Record Reviews

ALAN BOWN ~ LISTEN ESOTERIC 2193 (Barcode: 5013929729322) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 2nd album by excellent British Prog band Alan BownFind albums by this artist named after its founder and leader – trumpeter Alan Bown. One of the earliest Brass-Rock bands in the country, they incorporated Prog with Brass arrangements, creating a unique sound but not quite Jazz-Rock Fusion yet. The band also included lead singer Gordon NevilleFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original vocalist Robert PalmerFind albums by this artist heard on their debut album), keyboardist Jeff BannisterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John HelliwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tony CatchpoleFind albums by this artist, bassist Stan HaldaneFind albums by this artist and drummer Vic SweeneyFind albums by this artist and together they were a formidable septet indeed. The album was produced by Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist fame. An absolute beauty, which lost nothing of its charm with time!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ALAN BOWN ~ STRETCHING OUT ESOTERIC 2194 (Barcode: 5013929729421) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2010 3rd and last album by excellent British Prog band Alan BownFind albums by this artist named after its founder and leader – trumpeter Alan Bown. One of the earliest Brass-Rock bands in the country, they incorporated Prog with Brass arrangements, creating a unique sound but not quite Jazz-Rock Fusion yet. The band also included lead singer Gordon NevilleFind albums by this artist (who replaced the original vocalist Robert PalmerFind albums by this artist heard on their debut album), keyboardist Jeff BannisterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John HelliwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tony CatchpoleFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy BrownFind albums by this artist and drummer Vic SweeneyFind albums by this artist and together they were a formidable septet indeed. This alum is slightly more Jazz-Rock oriented than its predecessors. An absolute beauty, which lost nothing of its charm with time!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ALAN BOWN ~ THE ALAN BOWN! ESOTERIC 2190 (Barcode: 5013929729025) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2010 1st album by excellent British Prog band Alan BownFind albums by this artist named after its founder and leader – trumpeter Alan Bown. One of the earliest Brass-Rock bands in the country, they incorporated Prog with Brass arrangements, creating a unique sound but not quite Jazz-Rock Fusion yet. The band also included lead singer Robert PalmerFind albums by this artist (one of the great voices of British Rock), keyboardist Jeff BannisterFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John HelliwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Tony CatchpoleFind albums by this artist, bassist Stan HaldaneFind albums by this artist and drummer Vic SweeneyFind albums by this artist and together they were a formidable septet indeed. An absolute beauty, which lost nothing of its charm with time!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

CRÈME ANGLAISE ~ CRÈME ANGLAISE GONZO 012 (Barcode: 5060230860404) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2010 Debut album by British Jazz sextet Crème AnglaiseFind albums by this artist led by veteran keyboardist / composer Mark HartFind albums by this artist (of SupertrampFind albums by this artist fame) with saxophonist John HelliwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist, pianist Arthur LeaFind albums by this artist, bassist Geth GriffithFind albums by this artist and drummer Ben BryantFind albums by this artist. Vocalist Barbara WalkerFind albums by this artist guests on a few tracks. The band performs a set of mostly original compositions, some instrumentals and some with vocal parts, which are very solid and mostly beautifully melodic. The overall performances are excellent, with saxophone and guitar solos being the most notable. Although on the lighter side of Jazz and sometimes bordering with Fusion, this is a very good example of well composed and well played music, which although accessible retains its musical qualities without compromise. Recommended to listeners, who enjoy melodic, soulful Jazz!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend