Record Reviews

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ HOLLYWOOD BLUES VOCALION 8441 (Barcode: 765387844127) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 2nd (and last) album by British multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist recorded under the Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist moniker. Although recorded only a few months following the debut “Patent PendingFind albums with this title”, it is a completely different affair, as the album was recorded in the US and all the musicians except Almond come from the US West Coast. The opportunity to record this album arrived, when Almond visited the US to perform at the 1969 edition of the Newport Jazz Festival with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. Legendary producer Mike VernonFind albums by this artist came up with the idea to record an album with Almond and some local musicians. For the recording session a rhythm section was assembled, which included organist Charles KynardFind albums by this artist, legendary guitarist Joe PassFind albums by this artist, bassist Ray NeapolitanFind albums by this artist and drummers Earl PalmerFind albums by this artist / Joe HarrisFind albums by this artist. On the front line Almond was paired with one of three saxophone players: Hadley CalimanFind albums by this artist, Curtis AmyFind albums by this artist and Vi ReddFind albums by this artist. He plays several instruments (as usual) – tenor and alto saxophone, flutes, organ and vibraphone. Almond wrote most of the music on the album, with just a couple of standards used. The result is a delightful, funky, soulful session with excellent music and some remarkable solos. Almond’s playing bears a distinctive European approach, which when consolidated with the American natural bluesy sound fits just perfectly. The album is much more jazzy that the debut and perhaps less adventurous, but nevertheless and excellent document of the fine music that was happening at the time and cross-pollination of musical ideas. Most warmly recommended! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I think this deserves an "essential" label - certainly an essential part of the soundtrack to my musical and general development; first a pirated reel-to-reel copy back in the early 70s; then eventually a second hand LP when I found one; and now the CD for easy access and road-trip enhancement.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

EWA BEM ~ TRIBUTE TO MAREK BLIZINSKI POLSKIE RADIO 1945-1946 (Barcode: 5907812249458) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 2000 Released: 2015 This is a wonderful archival 2CD album by the Polish vocalist Ewa BemFind albums by this artist, which she dedicates to the memory of the superb and tragically prematurely departed Polish Jazz guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, who died from cancer just a few days before his forty second birthday. Blizinski was the first modern Polish Jazz guitarist of international class and for many years during the 1970s and 1980s was considered the top guitarist on the Polish Jazz scene. Bem and Blizinski recorded together several times as a duo and these recordings were collected on the album "Dla Ciebie Jestem SobaFind albums with this title", released by the PoljazzFind albums on this label label, which is reissued here as the first CD of this album. The album consists of eleven songs, nine of which were written by Polish composers and lyricists, and two are standards with lyrics translated into the Polish language. In retrospect, although over three decades have passed since this music was recorded, these songs sound remarkably fresh and sparkling, losing none of their original charm. As noted in the liner notes, these duo recordings were inspired by the Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist / Joe PassFind albums by this artist sessions, which produced four superb albums released in the 1970s and 1980s. Blizinski´s virtuosic guitar riffs are beyond reproach, precise and incredibly sensitive, and he proves being not only an exceptional player, but also a most sympathetic musical partner. Bem´s youthful energy and obvious talent come to full fruition on this recording, presenting her as fully mature vocalist in complete control of her vocal abilities. Her interpretations of these songs show that she feels comfortably in a Jazz environment, but easily moves into Cabaret and Pop, with the same seriousness and dedication. The second CD of this album presents a live recording of a concert from 2000, which was a tribute to Blizinski and which presents new versions of the songs originally recorded on the duo album with Bem being accompanied by four Polish guitarists: Jan BorysiewiczFind albums by this artist, Janusz StrobelFind albums by this artist, Jaroslaw SmietanaFind albums by this artist (who sadly also died from cancer in 2013) and Wojciech WaglewskiFind albums by this artist. The vocal / guitar duos are accompanied by percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. In addition to the songs from the original album the duos perform also songs written by the guitarists. Everybody seems to be in top form and the music flows splendidly from one song to another with Bem being on top of things at all times. Her vocal abilities are in excellent form during the entire concert and she elegantly moves between genres, whether it is Jazz, Pop or Blues. The entire concert is a very heartfelt tribute to the memory of Blizinski, who of course deserves to be remembered for his invaluable contributions over the years. The entire album has excellent sound quality and is carefully produced and packaged, bringing back to life an important segment of the Polish Jazz history, and as such is of course most welcome.

Updated: 01/01/2016Posted: 01/01/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

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!

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VOLKER KRIEGEL ~ MAINZ 1963-1969 SWR JAZZHAUS 101726 (Barcode: 807280172690) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1969 Released: 2013 This album presents a delightful collection of early archival recordings by German guitarists / composer / bandleader Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneering European Jazz musicians, who is also often considered as one of the Godfathers of European Jazz-Rock Fusion. The music was recorded by the German Radio during four separate recording sessions that took place in 1963, 1967, 1968 and 1968. The first of these sessions is in a trio format and the rest are quartet recordings featuring vibraphone as the fourth instrument, which was Kriegel´s preferred format. A couple of guest musicians: flautist Emil MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gustl MayerFind albums by this artist are featured on the third and fourth sessions respectively. By the time the last session on this album was recorded, Kriegel was already a member of the Dave Pike SetFind albums by this artist, an ensemble led by the American (resident in Germany) vibraphonist Dave PikeFind albums by this artist which led to his exposure. This was followed by Kriegel leading several ensembles and recording as a solo artist and also the creation of the United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist by the late 1970 with other European Fusion musicians. Kriegel sadly died in 2003, aged only 60 at the time, an immense loss to the European Jazz scene. The material presented on this album gives a fascinating glimpse at the development Kriegel moved through in his early days, from playing quite traditionally on the first session, sounding like many American guitarist at the time (Joe PassFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist) and playing standards, gradually changing his approach and reaching his personal style and phrasing and playing original compositions. From the very first moments it is quite obvious that Kriegel has something in him, which makes his playing unique. He is first and foremost a European Artist and even in the first sessions there are definite echoes of Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist in parallel to the American influences. Similarly to the BBC in Britain, the German broadcasting bodies (radio and TV) in the various regions (Federal States) are an endless source of recordings of local and international artists in all genres. Hopefully more projects like this one will see the light of day soon, as these treasures are definitely too important to lay forgotten. Overall this is an excellent album of great historic importance, especially for European Jazz fans, with great sound quality and superb material, which definitely deserves to be listened to. Well done!

Updated: 31/03/2021Posted: 30/01/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOE PASS ~ INTERCONTINENTAL MPS 4029759097235 (Barcode: 4029759097235) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2014 This is a reissue of a little known album by legendary American guitarist / composer Joe PassFind albums by this artist recorded in trio format with German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and British drummer Kenny ClareFind albums by this artist. Together the trio plays ten tunes, one of which is an original composition by Pass, another one is an original composition by the studio´s recording director Willi FruthFind albums by this artist and the rest are standards. Recorded at the legendary MPS Studio in the Black Forest village of Villingen, this is probably the best sounding Pass album ever recorded. This intimate trio format with the incredible support Pass receives from Weber enables him to concentrate on playing the melody and improvisations without the need for supportive chord work and as a result this is one of the most impressive albums he ever recorded. Combined with the brilliant sound quality this is guitar heaven from start to finish and fans of Jazz guitar playing (and I mean Jazz not Fusion) will find this album an absolute must have. It is my favorite Pass album, and I do know quite a few of his recordings. This album demonstrates why best American Jazz musicians always wanted to record at the MPS Studio and release records on the MPSFind albums on this label label. The respect, recognition, love and total devotion they received in Europe was always infinitely more supportive than the usual treatment back home. 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: 10/07/2016

CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

RAFAL SARNECKI ~ SONGS FROM A NEW PLACE ARMS 05 (Barcode: 5900238791044) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 This is an excellent debut album by Polish guitarist / composer / arranger Rafal SarneckiFind albums by this artist, one of Poland´s most promising young Jazz musicians, recorded with his quartet which also includes pianist Pawel KaczmarczykFind albums by this artist, bassist Wojciech PulcynFind albums by this artist and drummer Lukasz ZytaFind albums by this artist (all four musicians are also members of the pianist´s Audiofeeling BandFind albums by this artist and can be heard on the superb "Complexity In SimplicityFind albums with this title" album). Guest flautist Thomas AbbottFind albums by this artist appears on one track. Sarnecki composed all the music on this album, except for one standard, and arranged all the compositions. The music is typical European Jazz, deeply melodic and well structured, with well developed harmonic patterns and rhythmic complexity. Sarnecki emerges as a major talent both as a composer and as a player on this album, with his unique voicing and delicate, yet firm grasp of the guitar´s role in Jazz. In fact this is one of very few and rare albums recorded recently, where the guitar is treated as a Jazz instrument, rather that taking the beaten track treaded by most, which leads straight to Fusion. Sarnecki picks up the Jazz guitar idiom from the place it arrived at in the 1960s and leaps over to the present, purposely ignoring and successfully eschewing any Fusion influences. The effect is truly refreshing and uplifting and enables the listener to enjoy the wonderful sound of Jazz guitar once again, as if listening to old Masters like Joe PassFind albums by this artist, where one can savor each note separately as well as the beautiful flow of many notes building up heavenly structures. The other three young musicians accompanying Sarnecki on this album are all extremely talented as well and display a high level of professionalism and sensitivity, contributing greatly to the overall success of this recording. It´s great to see that the splendor of Polish Jazz is now being continued and expanded by a third generation of players and composers, which is a good omen for the future. This is brilliant stuff and a must to all serious Jazz connoisseurs, wherever they might be, especially the guitar lovers in their ranks.

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