Record Reviews

JULIAN ARGÜELLES ~ AS ABOVE SO BELOW PROVOCATEUR 1033 (Barcode: 5038491103325) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 British saxophonist / composer Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he first came to prominence as a member of the legendary Loose TubesFind albums by this artist ensemble. He recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his second on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label (and 6th as a leader), was recorded with a splendid octet, which includes both young British Jazz players and seasoned veterans, including Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist (sax) and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist (trumpet), and a 20-piece string ensemble. The music is a beautiful synthesis of Jazz and contemporary Classical Music that is surely Julian’s most ambitious and far-reaching work as a composer. The tranquil and contemplative themes are splendidly orchestrated and the octet performs in perfect harmony with the string ensemble. Deeply moving and uplifting, this music combines formal musical structures and improvisation in a most elegant way. Serious Jazz connoisseurs as well as those who love Classical Music are both for a treat. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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JULIAN ARGÜELLES ~ ESCAPADE PROVOCATEUR 1019 (Barcode: 5038491000044) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 British saxophonist / composer Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist is considered as one of the most prominent representatives of the second generation of British Jazz musicians. A brilliant player and gifted composer, he first came to prominence as a member of the legendary Loose TubesFind albums by this artist ensemble. He recorded albums since the 1990s and toured widely with his own groups as well as with other prominent British (including the Colin TownsFind albums by this artist Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist), European and American Jazz artists. This album, his first on the prestigious ProvocateurFind albums on this label label was recorded with a splendid octet, which includes some of the best young British Jazz players, including Django BatesFind albums by this artist (tenor horn) – Julian’s old friend and frequent collaborator since their common days in Loose Tubes. The music is a great example of contemporary Jazz, with a strong melodic basis, but with plenty of fascinating twists and turns and diverse enough to keep the listener interested at all times. The level of the performances and improvisations is everything one might expect from a musician of his statue, and should more than satisfy every Jazz connoisseur. This is worthy addition to any serious Jazz album collection and wholeheartedly recommended.

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BILL BRUFORD / EARTHWORKS ~ LIVE AT THE SHAUBURG BREMEN 1987 MOOSICUS 1215 (Barcode: 885513121523) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1987 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by the British Jazz drummer / composer / bandleader Bill BrufordFind albums by this artist and the first edition of his sensational quartet called EarthworksFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Iain BallamyFind albums by this artist, pianist Django BatesFind albums by this artist and bassist Mick HuttonFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded by Radio Bremen in November 25, 1987, and offers ten tracks, all original compositions by the quartet members. Bruford founded Earthworks in 1986 after spending almost twenty years as member of cutting edge Progressive Rock bands like YesFind albums by this artist (of which he was a founding member), King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist, U.K.Find albums by this artist and his own band called simply BrufordFind albums by this artist, returning to his Jazz roots. Earthworks comprised of the crème de la crème of the young British Jazz scene at the time and took the local as well as international scene by storm. This live recording finds the quartet in absolute top form, over a year after their debut album was recorded and following extensive touring, which allowed them to develop the material and their unique musical approach. In contrast to expectations and speculations, Earthworks was a bona-fide Jazz quartet, which did not follow the Fusion path, which would have been more natural as a continuation of Bruford’s musical path up to that moment. Bellamy and Bates arrived from the sensational Loose TubesFind albums by this artist Big Band, which was one of British Jazz most surprising ensembles during the 1980, and Hutton was already a highly sought after young Jazz bassist on the local scene. Together they were simply unstoppable and the level of their performances was absolutely sensational. They were able to create a complex fury of sound, which was completely unprecedented on the British Jazz scene, and Bruford’s drumming behind Earthworks in as absolute peak of his career. Overall, this album is a “missing link” in the Earthworks discography, from the period between the debut and the second album “Dig?Find albums with this title”, and of course an essential part in the Bruford discography, which none of his many fans will want to miss.

Updated: 17/06/2023Posted: 17/06/2023

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LOOSE TUBES ~ ARRIVING LOST MARBLE 008 (Barcode: 873371000821) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 - 2014 Released: 2015 This is the seventh and last album by the British Jazz Big Band / Orchestra Loose TubesFind albums by this artist, a huge ensemble, with twenty-three musicians playing on this album. Although it did not have a leader as such, most of the music was written by keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist. This album presents eleven live tracks, the first seven recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in 1990 and the last four also at Ronnie Scott’s in 2014. Five of the tracks were composed by Bates, three by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, two by flautist Eddie ParkerFind albums by this artist and one by trombonist John HarborneFind albums by this artist. Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, where Bates, Batchelor, Parker and others met and decided to work together. In a short time, the Big Band became a sensation and won the title of the most interesting “new thing” on the British Jazz scene, which lasted for the rest of the 1980s. In 1985 they released their eponymous debut album. The ensemble disbanded in 1990 and reunited briefly for a few concerts in 2014. The music of Lose Tubes presented an eclectic collection of styles, from vaudeville and early Jazz to Avant-Garde, brilliantly arranged and performed by these (then) young musicians. They ignored stylistic limitations and any kind of accepted norms, slaughtering holy cows by the herd. Hearing them live, which I had a great pleasure to experience several times, was an unforgettable orgy of great music and fun combined. Overall, this is wonderful piece of British Jazz history, documenting a unique and spectacular ensemble, which Loose Tubes certainly were. They were always best live, as this album proves beyond any doubt, and although tough to find these days, all of their albums are worth their weight in gold!

Updated: 01/08/2023Posted: 01/08/2023

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LOOSE TUBES ~ DANCING ON FRITH STREET LOST MARBLE 005 (Barcode: 873371000524) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 2010 This is the 5th album by the British Jazz Big Band / Orchestra Loose TubesFind albums by this artist, a huge ensemble, with twenty-three musicians playing on this album. Although it did not have a leader as such, most of the music was written by keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist and flautist Eddie ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in 1990. More material from the same Ronnie Scott’s residence was released on two next albums by the Big Band (“Sad AfrikaFind albums with this title” and “ArrivingFind albums with this title”). Four of the tracks were composed by Bates, one by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, another one by Eddie Parker and one was composed by ex-bassist Steve ShellyFind albums by this artist (who does not play on this album). Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham Collier, where Bates, Batchelor, Parker and others met and decided to work together. In a short time, the Big Band became a sensation and won the title of the most interesting “new thing” on the British Jazz scene, which lasted for the rest of the 1980s. In 1985 they released their eponymous debut album. The ensemble disbanded in 1990 and reunited briefly for a few concerts in 2014. The music of Lose Tubes presented an eclectic collection of styles, from vaudeville and early Jazz to Avant-Garde, brilliantly arranged and performed by these (then) young musicians. They ignored stylistic limitations and any kind of accepted norms, slaughtering holy cows by the herd. Hearing them live, which I had a great pleasure to experience several times, was an unforgettable orgy of great music and fun combined. Overall, this is wonderful piece of British Jazz history, documenting a unique and spectacular ensemble, which Loose Tubes certainly were. They were always best live, as this album proves beyond any doubt, and although tough to find these days, all of their albums are worth their weight in gold!

Updated: 16/03/2025Posted: 16/03/2025

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LOOSE TUBES ~ SAD AFRIKA LOST MARBLE 006 (Barcode: 873371000623) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 2012 This is the sixth album by the British Jazz Big Band / Orchestra Loose TubesFind albums by this artist, a huge ensemble, with twenty-three musicians playing on this album. Although it did not have a leader as such, most of the music was written by keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist and flautist Eddie ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in 1990. Three of the tracks were composed by Bates, one by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, two by Eddie Parker and one is co-written by other members of the band. Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, where Bates, Batchelor, Parker and others met and decided to work together. In a short time, the Big Band became a sensation and won the title of the most interesting “new thing” on the British Jazz scene, which lasted for the rest of the 1980s. In 1985 they released their eponymous debut album. The ensemble disbanded in 1990 and reunited briefly for a few concerts in 2014. The music of Lose Tubes presented an eclectic collection of styles, from vaudeville and early Jazz to Avant-Garde, brilliantly arranged and performed by these (then) young musicians. They ignored stylistic limitations and any kind of accepted norms, slaughtering holy cows by the herd. Hearing them live, which I had a great pleasure to experience several times, was an unforgettable orgy of great music and fun combined. Overall, this is wonderful piece of British Jazz history, documenting a unique and spectacular ensemble, which Loose Tubes certainly were. They were always best live, as this album proves beyond any doubt, and although tough to find these days, all of their albums are worth their weight in gold!

Updated: 16/03/2025Posted: 13/09/2023

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