Record Reviews

JOHN CAMERON ~ COVER LOVER / WARM & GENTLE VOCALION 8478 (Barcode: 765387847821) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 - 1968 Released: 2011 British pianist / composer John CameronFind albums by this artist was one of the great mavericks on the local Jazz scene in the 1960s, when he was still performing himself. Later on Cameron concentrated on his work as a composer, arranger, bandleader contributing numerous film soundtracks, musicals, etc. This reissue brings to life two rare 1960s albums. The first features Cameron as pianist and vocalist, performing a set of songs he wrote, which are full of witty English humor. He is accompanied by four excellent musicians: saxophonists Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist and Art EllefsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. The second features an orchestra led by Cameron performing a set of Pop / Rock songs arranged by him, which is a typical easy-listening recording, but of high quality due to the superb Jazzy arrangements. This album is primarily of interest to followers of John Cameron´s music (myself included), but British Jazz enthusiasts might find it interesting as well.

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JOHN CAMERON ~ KES (SOUNDTRACK) TRUNK 001 (Barcode: 5060033500026) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001 Pianist / composer John CameronFind albums by this artist was active on the British Jazz scene in the 1960s, before moving on to become one of the country’s foremost composers of film scores. The music composed for the classic British film KesFind albums with this title, directed by Ken LoachFind albums by this artist, was Cameron’s first film score. The brilliant film, considered as one of the top 10 films ever made in Britain, was a culmination of the 1960s “new wave” cinematography movement, which produced a long list of superb films (mostly black and white) reflecting the life in post WW2 Britain. Cameron produced superb music for the film, a true masterpiece, which is completely viable on its own as well as being perfect for the film. Performed by a group of mostly Jazz musicians, some of which played with Cameron on his brilliant Off CentreFind albums with this title album: Harold McNairFind albums by this artist – flute, Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist – bass clarinet, Danny MossFind albums by this artist – clarinet, Tony CarrFind albums by this artist – drums and David SnellFind albums by this artist – harp. Cameron also arranged the orchestral background for some of the pieces, performed by a string section. It is completely unbelievable that this music remained unreleased in any form for over 30 years, and it took the initiative of one Jonny TrunkFind albums by this artist and his TrunkFind albums on this label Records label to bring it back to the surface. Kudos to Mr. Trunk and a big thank you for this wonderful gift of music. Brilliant stuff!

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JOHN CAMERON ~ OFF CENTRE VOCALION 8409 (Barcode: 765387840921) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005 British composer / arranger / pianist John CameronFind albums by this artist is mostly known to the world for his pioneering work as a composer of film scores and arranger of countless albums, but in the late 1960s he was also an active Jazz player and his quartet played many gigs at the time and also managed to record this album, which remains to this very day as one of my all time favorites. Unfortunately this is almost the solitary session, which allows us to hear John’s exquisite piano work, and therefore it has also an immense historic importance. The quartet also included three absolutely marvelous players: saxophonists and flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist (one of the greatest talents of the British Jazz scene who passed away at a tragically young age), extraordinary bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist, who was a central figure on the British scene for many years. This album is special for many reasons, but I’ll mention just a few: first the absolutely brilliant compositions by John, with ingenious melodic lines and unusual time signatures – so typical of the British Jazz around that period; second the divine playing by Harold, whose flute work was second to none; third the level of musicianship displayed by all the players, which is absolutely stunning. Combined, all these factors contribute to making this album so special. Hearing it on CD for the first time, with the magnificent remastering by Michael DuttonFind albums by this artist, was a great experience and I’m delighted that this gem is available again to be enjoyed by the new generation of music lovers. Beyond essential!

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DONOVAN ~ BREEZES OF PATCHOULI – HIS STUDIO RECORDINGS: 1966-1969 PARLOPHONE 5099992860520 (Barcode: 5099992860520) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1966 - 1969 Released: 2013 This marvelous Box Set collects all the studio recordings by the great British troubadour DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded during his explosive years, which changed the shape of Pop and Rock music as we know it. It includes the five extraordinary studio albums: "Sunshine SupermanFind albums with this title", "Mellow YellowFind albums with this title", "The Hurdy Gurdy ManFind albums with this title", "BarabajagalFind albums with this title" and finally "A Gift From A Flower To A GardenFind albums with this title" which was originally a double LP. All these albums were released by EpicFind albums on this label in the USA and PyeFind albums on this label in UK, often out of sync and with different track lists, as a result of the usual music business BS that prevailed at the time. These albums feature all original songs written by Donovan and were produced by the British producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist. Some of the arrangements were written by the great John CameronFind albums by this artist and the list of supporting musicians reads like a who´s who of the British Jazz and Rock scene at the time: pianist John Cameron, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist, guitarists Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist and Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist and Tony CarrFind albums by this artist and many others. In addition to the five original albums on three CDs, this set includes a fourth CD full of bonus material, which wonderfully fills in and expands the picture of Donovan´s creativity. A well researched booklet with overview of Donovan´s career during those years is also included. Donovan´s brilliant mixture of Celtic roots, Psychedelia, Jazz and Rock, spiced with his incredibly poetic lyrics, was an absolutely unique phenomenon in the Pop / Rock history and no other artist managed to create such a massive body of brilliant songs within such short period of time. His music is as much relevant today as it was at the time it was created and lost nothing of its beauty, vitality or artistic power over time. They certainly don´t make music like that any more! The only regret, as far as this Box Set is concerned, is the fact that it does not include the brilliant live album "In Concert (The Complete 1967 Anaheim Show)Find albums with this title", which would have made this set even more perfect. This is an absolutely essential piece of music history, which deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/11/2016

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MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ M. F. HORN / M. F. HORN 2 / M. F. HORN 3 BGO 1110 (Barcode: 5017261211101) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1973 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of three albums by Canadian Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist. These are the second, fourth and fifth albums Ferguson recorded for CBSFind albums on this label in UK after he signed with the label in late 1968, following his move to the UK from India. The first two albums were produced by the brilliant arranger / conductor Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, who worked with Ferguson on all his UK recordings except the last, i.e. the third album included here, which was produced by Teo MaceroFind albums by this artist and which was mostly recorded in UK and had some minor touches added later in the US. "M. F. HornFind albums with this title" was released as "The World Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" in the US. Upon his arrival in UK Ferguson made a dramatic shift in his approach to the Big Band Jazz he played for so many years previously. Influenced by what was happening in music at the time, especially the birth of Jazz-Rock Fusion, and the Brass Rock ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many others, he was determined to pursue this new direction as well. Obviously the British scene was a highly fertile ground, with many British Jazz musicians already very much involved in that idiom. The "M. F. Horn" series of albums reflects that glorious period perfectly! The first two "M. F. Horn" albums and the album "Alive & Well In LondonFind albums with this title" (released as "Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" in the US), which was "sandwiched" between them, follow a similar formula of presenting a mixture of wonderful arrangements of popular songs and original compositions, arranged by Mansfield, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Adrian DroverFind albums by this artist and John CameronFind albums by this artist and performed by a dreamy band that features such luminaries as trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Pete KingFind albums by this artist and Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, pianist Pete JacksonFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and other top British Jazz players at the time. "M. F. Horn 3Find albums with this title" is somewhat different in the choice of material, as it does not include covers of popular material but includes soundtracks, Jazz standards and no less than three original compositions by pianist Pete Jackson. It is generally considered as the Jazziest album of the "M. F. Horn" series, probably due to the fact that Macero produced it, but in retrospect it is undoubtedly an integral part of the same musical direction and spirit. Overall these albums are great piece of the Ferguson´s recorded legacy, which is certainly worth being remembered. The magic Brass Rock / British Big Band period is certainly a pinnacle of his creativity, and a superb addition to the idiom, which has a lasting value and deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection. An absolute must!

Updated: 29/05/2020Posted: 29/05/2020

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MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ THE BALLAD STYLE OF MAYNARD FERGUSON / ALIVE & WELL IN LONDON BGO 1206 (Barcode: 5017261212061) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of two albums by Canadian Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist. These are the first and third albums Ferguson recorded for CBSFind albums on this label in UK after he signed with the label in late 1968, following his move to the UK from India. Both albums were produced by the brilliant arranger / conductor Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, who worked with Ferguson on all his UK recordings. Upon his arrival in UK Ferguson made a dramatic shift in his approach to the Big Band Jazz he played for so many years previously. Influenced by what was happening in music at the time, especially the birth of Jazz-Rock Fusion, and the Brass Rock ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many others, he was determined to pursue this new direction as well. Obviously the British scene was a highly fertile ground, with many British Jazz musicians already very much involved in that idiom. However his ambitions had to be postponed for a while, due to the fact that CBS was mostly a Pop / MOR repertoire oriented label and wanted, at least until the label heads could be persuaded otherwise, start Ferguson´s CBS stretch with a much more commercial recording, which resulted in the recording of "The Ballad Style Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title". The material consisted of eleven arrangements of well known movie themes and other popular songs, but in the capable hands of Mansfield and his superb orchestra, which included some of the best British Jazz musicians at the time, and of course Ferguson´s fabulous trumpet playing characterized by the piercing high notes, the album, although certainly widely appealing, remains a masterpiece of Jazz flavored popular orchestral music. "Alive & Well In LondonFind albums with this title" (a.k.a. "Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title") is a completely different story. It followed the recording of the second album for CBS entitled "M. F. HornFind albums with this title" (a.k.a. "The World Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title"), which gave a birth to a series of "M. F. Horn" albums, and which opened a new chapter in Ferguson´s recording legacy, which find him playing a soaring Jazz-Rock / Brass Rock arrangements of popular songs and original material by the members of the orchestra. This album includes eleven popular songs, arranged by Mansfield, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Adrian DroverFind albums by this artist and John CameronFind albums by this artist and performed by a dreamy band that features such luminaries as trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Pete KingFind albums by this artist and Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, pianist Pete JacksonFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and others. Overall these albums are great piece of the Ferguson´s recorded legacy, which is certainly worth being remembered. The magic Brass Rock / British Big Band period is certainly a pinnacle of his creativity, and a superb addition to the idiom, which has a lasting value. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 19/04/2020Posted: 17/04/2020

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TIM HOLLIER ~ TIM HOLLIER NIGHT WINGS 03 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1971 Released: 2004 Singer / composer Tim HollierFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest troubadours of the British Isles, sadly undiscovered and forgotten. He recorded three splendid albums between 1968 and 1971 (“Message To A HarlequinFind albums with this title”, “Tim HollierFind albums with this title” and “SkysailFind albums with this title”), which are absolutely marvelous examples of the late 1960s Folk-Rock, with beautifully poetic lyrics and exquisite melodies. What makes these albums especially interesting is the fact that the fist and last were arranged by the brilliant John CameronFind albums by this artist, whose intelligent orchestral arrangements are superb examples of his mastery. Not surprisingly the flute of Harold McNairFind albums by this artist (Cameron’s frequent collaborator) can also be heard. This album collects 23 songs, collected from the a.m. three albums, creating a great portrait of Hollier’s work. The only pity is that this is not a double album, collecting those three albums in their entirety. People not familiar with Hollier’s work should definitely investigate this album, as well as all British Folk-Rock enthusiasts.

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HAROLD MCNAIR ~ HAROLD MCNAIR / FLUTE & NUT VOCALION 8494 (Barcode: 765387849429) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2012 This is a criminally overdue reissue of the two albums recorded by the British Jazz flautist / saxophonist / composer Harold McNairFind albums by this artist for the RCAFind albums by this artist label, which have been unavailable for over forty years now. McNair, born in Jamaica, was one of many brilliant West Indian musicians to arrive on the British scene in the 1950s and 1960, greatly contributing to the creation of the modern British Jazz, which was at its peak when these two albums were recorded. Although McNair played the saxophone superbly, his flute playing was absolutely amazing and extraordinary, making him probably the best ever British Jazz flautist. He died from cancer in 1971 at a ridiculous young age of thirty nine, a tremendous loss of an amazing talent, lamented to this very day by those who knew him and his work. His rather limited recorded legacy is now radically expanded with the reissue of these two albums. The eponymous album was recorded by the Harold McNair quartet, with pianist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist. They perform nine pieces, five of which are originals composed by McNair, three are standards and one is a song written by the Folk-Rock singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist. McNair was a regular member of Donovan´s band, where he played alongside the pianist / composer / arranger John CameronFind albums by this artist. McNair´s performances on this album are perfect from start to finish. He uses the flute on most of the tracks and his immediately recognizable style is simply overwhelming. The "Flute & NutFind albums with this title" album features McNair accompanied by a Jazz Orchestra conducted by John Cameron, performing eight pieces orchestrated and arranged by Cameron, three of which are McNair originals, one a Cameron original and the remaining four are standards. In retrospect this is the best album McNair ever recorded, with his flute (and occasional saxophone) sounding absolutely marvelous and the beautiful arrangements adding a spectacular effect to the entire production. McNair recorded only one more album as a leader after this, called "The FenceFind albums with this title", before he died, which was released on the B&CFind albums on this label label. Parts of the first album included here were released posthumously by the same label as another eponymous album, and included also live material recorded at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s club. Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist, these two albums sound fresh and wonderful, as if recorded only a short while ago. Musically they are some of the best Jazz flute music even captured and are an essential piece of the modern British Jazz legacy. Absolutely brilliant stuff!

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