Record Reviews

DON ELLIS ~ AUTUMN WOUNDED BIRD 9721 (Barcode: 664140972124) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007 Brilliant American trumpeter / composer / arranger / bandleader Don EllisFind albums by this artist led a superb Big Band, which was one of the most outstanding Jazz ensembles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Eons ahead of its time, Ellis´ fascination with uneven meters and World Music influences made his music truly revolutionary and fresh and the music lost nothing of its relevance over the years. He also had a rare talent to pick up the best musicians for his band, mostly forward-thinking individuals, ideally suited for his unusual approach to music and brilliant instrumentalists. Some of the musicians playing on this album are saxophonists Frank StrozierFind albums by this artist and John KlemmerFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Glen FerrisFind albums by this artist and many more outstanding musicians. The brilliant music was all composed by Ellis, except one Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist standard. At its full might the orchestra sounds like nothing else before or since, with every instrument perfectly fulfilling its role. Two of the six tracks were recorded live and show the orchestra as one of the most exciting live acts at the time. It´s fascinating to read the album´s liner notes written by Al KooperFind albums by this artist, who was ColumbiaFind albums on this label´s A&R manager at the time, describing the Don Ellis experience at the time. This is an absolute must to and Big Band fan, but all music connoisseurs should find this music fascinating.

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JOHN KLEMMER ~ FINESSE / MAGNIFICENT MADNESS WOUNDED BIRD 0197 (Barcode: 664140019720) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2005 Brilliant American saxophonist John KlemmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most versatile and talented Jazz players in the last few decades. His initial influence was the saxophone legacy of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and to this date he is one of the best post-Coltrane players around, but his career found him playing in many different settings ranging from Free-Jazz to Smooth-Jazz. However, regardless of the musical environment, Klemmer´s saxophone playing is always beyond reproach and his improvisational skills are breathtaking, as is his amazing tone on tenor saxophone and the echoplex electric saxophone, which he introduced into Jazz. He is also a brilliant composer and his lyrical melodies are among the finest out there. "FinesseFind albums with this title" was Klemmer´s 4th and last album for the ElektraFind albums on this label label and it comprises of his original compositions, played by a wonderful quintet with keyboardist Russell FerranteFind albums by this artist, bassist Bob MagnussonFind albums by this artist, drummer Roy McCurdyFind albums by this artist and percussionist Steve FormanFind albums by this artist. "Magnificent MadnessFind albums with this title" was his 1st album on Elektra and includes covers as well as his original compositions. Although on the lighter side of Jazz, these two albums include quite amazing musicianship and Klemmer´s saxophone sound can melt ice any time. Recommended to listeners, who enjoy good melodic Jazz, which does not compromise the music quality and does not cross over to elevator music.

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JOHN KLEMMER ~ HUSH WOUNDED BIRD 0527 (Barcode: 664140052727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1981 Released: 2008 Brilliant American saxophonist John KlemmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most versatile and talented Jazz players in the last few decades. His initial influence was the saxophone legacy of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and to this date he is one of the best post-Coltrane players around, but his career found him playing in many different settings ranging from Free-Jazz to Smooth-Jazz. However, regardless of the musical environment, Klemmer´s saxophone playing is always beyond reproach and his improvisational skills are breathtaking, as is his amazing tone on tenor saxophone and the echoplex electric saxophone, which he introduced into Jazz. He is also a brilliant composer and his lyrical melodies are among the finest out there. This was Klemmer´s 2nd album for the Elektra label and it comprises of his original compositions, played by a wonderful ensemble, which includes keyboardist Russell FerranteFind albums by this artist, guitarists Larry CarltonFind albums by this artist and Lee RitenourFind albums by this artist, bassist Abe LaborielFind albums by this artist, drummer Harvey MasonFind albums by this artist and many more great players. Klemmer´s playing is inspired and wonderfully romantic and the album is superbly produced. Recommended to listeners, who enjoy good melodic Jazz, which does not compromise the music quality and does not cross over to elevator music. Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I thought that I remembered enjoying this album 20+ years ago, and the first track matched my memory (and Adam´s praise) but I have to say that when the vocals came in (and there are quite a few vocal tracks in different styles) that they seemed to me pretty cheesey and put the CD firmly on my list labelled "how do I get rid of these discs that I will never listen to again?"

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JOHN KLEMMER ~ SOLO SAXOPHONE II - LIFE WOUNDED BIRD 0566 (Barcode: 664140056626) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008 Brilliant American saxophonist John KlemmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most versatile and talented Jazz players in the last few decades. His initial influence was the saxophone legacy of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and to this date he is one of the best post-Coltrane players around, but his career found him playing in many different settings ranging from Free-Jazz to Smooth-Jazz. However, regardless of the musical environment, Klemmer´s saxophone playing is always beyond reproach and his improvisational skills are breathtaking, as is his amazing tone on tenor saxophone and the echoplex electric saxophone, which he introduced into Jazz. He is also a brilliant composer and his lyrical melodies are among the finest out there. This was Klemmer´s 3rd album for the Elektra label and it is completely different from the other three albums he recorded for the label. Any solo instrumental album is a major challenge and sometimes the musician involved, regardless of his talent and virtuosity, is unable to produce an album´s worth of music, which keeps the listener interested. On this, his second solo saxophone effort, Klemmer is simply brilliant from start to finish and his improvisations are breathtaking. The superb tonal qualities of his instrument and the flow of the music, either lyrical or at faster-then-light speed is flawless. Klemmer comes back to the days when he was an avid Coltrane disciple and his excursions remind the Master´s greatest moments. The music, all composed by Klemmer, includes melodic themes of depth and beauty, which are great vehicles for his improvisations. There is one vocal track on the album, which might seem out of place for the Jazz buffs, but the rest of the album is all pure improvised Jazz. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend