Record Reviews
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  | KEVIN AYERS ~ HYDE PARK FREE CONCERT 1970
REEL RECORDINGS 002 (Barcode: 641444015627) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
After leaving the Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (of which he was a founding member) and recording the debut solo album (Joy Of A ToyFind albums with this title), guitarist / singer / composer Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist formed the Whole WorldFind albums by this artist band to record his second album (Shooting At The MoonFind albums with this title) and support its release by touring. This live recording captures the performance of Ayers and his band at the legendary London’s Hyde Park free concert, which had on the bill the most famous bands of the time performing in front of a 100,000 strong public – a record attendance to a rock venue in UK up to that time. Pink FloydFind albums by this artist performed their Atom Heart MotherFind albums with this title suite for the first time at that concert. Ayers and his cahoots, including David BedfordFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist on bass and Robert WyattFind albums by this artist on drums, storm through a bunch of Kevin’s song with vengeance, as appropriate for such eclectic gig, and the whole set is captured exactly as it happened – a true piece of rock history. Coxhill’s brilliant contributions were always my favorite part of that particular band. The sonic quality might not be perfect, but considering this was a “field recording” done 37 years ago – who gives a damn? Priceless stuff!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEVIN AYERS ~ THE BBC SESSIONS 1970-1976
HUX 073 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Another splendid release from the BBC vaults presenting the extraordinary work of Canterbury hero Kevin AyersFind albums by this artist, spanning a period from his early Soft MachineFind albums by this artist days and later solo career. The list of musicians playing with Ayers on these sessions looks like a who’s who of early 1970’s Canterbury scene, Prog and Jazz combined: Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, Mike OldfieldFind albums by this artist, Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist, Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, David BedfordFind albums by this artist, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Archie LeggettFind albums by this artist, Ollie HalsallFind albums by this artist & Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist. The music is as adventurous and quirky as his usual output, with often humorous lyrics and plenty of instrumental passages to spice it all. This material is of immense historical importance and opens many windows to the understanding of the simmering UK musical scene at the time. The sound quality is excellent as usual for all the BBC recorded material. A must to all Canterbury scene fans.
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  | LOL COXHILL ~ EAR OF BEHOLDER
ESOTERIC 2275 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011
This is the debut album by British Avant-Garde hero, saxophonist / composer Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. His activities over the years, sadly not often properly documented on record, show him as one of the most forward-thinking artists on the scene. His involvement with Rock and Jazz musicians alike show his versatility and complete disregard of conventions. A brilliant instrumentalist, Coxhill can truly move the listener and bring him to places rarely visited beforehand. This album, which collects many live performances and a few studio pieces, recorded over a span of one year, show Coxhill in charge of his element. The music is completely beyond classification, and probably extremely weird to an untrained ear, but to an Avant-Garde connoisseur this is heaven on earth. The original double LP was released on the legendary DandelionFind albums on this label label, co-owned by John PeelFind albums by this artist, and has been out of print for decades. This reissue is a most welcome act of recognition to the man’s great talent and a superb opportunity to rediscover this gem. A must to all British Jazz / Avant-Garde fans!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DZWIEK-BUD ~ OSTRE NOZE
NASZE NAGRANIA 002 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013
This is the second album by Polish improvising collective Dzwiek-BudFind albums by this artist, founded by guitarist Suavas LewyFind albums by this artist, which also includes viola player Malgorzata BoguszFind albums by this artist, violinist Michal RupniewskiFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Pawel SokolowskiFind albums by this artist, but they play many other instruments as well. The concept of the ensemble is to create music inside a specific environment, which reflects that specific environment and its ambience. This album presents nine (well there is also a hidden tenth) improvised pieces reflecting the atmosphere of marketplaces around the Polish town of Lodz, Suavas´ home town. The music is not specifically credited to anybody so one can assume it is by proxy credited to the ensemble members. The improvised pieces are accompanied by a collage of field recordings, made by Suavas at the markets, which are the authentic voices of people and other related ambient environmental sounds.
This is Avant-Garde music at its most extreme manifestation, which for most people is most probably way above their heads and ears. The violin and viola create mostly a sound close to Avant-Garde Classical music, which has been around for almost a century, although continues to be consistently ignored by the Classical snobs stuck with Ludwig van BeethovenFind albums by this artist and Wolfgang Amadeus MozartFind albums by this artist. When the guitar and saxophone join in, we are transported into the Steve LacyFind albums by this artist / Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist / Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist area of expertise, which of course also continues to be consistently ignored, this time by the Jazz snobs; life is a bitch…
Of course the question often arises if this music (if it is music at all) has a raison d´être, since it is not very communicative, certainly isn´t entertaining and most people hate it? Well, one should not ask moronic questions like these, unless one intends to question the raison d´être of Art or even Culture itself. If someone creates this music as a means of his expression, this a priori validates its right to exist. Perhaps best appropriate as a soundtrack of a documentary movie, this music standing alone offers the advantage to be able to become a soundtrack to whatever imaginary movie the listener wishes to create inside his head. It takes a lot of courage to make music like that.
The fact that such music is being created, recorded and released in Poland is truly amazing. Often considered backward and primitive by its western neighbors and across the pond big brothers, 21st Century Polish Jazz in its full splendor and diversity actually is able to teach everybody a lesson or two.
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: | CD-R 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | FINGERS ~ THE COMPLETE FINGERS REMEMBER MINGUS
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 55 (Barcode: 5060774190692) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1979 - 1993 Released: 2024
This is an expanded reissue / remaster of an album by British Jazz quintet FingersFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonists Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and Bruce TurnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The original album was recorded in 1979 and released on the legendary SpotliteFind albums on this label label in 1983, which needless to say has been in my collection since then. It included only five tracks, some of which were edited to fit on the LP, which are here expanded to include the complete recording session on CD1 and CD2, total eleven tracks including alternate tracks. CD3 presents eight unreleased tracks, originating from BBC broadcasts or other sources, recorded between 1979 and 1993 (see details on the album’s artwork).
Although the music herein, either that by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist or by other composers, is basically mainstream oriented, the unique “Fingers’ treatment” it receives here turns is into an orgy of improvisation, which more often than not ventures into the Free territory, especially when Coxhill is in the lead. The atmosphere of the session is somewhat similar to what one might hear on Mingus’ albums, so the resulting music is a tribute with a British twist, which fans of Mingus and those familiar with his music should enjoy immensely.
These are some of the finest British Jazz players after all, so it’s hardly surprising that the performances are stellar. Under the steady bass grip by Green, the music manages to swing even when the melody wanders far away, only to return like a wave. Some spectacular soli, which are lost on the original abridged edition, are here to bring a wide smile upon the listener’s lips. The relaxed, almost informal atmosphere of the session, serves the music well, as the result proves.
Overall, this is another brilliant release by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which does not rest on its laurels, keeping us on edge awaiting the next showdown. Thy good people behind the labels have of course access to more great music that they can possibly handle, so it all comes down making the right choices, which so far has been impeccably done. Thanks, as always, for the music, which never fails to bring a tear in the corner of an eye.
| | Updated: 01/07/2024Posted: 01/07/2024 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | G. F. FITZ-GERALD ~ MOUSEPROOF
SUNBEAM 5016 (Barcode: 5051125501618) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
Scottish guitarist / singer / songwriter G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist recorded his only album with a bunch of excellent musicians, including some legendary figures like singer Judy DybleFind albums by this artist (Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist), tabla virtuoso Sam GopalFind albums by this artist, sax and flute player Geoff LeighFind albums by this artist and many others. The album was a complete commercial failure at the time of its release, disappearing entirely from the market, to be remembered only by a very few people who ever heard it as a gem of great interest. Finally after so many years the album was reissued, for all of us to enjoy. Fitz-Gerald moved on in the meantime into experimental improvised music (see his album with Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist) and never recorded in the studio again. The album lost nothing of its original charm and magic and after all these years it’s still an absolute gem. Resembling the efforts of groups like ComusFind albums by this artist and perhaps Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist, this is a completely zany, funny, crazy, wonderful mixture of Psychedelics, Jazz, early Improvised Music and Folk. As usual with such mixtures, it is absolutely beyond any specific genre and placing it under Progressive Rock is the best I can do. I really recommend to everybody to try and get hold of a copy of this – it very well might eventually become your favorite album – you never know. Brilliant stuff!
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  | G. F. FITZ-GERALD / LOL COXHILL ~ ECHOES OF DUNEDEN
REEL RECORDINGS 003 (Barcode: 641444015528) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2007
Scottish guitarist G. F. Fitz-GeraldFind albums by this artist is an Avant-Garde musician best known for his 1970 MouseproofFind albums with this title album. His activities span Psychedelic, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz. This album presents him in cooperation with one of the greatest British improvisers, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, performing a series of musical “conversations”. Recorded live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and selected from hours of material, this is a most wonderful window into the intimate world of spontaneous music creation by two masters. Coxhill is at his best here, always lyrical and often strangely romantic, even at the very peak of heated improvisation. The interplay is telepathic and inspired. Not an easy listening, but a most rewarding intellectual experience. Intended for Improvised Music enthusiasts.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE MILLER ~ MEETS ELTON DEAN
REEL RECORDINGS 007 (Barcode: 641444027729) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1976 - 1985 Released: 2008
British pianist Steve MillerFind albums by this artist (brother of guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist) started his way on the Canterbury scene when he played with legendary bands like DeliveryFind albums by this artist and CaravanFind albums by this artist, but by the late 1970s he reexamined his ambitions and musical approach and moved to play Free Jazz, as did many of his Canterbury cahoots. In the mid 1980s Steve led his own trio with Tony MooreFind albums by this artist on bass and Eddie PrevostFind albums by this artist on drums, performing a series of concerts with guest saxophone players, which included Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, Harrison SmithFind albums by this artist and Elton DeanFind albums by this artist. The recording on this album present the concert with Dean and it is a remarkable document of the British Avant-Garde Jazz at the time. As a bonus an earlier encounter between Miller and Dean, featuring another Canterbury hero, the drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, is also included. Considering the fact that Miller died prematurely in 1998 and Dean is also already on the other side since 2006, this album is a splendid addition to their legacy and a delight to their many admirers. British Jazz enthusiasts will of course be especially delighted to hear this material. Recommended!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE MILLER / LOL COXHILL ~ MILLER/COXHILL COXHILL/MILLER / THE STORY SO FAR…OH REALLY?
CUNEIFORM 253/254 (Barcode: 045775025322) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1971 - 1974 Released: 2007
This extraordinary reissue project brings back to life the recording legacy the cooperation between of two of the legendary figures of the UK Avant-Garde scene: pianist Steve MillerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. It spans the years 1971 to 1974 and includes the two albums they recorded together as well as additional live material by the duo, solo pieces by Miller and the group DeliveryFind albums by this artist of which they were both members. Except for the Delivery recordings, which was the prototype of the Canterbury scene to develop later into groups like CaravanFind albums by this artist, Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist and many more, most of the material is very experimental and Avant-Garde, which would characterize the direction Coxhill was to pursue later on, when he became an integral collaborator to the UK Free Jazz scene. Additional musicians include such Canterbury scene icons as Steve’s brother Phil MillerFind albums by this artist (guitar), Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist (bass), Pip PyleFind albums by this artist (drums), Robert WyattFind albums by this artist (percussion) and others. This is by no means easy listening stuff, but those music lovers, who are ready to make the special effort and undertake the intellectual challenge to penetrate this complex mesh of creativity, are in for a treat. The wonderful balance between Steve’s structured chord sequences and Coxhill’s ventures into deep space creates a deeply rewarding listening experience. This reissue offers a wonderful glance at the most fascinating years of musical development of the UK scene and a historic document of high importance. Kudos to the CuneiformFind albums on this label label for their efforts to preserve this music for eternity. Grab it!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAZ ~ VARIATION AND CREATION: THE STORY OF PAZ
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 40 ~ UK ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion
Recorded: 1975 - 1995 Released: 2024
This is a 3CD collection of archival recordings by the British Fusion ensemble PazFind albums by this artist, collected from the archives of Paz members: bassist / composer Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Dick CrouchFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist. Other prominent members of the ensemble included flautist / saxophonist Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, guitarists Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, Jim MullenFind albums by this artist and quite a few other British Jazz musicians. The ensemble existed between 1972 and 2019, releasing fourteen albums over the years, but the material on this album includes only previously unreleased material, originating in session and live recordings, BBC broadcasts, unreleased albums, etc. with the exact dates of these recordings remaining unknown. Altogether the album presents thirty-five tracks with about four hours of music.
The music is mostly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, with s strong Fusion influence, as well as World Music presence, such as samba and bossa nova material. Most of the music was composed by Paz members, but some Jazz standards were also utilized, as well as vocalists in some lineups. In short, Paz was an ever-changing ensemble, which always offered first-class musicianship and excellent melodic original material.
Overall, this is another splendid piece of British Jazz history, which is definitely worthy of being documented, and as always the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label do a splendid job, while at it. It is definitely worth being investigated by the many British Jazz fans, who might remember hearing the ensemble performing live, which was always a splendid experience.
| | Updated: 10/04/2025Posted: 10/04/2025 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | TREVOR WATTS / MOIRE MUSIC ~ MOIRE MUSIC
FMR 250 (Barcode: 649849983053) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2008
Debut album by the Moire MusicFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist after his previous band, AmalgamFind albums by this artist, disbanded. In contrast to Amalgam, Moire Music is a large ensemble, varying in size around 10 members, and often features a brass section, a string section and an expanded percussion section, including African drums. In contrast to Amalgam´s music, which was based mainly on a small group improvisation, this ensemble performs music which is well structured and arranged, but allows plenty of individual improvisation to take place. It also tends to include many World Music elements, incorporating them into the Jazz framework. This particular lineup of the ensemble includes the legendary saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and another esteemed saxophone player Simon PicardFind albums by this artist. The drummer is another ex-Amalgam member Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the original album was released on the independent ArcFind albums on this label label, owned by Watts. Unavailable for many years, this is a long overdue first appearance on CD, which of course is most welcome. It goes without saying that the music is brilliant, as anything Watts is associated with, I can hardly imagine a Jazz enthusiast who would remain impartial to these performances, while listening to this music and my warm recommendation is self-explanatory. Great stuff!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOBBY WELLINS SEXTET ~ HOMAGE TO CALEDONIA
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 67 (Barcode: 5060774190739) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2024
This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his sextet, which also includes pianist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian KendonFind albums by this artist, drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and percussionist Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, the first four recorded by a quartet and the rest by a sextet. Four tracks are parts of the “Culloden Moor Suite”. All the music was composed by Wellins, except the solo piano track composed by Jacobsen and one track, which is a medley of two standards. This album is a companion release to the “What Was HappeningFind albums with this title” album, recorded by the same quartet, which was also released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label.
The “Culloden Moor SuiteFind albums with this title”, originally composed in 1961, was finally recorded in its full splendor with the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, directed by Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist, only in 2013, which was the last recording before Wellins’ death in 2016. The sextet version appearing here is the only full version recorded in a “small ensemble” version.
Wellins, primarily recognized for his work with Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, was a superb saxophonist and composer and his work as a leader was always a source of joy. His recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and covers mostly his later period, therefore this album recorded in 1979 is a valuable addition. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the sextet includes Lol Coxhill, associated primarily with the “wilder” side of the British Jazz scene, not to say Avant-Garde, who fits the bill perfectly, despite the basically mainstream orientation of Wellins’ music. The lengthy piano solo track is an absolute gem and a great surprise!
Overall, this is another splendid addition to the Jazz In Britain catalogue, which brings to life a piece of the history of the genre, which surely deserves to be remembered and heard. As usual kudos to the people behind the label for carrying on the great work, for we are humbly grateful.
| | Updated: 12/11/2024Posted: 12/11/2024 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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