Record Reviews
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  | CILLA BLACK ~ ORIGINAL ALBUM SERIES
PARLOPHONE 825646014200 (Barcode: 825646014200) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1965 - 1970 Released: 2015
This Box Set collects the first five albums by the great British singer Cilla BlackFind albums by this artist, released between 1965 and 1970. They are: "CillaFind albums with this title" from 1965, "Cilla Sings A RainbowFind albums with this title" from 1966, "Sher-oo!Find albums with this title" from 1968, "Surround Yourself With CillaFind albums with this title" from 1969 and "Sweet InspirationFind albums with this title" from 1970.
Black shared many things with her contemporaries and friends, The BeatlesFind albums by this artist: she came from Liverpool, she was managed by Brian EpsteinFind albums by this artist, her albums were produced by George MartinFind albums by this artist and some of her songs were written especially for her by John LennonFind albums by this artist and Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist. Her meteoric rise to the top of the British Pop scene was therefore hardly a surprise but it should be said that she earned her status fair and square simply using her natural talent and iron determination.
These albums are classics of the era and show Black´s versatility as a singer, while she moves between Jazz, Soul and Pop oriented material with flare and elegance. Her strong and pleasant voice was unique and she managed to become one of the early white singers, who successfully interpreted Soul music, making it their own.
Black, who sadly died in 2015, was active for over five decades and proudly created a very impressive legacy, which has but a few equals. These early albums, which have been unavailable for ages, are a must to every British 1960s Pop connoisseur. A must I say!
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 05/04/2024Posted: 09/01/2016 | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | AL DI MEOLA ~ ALL YOUR LIFE
IN-AKUSTIK 9128 (Barcode: 707787912822) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2012 - 2013 Released: 2013
This is a solo guitar album by American Jazz guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist, which, as the title suggests, is a tribute to the music of The BeatlesFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, all composed by John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist and recorded during three separate sessions at London’s Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded their music originally.
Di Meola’s interpretations of the songs are often quite remote from the original, which of course is hardly surprising. Therefore, although a tribute, the album is to no lesser extent also an original creation by the guitarist. All the music is performed using different acoustic guitars, sometimes overdubbed, with a strong Latin / Flamenco / Mediterranean accents, which characterize Di Meola’s musical path since his early days. His guitar performances are of course absolutely brilliant, and completely devoid of flashy show-off licks that many guitar players are often guilty of.
Overall, this is an intense, beautiful and superbly performed album, which should keep all guitar loving fans perfectly happy. Beatles’ fans might find this music be quite remote from the popular versions of these songs, but then again it’s been almost six decades since the original songs were recorded, so perhaps it’s time to move on musically. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 06/03/2024Posted: 06/03/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARIEL LANYI ~ ORIGAMI: PIANO SOLO
KADIMA COLLECTIVE 12 (Barcode: 634479580017) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007
2nd album by Israeli Jazz prodigy Ariel LanyiFind albums by this artist, 9 years old at the time this music was recorded. This time completely alone at the piano, without any guidance from his older peers, Ariel displays his exceptional talent even more forcefully then on his debut album. Out of the 10 tracks on this album, 7 are his own compositions / improvisations and just 3 are standards (by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist). I really don’t know what to say here, except that this is scary stuff, when a 9 years old person displays the maturity and skills worthy of a fully grown up and accomplished musician. There are no gimmicks here, none whatsoever. Just the kid, his piano and the unbelievable music he makes. There is no way on earth (or above) that anybody listening to this music blindfolded could have guessed the age of the performer. I’m not a sappy sentimentalist, who looks for divine sources for inspiration, but there must be some kind of divine intervention here at work. The stuff Ariel can do at his current age are often never achieved by people ten times older then him who played piano their entire life. I know you don’t believe me – no problem – just listen.
| | | CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ROLLING STONES ~ HACKNEY DIAMONDS
GEFFEN 602458122565 (Barcode: 602458122565) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2019 - 2023 Released: 2023
This is the 24th studio album by the iconic British Rock group The Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist. Reduced to a trio following the death of their drummer Charlie WattsFind albums by this artist, this is the first album of original material since the 2005 album “A Bigger BangFind albums with this title”. Vocalist Mick JaggerFind albums by this artist and guitarists Keith RichardsFind albums by this artist and Ronnie WoodFind albums by this artist carry on the torch, supported by Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, Lady GagaFind albums by this artist, Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist, ex-Stones bassist Bill WymanFind albums by this artist and numerous others. The album presents twelve songs, eight of which were written by the Jagger-Richards team, three were co-composed with the album’s producer Andrew WattFind albums by this artist and one is a Blues standard by Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist.
The music is exactly what one might expect from a classic Rolling Stones album, full of great songs and excellent instrumental performances, superb recording quality with a retro sound and a timeless atmosphere of Classic Rock, showing clearly that six decades of music making definitely did not manage to take Stones off their path. They have more stamina, talent and balls than any contemporary Rock outfit, if there are any real Rock groups out there at all these days.
The Stones really define the Classic Rock idiom better than any other musical group in history, not only because they managed to last all this years, but mostly because they managed to stay relevant all these years both a recording artists and phenomenal live performers. Their music has been an important part of the Soundtrack Of My Life for almost as long as I can remember, and never let me down since.
Overall, if you are a Stones fan, this album is a true joy from start to finish, which can be cherished minute by minute and savored repeatedly, staying on the favorites list probably forever. If you are not a fan, it’s probably too late for you to save your sanity ;)
| | Updated: 05/12/2023Posted: 05/12/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | COLIN TOWNS ~ ANOTHER THINK COMING
PROVOCATEUR 1028 (Barcode: 5038491102823) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
British pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist and his Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist ensemble are one of the best examples of modern Jazz, which is still groundbreaking and innovative. Towns’ composition and arrangements are always not only skillful and sophisticated, but also completely innovative and even surprising (take it form an old skeptic who has heard it all before). Using the big band in ways previously unexplored is a rare talent indeed and deserves both respect and admiration. This album presents a series of Towns’ original instrumental compositions and two arrangements, one of a classical piece by Claude DebussyFind albums by this artist and the other a John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist tune. Partly commissioned by the NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, with which Towns cooperates on a regular basis, here they are performed by his own band. Varying in style from early New Orleans Jazz, via Psychedelic and up to contemporary World-Jazz Fusion, the album presents an invigorating vista of modern Jazz at its best, full of great melodic content, imagination, daring and masterly performed Art. The players, including legendary veterans such as Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Peter KingFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist (trumpet), playing along young British Jazz lions, do everything expected of them and beyond, delivering perfectly coherent and beautifully executed music, which fills the listener’s heart and soul with instant gratification. The enhanced CD also includes a short film with music composed by Towns and performed by the band. Any big band and modern Jazz fan should definitely check out this superb album, and frankly anything else Towns delivers, as talent of his caliber is rare and deserves all the attention it can achieve. Grab it!
| | | CD 1 Digipak HDCD Recommend To A Friend |
  | RAY WARLEIGH ~ FIRST ALBUM
SUNBEAM 5020 (Barcode: 5051125502011) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006
Australian born saxophonist / flautist / composer Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. He was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Ray Warleigh. Warleigh would become famous later for playing on album by the top Rock stars like Nick DrakeFind albums by this artist, Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, U2Find albums by this artist, Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist and many more. The format chosen for this album was “Jazz & strings”, which suited Warleigh’s superbly clear and lyrical style perfectly. The chosen material (all standards) was beautifully arranged for a large string orchestra and a Jazz rhythm section, which included some of the best British Jazz players at the time, like Gordon BackFind albums by this artist on piano, Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums. The resulting album is a stunning debut, beautifully executed by all the musicians involved, and showing Warleigh to be a world class player, who can improvise freely and yet always stay within the melodic line. Jazz & strings albums have a tendency to fall into the “land of saccharine” very easily, but fortunately this is well avoided here, producing a most enjoyable Jazz album full of integrity and showmanship. It’s great to have this forgotten gem back in circulation.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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