Record Reviews
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  | GATO BARBIERI ~ FENIX
BMG 743218514821 (Barcode: 743218514821) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001
This is a reissue / remaster of the 3rd album by Argentinean Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist, originally released on the legendary Flying DutchmanFind albums on this label label and produced by Bob ThieleFind albums by this artist, who was the label’s owner. The album was recorded by a sensational team of American Jazz musicians, which included pianist Lonnie Liston SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist, drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, percussionist Gene GoldenFind albums by this artist and Brazilian percussionist Nana VasconcelosFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Joe BeckFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents six tracks, one of which is an original composition by Barbieri and the rest are by Argentinean Pop / Folk composers.
By the time this album was recorded, Barbieri managed to fully develop his unique style, which perfectly combined Jazz improvisation with the spirit of South American music. He was an incredible virtuoso and his brilliant fluency was truly magical and mesmerizing. As a result, he created a long series of brilliant albums, which to this day are absolutely stunning.
Barbieri, strongly influenced by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, developed a unique “wall of sound” effect, which presented him wailing with a terrific intensity, but supported in the background by Latin rhythms and often retaining a clear melodic contents, including his obvious affinity to the Argentinean Tango.
Overall, this is a classic example of early Jazz-World Fusion, played by the best musicians at the time and fronted by Barbieri’s intense improvisations, which remain completely relevant well over five decades later. A music in every serious Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 09/06/2025Posted: 09/06/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STANLEY CLARKE ~ JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
HEADS UP 3155 (Barcode: 053361315528) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009
What a delight it is to finally hear the veteran Master bassist / composer Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist doing what he does best – play Jazz; even better when he does so in my favorite Jazz format – the piano trio; but wait, it gets even better: Clarke´s companions on this exquisite album are no others that my favorite representative of the young generation of Jazz pianists – Japanese virtuoso Hiromi UeharaFind albums by this artist and his drummer is no other than an old cohort Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist. Proving me wrong, when I often say: "they don´t play that kind of music any more", this trio just soars from start to finish, playing their heart out, and believe me they all have huge hearts. Apart from the virtuosity and panache, these players have the "feel" like only very few others, turning the piano trio format into an entire orchestra of sounds, rhythms and emotions. I´m especially happy for Stanley, as his solo recording career suffered from many far from brilliant releases and this is the album he deserved for such a long time. Let´s all enjoy this momentous occasion and bask in the wonderful sounds this album is so full of. The music is a mixture of originals by Clarke, and Uehara with a few standards added for good measure. It goes without saying that every piano trio enthusiast simply must have this album, but any music lover will find here the super-rare commodity available these sad (for music) days – great music. Grab it!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STANLEY CLARKE ~ JOURNEY TO LOVE
EPIC 468221 (Barcode: 5099746822125) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1975
3rd album by one of the most important Jazz / Fusion players / composers Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist. A brilliant instrumentalist on both the acoustic and electric basses, Clark first came to the attention of Fusion fans as a member of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, where he played some of the most innovative bass parts of the genre. His ability to switch between the acoustic and electric bass and his incredible musicality and sense of rhythm made him the world’s leader on his instrument, to be surpassed later only by the mighty Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist (please note Clarke plays fretted bass guitar and Pastorius fretless bass guitar, which are quite different in many ways). This album is considered his best release ever. With a stellar cast including Chick Corea, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and David SanciousFind albums by this artist, Clarke presents a series of brilliant compositions, each one in a different style and instrumentation. The absolute highlight of the album is the acoustic trio (with Corea and McLaughlin) dedicated to John Coltrane. Also the “Concerto For Jazz / Rock Orchestra”, performed with a brass section, is an amazing piece of classic Fusion. This is an absolute must for any Fusion / good music fan.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STANLEY CLARKE ~ THE COMPLETE 1970S EPIC ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979312227 (Barcode: 886979312227) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1979 Released: 2012
American bassist / composer / bandleader Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist is one of the iconic figures of the Jazz-Rock Fusion explosion, which swept the world in the late 1960s / early 1970s. His distinctive and virtuosic bass lines have set standards, which are followed to this very day, with very few bass players being able to play as technically perfect as he always did and even fewer to be as inventive, groundbreaking and innovative. Although primarily associated with Fusion and the electric bass guitar, Clarke always was (and still is) an exceptional acoustic bass player with a superb Jazz technique and sensitivity.
Clarke first came to prominence as a member of the first lineup of the legendary Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist´s ensemble Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, where his bass lines shaped the music as significantly as Corea´s keyboard wizardry. Clarke stayed with the original band for several years and remained a Corea´s friend and collaborator in the decades that followed. In parallel to his work with Return To Forever, Clarke started a solo recording career, which produced some of Fusion´s and later also Funk´s greatest moments.
Following the release of his debut solo album on PolydorFind albums on this label, he switched to the NemperorFind albums on this label label (currently owned by SonyFind albums on this label) and later on to the EpicFind albums on this label label (a subsidiary of ColumbiaFind albums on this label). He recorded five albums for Nemperor between 1974 and 1979, the last of which was a live double LP. In the 1980s and early 1990s his albums were released on Epic. This Box Set includes all the five albums released on Nemperor and as a bonus also a live album recorded during Clarke´s band tours in 1976-1977, which was released only in 1991.
Of course the list of names of the musicians, who play alongside Clarke on these albums, reads like an encyclopedia of American music of that period. To mention just a few: keyboardists Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist, Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, David SanciousFind albums by this artist and others, guitarists Bill ConnorsFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and others, drummers Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, Gerry BrownFind albums by this artist and others and a myriad of other musicians. Clarke composed almost every note played here, with very few exceptions, and the music is absolutely marvelous and ass-kicking, as it was at the time it was recorded.
Clarke was often criticized for utilizing his vocals on some of these albums, which of course was not one of his fortes, but since the vocals are relatively scarce and in retrospect really not that bad, that point of criticism id completely insignificant in view of the majestic content of the music contained herein.
Every bass player today, consciously or subconsciously, directly or indirectly is influenced one way or another by what Stanley Clarke played over the years, and this Box Set is a great way to celebrate his talent. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRIFFITH PARK COLLECTION ~ THE GRIFFITH PARK COLLECTION 2 IN CONCERT
WOUNDED BIRD 6262 (Barcode: 664140626225) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008
2nd album by an ad-hoc US Jazz super-group Griffith Park CollectionFind albums by this artist, which was put together by drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist and included trumpeter Freddie HubbardFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist, pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist – all Masters of the trade and veteran American Jazz Giants. White is the link between all these players, as he previously played in Henderson´s and Hubbard´s bands and of course he was a member of Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist with Corea and Clarke.
The quintet is in many respects similar to the V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet, which in turn was modeled after the famous second Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet. They play modern Jazz, strongly based on the Bebop tradition, but pushing the boundaries into modal and sometimes Free Form. Following the recording of their only studio album, the band performed several concerts, which produced these live recordings, which are more relaxed and much expanded, with fearsome long solos. The music is all original by the quintet members except for two standards, performed superbly with flair and breathtaking virtuosity, as expected from these great musicians. This album was unavailable for almost two decades and it´s great to have it back in circulation. A must for modern Jazz lovers!
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  | RETURN TO FOREVER ~ THE MOTHERSHIP RETURNS
EAR MUSIC 4029759135654 (Barcode: 4029759135654) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012
This is a 2CD live album documenting the 2011 tour of the legendary American Fusion band Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, which for this occasion was expanded to a quintet and included in addition to the three veteran members: keyboardist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist and drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist also guitarist Frank GambaleFind albums by this artist and French violinist Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, several including a medley of two tunes, mostly composed by Corea, but including also material by Clarke, White and Ponty. Although recorded live the album offers an excellent sound quality.
There are no surprises whatsoever as far as the music is concerned, since the material includes mostly familiar "hits", which RTF originally recorded a long time ago and performed countless times live since. There was no ambition here to offer new material or change anything in the "golden" formula, which proved to be successful in the past. Even the presence of Ponty, who although also deeply rooted in the Fusion idiom, is stylistically somewhat different due to his European ancestry, makes no difference and proves that he was completely Americanized to fit the pattern of RTF. Gambale shows some unique moments, but again he completely fits the bill.
Having said that, one has of course to remember that these are some of the most revered Fusion pros around and they can play like a dream, which they do all the way, soloing extensively. The music is also excellent, although a bit tattered by repeated use, but still sounds great and humming the familiar melodies is always a great fun. The many RTF fans around the world will not miss the opportunity to hear these guys again for sure.
In short this is like eating your favorite ice cream – sweet familiar taste and great comfort but still Déjà vu ;)
| | Updated: 25/07/2020Posted: 25/07/2020 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAL URBANIAK ~ FOR WARSAW WITH LOVE
AGORA 5903111493684 (Barcode: 5903111493684) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rap Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019
"Jazz is (*) the music of the oppressed black working class in capitalist America". This is the slogan that enabled Polish Jazz musicians to play and flourish behind the iron curtain, when the above definition was softened following Stalin´s death (1953) from its original form, which also included "the product of the degeneration presented as" in the place of the asterisk above. Expression of solidarity by the Polish working class with the "black working class in capitalist America" was allowed by playing Jazz. Of course Polish Jazz musicians – including our hero saxophonist / violinist Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist – were never a part of the working class, but that was the beauty of the whole thing. Polish intelligentsia and the artistic bohemian class in particular, which included filmmakers, Jazz musicians, actors, poets and other undesirable riffraff, were absolute Masters in fooling the system and its censorship apparatus into believing in their legitimacy as representatives of the working class and their conformity with the official Socialist Party policies.
Urbaniak and a few of Polish Jazz pioneers visited the US in 1962 and he fell head over heels in love with the "original" American Jazz. From that moment on his primary life´s desire was to move to NY and become part of the local scene, which he consistently pursued and eventually achieved in 1973, together with his wife at the time, vocalist Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist. His NY residency was crowned by a recording contract with Columbia and release of several brilliant and groundbreaking albums and a brief stint with the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. His talent and intensive work schedule earned him many friends among the American (and not only) musicians, which explains how he managed to get on this album a string of stars like drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, bassist Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, pianist Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, guitarist David GilmoreFind albums by this artist, rapper Walter WestFind albums by this artist and others.
Eventually Urbaniak, like many other Polish Jazz musicians who tried their luck in the US, returned to Poland, which in the meantime managed to free itself from the shackles of the Socialist regime, and resumed his activity on the local scene, retaining of course his NY ties. His keen senses and sharp ears enabled him to select some of the best Polish Jazz musicians, mostly members of the young generation, and invite them to take part in this project, like pianist Michal TokajFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, Michal WroblewskiFind albums by this artist and Marek PedziwiatrFind albums by this artist and others.
Formally this album is a tribute to the city of Warsaw, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the tragic Warsaw Uprising against the Nazi German occupation and the album was issued by the Warsaw Uprising Museum. To be honest I completely fail to see any connection and for me this is not a tribute to Warsaw but a tribute to NY and contemporary American music scene. It offers a mixture of Rap, Hip-Hop, Groove, Blues and a bit of Jazz, with a distinct Afro-American feel, which to people familiar with Urbaniak´s current activity is hardly surprising. Most of the music is attributed to Urbaniak, but there are also two classic Jazz standards dressed up to fit with the rest of the album. And yes, it offers a lot of superb playing on the way.
The album proves that Urbaniak wishes to stay relevant and up to date with contemporary trends, which is certainly more than other musicians of his group age are doing. It has a strong Jazz tinge, but certainly is not meant as a Jazz album per se; and why not? Urbaniak does not have to justify his musical choices to anybody, and his extensive legacy proves that he paid his dues and can do whatever he wants to do. The "critics", who dismissed this album outright, fail to see the point here – it is up to the musician to play what see thinks is right and it is up to the listener to decide if he wishes to listen / buy the album. Urbaniak is simply well beyond scrutiny by self proclaimed "critics" – he has been around for long enough to ignore this bullshit.
It was a pleasure to meet Michal again a couple of month ago at the after party of the Singer Festival, where he gave me an autographed copy of this album. Nigel KennedyFind albums by this artist, the star of the final concert and an accomplished musician by all standards, looked at Michal with love and admiration deserved by an older Master… certainly good enough for me. Even if this music is not exactly my glass of vodka, if this is what he wants to play, who am I to tell him otherwise? Respect!
| | Updated: 11/11/2019Posted: 11/11/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MIROSLAV VITOUS ~ MAJESTY MUSIC
WOUNDED BIRD 4099 (Barcode: 664140409927) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2015
This is a reissue of the 4th solo album by Czech (resident in the US) bassist / composer Miroslav VitousFind albums by this artist. Following his departure from Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, Vitous started a solo career playing with many of the most prestigious Jazz musicians over the years. This album was recorded with two Israeli musicians: saxophonist Jaroslav JakubovicFind albums by this artist (also of Czech origin) and vocalist / keyboardist Rimona FrancisFind albums by this artist. Other musicians playing on the album included percussionist David Earle JohnsonFind albums by this artist, drummers Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist and Gerry BrownFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Francisco CentenoFind albums by this artist and a couple of others. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which were composed by Vitous, two by Jakubovic and one co-composed by them both.
This is relatively a little known album by Vitous, despite the fact that it is one of his most interesting recordings, mixing elements of Fusion and World Music. The superb team of international musicians, and especially the presence of Rimona Francis and Jaroslav Jakubovic, make it completely unique in Vitous’ recording legacy.
Overall, it is great to have this superb album on CD, and Weather Report fans should grab a copy instantly, before it disappears from the market like all other great reissues. I have no idea how I missed it till now?
| | Updated: 14/12/2023Posted: 14/12/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LENNY WHITE ~ ATTITUDE
WOUNDED BIRD 0232 (Barcode: 664140023222) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2005
6th album by one of the most versatile US drummers, who played in such different settings as Miles Davis (late 1960s), Return To Forever (mid 1970s) and a myriad of projects spanning everything between mainstream jazz, fusion and funk in later years. His early solo projects were all oriented towards Fusion, but he continuously moved from Fusion towards Funk / Soul, incorporating more vocals and commercial arrangements. Of course this does not mean that his music was bad, as it never was and a player of caliber had always something to offer. This album, although characterized by a commercial sound, presents some high quality Funk music with truly excellent rhythmic approach. The presence of the legendary bass player Marcus Miller turns this into a classic Funk that generation of players studied later on. Definitely on the lighter side of things, but still a damn good listen.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LENNY WHITE ~ STREAMLINE
WOUNDED BIRD 0164 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
4th album from 1978. As it seemed impossible to make anything better then White`s previous album, he changed the direction again, going more into the funky groove, with some smokin` vocal numbers (one featuring queen of soul Chaka Khan). However there is still plenty of real instrumental fusion stuff, and some absolutely outstanding bass playing by the superb Marcus Miller.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LENNY WHITE ~ THE ADVENTURES OF ASTRAL PIRATES
WOUNDED BIRD 6121 (Barcode: 664140612129) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2002
3rd album by Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist. This time without superstar guests, still White manages to creat one of the quintessential Fusion albums, with excellent playing all over and music that never rests for a second to keep you awake. This is also a concept album, based somewhat on the `Star Wars` like theme of cosmic battles, etc. There are some world music elements here as well, so truly never a dull moment. Produced by the genious Al KooperFind albums by this artist! Essential stuff!
| | | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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