Record Reviews

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN ~ INDUSTRIAL ZEN VERVE 983932 (Barcode: 602498393284) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Here it is at last – the finest album recorded in the 21st century! As lofty and far-fetched as this might sound, I’m ready to defend this statement for as long as it takes. This masterpiece by the legendary guitarist is a complex, multi-layered work of art. On one hand it is contemporary in every sense, especially as far as the overall sound is concerned, on the other hand however it is also an amalgam of John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist’s entire life as a musician, including every style, genre, direction and sound he played over the years, all of these synthesized into an integral new entity. For people familiar with McLaughlin’s illustrious career it should be quite easy to recognize the familiar elements: the spontaneity of the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist sessions, the fire of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, the grace of his solo work on acoustic and electric guitar and of course his sensitivity and openness to other cultures as demonstrated in ShaktiFind albums by this artist and Remember ShaktiFind albums by this artist. Every note here is original and yet every note also has traces and links to something accomplished in the past. As far as the sound and instrumentation are concerned, these are completely new to McLaughlin. As the title of the album suggests, he uses plenty of electronics here – synth-guitar, keyboards and even drums are used to produce a plethora of both foreground and background electronic sounds, somewhat similar to the so-called “Industrial” sound used in Rock, but of course infinitely more complex and interesting. In addition, the album is very rhythmic and percussive, with two drummers and percussion players present simultaneously on most tracks. To achieve the maximal effect McLaughlin uses different players on various tracks and the list is most impressive: Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist, Vinnie ColaiutaFind albums by this artist, Dennis ChambersFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – drums; Otmaro RuizFind albums by this artist, Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist – keyboards; Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, Ada RovattiFind albums by this artist – sax; Matthew GarrisonFind albums by this artist, Hadrien FeraudFind albums by this artist – bass; Zakir HussainFind albums by this artist – tabla; Shankar MahadevanFind albums by this artist – vocals. This superb group of musicians supports their Master with love and devotion, which is evident, every step of the way. Another very interesting aspect of this album is that it seems McLaughlin is paying homage to the greatest Fusion ensemble in history – Weather ReportFind albums by this artist. Two of the tracks are explicitly named after WR members: “For Jaco” (Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist) and “Wayne’s Way” (Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist) but also the entire sound and feel of the album reflects very closely the feel of WR albums. I had a distinct feeling as if listening to a new album by an expanded version of WR including guitar. Perhaps something that was meant to happen but never did (i.e. WR playing with McLaughlin) finally materializes here? Fusion Karma? Whatever the Gods intended is besides the point here; one thing is sure: to create such divine music McLaughlin surely had to have a measure of godly intervention / inspiration. Bless you John for giving us such a wonderful musical gift. You do make life endurable again with your beacon clearly showing the direction to ships sailing the oceans of musical ennui.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ THE CHANGE NYJO 027 (Barcode: 609613812170) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is an album by the British National Youth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NYJOFind albums by this artist), a legendary Jazz Big Band / Orchestra established by saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bill AshtonFind albums by this artist in 1965. Over time entire generations of British Jazz musicians played as members of the orchestra, including many future stars. The orchestra performing on this album was directed by trumpeter Mark ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and includes guests, ex members: saxophonist Tim GarlandFind albums by this artist and Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, which include arrangements of Jazz standards and original compositions by British Jazz musician, including three by Garland. NYJO has a recorded legacy of over forty albums, all of which offer an outstanding level of arrangements and performances despite the young age of its members (under 25 years old), and this one is no exception. The arrangements are exquisite and quite complex, fresh and often bold, emphasizing the European approach to Big Band Jazz, in which the orchestral sound is more important that individual soloing. Overall, this is a wonderful Big Band album, which all followers of the genre should enjoy. It offers an up to date sound and artistic approach, which make the music both gratifying and challenging. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 05/08/2022Posted: 05/08/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

OLEJNICZAK / SENDECKI EUROPEAN QUARTET ~ BIRTHDAY LIVE #2 BLUE NOTE ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a live recording at the Blue Note Poznan Jazz club, celebrating the club´s fourteenth Anniversary, by a wonderful quartet led by two extraordinary Polish Jazz heroes: saxophonist Andrzej OlejniczakFind albums by this artist and pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist, with French bassist Laurent VernereyFind albums by this artist and British drummer Mark MondesirFind albums by this artist. Olejniczak and Sendecki share some of the glory days of the Polish Jazz in the 1970s, when they were both members of the legendary Extra BallFind albums by this artist ensemble and founders of the no less legendary Sun ShipFind albums by this artist ensemble. Both living now outside of Poland (Olejniczak in Spain and Sendecki in Germany) they are still an integral part of the Polish Jazz phenomenon, as this album proves beyond any doubt. The album includes seven pieces, two each by Olejniczak, Sendecki and Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist and the remaining one being a folk tune arranged by Sendecki. The members of this quartet are some of the finest European Jazz musicians and the resulting album is simply exceptional in every respect. The music is all excellent from start to finish, modern full-fledged and highly spirited Jazz with numerous superb solo spots and an exceptional live ambience, which happens only rarely. It is obvious that everybody had a wonderful time and the musicians are simply giving everything they have, sharing, supporting and challenging each other constantly in perfect harmony and with telepathic thoughtfulness. Although the two soloists are naturally in the center of attention, one must immediately recognize the incredible role of the outstanding rhythm section, which stands shoulder to shoulder with the soloists at all times. The saxophone and piano solos are all sensational and there is no exaggeration whatsoever in that statement. In many respects these performances are absolute classics, which should be taught at music schools as examples of what real Jazz is all about, especially European Jazz, as this is, again in many respects, a revelation of the European elegance and sophistication that makes all the difference. This music is completely devoid of ego trips and attempts to prove who can play faster or louder or prettier, it is simply a perfect teamwork, which is always the ground upon great Jazz music is firmly based. The last tune on the album is dedicated to the memory of the great Polish Jazz bassist Zbigniew WegehauptFind albums by this artist, who was not only a friend of the Polish musicians but also a dear personal friend of mine and whose tragic and premature death left a scar in the hearts of all of us. There is not much more that needs to be said here, except for Gracias, Danke, Merci, Thanks and of course Dziekuje to all the people involved for this heartbreakingly beautiful music.

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend