Record Reviews
3 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | PRINTMAKERS ~ WESTERLY BASHO 46 (Barcode: 832929004629) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015
This is a beautiful debut album by the British Jazz ensemble The PrintmakersFind albums by this artist, which comprises of top Jazz musicians spanning several generations: the wonderful vocalist / lyricist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, pianist / composer Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist, guitarist Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve WattsFind albums by this artist and drummer James MaddrenFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tunes, three of which were composed by Iles with lyrics by Winstone, two with music by Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist and lyrics by Winstone, one tune each composed by John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Iles, both without lyrics, a song by Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist and finally two are the ensemble´s interpretations of familiar Pop songs, one each by Paul SimonFind albums by this artist and Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live in a room of a country house and offers superb sound quality. The album is dedicated to the memory of the great Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist.
The music is everything one might expect from this formidable lineup: superb vocals and excellent playing from start to finish, elegant, somewhat restrained and always exactly with the right dose of emotional involvement and professional musicality. There is an obvious affinity and respect between the participants and a harmonious teamwork, which truly pays off. On the two tunes that do not feature lyrics, Winstone performs her fabulous vocalese parts, which are her trademark since many years.
There is plenty of opportunity for great solo parts by Lockheart, Iles and Walker, and the rhythm section keeps the music flowing gently but precisely in time and in perfect harmony. Although the entire album is characterized by a relaxed, calm atmosphere, the music is rich and full of intrinsic vitality. Stylistically one might consider this to be "mainstream Jazz", but this music has absolutely nothing in common with the American version of mainstream Jazz, which of course is all for the best.
It is great to see Winstone active and at full power, as if for her time is standing absolutely still. Having enjoyed her work for five decades, I can say that her music making is a safe heaven of good taste and aesthetic excellence, one of a very few of such kind.
This album is relatively little known by Jazz connoisseurs, and therefore it is wholeheartedly recommended to all true music lovers and British Jazz enthusiasts to grab a copy as long as it is still in circulation.
| Updated: 29/05/2018Posted: 29/05/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SIMON AND GARFUNKEL ~ BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER (40TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION) SONY 782829 (Barcode: 886978282927) ~ USA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1969 Released: 2011
There is really very little that needs to be said about this monumental Masterpiece, which in many respects is one of the most remarkable and enduring soundtracks of that era, which bloomed and exploded and was over in a blink of an eye, inspiring the entire human race for generations to come. Paul SimonFind albums by this artist´s brilliant songwriting, Art GarfunkelFind albums by this artist´s sublime voice and the duo´s perfect execution, with their heavenly vocal harmony and incredible sensitivity to both the music and the lyrics simply makes it all just click. This special edition brings us the remastered original album as well as an additional CD with live recording from the duo´s 1969 concert tour, which is breathtaking. And in addition the included DVD presents two documentaries: the superb "Songs Of America" from 1969, which was not available anywhere in the last 40 years as well as the new "The Harmony Game", which tells the story of making the album in 40 years retrospect. This is heaven on earth and such a kick! Beyond essential! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice This album was my amazed introduction to hi-fi stereo (instead of the leatherette-covered "portable" record player): Baby Driver certainly scared the cat dozing between the speakers! It´s great to have a high quality replacement for my aged LP and the live CD is a real bonus (I haven´t had time to pay attention to the DVD yet).
| | 2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL SIMON ~ THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION COLUMBIA 886919129229 (Barcode: 886919129229) ~ USA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1965 - 2011 Released: 2013
This sensational Box Set presents all fourteen solo albums by American singer / songwriter Paul SimonFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1965 and 2011, twelve of which are studio albums and two are live recordings (one of them a double album). It is commendable that two separate Majors (ColumbiaFind albums on this label and Warner Bros.Find albums on this label) managed to come to terms and release these albums in one Box Set, which is a rare phenomenon indeed. The albums are remastered and include a plethora of bonus tracks, which makes this particular Box Set one of the best ever.
This incredible collection of music is simply bigger than life in every respect. There are very few artists, who managed to produce over a span of over five decades such consistently superb material and stay relevant and up to date, if not lead, the changing styles, fads and fashions. Simon managed to do all this simply because he always stayed honest and loyal to his own aesthetics and Artistic vision, ignoring in a way the musical world that gradually deteriorated around him. He was always a one man island of sanity, perfection, elegance and morality, unshaken and untouched by age and circumstance.
As these albums show, Simon was always on the move, never resting on the crest of his success. He was one of the first American artists to discover and incorporate World Music into his Art, not as a passing fad but as part of his creative personality. South American music, African Music, Reggae and other World Music influences became over the years an integral part of his musical personality, mixed with the American Folk tradition which was his "Alma Mater".
Of course we must not forget about Simon´s part in the Simon And GarfunkelFind albums by this artist duo, one of the finest American acts in the 1960s, which continued to perform well into the 21st Century. Over the years Simon performed with some of the best musicians in the world and from all over the world, which is well documented in this Box Set.
There is no doubt that some of the most beautiful and meaningful songs ever written are included in this Box Set, being a preserved capsules of our Culture. Getting this Box Set might be the best money spent on music ever.
| Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 15 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
|