Record Reviews

ANTHONY BRAXTON ~ CREATIVE ORCHESTRA (KÖLN) 1978 HATOLOGY 644 (Barcode: 752156064428) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by American musician / composer / bandleader Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th Century Free Jazz and Avant-Garde music scene and probably the most important Jazz pioneer in the post John ColtraneFind albums by this artist era. The album captures a live concert, recorded in Germany (Braxton was always an icon in Europe, and hardly ever taken seriously at home), with Braxton conducting a huge orchestra performing his compositions. The orchestra includes some of the most important and celebrated Free Jazz players, such as trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Leo SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Vinny GoliaFind albums by this artist and Marty EhrlichFind albums by this artist, trombonists Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist and George LewisFind albums by this artist, pianist Marilyn CrispellFind albums by this artist, bassist John LindbergFind albums by this artist and many others. The sound and overall effect of the orchestra performing this music is simply magnificent, and leaves the listener completely dazed. The music just rolls on all over one´s mind, constantly entering new territory both sonically and rhythmically. People familiar with Braxton´s music need no encouragement to plunge into this masterpiece, and those less familiar should definitely try this one in particular, as it might prove to be more accessible. Definitely a masterpiece!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

MARILYN CRISPELL ~ AMARYLLIS ECM 1742 (Barcode: 044001340024) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 This is the second album on the ECMFind albums on this label label by the great trio of US pianist / composer Marilyn CrispellFind albums by this artist with legendary bassist Gary PeacockFind albums by this artist and no less legendary drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist. This time the music is all composed by the trio members (except for one track) and some of it is actually on the spot composed slow pieces improvised in the studio during the recording. Crispell is, as always, very introvert and secretive, with a minimalistic approach which draws the listener to become a part of the creative process while listening to the music. The music is very moving, with both the better known and the spontaneous pieces being equally enthralling but it requires attentive listening and involvement. Satisfaction guaranteed! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Lovely album; I bought it because of Motian and Peacock and immediately fell in love with Crispell, too!

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MARILYN CRISPELL ~ NOTHING EVER WAS, ANYWAY. MUSIC OF ANNETTE PEACOCK ECM 1626/27 (Barcode: 731453722224) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 Beautiful album by US pianist Marilyn CrispellFind albums by this artist with legendary bassist Gary PeacockFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, which pays tribute to the extraordinary compositions by Annette PeacockFind albums by this artist. Crispell worked with Annette Peacock for several months selecting the music to be included on this album and Annette herself adds her vocals to one of the songs. Annette Peacock is undoubtedly one of the greatest ballad composers in contemporary Jazz, with an impressive songbook going back to the 1960s. Her celebrated work over the years, which includes cooperation with Avant-Garde, Rock, Prog and Jazz musicians, is truly amazing and extraordinary in scope and diversity. Pianist / composer Paul BleyFind albums by this artist was the first Jazz musician, who started to feature Annette´s compositions on his numerous albums, starting as early as 1964. This album is a most fitting tribute to her life-long achievements and a masterpiece of contemporary music. Brilliant! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice No album with this rhythm section could be truly monotonous but IMHO the material did not sustain itself over the whole album, despite the intervention from (Mrs) Peacock at the end of the first disc - the later Amaryllis with the same line up (which I bought first) is much more interesting, with many tunes composed by Motian or (Mr) Peacock

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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