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9 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

MUMPS ~ A MATTER OF TASTE
MPS 602517795822 (Barcode: 602517795822) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music

Recorded: 1977 Released: 2008

This is a reissue / remaster of the only album recorded together by four great European Jazz innovators, one German: trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, two Americans: drummer / composer Stu MartinFind albums by this artist and bassist / composer Barre PhillipsFind albums by this artist, and British saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist, collectively known as MUMPSFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, all originals co-composed by the quartet members. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist.

Martin, Phillips and Surman, known collectively as simply The TrioFind albums by this artist, recorded together often since early 1970s, and have a brilliant recorded legacy together, as a trio and with other European Jazz greats, like French saxophonist / clarinetist Michel PortalFind albums by this artist and others. This session with Mangelsdorff is probably their greatest recording together, as far as I am considered. Despite the fact that all four musicians are known as groundbreaking improvisers, the music on this album sounds way more melodic than one might expect, which does not mean that there is less improvisation, but the incredible interplay between them and the obvious comradeship obviously adds to the incredible atmosphere this album captures.

The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its peak by the late-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Berendt was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record, as in this case.

Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the creative input of Berendt behind the music and the unparalleled sovereignty he enjoyed to take his creativity wherever he wanted. I had the incredible luck to be around there and then, including this particular recording session, and of course the experience is deeply implanted in my memory. Of course, knowing all these incredible musicians personally was also a most educational experience. The album is a must in any serious European Jazz collection.
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.

In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.

Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.

In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.

Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
Updated: 11/04/2025Posted: 10/04/2025CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

BADEN POWELL ~ TRISTEZA ON GUITAR
MPS 4029759119722 (Barcode: 4029759119722) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion

Recorded: 1966 Released: 2017

This is a reissue of the first of six albums for the MPSFind albums by this artist label by Brazilian guitarist / composer Baden PowellFind albums by this artist. It presents ten compositions recorded in Brazil and featuring various lineups form solo guitar to a sextet with local Brazilian musicians. The material includes six original compositions by Powell, some co-composed with Vinicius de MoraesFind albums by this artist, three compositions by other Brazilian composers and one Jazz standard.

The music is very intimate and close to authentic Brazilian music before it became popular in America and Europe and was largely commercialized as a result. This is a wonderful example of the early bona fide Jazz-World Fusion at its best.

Powell was a great virtuoso of the guitar and his playing here demonstrates his ability at its raw, natural form, which is fascinating and quite different from the later, much more "dressed up" forms. As such this is a definitive classic of the genre.

Connoisseurs of Brazilian music will find this album irresistible, as it lost nothing of its initial naivety and charm, but listeners expecting the polished Brazilian popularized music might be somewhat disappointed. It is great to have this music available again and it is highly recommended!
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.

In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.

Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.

In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.

Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
Updated: 28/05/2018Posted: 25/02/2018CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON ~ FIRST LIGHT
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 54 (Barcode: 5060774190524) ~ UK ~ Jazz

Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2023

This is an album collecting three archival live recordings / radio broadcasts by the late British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, which present her in various settings with the crème de la crème of the British Jazz musicians active in the early 1970s. As a result, it is a companion album to the tremendous 14CD Box Set “Live At The BBCFind albums with this title” by Barbara Thompson, released in 2020 by RepertoireFind albums on this label Records, offering material uncovered after the Box Set was released. This album, released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, is a completely non-commercial release, with all profits from the album going to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, a moving gesture by all the people involved, including Barbara’s and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist’s daughter Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist and Jazz In Britain founder John ThurlowFind albums by this artist. We all still mourn Barbara’s and Jon’s untimely departures of course.

The first two tracks present the Group EFind albums by this artist, which comprised of (in addition to Barbara) vocalist Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist, pianist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, bassist Johnny DyaniFind albums by this artist and drummer Laurie AllanFind albums by this artist. The music is Avant-Garde Jazz, with superb vocal parts by Lemer, who sadly is often forgotten, but was one of the most interesting Jazz vocalist of the period.

The next three tracks present a suite for a Big Band, called “The Awakening”, co-composed by Barbara and Jon. The band features a dreamy lineup of eleven instrumentalists and a vocalist – no other than my beloved Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist – which reads like a Who’s Who of the modern British Jazz and is conducted by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The players are: trumpeters Ian HamerFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonist Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist and Barbara Thompson, cellist Charles TunnellFind albums by this artist, pianist Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon Hiseman. The music is absolutely brilliant and very typical of the Big Band recordings recorded at the time by Neil Ardley, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and others. The vocal parts by Winstone are, not surprisingly, my favorite jewels, but the entire suite is simply divine and the fact it was discovered and now released is no less than sensational.

The last five tracks are by Barbara’s group JubiabaFind albums by this artist, which comprised of (in addition to Barbara) trumpeters George ChisholmFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Wadsworth, Le Sage, Peter Lemer, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, drummer Martin DrewFind albums by this artist and percussionist Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. It presents the early version of the band, which was essentially dedicated to combining Jazz with World Music influences, mostly Latin. As far as I am aware, this is the earliest recordings by Jubiaba captured on tape.

Overall, this is an absolute jewel from start to finish and an absolute must to all British Jazz enthusiasts, and in retrospect one of the most surprising and important releases by the Jazz In Britain label so far. The Big Band piece alone is a beacon symbolizing the birth of the modern British Jazz, with everything it stands for: ingenuity, originality, groundbreaking musical thinking and enormous talent. Hats off to everybody involved!
Updated: 26/07/2023Posted: 26/07/2023CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1376 (Barcode: 4009910137628) ~ UK ~ Jazz

Recorded: 1969 - 1990 Released: 2020

This is a monumental 14CD Box Set by British saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, the mightiest female heroine of the British Jazz scene in the last six decades. The Box Set collects 27 radio broadcasts recorded between February 1969 and June 1990, an incredible document not only of Thompson’s incredible career, but basically of the entire two decades of the most intense British Jazz history. Painstakingly collected, organized and remastered / restored, the music is an orgy of some of the most intense music played on the British Isles at the time.

The music is performed by the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time, starting with Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who stood by her side since they married in 1967 for many years until his tragically premature death in 2018. But reading the credits of the participating musicians is like reading an encyclopedia of British Jazz. Thomson appears here as a member of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist) and groups led by other musicians, but principally as leader of her own ensembles, including JubiabaFind albums by this artist and ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist. Many compositions appearing here were her own and many of them are previously unreleased.

Of course it is rather futile to describe such vast amount of music, all of which is obviously brilliant, so rather than doing so I can only recommend to every British Jazz fan to get a copy of this Box Set as long as it is available. It includes hours upon hours of superb musicianship and infinite creativity, that must not be forgotten.

This is also a splendid opportunity to thank the BBC for supporting British Jazz (and British music in general) for so many years, recording the music and broadcasting it consistently and on the way collecting a bottomless vault of musical treasures, which see the light of day often only decades later. A huge portion of British Jazz recordings exist solely due to all this activity.

Overall, this is an absolute treasure chest of music, which deserves to be heard by future generations. It is also a beautiful example of dedication and painstaking work by many people, who contributed to create this release, and of course all deserve our thanks for making it happen.
Updated: 19/12/2021Posted: 18/12/2021CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON ~ SONGS FROM THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
BLACK SUN 15014 (Barcode: 013711501421) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion

Recorded: 1990 Released: 1991

This is a solo saxophone album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, recorded acoustically using a single stereo microphone at the Abbaye du Thoronet in France, with Thompson playing soprano, alto and tenor saxophones. The album presents fourteen tracks, all of which are traditional tunes originating between Medieval and more contemporary times and different locations in Europe and elsewhere. The music is created as much by the saxophone sounds, as by the magnificent echo and sonic ambience of the ancient chambers of the abbey.

Thompson’s improvisations combine the diverse musical traditions and sources into a coherent continuity, which floats gently in the space between the walls of the abbey, often sounding like a continued prayer or lamentation, which invokes reflections rarely associated with music. This highly spiritual and contemplative music is one of the most unique British Jazz recordings and the fact that this album is almost completely unfamiliar to most British Jazz fans is a great pity and deserves to be rectified.

Overall, this is a beautiful and truly moving album, which deserves to be widely heard, especially today when Barbara Thompson’s music is being revitalized by numerous posthumous releases and reissues, especially since it is probably her most timeless and ageless creation. Not easy to find but certainly worth every effort!
Updated: 25/06/2024Posted: 25/06/2024CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON / APOLLO SAXOPHONE QUARTET ~ THREE QUARTETS
CELESTIAL HARMONIES 13263 (Barcode: 013711326321) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion

Recorded: 2003 Released: 2006

This is an album featuring music composed by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, performed by the Apollo Saxophone QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of Rob BucklandFind albums by this artist (alto), Andy ScottFind albums by this artist (tenor), Dave RoachFind albums by this artist (baritone) and Tim RedpathFind albums by this artist (soprano). The material presents three saxophone quartets, in five, six and four movements, a total of nineteen tracks. The music was recorded by Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at St. Margaret’s Church, Chipstead, Surrey and the album, also produced by Hiseman, offers spectacular sound quality.

Thompson, primarily known as one of the most prominent British Jazz musicians and leader of ensembles, had also less familiar sides to her extensive musical persona, like her interest in Classical Music, which is brilliantly exposed on this album. Following her diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease in 1997, which she incredibly bravely fought until her death in 2022, with the understanding that her career of playing live music will suffer, she decided to devote more time into composing, which, among other things, resulted in composing these three saxophone quartets in the early 2000s.

The structure of these quartets follows to some degree the concept of a classic string quartet, with four instruments, each playing a distinct part, performing in perfect harmony. Of course in the case of the saxophones, the range between the soprano and the baritone offers a much wider scale and infinite possibilities, which Thompson facilitates herein with pure genius.

Although the music is strictly written, following the Classical formulas, and there is no improvisation per se, the music manages to swing and swirl in a Jazzy manner, so characteristic to Thompson’s inner self. So despite the music being Classical by form, it is Jazzy by emotion and soul, somewhat in a similar fashion like “Rhapsody In Blue”, by George GershwinFind albums by this artist, which is one of the most brilliant examples of Classical Music, which swings madly.

The music is of course absolutely wonderful, from start to finish, superbly performed by the members of the quartet, and offers an emotional depth and aesthetic perfection, which creates a feeling of elation and bliss on an exceptional scale.

Overall, this is a sublime piece of music and perhaps another way to remember Barbara Thompson for all she has done for music lovers during her life and eternity, leaving such a brilliant legacy. This album is a breathtaking musical experience!
Updated: 04/10/2024Posted: 04/10/2024CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA ~ LIVE IN CONCERT (80TH BIRTHDAY EDITION)
REPERTOIRE 1473 (Barcode: 4009910147320) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion

Recorded: 1980 Released: 2024

This is a reissue / remaster of a live album by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and her band ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist, which included keyboardist Colin DudmanFind albums by this artist, bassist Dill KatzFind albums by this artist and drummer (and Barbara’s husband) Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Thompson, one is by Dudman and one is by British keyboardist / composer Peter LemerFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released as a double LP and this is the first time it is released on CD. To commemorate Barbara’s 80th Birthday, this edition was expanded to include a bonus CD, called “The Flute Collection”, which presents a collection of ten tracks, which feature Barbara’s flute performances, recorded with various ensembles in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The album was beautifully and lovingly put together, including the extensive booklet, by Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist, Barbara’s and Jon’s daughter, and includes numerous photographs, press clippings and other memorabilia, to commemorate Barbara’s passing in 2022, which was deeply mourned by her family and friends.

Paraphernalia was Barbara’s vehicle to present her wide range of compositions, which amalgamated many diverse influences, from Classical Music, World Music and of course Jazz in all its splendor of sub-genres. She was a remarkable instrumentalist, with a superb feel and outstanding improvisational abilities. She was an integral part of the British Jazz scene since the 1960s and her numerous recordings as a leader and sidewoman are a beacon of excellency and talent. She is also a great heroine as far as her personal fight with the Parkinson’s disease, which sadly overshadowed her life during the last period of her life.

Overall, this is a great opportunity to re-visit this live album, which reflects the spirit of one of the best British bands active at the time, and enjoy the superb performances by Barbara, Colin, Dill and John, which of course I had the immense pleasure to listen to in person many a time. I am sure many Paraphernalia fans will enjoy listening to this album again and now with the bonus album as a cherry on top, this is truly irresistible. Thanks to Ana and everybody else involved in this project for making this music available again!
Updated: 29/07/2024Posted: 29/07/2024CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

THOMPSON, RICHARD AND LINDA ~ HOKEY POKEY
UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9488 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock


2nd album from 1975. Although their brilliant debut album was incredibly tough to follow, the Thompsons did a fantastic job to keep the same level of greatness on this one as well. An incredible collection of great songs and perfect execution make this a delightful album in every respect. Fans of Folk / Prog just can`t afford to miss this one!
Limited Edition
 CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

THOMPSON, RICHARD AND LINDA ~ I WANT TO SEE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS TONIGHT
UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9487 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock


1st album from 1974 by this delightful duo. Richard Thompson was a founding member of Fairport Convention. He left the group in in 1972 and started a most successful solo career. After one solo album he teamed up with his wife Linda and they released several brilliant albums as a duo. This, their debut album, is considered one of the most important Folk / Prog albums of all times and an absolute masterpiece!
Limited Edition
 CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

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