Record Reviews

GARY BOYLE ~ ELECTRIC GLIDE ESOTERIC 2308 (Barcode: 5013929430846) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1978 Released: 2012 This is the 2nd solo album by the excellent British guitarist / composer Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist, recorded after his excellent group IsotopeFind albums by this artist disbanded. A brilliant guitarist, Boyle enjoyed success as a sideman both in the Prog and Jazz circles in UK, and the work with Isotope firmly established his reputation as a formidable Jazz-Rock Fusion player. This album, recorded with an excellent team of superb players: guitarists: Robert AwhaiFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist and Kenny ShawFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil ChenFind albums by this artist, drummers Simon PhillipsFind albums by this artist and Richard BaileyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Simon MortonFind albums by this artist, is a classic example of the British Fusion, full of intricate melodies and virtuosic performances. There is not a dull moment here, from start to finish, and Fusion fans, who for some strange reason might have overlooked this treasure are about to discover a goldmine of pleasures. A must to any intelligent Fusion fan!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS QUARTET ~ WHAT WAS HAPPENING JAZZ IN BRITAIN 33 (Barcode: 5060774190340) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1979 Released: 2023 This is a 2CD reissue / remaster of two albums by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with keyboardist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian KendonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. CD1 presents the album “JubilationFind albums with this title”, a live recording with four tracks, all original compositions by Wellins. It is expanded by three bonus tracks, also recorded live a few months earlier, all standards. CD2 presents the album “Dreams Are FreeFind albums with this title”, a studio recording with six tracks, all original compositions by Wellins. It is expanded by four bonus tracks, recorded live, all standards. As usual with the good people of Jazz In Britain label, the album is accompanied by extensive booklet, which presents background information about these recordings and new liner notes by Wells, whose reel tape archive was the source of the bonus material. Although the sound quality is not always perfect, it is certainly good enough to enjoy this splendid example of British Jazz at its best. Wellins was sadly badly under-recorded and most of his early releases, including his first two albums included herein, are all long unavailable, which makes this release ever more important. He was a very fluid improviser, always floating somewhere between mainstream and almost Free, and his unique approach aged very well, still being fascinating today. The three musicians accompanying Wellins are all highly talented and prove to be perfect for the job at hand. Overall, this is another piece of British Jazz history, saved from oblivion by the dedicated people, who do it best. Since time is certainly not standing still, it’s great to see the heroes of the genre, who are still with us, contribute their archival materials and memories to make these momentous documents. I find it absolutely outrageous that these efforts are not sponsored by Public funding, but sadly England is by far not the only country that cares little for its Cultural heritage. Hats off, as usual and thanks for your work Gentlemen!

Updated: 01/04/2024Posted: 01/04/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS SEXTET ~ HOMAGE TO CALEDONIA JAZZ IN BRITAIN 67 (Barcode: 5060774190739) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his sextet, which also includes pianist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian KendonFind albums by this artist, drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and percussionist Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, the first four recorded by a quartet and the rest by a sextet. Four tracks are parts of the “Culloden Moor Suite”. All the music was composed by Wellins, except the solo piano track composed by Jacobsen and one track, which is a medley of two standards. This album is a companion release to the “What Was HappeningFind albums with this title” album, recorded by the same quartet, which was also released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label. The “Culloden Moor SuiteFind albums with this title”, originally composed in 1961, was finally recorded in its full splendor with the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, directed by Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist, only in 2013, which was the last recording before Wellins’ death in 2016. The sextet version appearing here is the only full version recorded in a “small ensemble” version. Wellins, primarily recognized for his work with Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, was a superb saxophonist and composer and his work as a leader was always a source of joy. His recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and covers mostly his later period, therefore this album recorded in 1979 is a valuable addition. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the sextet includes Lol Coxhill, associated primarily with the “wilder” side of the British Jazz scene, not to say Avant-Garde, who fits the bill perfectly, despite the basically mainstream orientation of Wellins’ music. The lengthy piano solo track is an absolute gem and a great surprise! Overall, this is another splendid addition to the Jazz In Britain catalogue, which brings to life a piece of the history of the genre, which surely deserves to be remembered and heard. As usual kudos to the people behind the label for carrying on the great work, for we are humbly grateful.

Updated: 12/11/2024Posted: 12/11/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend