoire, as well as on Jack´s early solo albums. Brown continued his musical adventured by forming the band Battered OrnamentsFind albums by this artist, and later on when the band kicked him out, he formed Piblokto, recording two albums with that group. The band included guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, organist Dave ThompsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger BunnFind albums by this artist (later replaced by Steve GloverFind albums by this artist) and drummer Laurie AllenFind albums by this artist (later replaced by Rob TaitFind albums by this artist). The group was popular mostly in Europe (France especially), where they toured extensively. The music is absolutely superb, a mixture of Jazz, Rock, and Psychedelic influences, being a great example of the early UK Jazz-Rock, which is completely different of course from the later Jazz-Rock Fusion that most US bands pursued. Together these two albums are a must to any fan of the early British Jazz-Rock scene and include some of the most ingenious music ever made. A must!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | GEORGIE FAME ~ BIRTHDAY BIG BAND
THREE LINE WHIP 007 (Barcode: 640999906428) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 1998 Released: 2004
This is an album by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, recorded live during a concert celebrating his fifty-fifth Birthday, recorded with a fabulous Big Band created especially for the occasion and conducted by composer / arranger Steve GrayFind albums by this artist. The eighteen strong Big Band includes some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: trumpeters Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist, bassist Geoff GascoyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist and others. Guest artists include guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and vocalists Madeline BellFind albums by this artist, Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and Ben SidranFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty-three songs, fourteen of which were composed or co-composed by Fame.
The music presents, as appropriate for the occasion, the entire retrospective of Fame’s musical career, including his greatest hits, as well as the entire scope of his stylistic diversity, presenting Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Rhythm And Blues songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics.
This album, due to the Big Band arrangements, is one of the most Jazz oriented recordings by Fame, but by far not the only one, as he loved to perform and record with Big Bands, something I was lucky to witness in person several times over the years. Fame is definitely one of the very few vocalists who is able to blend in perfectly with a Jazz Big Band and a Rhythm And Blues combo with the same, impeccable result.
The album is an orgy of great tunes, superb instrumental performances and brilliant vocals, which simply cannot leave any music lover cold, unless he is already cold dead. What luck this concert was recorded and eventually released on record (six years later, but of course better late than never). It has been one of my favorite Fame recordings since the day it was released and a superb summary of those first fifty-five years. God Bless!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 15/05/2021 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GREAT WEE BAND ~ LIGHT BLUE
TRIO 589 (Barcode: 5060052775894) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
This is the second (and last) album by the Great Wee Band quartet co-led by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which also included the legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu ButterfieldFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The quartet was founded in 1999, some ten years before their debut studio album was recorded, and released a demo live album in 2002. The album presents eleven tracks, nine of which are standards and one each is an original by Lowther and Mullen.
The music is all mainstream Jazz oriented, with no surprises as to the stylistic direction, obviously played for fun and camaraderie by musicians who know each other for years. This enables the listener to concentrate on hearing the intricacies of the performances by the individual musicians, which are truly delightful. Lowther on trumpet and flugelhorn delivers many outstanding solos, as does Mullen on his guitar, and the rhythm section plays amicably and always exactly on time, as appropriate for the veterans of their statue.
Overall, this is a great opportunity to hear these musicians in an intimate, relaxed and friendly environment, often presenting a lesser known facet of their careers. This is classic mainstream Jazz with a British aftertaste, which is always a charming experience.
| | Updated: 11/04/2023Posted: 11/04/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GREAT WEE BAND ~ THE SOUND OF MUSIC
TRIO 584 (Barcode: 5060052775849) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010
This is the debut album by the Great Wee BandFind albums by this artist quartet co-led by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which also included the legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu ButterfieldFind albums by this artist. The quartet was founded in 1999, some ten years before this studio album was recorded, and released a demo live album in 2002. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are standards and one is an arrangement of a Classical piece.
The music is all mainstream Jazz oriented, with no surprises as to the stylistic direction, obviously played for fun and camaraderie by musicians who know each other for years. This enables the listener to concentrate on hearing the intricacies of the performances by the individual musicians, which are truly delightful. Lowther on trumpet and flugelhorn delivers many outstanding solos, as does Mullen on his guitar, and the rhythm section plays amicably and always exactly on time, as appropriate for the veterans of their statue.
Overall, this is a great opportunity to hear these musicians in an intimate, relaxed and friendly environment, often presenting a lesser known facet of their careers. This is classic mainstream Jazz with a British aftertaste, which is always a charming experience.
| | Updated: 11/01/2023Posted: 11/01/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SEAN KHAN ~ PALMARES FANTASY
FAROUT 203 (Barcode: 5060211503573) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018
This is the third album by British saxophonist / composer Sean KhanFind albums by this artist, this time recorded in Brazil with the participation of the great Brazilian Master Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, who plays melodica, keyboards, flute and adds some vocals. British guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and an international gathering of musicians participate in the recording, including vocalist Heidi VogelFind albums by this artist and a string section. The album presents nine tracks, six of which are original compositions by Khan, one is by Pascoal, another one is co-composed by Pascoal and Khan and one is by the Brazilian songwriter Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist.
The music is an eclectic mixture of styles, moving between Jazz, Jazz-World Fusion and Smooth Jazz, all based on solid melodic compositions and focusing on the intensive soloing by Khan, who plays with dexterity and fluidity, obviously rooted in the mid-period John Coltrane legacy.
Pascoal’s contributions are sadly more spiritual that direct, as he participates on just five of the tracks and solos sparingly. The music does carry a Brazilian tinge, especially on the tracks composed by Pascoal or Nascimento, but his influence is rather minor altogether. Nevertheless, it is always great to hear any album he plays on.
Overall, this is a very melodic Jazz album, with intense saxophone parts and excellent musicianship, which carries the tunes amicably. Some exotic spirituality and World Music influences are clearly audible and for Jazz fans who like to exit the strict traditional approach, this album is full of nice surprises.
| | Updated: 18/09/2022Posted: 18/09/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY LOWTHER / JIM MULLEN QUARTET ~ FUNGII MAMA
NOT ON LABEL 444 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
This is a live album by the quartet co-led by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which also included the legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu ButterfieldFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Simon PicardFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The quartet was later renamed as The Great Wee BandFind albums by this artist and released two further albums under that moniker on TrioFind albums on this label Records. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are standards. This album was never officially released and exists only as a CD-R promo, which is extremely difficult to find, but offers excellent sound quality. Thanks to Tim HillayFind albums by this artist for sending me a copy of this Holy Grail :)
The music is a wonderful example of a relaxed, but highly satisfying mainstream Jazz, beautifully performed by the quartet members. It is also a splendid opportunity to hear extended trumpet soloing by Lowther, who rarely gets so much exposure on the albums he plays on as a sideman. The same goes for Mulllen’s guitar, here in its Jazziest incarnation, as opposed to the more Fusiony or even Rocky side of his playing, which appears on most of his recordings. Green is, as usual, in superb form and his elegant bass lines are simply delightful and Butterfield keeps the swing of things right in place.
Overall, this is a delightful document of British Jazz, played in a pub with no fuss or pretense, offering a glimpse of elegance and relaxed joy of playing, which the musicians and the public seem to enjoy as one. For Lowther’s many admirers, this is a great showcase of his playing, which of course is worth listening to, and a worthy item in his discography. Beg or steal, but find a copy ;)
| | Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HENRY LOWTHER / STILL WATERS ~ CAN`T BELIEVE, WON`T BELIEVE
VILLAGE LIFE 171013 (Barcode: 5060092190169) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018
Following the recent release of the archival album by the legendary British trumpeter / composer / bandleader Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, called “Never Never LandFind albums with this title”, I decided to explore his bewilderingly limited discography as a leader, which apart from his debut album “Child SongFind albums with this title” from 1970, includes only three other albums with his name on them. Henry was graciously kind to send me a copy pf this here album, I managed to buy a copy of “I.D.Find albums with this title” from the drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, who owns the Village LifeFind albums on this label label, and the last one, called “Fungii MamaFind albums with this title”, recorded by a quartet co-led by Lowther and guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, seems sadly unobtainable (anybody with a spare copy?).
“Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” was recorded by a quintet, which comprises of Lowther, saxophonist Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, pianist Barry GreenFind albums by this artist, legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Clarvis. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Lowther, one is by Hurt and one is a standard.
The music is absolutely brilliant, from start to finish, sublimely melodic, radiantly executed by the quintet and astonishingly characteristic of the “British Jazz” sound, that dominated the early days of the idiom. Although perhaps somewhat nostalgic and sentimental, it is rather simply mature, encapsulating decades of experience, as well as the ability to play without a need to prove anything, a status Lowther rightfully earned a long time ago.
I must say that it has taken me completely by surprise and as someone who is supposed to know a thing or two about British Jazz, the fact that I discovered this absolute gem only now, is truly shameful. The only way to repent is to spread the word and recommend everybody to grab a copy of this hidden treasure, while they last.
Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, which for a lack of a better word I’d call “sweet”, which simply distillates the emotions I enjoyed while listening to the music. A British Jazz classic by every standard, this album is an absolute must in every serious British Jazz collection - beyond essential!
| | Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 22/12/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIDDLETON-AHWAI / MORRISSEY-MULLEN BAND ~ ANOTHER SLEEPER / CAPE WRATH
VOCALLION 8493 (Barcode: 765387849320) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2012
This is a wonderful reissue of two albums recorded in 1979 and originally released on the legendary HarvestFind albums on this label label, EMIFind albums on this label´s progressive imprint, which present the Funk side of the British Jazz-Rock scene at the time. Keyboardist Max MiddletonFind albums by this artist and guitarist Robert AhwaiFind albums by this artist, who are present on both these albums, were among the movers and shakers of the British Jazz-Funk in late 1970s and 1980s, proving that American-born Funk penetrated deep the seemingly cold British character and mixed with Jazz roots created some mighty fine music.
"Another SleeperFind albums with this title" is the only album by a group co-led by Middleton and Ahwai and it features eight original compositions, six by Middleton and two by Ahwai. The group also includes bassist Kuma HaradaFind albums by this artist, drummer Richard BaileyFind albums by this artist, percussionist Darryl Lee QueFind albums by this artist, a brass section and background vocalists. The music is mostly Jazzy and the Funk element is expressed by what the rhythm section players do in the background. Middleton, a superb keyboardist and improviser, plays some great licks here, which often sound like Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s work with Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. In retrospect this albums sounds definitely as something deserving more attention that it ever achieved at the time of its release.
"Cape WrathFind albums with this title" is the second album by the group co-led by saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which was Britain´s most revered Jazz-Rock-Funk ensemble at the time. On this album the other members of the band are four musicians playing on "Another Sleeper": Middleton, Ahwai, Harada and Bailey and percussionist Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. They play eight pieces, five of which are original compositions, two each by Middleton and Mullen and one by Morrissey, two are Jazz standards and one is an arrangement of a Pop song. The level of the musicianship here is truly excellent and the album is great fun to listen to after all these years.
Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist this reissue offers great glimpses of the past glory of the British Jazz-Rock-Funk, a rather less frequently re-visited chapter in the British Jazz history, but one that has quite a few surprises to offer, when an effort is made. Definitely worth investigating for listeners who enjoy the "lighter" side of Jazz, which at its best can be as good as the "serious" side of the music.
| | Updated: 16/02/2024Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | VAN MORRISON ~ LATEST RECORD PROJECT VOLUME 1
EXILE 4050538667905 (Barcode: 4050538667905) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed the music world almost completely for months on end, surely as far as live performances are concerned, but for many artists the period of seclusion and distancing was an opportunity for more intensive recording activity than ever before. Northern Irish iconic singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist managed during the pandemic to record a whole 2CD album, his 42nd studio release, with no less than twenty-eight new songs, all written (two co-written and one traditional) by him, a truly remarkable achievement for a 75 years old veteran.
Morrison is surrounded by a fabulous team of instrumentalists, which includes organist Richard DunnFind albums by this artist, pianist Stuart McIlroyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dave KearyFind albums by this artist, bassist Pete HurleyFind albums by this artist, drummer Colin GriffinFind albums by this artist and a few other players and background vocalist. Guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist guests on a couple of songs and vocalists Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist and P.J. ProbyFind albums by this artist guests on one song each.
The music is kept in a retro atmosphere, emphasized by the organ centered instrumental arrangements, all kept in the vein of a classic early Morrison, combining Blues, Country, Soul and Rhythm And Blues, but always completely filled with Morrison’s idiosyncrasy. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it is the name of the game here, and Morrison was always a Master of the game.
Since personally I could never get enough of Morrison’s brilliant songwriting and superb delivery, this album surely is not going to break the pattern. I had a blast listening to these songs, and although there were no surprises within, we all had enough surprises in our lives lately, so Van, please don’t you ever change!
God bless for being out there and for keeping the music same!
| | Updated: 11/11/2023Posted: 02/06/2021 | CD 2 Digibook Recommend To A Friend |
  | DICK MORRISSEY ~ AT THE BBC 1967
RHYTHM AND BLUES 074 (Barcode: 5060331752608) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by seminal British saxophonist / composer / bandleader Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions captured in June and October 1967 performed by his quartet, with included pianist Harry SouthFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil BatesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill EydenFind albums by this artist. The two sessions produced twelve tracks, with three tunes repeated in both sessions, most being Jazz standards and just one original by South.
The music is all well within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but formidably performed by the quartet and presents Morrissey as a wonderfully talented player, considered at the time as second only to the legendary Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. Morrissey fans should definitely put their hands on the VocalionFind albums on this label twofer reissue “Here And Now And Sounding Good / Storm Warning!Find albums with this title” of his 1965/66 studio albums, which offer similar music to what can be herd here. The sound quality of these recordings if excellent, which of course makes listening to the music a true pleasure.
Following his Bebop / Hard Bop period, by the end of the 1960s Morrissey switched to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, first with the brilliant group IfFind albums by this artist, which lasted till 1975 and recorded eight albums and later with the Morrissey-Mullen BandFind albums by this artist, formed with guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which lasted for fifteen years and recorded seven excellent albums.
Morrissey died from cancer in 2000 at the age of 60, as usual in such cases way too early, as his glorious recording legacy proves.
| | Updated: 10/08/2021Posted: 10/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DICK MORRISSEY ~ HERE AND NOW AND SOUNDING GOOD / STORM WARNING!
VOCALION 8479 (Barcode: 765387847920) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2011
This exquisite reissue brings to life two extremely rare mid-1960s quartet recordings by the great British saxophonist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist, one of the great representatives of the British Jazz scene at its peak in the 1960s / 1970s. Earning respect and admiration as a Hard Bop player (as documented on these two albums) Morrissey later formed the fantastic early Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist and after it disbanded he formed the Morrissey-Mullen BandFind albums by this artist (with guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist), which lasted for almost two decades as one of the best and most stable British bands. Sadly Morrissey died in 2000, losing his battle with cancer. A brilliant player with enormous sensitivity and beautiful tone, Morrissey remains a symbol of the times, when music sounded better and girls looked prettier (to old farts like myself of course). This album is sweet and mellow, with superb performance by pianist Harry SouthFind albums by this artist, who also contributed several original compositions, bassist Phil BatesFind albums by this artist and drummers Bill EydenFind albums by this artist (first album) and the legend Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist (second album). Disregarding the element of nostalgia, this is a damn great Jazz album, which swings like mad and makes life worth living. The recording quality (and the superb remastering by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist) is simply breathtaking. So in short: don’t you dare to miss this beauty!
| | Updated: 12/06/2018Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAZ ~ VARIATION AND CREATION: THE STORY OF PAZ
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 40 ~ UK ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 1975 - 1995 Released: 2024
This is a 3CD collection of archival recordings by the British Fusion ensemble PazFind albums by this artist, collected from the archives of Paz members: bassist / composer Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dick CrouchFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. Other prominent members of the ensemble included flautist / saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, guitarists Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and quite a few other British Jazz musicians. The ensemble existed between 1972 and 2019, releasing fourteen albums over the years, but the material on this album includes only previously unreleased material, originating in session and live recordings, BBC broadcasts, unreleased albums, etc. with the exact dates of these recordings remaining unknown. Altogether the album presents thirty-five tracks with about four hours of music.
The music is mostly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, with s strong Fusion influence, as well as World Music presence, such as samba and bossa nova material. Most of the music was composed by Paz members, but some Jazz standards were also utilized, as well as vocalists in some lineups. In short, Paz was an ever-changing ensemble, which always offered first-class musicianship and excellent melodic original material.
Overall, this is another splendid piece of British Jazz history, which is definitely worthy of being documented, and as always the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label do a splendid job, while at it. It is definitely worth being investigated by the many British Jazz fans, who might remember hearing the ensemble performing live, which was always a splendid experience.
| | Updated: 10/04/2025Posted: 10/04/2025 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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