Record Reviews

NEIL ARDLEY ~ HARMONY OF THE SPHERES ESOTERIC 2096 (Barcode: 5013929719620) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008 Composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist was one of the brightest stars on the firmament of the magnificent British Jazz, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s. His compositions were often performed by his peers and his magnificent recordings as a leader were musical milestones, cherished and admired to this very day. Sadly, his recorded legacy is rather limited and parts of it remain unreleased on CD, which is a true crime. Therefore any reissue of his music is a true feast and celebration. This album represent´s Ardley´s late period as active musician, shortly before he left the music scene almost for good, dedicating the later part of his life to writing books. It is also a clear symbol of Ardley´s transition as a composer, moving gradually from traditional Jazz forms to quite revolutionary contemporary Classical / Electronic / Ambient music, which although still contained strong Jazz elements (mainly improvised sections), was nevertheless a completely new compositional entity. As most of his ambitious compositions, the music is presented in a form of an extended suite, which makes a coherent whole and being divided into separate sections to emphasize the internal flow of the music. Ardley recruited a group of eleven musicians to record the album and as usual turned to his life-long friend and collaborator, trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist to become the main protagonist. The list of the participants reads like a dream come true of the British Jazz scene and includes reed players Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist and vocalists Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist and Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. Lesser known but no less talented contributors include bassist Bill KristianFind albums by this artist and drummer Richard BurgessFind albums by this artist. Guitarist John MartynFind albums by this artist is the surprising guest, who closes the list of participating musicians, and although primarily associated with Folk, delivers some heartbreaking guitar solos on this album. People familiar with these names will of course recognize the fact that most of these musicians were associated at one time or another with Ian Carr as members of his NucleusFind albums by this artist ensemble. In retrospect this album remains a major milestone of British music and a firm reminder of Ardley´s genius. Ardley, who died in 2004 (aged 66) will forever be a landmark figure and hopefully the younger generation will discover his magnificent music thank to reissues, like this one. An absolute must!

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DR. JOHN ~ ANUTHA ZONE VIRGIN 724384621827 (Barcode: 724384621827) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is the 21st studio album by iconic American singer / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader Dr. JohnFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Mac RebennackFind albums by this artist), recorded in New York and London with his regular band consisting of guitarist Bobby BroomFind albums by this artist, bassist David BarardFind albums by this artist and drummer Herman Ernest IIIFind albums by this artist and many additional guest musicians, including Paul WellerFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen songs, which were mostly written by Dr. John or co-written with his wife Cat YellenFind albums by this artist, except one song by John MartynFind albums by this artist. Stylistically this album returns to the early days of Dr. John with his New Orleans idiosyncrasies, Mardi Gras, Voodoo, etc. perfectly combined with Jazzy arrangements. The beautiful throaty voice, keyboards playing and general attitude of Dr. John are absolutely perfectly for these the Funky, Blues soaked, Boogie songs, and are a proof of his enormous talent. Listening to this album is one great thrill from start to finish, and the organ parts are simply delicious. Overall, this is a little hidden gem of American music, which deserves to be remembered and a lot can be learned from it about how to combine cross-genre musical sources to create a perfect amalgam, which is simply everlasting. Blues, Soul and vocal Jazz enthusiasts should love this album to bits!

Updated: 18/10/2023Posted: 18/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend