Record Reviews

ARTHUR BROWN ~ TANTRIC LOVER LEMON 147 (Barcode: 5013929774728) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2009 This criminally overlooked album by British maverick Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist marks his return to active musical life following the stroke he suffered, while on stage, in 1994. Older and more relaxed, Brown got together a superb acoustic band to accompany him on this album, which featured such distinguished players as drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist (Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist), guitarist Rik PattenFind albums by this artist, bassist / cellist Stan AdlerFind albums by this artist and several others. The set of twelve new songs written by Brown are all brilliant both musically and lyrically and his vocal delivery, especially against the acoustic background, is breathtaking. Brown´s voice seems to be completely untouched by time and his almost operatic range and intelligent dynamics is second to none. Since the original release of this album (on the VoiceprintFind albums on this label label) is now out of print, this is a great opportunity to get to know this marvelous album – don´t miss it as it is as good as his legendary debut recording, quite different of course, but equally brilliant. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

COLOSSEUM ~ RESTORATION REPERTOIRE 1430 (Barcode: 4009910143025) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 The legendary British Prog / Fusion band ColosseumFind albums by this artist returns with a new album eight years after their previous studio recording. The lineup, still a sextet, includes three “founding” members: vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mark ClarkeFind albums by this artist, and three new members: keyboardist Nick SteedFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Kim NishikawaraFind albums by this artist and veteran drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist (Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist). The album presents ten songs, most written by the band members, with a couple of songs written by others. The music is mostly Blues-Rock oriented, and has less (if any) Jazz influences than the previous albums, despite the saxophone present in the lineup. The songs are all solid and highly melodic, but lack the “twist” present in the old Colosseum material. Farlowe is still a formidable vocalist and Clempson still plays some great guitar solos, but the band is but a shadow of the old Colosseum image. Of course they are better than most contemporary Rock bands, but that is hardly a challenge after all. Overall, this is a very nice Blues-Rock / melodic Rock album, perfectly executed by veteran musicians, which is a great fun to listen to, but appearing under the Colosseum name is somewhat a misappropriation IMHO. Assumably Colosseum fans will all get a copy…

Updated: 22/08/2025Posted: 09/07/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

COLOSSEUM ~ XI REPERTOIRE 1498 (Barcode: 4009910149829) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 As the title suggests, this is the 11th studio album by legendary British Jazz-Rock Fusion group ColosseumFind albums by this artist, although the numbering is very confusing considering the numerous various releases, duplications, archival albums and so no, but who cares, since they are still most probably the best band of its kind. The current lineup includes three veteran members: vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and bassist Mark ClarkeFind albums by this artist, and three more recent members: keyboardist Nick SteedFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Kim NishikawaraFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist sings background vocals on one track and Ray DeToneFind albums by this artist plays rhythm guitar on another track. The album presents nine tracks, mostly written by the band members, with one track by Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist and another being a Jack BruceFind albums by this artist / Pete BrownFind albums by this artist song. The music sounds like the good old Colosseum, keeping faithful to the same sound, instrumentation and stylistic approach since the time of their formation in 1968, which is an amazing achievement considering we are talking about well over half a Century. One may criticize the fact that the group did not “evolve” over time, but let’s be honest, they were simply perfect from day one and as the saying goes: “don’t fix what does not need fixing”. The perfectly balanced amalgam of Blues, Rock and Jazz worked ideally from the first album and still is better than anything else on the scene operating in the same musical sphere. All the compositions are exactly perfect for what one expects from Colosseum, the instrumental work is sensational, especially the guitar playing by Clempson, who is an unmatched Blues-Rock guitarist, and the vocals are brilliant (Farlowe was eighty-three years young when he recorded these tracks!). Overall, although this album does not surprise or innovate, it is absolutely perfect in what it is supposed to be – great music faithful to the tradition of Colosseum and still better that any other musical outfit playing similar material. No brainer whatsoever – it’s a must for all people who know what great Jazz/Blues/Rock cocktail is supposed to sound like. Hats off fellas - hope to catch you live again soon!

Updated: 22/08/2025Posted: 22/08/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

GENTLE GIANT ~ THREE FRIENDS COLUMBIA 31649 (Barcode: 074643164924) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1989 3rd album by seminal British Prog band Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, which was their first attempt to create a concept album around a story about three childhood friends drifting apart in time, resulting in one of Prog´s timeless masterpieces. The group´s unique approach to writing, singing, performing and arranging their music set then apart from all the rest of Prog movement, which was at its peak at the time. Packed with incredible talent and unorthodox stylistic idiosyncrasies, Gentle Giant were giants indeed and they managed to change the face of music and influence generations of contemporary and future musicians. At the time of this recording the group consisted of all three Shulman brothers: vocalist Derek ShulmanFind albums by this artist, bassist / violinist / vocalist Ray ShulmanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / vocalist Philip ShulmanFind albums by this artist with guitarist Gary GreenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kerry MinnearFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. The sextet was capable of producing a complex instrumental sound and incredible vocal pyrotechnics, based on madrigal-like choir techniques. Musically they also used unusual chord structures and strangely odd meters, crating stunning pieces of unparalleled intricacy. The result is absolutely unsurpassed by any other Prog outfit active at a time and each of their early albums, this one included, is an absolutely timeless masterpiece. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

GENTLE GIANT ~ THREE FRIENDS REPERTOIRE 5114 (Barcode: 4009910511428) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008 3rd album by seminal British Prog band Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist, which was their first attempt to create a concept album around a story about three childhood friends drifting apart in time, resulting in one of Prog´s timeless masterpieces. The group´s unique approach to writing, singing, performing and arranging their music set then apart from all the rest of Prog movement, which was at its peak at the time. Packed with incredible talent and unorthodox stylistic idiosyncrasies, Gentle Giant were giants indeed and they managed to change the face of music and influence generations of contemporary and future musicians. At the time of this recording the group consisted of all three Shulman brothers: vocalist Derek ShulmanFind albums by this artist, bassist / violinist / vocalist Ray ShulmanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / vocalist Philip ShulmanFind albums by this artist with guitarist Gary GreenFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Kerry MinnearFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. The sextet was capable of producing a complex instrumental sound and incredible vocal pyrotechnics, based on madrigal-like choir techniques. Musically they also used unusual chord structures and strangely odd meters, crating stunning pieces of unparalleled intricacy. The result is absolutely unsurpassed by any other Prog outfit active at a time and each of their early albums, this one included, is an absolutely timeless masterpiece. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

FRANKIE MILLER ~ LIVE AT ROCKPALAST MIG 90592 (Barcode: 885513905925) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1982 Released: 2013 This Box Set presents a collection of live concert recordings by the great British Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist, captured by the German TV program Rockpalast. The 3CD collection presents forty-three tracks, recorded on three different occasions, as described below. With a few exceptions all the songs were written by Miller. CD1 was recorded on August 28th, 1982 and the lineup includes Miller, lead guitarist Ed DeaneFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mick WeaverFind albums by this artist, bassist Chrissie StewartFind albums by this artist and drummer Malcolm MortimoreFind albums by this artist. CD2 was recorded on June 3rd, 1976 and the lineup includes Miller, lead guitarist Ray MinhinnitFind albums by this artist, keyboardist James HallFind albums by this artist, Stewart and drummer Graham DeaconFind albums by this artist. CD3 was recorded on May 6th, 1979 and the lineup includes Miller, Deane, guitarist / accordionist / violinist Steve SimpsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Nick JuddFind albums by this artist, bassist Tex CommerFind albums by this artist and drummer Fran BryneFind albums by this artist. Miller was blessed with an incredible throaty voice, closely similar to that of Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, Rod StewartFind albums by this artist or Joe CockerFind albums by this artist, also sharing their affinity to the Blues, making him one of the best British Blues-Rock vocalists ever. He recorded a series of excellent albums for the ChrysalisFind albums on this label label, which were reissued in the brilliant Box Set “...That`s Who! - The Complete Chrysalis Recordings (1973-1980)Find albums with this title”, and which is a must to all British Blues-Rock fans. His live performances are full of energy and zest, as this music in this Box Set proves beyond any doubt. In 1994 Miller suffered a brain aneurysm, who took him out of the performing environment, but he made a remarkable recovery, which took over a decade, and returned to recording music. Overall, this is a wonderful archival collection of live performances by Miller at his peak, which is a true delight to all Blues-Rock fans, and offers incredible thrill of music performed with joy and passion. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 10/03/2024Posted: 09/03/2024

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend