Record Reviews

PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ SPLIT SECOND CRESCENT 10 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1988 Released: 2008 Legendary guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and his In CahootsFind albums by this artist ensemble have been active on the Canterbury / Jazz scene since the 1980s, constantly changing lineups but always producing music of the highest quality. A vehicle for presenting Miller’s intricate and highly sophisticated compositions, the ensemble’s recorded legacy through the years – both studio and live – is a great example of European Jazz. This album presents a series of studio recordings from the 1980s with a stellar lineup, which includes Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – alto saxophone and saxello, Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass and Pip PyleFind albums by this artist – drums on four of the eight tracks and the other tracks are collaborations with Canterbury heroes Dave StewartFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – vocals, Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist – vocals and John MitchellFind albums by this artist – keyboards and percussion. Most of the music was composed or co-composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional, as are the performances. This is a reissue of the original edition of this album from 1988, which is now a rare collector´s item. Highly recommended!

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend

MIRAGE ~ NOW YOU SEE IT… VOCALION 8431 (Barcode: 765387843120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007 The short-lived Jazz-Rock Fusion group MirageFind albums by this artist is an excellent example of the incredible high level of music created in Britain in the 1970s. Co-led by two great instrumentalist and composers: saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, they managed to record just one album, which was originally released on the obscure, but visionary Norwegian CompendiumFind albums on this label label (along with some other superb albums), which unfortunately folded shortly after this album was released. The group also included bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave SheenFind albums by this artist on permanent basis, but was often expanded to a sextet with the addition of Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist on keyboards and John MitchellFind albums by this artist on percussion. The group played music composed by Khan and Godding, which was a typical British Fusion, somewhat similar to what the many Canterbury groups (Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist) were doing at the time, with strong melodic lines and lengthy improvisations. Godding was of course one of the best British guitarists, sadly much under-appreciated and respected mostly among his peers. This most welcome reissue expands the original album by adding two long jam-like tracks recorded live, which give an excellent glimpse as to how the group (in its sextet form) sounded on stage. Brilliant stuff, from start to finish and a must to all Fusion-heads.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend