Record Reviews
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  | GILGAMESH ~ ANOTHER FINE TUNE YOU`VE GOT ME INTO
ESOTERIC 2126 (Barcode: 5013929722620) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the wonderful Canterbury scene iconic ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, founded by keyboardist Alan GowenFind albums by this artist in 1972. Over the years the ensemble operated under a revolving door policy with lineup changes as frequent as gigging opportunities and the musicians changing places between groups like Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist, Soft HeapFind albums by this artist and other lesser known outfits. The list of ex-Gilgamesh members reads like a crème de la crème of the Canterbury Jazz / Rock scene. By 1975 the group managed to record their debut album for the VirginFind albums on this label´s esoteric imprint CarolineFind albums on this label, only to splinter again soon after. Three years later Gowen re-assembled a new lineup of Gilgamesh and recorded this album, which unfortunately was to be their last, with Gowen dying of leukemia in 1981 at the age of just 33. The players on this album are Gowen on keyboards, original Gilgamesh member guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist and veteran Jazz drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The music, written almost entirely by Gowen, is typical Canterbury mix of Jazz and some Rock influences, with extended improvisations and brilliant performances from start to finish. Gowen´s brilliant compositions remain unmatched and unchallenged in their harmonic beauty and sophistication. This is classic Canterbury stuff and it retains its vitality and importance with no signs of getting outdated. A must to any Canterbury or British Jazz-Rock enthusiast!
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  | HENRY LOWTHER / QUARTERNITY ~ NEVER NEVER LAND
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 36 (Barcode: 5060774190388) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1974 - 1978 Released: 2022
This is a sensational archival album by one of the silent heroes of the British Jazz scene, trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and his quartet QuarternityFind albums by this artist, with guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, which was expanded often to a quintet with saxophonists Art ThemenFind albums by this artist or Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist. This double album collects twelve compositions by Lowther or Lee, one of which appears twice, in a quartet and quintet versions. The music was recorded live between 1974 and 1978, but the sound quality is absolutely impeccable considering the archival nature of these recordings.
Lowther’s name appears proudly on well over a hundred albums recorded over the years, including some of the British Jazz most iconic releases, but his recording legacy includes just one (yes ONE) album as a leader, “Child SongFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1970, followed by two albums recorded decades later with his ensemble Still WatersFind albums by this artist (“I.D.Find albums with this title” from 1996 and “Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” from 2018). Therefore, this release fills a gigantic gap in Lowther’s recorded legacy as a leader, and pays tribute to this great musician, along with his fellow musicians of course, all of which are British Jazz icons. With the painful recent passing of Trevor Tomkins, this is even more significant.
The music is a classic example of the Modern British Jazz played in the 1970s, emphasizing excellent compositions and brilliant improvisations, which include a pinch of Free Jazz here and there, but mostly sits well within the modern mainstream of the era. Considering the lineup, it is hardly surprising that the music is nothing short of spectacular, in every respect. Lowther, Lee and the saxophonists solo with passion and vigor and the sublime rhythm section keeps things in check, with Green’s incredibly melodic bass lines and Tomkins’ virtuosity present every step of the way. British scene followers should find it interesting to compare Lee’s guitar performances here with his more Prog oriented recordings with GilgameshFind albums by this artist or National HealthFind albums by this artist, which prove his incredible versatility. Lowther’s violin performances here, relatively rarely heard elsewhere, are a proverbial cherry on top of everything.
Overall, this is another admirable contribution to the British Jazz recorded legacy made by the dedicated people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label who never cease to enrich our lives with these mementos from the glorious past legacy of the British Jazz. Just the thought that these musical treasures would have remained buried forever fills me with great sadness for all the music that suffers that fate, and of course at the same time with great joy that some of it sees the light of day, for which we are, as always, eternally grateful!
| | Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 21/09/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATCHING MOLE ~ LITTLE RED RECORD (EXPANDED EDITION)
ESOTERIC 2312 (Barcode: 5013929431249) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2012
This is the 2nd and last album by Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, the seminal Canterbury ensemble formed by drummer Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, after he left Soft MachineFind albums by this artist. Although Wyatt was determined to start a solo career following his split with Soft Machine, Matching Mole was born and kept going for about a year, recording two legendary studio albums. Live performances and BBC radio recordings gave birth, decades later, to three albums, which consist of material from these sources and now the expanded editions of the two studio albums give us another two new CDs of Matching Mole material, all together 7 CDs worth of superb Canterbury stuff at its best. The lineup, which recorded this music, consisted of Wyatt, keyboardist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and bassist Bill MacCormickFind albums by this artist. MacRae contributed or co-contributed most of the music on this album, with Wyatt taking charge of occasional vocal parts and lyrics. The music lost absolutely nothing of its freshness and the wonderful weirdness, which characterizes most of Canterbury output. Of course the genre would fully blossom only shortly after Matching Mole would be no more and its members would form such legendary groups like Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist and National HealthFind albums by this artist. This is music straight from heaven, for listeners inclined towards the more sophisticated end of the spectrum, combining complex improvisation and quirky rhythmic patterns, which have no parallel anywhere. Of course this kind of music should be kept alive at all costs and this new edition does the job just fine, with a crisp new remaster and plenty of previously unheard stuff to make every fan green from ear to ear. Essential stuff for body and soul!
| | | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MATCHING MOLE ~ ON THE RADIO
HUX 083 (Barcode: 682970000831) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2006
Although Matching MoleFind albums by this artist existed for barely a year, they are still considered one of the most important Canterbury scene bands and their musical legacy achieved legendary status over the years. Formed in late 1971 by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, who left Soft MachineFind albums by this artist dissatisfied with the Free Jazz phase the band he founded was going through at the time, this new band was much closer stylistically to the Soft Machine Jazz-Rock period, which recorded ThirdFind albums with this title. The original lineup included (apart from Wyatt) the ex-CaravanFind albums by this artist keyboards wizard Dave SinclairFind albums by this artist, bassist Bill MacCormickFind albums by this artist and guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist. Pianist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist joined later, playing alongside Sinclair and when Sinclair left he stayed on as the resident keyboards player. The band recorded two excellent albums: the self-titled debut Matching MoleFind albums with this title and Little Red RecordFind albums by this artist. Following the band’s split by the end of 1972, Wyatt started his solo career and Sinclair and Miller went on to form Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist and National HealthFind albums by this artist, the two most significant Canterbury bands ever. The CuneiformFind albums on this label label released two albums with live Matching Mole material in the 2000s (Smoke SignalsFind albums with this title and MarchFind albums with this title), but their BBC sessions reminded unreleased until now. This is the first time that the BBC sessions, recorded between January and April of 1972, can be heard by the numerous fans of the band, myself included. Both the quintet and the later quartet versions of the band can be heard. The music is of course phenomenal and needs no further recommendation, something any Canterbury fan around the globe will surely agree with.
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  | MIRAGE ~ NOW YOU SEE IT…
VOCALION 8431 (Barcode: 765387843120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
The short-lived Jazz-Rock Fusion group MirageFind albums by this artist is an excellent example of the incredible high level of music created in Britain in the 1970s. Co-led by two great instrumentalist and composers: saxophonist George KhanFind albums by this artist and guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, they managed to record just one album, which was originally released on the obscure, but visionary Norwegian CompendiumFind albums on this label label (along with some other superb albums), which unfortunately folded shortly after this album was released. The group also included bassist Steve CookFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave SheenFind albums by this artist on permanent basis, but was often expanded to a sextet with the addition of Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist on keyboards and John MitchellFind albums by this artist on percussion. The group played music composed by Khan and Godding, which was a typical British Fusion, somewhat similar to what the many Canterbury groups (Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist) were doing at the time, with strong melodic lines and lengthy improvisations. Godding was of course one of the best British guitarists, sadly much under-appreciated and respected mostly among his peers. This most welcome reissue expands the original album by adding two long jam-like tracks recorded live, which give an excellent glimpse as to how the group (in its sextet form) sounded on stage. Brilliant stuff, from start to finish and a must to all Fusion-heads.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ MISSING PIECES
VOICEPRINT 113 (Barcode: 604388301027) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1975 - 1979 Released: 1996
The last "piece of the puzzle", which completes the entire output recorded by the seminal group National HealthFind albums by this artist. Although a collection of unrelated pieces, this is still a great album. The music spans the period between 1975-1979 and includes material that was ommitted from the first 2 albums as well as some live recordings. Essential!
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  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ NATIONAL HEALTH
ESOTERIC 2129 (Barcode: 5013929722927) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2009
1st album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After several personnel changes, the band stabilized as a quartet, including in addition to Stewart guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, all veterans and immensely gifted players. The album also includes guest contributions of other Canterbury luminaries, like Alan GowenFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Amanda ParsonsFind albums by this artist (vocals), Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist (flute) and others. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!
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  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ NATIONAL HEALTH
SPALAX 14827 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
1st album from 1977 by what most fans consider to be the best Canterbury group of all times. Combining the best players and composers of the scene and all the elements that characterize Canterbury style (extended jazzy improvisations, quirky compositions), this is really the peak of the style. An absolule must to all fans.
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  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ OF QUEUES AND CURES
ESOTERIC 2130 (Barcode: 5013929723023) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the exquisite band National HealthFind albums by this artist, which was the last of the great original bands and the centerpiece crown jewel of the Canterbury scene, as it combined all the elements that made this musical excursion so unique and important, crystallizing a decade of development and constant search for new forms of musical expression. Formed by keyboardist / composer Dave StewartFind albums by this artist, who previously led such cornerstone Canterbury ensembles like EggFind albums by this artist and Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, combining musicians of the last and another sublime ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, which also recently fell apart. After bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist left the band following the recording of the debut album, he was replaced by bassist John GreavesFind albums by this artist from Henry CowFind albums by this artist, another Canterbury icon. The album included several guest musicians, among them the superb trumpeter Phil MintonFind albums by this artist and overall it fallowed the same lines as the debut. Overall National Health was an ideal tool to deliver the intricate melodic content of Stewart´s compositions, spiced with lengthy jazzy improvisations, which could go on for several minutes and allow ample opportunity for the players to stretch out, probably more that in any earlier Canterbury ensemble. There is never a dull moment here, with ideas chasing ideas at all times and the listener is drawn into the music completely. This album is a timeless masterpiece and an essential cornerstone of any serious record collection!
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  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ OF QUEUES AND CURES
SPALAX 14830 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
2nd album from 1978 and unfortunately the last official release by this classic Canterbury band. Recorded by the same core of musicians who made the 1st album and with some additional players, this is considered even stronger then the the debut (which is hardly imaginable). Both of those albums constitute one of the highlight of Prog music as a whole.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | NATIONAL HEALTH ~ PLAYTIME
CUNEIFORM 145 (Barcode: 045775014524) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2001
Live recordings by National HealthFind albums by this artist, a seminal Canterbury band led by Alan GowenFind albums by this artist, who sadly died from cancer in 1981. All members of this group are master improvisers and the jazzy compositions are ideal vehicles for their performance. A most welcome addition to the historical perspective of the Canterbury scene.
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  | SOFT HEAP ~ SOFT HEAP
ESOTERIC 2131 (Barcode: 5013929723122) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
Only album by the great band Soft HeapFind albums by this artist, a short-lived Canterbury super-group where members of Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist – bass and Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – sax) met with pianist Alan GowenFind albums by this artist (GilgameshFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist) and drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist (GongFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist). They managed to record just this one (eponymous) studio album and disbanded shortly afterwards, with each musician pursuing their own path. The band had all the qualities that make the Canterbury scene so special; superb musicianship, great compositions and a free spirit atmosphere with a dash of typical British humor. For specialists – the band´s name (second word) is an acronym of the band members´ first names. Considering the fact that Gowen, Dean, Pyle and Hopper are no longer with us (they passed away in 1981, 2006, 2006 and 2009 respectively) this is a tremendously important document of an era, which unfortunately is long time gone. A must for any Canterbury fan!
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  | SUPERSISTER ~ ISKANDER
ESOTERIC 2058 (Barcode: 5013929715820) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2008
4th and last album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. Following the recording of the previous album, the band´s flautist and drummer left to pursue their careers were replaced by a new drummer and the great American-born but living in Europe saxophonist Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist. Naturally as the result the band´s music became even more Jazzy. The album was recorded in England (with some guest musicians) and this time it was a concept work dedicated to Alexander the Great. Unfortunately soon after the album was recorded Mariano left and the group disbanded, after the legendary Elton DeanFind albums by this artist played with tem for a while, leaving us the legacy of four wonderful albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SUPERSISTER ~ PRESENT FROM NANCY
ESOTERIC 2056 (Barcode: 5013929715622) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008
1st album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. With the European Jazz scene rapidly developing to emancipate itself from the half-decade American domination, with Holland as one of the epicenters of the new European Jazz, the band was a reflection of the trends by the young European musicians to go elsewhere in search of their musical ventures. The stunning debut album by Supersister is a great example of spontaneity, daring and complete disregard for commercial consideration, all these of course on top of amazing talent and musicianship of its four band members. Similar to early Soft Machine the band did not include a guitarist, so the soloing is mostly done by the keyboardist and flute player, but the bass player and drummer had also a most significant role. Altogether this is a magnificent piece of music and a stunning debut album, worthy of an honorable place in any serious music collection. Essential listening experience!
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  | SUPERSISTER ~ TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER
ESOTERIC 2057 (Barcode: 5013929715721) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008
2nd album by the brilliant Dutch band SupersisterFind albums by this artist, which almost singlehandedly were Europe´s answer to the British Canterbury scene. Often compared to Soft MachineFind albums by this artist (circa "ThirdFind albums with this title"), in fact the group is more comparable to later Canterbury groups like Matching MoleFind albums by this artist, Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist and even later CaravanFind albums by this artist, although chronologically they preceded these groups by several years. Obviously influenced by Soft Machine´s jazzy free improvisational excursions, the band was also influenced by many other experimental Rock (Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist), Jazz musicians and contemporary Classical composers. This follow up to their stunning debut is every bit as excellent and its release established the group as one of the most important European Jazz-Rock acts. Full of great melody lines, quirky rhythm changes and exceptional sensitivity, this is a true gem, always worthy of returning to. Essential listening experience!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TREVOR TOMKINS / SEXTANT ~ FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 37 (Barcode: 5060774190395) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2023
This is an archival live album by British Jazz drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist and his sextet called SextantFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, pianist John HorlerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist and bassist Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist replaces Hastings on one of the recording sessions. The 2CD album, recorded in four different sessions between 1980 and 1983, presents fifteen tracks, six of which were composed by Lee, three by Horler, two are standards, three are by British Jazz composers: Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and finally one is by American composer Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist. The album offers splendid sound quality, which is close to studio recording excellence, and includes an extensive essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist.
Although Tomkins was almost omnipresent on the British Jazz scene since the early 1960, and appears on dozens of seminal albums recorded over the decades, he never released an album as a leader and only one little know album as co-leader – an amazing fact, which is difficult to believe but true nevertheless. Following his death just a few months ago, the wonderful Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label rushed to release this, his first album as a leader, to commemorate his invaluable input into making British Jazz what it is.
The music is, as expected, absolutely brilliant, all within the modern British Jazz mainstream, featuring mostly original compositions by the sextet members, which are highly melodic and beautifully structured.
The members of the sextet, especially Hastings and Lee, had close ties with British Jazz-Rock Fusion and Progressive Rock / Canterbury Scene in the 1970s, being members of CaravanFind albums by this artist / Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist / National HealthFind albums by this artist / Soft MachineFind albums by this artist / GilgameshFind albums by this artist (which also included Tomkins), but the music on this album has no relation to these excursions, being much closer to the work Tomkins experienced with the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist or Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist ensembles in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Both the teamwork and the individual performances by the sextet members are absolutely phenomenal, showing great comradeship and mutual respect between the musicians. Horler plays some brilliant piano lines and is the quintessential catalyst, always there with his harmonic support behind the soloists. Lee plays amazing guitar soli and proves again that he deserves way more respect for his unique style and consistency. Hastings / Smith offer the Jazzy core with their solid presentations of the themes and inspired soloing. Pyne is a trombone virtuoso and his solos are all absolute gems. Bridge, a superb bassist, who sadly passed away prematurely in 2001, keeps the music swinging steadily, working hand in hand with the leader, who is more reliable than a Swiss clock and never ceases to amaze with his inventiveness.
Overall, this is another great addition to the string of releases produced by the Jazz In Britain aficionados, which makes our lives not only more interesting, but also bearable, all things considered. This music is so good it would have been a crime to leave it forgotten, so now when it is available, don’t hesitate even for a split second… This is an absolutely essential piece of British Jazz legacy!
| | Updated: 12/03/2023Posted: 12/03/2023 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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