Record Reviews
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  | TONY OXLEY ~ UNRELEASED 1974-2016
DISCUS 129 (Barcode: 5051078993126) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1974 - 2016 Released: 2022
This is an archival album compiling recordings by British Jazz drummer / violinist / composer / improviser / electronicist Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1974 and 2016 with some of the top British / European Avant-Garde musicians. The first three tracks from 1974 present a quintet with bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, pianist Howard RileyFind albums by this artist and trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist. Although recorded in 1974, the music was much later into the form present on this album in later dates between 2005 and 2020. Next track from 1981 presents a quintet with guitarist Hugh MetcalfeFind albums by this artist, Riley, saxophonist Larry StabbinsFind albums by this artist and violinist / electronicist Philipp WachsmannFind albums by this artist and finally the last track presents a duo with German percussionist Stefan HoelkerFind albums by this artist. All the music was all composed by Oxley.
The album is a spectacular showcase of British / European Improvised Music at its best and has very limited to what most people consider as Jazz, sonically exploring interstellar space rather that our humble earthy neighborhood, but obviously preserving the improvising spirit and using sound as a metaphysical medium to express emotion and artistic expression.
The three early tracks form 1974 are perhaps the most remarkable, considering the date of recording, which proves that Oxley already at that time was light-years ahead of most the other musical explorers at the time. The absolute freedom from any references and restrictions characterizes these recordings as completely pioneering at the time, and honestly standing up to anything created in Improvised Music ever since.
Kudos to Oxley for releasing these recordings from his personal vaults and to Martin ArcherFind albums by this artist for releasing them faithfully on his DiscusFind albums on this label label, making them available to the world. You make us all spiritually richer being able to listen to this music.
Overall, this is a tremendously important historical material, which opens yet another window into the musical legacy of one of the most important British / European Improvising Music personas, which are both delightful and enlightening. An absolute must for Improvising Music followers!
| | Updated: 05/04/2022Posted: 05/04/2022 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | SAROST ~ AURORA
JAZZ NOW 03 (Barcode: 5060774190906) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025
This is the debut album by the British Jazz Trio SarostFind albums by this artist, comprising of saxophonist Larry StabbinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark SandersFind albums by this artist. The album presents four lengthy tracks, all co-credited to the trio members, with the additional credit to Keith TippettFind albums by this artist on the last track.
Considering the collective legacy of these three veteran musicians, it is not surprising to find them improvising freely for the entire duration of this album, displaying their amazing technique and experience. The music takes no prisoners and listeners not used to highly Avant-Garde improvised interactions, each lasting for about a quartet of an hour, should be fairly warned to proceed with caution.
However, listeners familiar with previous recordings and appearances by these Artists, should enjoy their collective interactions, as they all have plenty of experience and imagination to share with their listeners. There is plenty of impressive soloing herein and collective camaraderie, of the highest intensity. This is the 3rd release on the new Jazz NowFind albums on this label label, run by the good people of Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label, sharing their finds with all of us.
Overall, this is music for a very limited audience of Avant-Garde / Improvised Music niche, as such of the highest quality, but for the rest of the world it is simply beyond comprehension and ability of communicating with it. I feel happy to belong to the first category and thanks for sharing!
| | Updated: 11/06/2025Posted: 11/06/2025 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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