Record Reviews

NORMAN HAINES BAND ~ DEN OF INIQUITY ESOTERIC 2301 (Barcode: 5013929431041) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011 This is the only album recorded by the excellent British keyboardist / vocalist / composer Norman HainesFind albums by this artist and his band, which although being completely unnoticed at the time of its release, later achieved a legendary status, and rightly as it is really a lost gem. Haines, who was the leader of an earlier legendary band (with also had only one album), called LocomotiveFind albums by this artist, formed this band after Locomotive fell apart. It included guitarist Neil ClarkeFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy HughesFind albums by this artist and drummer Jimmy SkidmoreFind albums by this artist. Together they recorded this gem, which is a classic proto-Prog / Psychedelic minor masterpiece, with lengthy instrumental improvisations, great vocals and above all excellent melodies. An absolute must to all early Prog fans!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ALAN SKIDMORE ~ ONCE UPON A TIME… VOCALION 8406 (Barcode: 765387840624) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 The title of the debut album by saxophonist / composer Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist is indeed appropriate for the occasion, as this is a recording of such beauty and excellence, that is happens extremely rarely. Alan, son of veteran British Jazz figure Jimmy SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, earned his own reputation by storming the modern British Jazz in the late 1960s. He participated in numerous pivotal recordings as sideman, and his debut turned out to be just it – the absolutely perfect example of what was happening at the time. If I had to select just one album, which represents the British scene at that time, this would be it. Skidmore on tenor sax leads a perfect quintet with Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist on trumpet, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on piano, Harry MillerFind albums by this artist on bass and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist on drums (yes they were John SurmanFind albums by this artist’s rhythm section as well). Of the six exquisite compositions present, two are by John Surman, and the rest by Tony Oxley, John WarrenFind albums by this artist, John Taylor and Alan Skidmore, each contributing one composition. Whatever I’ll say here does not come even close to listening to this music, so do yourself a favor and grab a copy – this is something I’ve been listening to for almost 40 years and it still grabs me each and every time, so it must be really special. Essential stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend