Record Reviews

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA ~ LIVE AT LEVERKUSEN 1994 REPERTOIRE 1479 (Barcode: 4009910147924) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2025 Let’s start with placing everything in a historical perspective… By the time the concert, which this album presents, was recorded, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist’s ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist was one of the leading instrumental ensembles on the European Jazz / Fusion scene, with an extensive recorded legacy to their credit. Following the release of their first three albums (two studio recordings and one live outing) on the MCAFind albums on this label label, Paraphernalia joined the roster of the small German independent label veraBraFind albums on this label Records, owned and run by Cologne based Vera BrandesFind albums by this artist, one of the most dynamic female Jazz activists on the European scene at the time, manager, concert organizer and record producer, who founded CMPFind albums on this label (1977), veraBra (1980) and IntuitionFind albums on this label (1984) labels, which released hundreds of albums, including some of the finest European Jazz / Fusion recordings of the era. The cooperation with Brandes opened many concert opportunities for Paraphernalia, which resulted in their popularity in Europe, and especially so in Germany, to exceed the success on their British home turf. It is not surprising therefore, that the German NDR Broadcasting corporation was happy to invite them to take part in their highly popular “Rockpalast” series of live TV broadcasts, which is the source of the material on this album. In 1993 Paraphernalia released their fourth album on veraBra, entitled “Everlasting FlameFind albums with this title”. Recorded, mixed and produced by Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at his Temple Music studio in Spring / Summer of 1993, it featured the quintet lineup of the ensemble, with Barbara Thompson on saxophones and flutes, keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Malcolm MacFarlaneFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul WestwoodFind albums by this artist and Jon Hiseman on drums and percussion, the same lineup, which is featured on this live recording. The set list includes four compositions, which originate from the new album, which they were promoting at the time, one composition from their previous album “BreathlessFind albums with this title” (1991), another one from their live album “A Cry From The Heart – Live In LondonFind albums with this title” (1988) and finally one track, which will become the title track of their future album “Shifting SandsFind albums with this title” (1998), their debut on Intuition Records. Paraphernalia was such a superb musical vehicle not only due to the fact that it combined the talents of some of the finest British Jazz / Fusion musicians, and was led by an extraordinary instrumentalist and composer. Yes, all these elements were the necessary ingredients to create excellent music, but the true explosive amalgamation was also the result of the personal and musical relationship between Barbara and Jon, one of the most extraordinary musical couples of all time. It was a true match made in heaven, when they met as members of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist), directed by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. Stricken not only by her beauty, but more profoundly by her extraordinary talent as a musician, Jon proposed and they were married in 1967, a marriage that lasted for half a Century until his tragically early and unexpected death in 2018. During their entire lifetime together they cooperated in many musical projects, complimenting each other. When Hiseman founded the iconic ColosseumFind albums by this artist with the late Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Barbara, although not a formal group member, played on all early Colosseum albums as a guest musician. When the German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist founded the revolutionary Pan-European United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, both Jon and Barbara joined and were members of the ensemble for years. When Barbara founded the Paraphernalia ensemble, although unable to join at the very early days, Jon joined soon after and became the pillar of the band. When Dick Heckstall-Smith retired from the re-united Colosseum, Barbara stepped bravely in, despite her serious health problem, to replace him. And then of course, they both had their separate projects as well, which they mutually respected. This intertwined musical / personal life-path is a true symbol of Barbara and Jon as a couple, which resulted always in a whole much greater than the sum of its parts. Keyboardist Peter Lemer, who had a long personal relationship with the couple, remembers: “Onstage, Jon was unwavering in his commitment to quality. He deployed the best technology for sound and stage setup, ensuring that both the band and the audience had the best possible experience. His care extended especially to Barbara, creating an environment where she could perform with freedom and power. As Barbara faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, Jon’s support became even more essential. He threw himself into understanding the condition, building relationships with specialists, and even speaking at Parkinson’s symposiums, so knowledgeable that he was often mistaken for a consultant. This journey is poignantly captured in the film ‘Playing Against Time’. Through it all, their love for each other and their shared passion for music shone through. Jon’s protectiveness and Barbara’s resilience formed the foundation of their personal and professional lives. It was a privilege to be part of their journey, to share their laughter, their dedication, and their extraordinary ability to bring people together through music." Guitarist Malcolm MacFarlane remembers: “By 1994, the year of this featured concert, I’d been in the band for 6 years. If I’m remembering correctly, this is the tour that extended to over 110 dates! As an improvising musician this was a real gift to be given the chance to develop your skills so intensely and ‘for real’ in a sustained way. I left the band the following year. Barbara and Jon were very keen for me to stay but all good things as they say… The news of Jon’s passing was such a shock, I honestly thought that he’d outlive us all as his energy levels and drive were truly inspiring. Barbara’s diagnosis and spirited fight against her condition was also inspirational. These two formed such a huge part of my growth from being a recently graduated music student into adulthood and being ‘grown up’, that after a 7-year working relationship I’m not only deeply indebted to them but I genuinely loved them both too." So here we are, with Barbara, Jon and the rest of Paraphernalia playing their hearts out in front of an enthusiastic audience, captured for eternity on this album. It is another piece of the wonderful puzzle that Barbara and Jon left for us to cherish and admire, which will help us to remember them and their tantalizing musical heritage. Thanks to Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist for keeping the flame alight and RepertoireFind albums on this label Records for the continuous effort to make this legacy available to all fans, old and new, to delight in! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 20/08/2025Posted: 19/08/2025

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