Record Reviews

FUSION SYNDICATE ~ A SPEEDWAY ON SATURN`S RINGS PURPLE PYRAMID 4022 (Barcode: 889466402227) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 - 2023 Released: 2023 This is the second album by the Fusion SyndicateFind albums by this artist, a brainchild of American guitarist / composer / producer Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, who assembled a group of Fusion / Prog superstars to record (mostly) his compositions with various lineups, which change from track to track. The collective lineup includes guitarists Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist and Brian JacksonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jah WobbleFind albums by this artist and Alphonso JohnsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist, among others. The album presents eight tracks recorded in late 2022 and early 2023. The album also presents four bonus tracks produced and composed by bassist / composer Billy SherwoodFind albums by this artist, which originate from the debut eponymous album by Fusion Syndicate from 2012, which is difficult to find these days. It features such Fusion giants like bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, guitarist Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, violinist Jerry GoodmanFind albums by this artist, drummer Billy CobhamFind albums by this artist and others. Although featuring excellent musicians, the album has nothing new to offer musically and has no coherent concept per se. There is plenty of excitement and excellent soloing by the participants, as expected, but sadly it confirms the notion that Fusion, following a relatively brief period of creativity and Artistic productivity during the Golden Decade (1965-1975) has been mostly dormant, if not dead since. Overall, this is a well-played typical Fusion album, which adds nothing new to the genre’s illustrious past, but offers a pleasant listening experience to the genre’s hard to die fans.

Updated: 08/12/2023Posted: 08/12/2023

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BOBBY MCFERRIN ~ 5 ORIGINAL ALBUMS BLUE NOTE 600753769812 (Barcode: 600753769812) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1986 - 2002 Released: 2018 This Box Set collects reissues of five albums by the legendary American Jazz vocalist / composer Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist, originally released on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label between 1986 and 2002. They are: “Spontaneous InventionsFind albums with this title” (1986), “Simple PleasuresFind albums with this title” (1988), “Medicine MusicFind albums with this title” (1990), “Bang!ZoomFind albums with this title” (1995) and “Beyond WordsFind albums with this title” (2002). The first three albums are almost entirely solo vocals recordings, on which McFerrin showcases his extraordinary technique and unlimited artistic imagination. There is a minimal instrumental accompaniment on selected tracks, but most of the music is created by McFerrin’s vocal cords and his “body percussion”. The resulting music is entirely groundbreaking and absolutely magical. The two later albums are more “conventional” (if such word is applicable at all when talking about McFerrin), presenting the vocalist supported by some of the best Jazz musicians out there, including keyboardist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, drummer Omar HakimFind albums by this artist, bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist and many others. Except for a few interpretations of music by other authors, all the music is composed and arranged by McFerrin, presenting his amazing skills as songwriter / composer / arranger. McFerrin is undoubtedly the greatest male Jazz vocalist of all time and one of the most creative, versatile and open-minded musical personalities ever on the American scene. His extensive and superbly diverse recorded legacy presents the full picture of his achievements so far, and one can never expect what else he will come up with next. He is also one of the nicest human beings I have ever had the opportunity to meet in person, which is of course not less important than his musical genius. Definitely a “Don’t worry, be happy” person, but also an exceptionally gifted human being. This music is of course beyond recommendation… Side Note The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases 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 for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty. The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!

Updated: 21/10/2021Posted: 21/10/2021

CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

NICOLAS MEIER ~ INFINITY FAVORED NATIONS 2870 (Barcode: 6908972870161) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is a brilliant album by Swiss (resident in UK) guitarist / composer Nicolas MeierFind albums by this artist, one of the fastest rising stars of the guitar world in the last few years. The album was recorded with a superstar American rhythm section comprising of bassist Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist and drummer Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist. In addition three guest violin players (Richard JonesFind albums by this artist, Sally JoFind albums by this artist and Lizzie BallFind albums by this artist) play on eight tracks of the album and guest guitarist Gregor CarleFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents eleven original compositions, all by Meier. Contrary to the expectations one might have from examining the lineup, the music has very little to do with classic Jazz-Rock Fusion and is in fact mostly World Music oriented, exposing both Meier´s ethnic (Turkish and Romanian) roots and his deep interest in Middle Eastern, Gypsy and other musical folklores. The beautifully melodic compositions, deeply rooted in the eastern mysticism and heavily spiced with Oriental tonality, are all delightful from start to finish. The addition of the violin on most of the tunes also adds another ethnic layer to the music. Meier plays mostly acoustic guitars (and guitar-like glissentar and baglama), which dominates the sound of the album, which is soft, elegant, precise and gentle. Haslip and Colaiuta do a remarkable job on this album, limiting their usual powerful Fusion sound to suit this delicate music, driving it powerfully but staying in the background in order not to overshadow it. These veteran Masters fully justify here their reputation as some of the best players on earth. Haslip plays several wonderfully structured and brilliantly executed bass solos, which fit the overall atmosphere of this album perfectly. Meier proves again not only his abilities as an instrumentalist and composer, but most importantly his open-minded approach to music and the effort to explore and discover new areas and create new cross-genre and cross-culture amalgams. The resulting work is moving and exciting and should be able to delight all true music connoisseurs, especially those who love the combination of Jazz improvisations and exotic World Music themes. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

Updated: 15/11/2016Posted: 15/11/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JACO PASTORIUS BIG BAND ~ WORD OF MOUTH REVISITED HEADS UP 3078 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 1st album by the Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist tribute Big Band, conducted and led by Peter GravesFind albums by this artist. Graves was the leader of the Big Band, in which Pastorius played for five years (1970-1975) and where he perfected his chops, before leaving to record his eponymous debut album and then joining Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, where he stayed for another five years (1976-1981). Pastorius revolutionized the way bass guitar would be played from his days onward and earned a momentous respect for the instrument, placing it alongside the leading instruments in any musical setting. He died in tragic circumstances in 1987. Graves collected some of the original Big Band members, added many superb contemporary players and invited the best bass players on the scene (Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, Gerald VeasleyFind albums by this artist, Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, and others) to create this tribute recording. The music includes tunes from the early Big Band days, Jaco’s solo albums and Weather Report albums. The band swings like hell, the bassists fly and soar and the music is exceptional all the way through. Between the music tracks there are inserts of Jaco’s spoken commentary during the recording sessions of his albums, which enhance the atmosphere and make this recording even more special. For any Pastorius or / and bass guitar fan this is a wet dream come true – an absolute must! This enhanced CD includes bonus material and a link to video clips documenting the recording session.

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ THE ROYAL DAN MASCOT 7189 (Barcode: 8712725718925) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This is the 4th project in the series of Fusion tributes, conceived, produced and arranged by Jeff RichmanFind albums by this artist. Dedicated this time to the fabulous music of Steely DanFind albums by this artist – the band that gave us all some of the best crafted and most sophisticated tunes ever. The format is again a fixed band (Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist – drums, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist – bass, Peter WolfFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Ernie WattsFind albums by this artist – sax) with a long gallery of Fusion guitarists (Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, Mike SternFind albums by this artist, Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist and others). The electrifying performances seem to go on forever and as the music is obviously excellent, the entire project is just one great heap of fun. For Fusion heads and guitar lovers this is obviously a must have, but most music loving folks should have a feast with this stuff.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend