Record Reviews

GEORGIE FAME ~ SEVENTH SON / GOING HOME BGO 700 (Barcode: 5017261207005) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2008 Contrary to what most people know about singer / songwriter / keyboards player Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, his true aspiration was always to sing Jazz. Although he arrived on the British scene in the mid-1960s as a Pop singer, with several singles charting over the years, pretty soon he decided that a Pop idol was the last thing he wanted to be and moved away from the Pop image as fast as he could. By the end of the 1960s Fame was already singing in front of Jazz bands and his self-penned material had a distinctive Jazzy feel. This album includes two of Fame’s LPs recorded in 1969 and 1971 respectively, both great examples of his great sensitivity and musicality. On Seventh SonFind albums with this title he is supported by a dreamy Jazz band, which includes such illustrious players as Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Chris PyneFind albums by this artist (trombone), Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist (bass) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist (drums), who play some outstanding solos. The album was produce by Fame’s friend Alan PriceFind albums by this artist, another Pop star with Jazz inspirations. On Going HomeFind albums with this title the supporting band is the Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist orchestra, another quite jazzy outfit, which played for example behind Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist, when he lived and recorded in Britain at the same period. Although perhaps only marginally Jazz, these two albums are a great example of the openness the music industry was willing to extend towards the artists, who wanted to do “their own thing”, something that lasted for a very brief period of time. Fame’s worm tone and great feel for the music are definitely worth a recollection and this album is a great trip down the memory lane. Probably for people in the autumn years, like myself, but still great fun.

Updated: 10/04/2020Posted:

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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 ~ M. F. HORN 2 / THE BALLAD STYLE OF MAYNARD FERGUSON VOCALION 8421 (Barcode: 765387842123) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1972 Released: 2006 Canadian Jazz trumpeter / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist arrived in UK in late 1968, where Jazz was accepted as a legitimate Art Form and highly appreciated. European audiences were more receptive to new sounds and musical experimentation, be it Free Jazz or Jazz-Rock Fusion, and therefore an ideal refuge for many frustrated American musicians. Ferguson resided in UK between 1968 and 1973, where he was warmly received and his talent promptly recognized. He recorded five albums in UK for the CBSFind albums on this label label, which are considered the pinnacle of his recorded legacy. This album combines two of these albums, the last and the first of his UK recordings. In spite of the differences between the two albums they both showcase Ferguson’s amazing abilities as an instrumentalist. His famous high-pitched cadenzas and screaming, soaring finales are of course legendary. "M. F. Horn 2Find albums with this title" is an excellent Jazz-Rock Fusion album, similar to the work of American bands like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChaseFind albums by this artist or British bands like IfFind albums by this artist, but rather than leading a combo, Ferguson is riding the powerful locomotive of a full-fledged big band / brass orchestra, which of course makes a huge difference to the overall sound. Conducted by Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, a brilliant arranger and producer, the band comprised of the absolute best British Jazz horn players at the time and sounds like a million dollars. The clever and sophisticated arrangements suit Ferguson’s abilities perfectly and the album is an absolute blast from start to finish. "The Ballad Style Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" is a complete contrast, showcasing the trumpeter’s solos against a lushly playing orchestra, directed again by Keith Mansfield, who also arranged the music. Some Jazz fans might shrug at this music, considering it almost a Pop effort, but honestly anybody who can appreciate great trumpet performance and a superb orchestra supporting the soloist will find this certainly worth their while. Great stuff!

Updated: 17/04/2020Posted:

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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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SALENA JONES ~ THE MOMENT OF TRUTH / EVERYBODY`S TALKIN` ABOUT SALENA JONES VOCALION 8422 (Barcode: 765387842222) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2006 Two great vocal albums by US singer Salena JonesFind albums by this artist, born at the same small town as Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist, who came to prominence after she arrived in the UK and captured the British audiences with her warm, sensuous voice and great ability to interpret Jazz material. In Britain Jones recorded her first two albums, released on the CBSFind albums on this label label, both of which are presented here. Both albums were orchestrated and arranged by arranger / conductor Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, who was a superb master of his trade and whose orchestra included the best British studio and Jazz players at the time. The music covers a selection of popular vocal Jazz standards and other contemporary material, all beautifully performed with great feeling and masterly approach. The orchestral arrangements are absolutely stunning and full of superb short instrumental solos. The albums lost nothing of their charm over the years. Recommended to vocal Jazz enthusiasts.

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