Record Reviews

AHMAD JAMAL ~ BLUE MOON JAZZ VILLAGE 57001 (Barcode: 3149027000123) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 American pianist / composer Ahmad JamalFind albums by this artist seems to be completely immune to passing time and his career continues to flourish at the age of 82, a remarkable achievement by any standard. Of course one would never in their lives guess this album was recorded by a man of such advanced age, as his technique, flair and above all percussive approach to the instrument (which has always been his trademark) seem to be better than ever. He also contributes three new compositions with the rest being standards, but his innovative and imaginative interpretations change them almost beyond recognition. He is accompanied here by brilliant musicians: bassist Reginald VealFind albums by this artist, drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist, all much younger than the Master, which of course does not interfere with the perfect interplay between them. Listening to this music has a strangely uplifting effect, especially to someone like myself, for whom Jamal´s music was always there as part of the soundtrack of his life. Perhaps this music is the elixir of life that keeps us going? Not to be missed, so forget the lame excuses and grab this!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

LEW SOLOFF ~ LITTLE WING BELLAPHON 4003099899025 (Barcode: 4003099899025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is an album by American trumpeter / composer Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trombonist Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist and Pete LevinFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark EganFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenwood DennardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by the septet members, one is a standard and one is an arrangement of the classic composition by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, which give the album its title. Soloff is primarily known as the lead trumpeter and founding member of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, but he was very active on the Jazz scene as well, playing with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Mingus Big BandFind albums by this artist and many others. His recording legacy is rather limited, with just eight albums to his credit, but he plays on dozens of album by others. His high-pitch virtuosic trumpet notes were his trademark, with very few other Jazz trumpeters able to compete in that department, but he was also a wonderful melodic player and his solos are truly heart-melting. Personally I have always had a soft spot for his superb performances since I’ve heard him first with BS&T, and I tried to follow his solo recordings, which sadly are quite difficult to find. Overall, this is an almost unknown album, which is a superb example of Soloff virtuosity and a great piece of Jazz-Funk Fusion, which deserves a much wider recognition. If you are able to put your hands on a copy, don’t think twice for even a second, as it is a true gem!

Updated: 04/06/2026Posted: 04/06/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WEATHER REPORT ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1976 EAGLE VISION 629 (Barcode: 5034504962972) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007 Every piece of music by the legendary Fusion pioneers Weather ReportFind albums by this artist is worth it’s weight in gold, and considering this one is a well filmed and well recorded brilliant performance at the Swiss Montreux Jazz Festival, this is truly a priceless addition to the band’s legacy. WR appeared twice at Montreux, this being the first of the two. The lineup is probably the strongest one of the band’s mid-life period, and includes Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist and Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist – the same band that was to record Heavy WeatherFind albums with this title a few months later. Everything that made WR great is evident here – the individual soloing, the incredible interplay and telepathic connection between the players, the great tunes and the total devotion to their music. It must have been pretty hot on the July night, as everybody sweats intensely, and the music is nothing but brilliant. I was lucky to see WR quite a few times, and this DVD is a great evidence of how incredible this band was live, even at times when their studio efforts suffered. This is an absolute must to all WR fans and all Fusion-heads out there. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 84 minutes.

Updated: 17/06/2016Posted:

DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend