Record Reviews

DAVE HOLLAND ~ EXTENSIONS ECM 1410 (Barcode: 602517758421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2008 British bassist / composer Dave HollandFind albums by this artist is undoubtedly one of the greatest Masters of his trade. From his role as a member of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist ensembles at their most revolutionary transition period through his work with other distinguished Jazz musicians and his work as a leader, Holland emerges as a pillar of stability and inventiveness combined into one Genius. This brilliant album presents Holland in somewhat unusual setting, with a quartet comprising of US musicians: saxophonist Steve ColemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist and drummer Marvin SmithFind albums by this artist, which means that the music includes a certain measure of Funk, which is not what Holland´s music is associated with normally. However, the leader and the group emerge victorious (as expected), with the music being fresh and artistically perfect, not allowing the Funk to dominate it, but cleverly incorporating it within. Holland, Coleman and Eubanks contribute two compositions each, and this highly spirited and brilliantly played music is a delightful musical experience. Superb stuff!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JEAN-LUC PONTY ~ NO ABSOLUTE TIME MPS 4029759181231 (Barcode: 4029759181231) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1992 - 1993 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of an album by French Jazz violinist / composer Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist, recorded with several African musicians from Cameroon, Senegal and Morocco, as well as American keyboardist Wally MinkoFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Kevin EubanksFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Ponty. The music is, as expected, an amalgam of beautiful melodies and African rhythms, offering a splendid Jazz-World Fusion atmosphere. Ponty utilizes electronics to multiply the layers of sound he produces, and his violin work is as charming as always. This album, originally released in 1993, is a continuation of the previous album “TchokolaFind albums with this title”, released a couple years earlier, which also included African musicians. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, sadly much less popular than the early albums by Ponty, but definitely worth digging out. The new remastered sound quality as absolutely stunning and giving the album another chance is a great idea. If you don’t have a copy from thirty years ago, now is the time!

Updated: 18/08/2023Posted: 18/08/2023

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend