Record Reviews

MECH ~ TASMANIA GAD 112 (Barcode: 5903068120541) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1982 - 1984 Released: 2019 This is a reissue of the second (and last) album by the first incarnation of Polish Rock group MechFind albums by this artist, which comprised of keyboardist / vocalist Robert MilewskiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Robert MillordFind albums by this artist), guitarist Janusz LakomiecFind albums by this artist, bassist Maciej JanuszkoFind albums by this artist and drummer Andrzej DylewskiFind albums by this artist. The album presented eight original songs, written by the group members. This new edition includes a bonus track recorded later with another lineup of the band and five new mixes of the original tracks. During its initial period the group played ambitious Symphonic Progressive Rock, which sadly did not produce a studio album. Live and radio recordings from that period can be heard on the archive album "Zjednoczone Sily Natury MechFind albums with this title" released by GAD Records in 2016. The two albums, released almost at the same time by the end of 1983, present the group playing ambitious quality Rock music, which features lyrics in Polish language and reflects the local Rock scene at the early 1980s, obviously influenced by what was being created around Europe at the time, but maintaining a unique approach. Despite the group´s popularity as a live act both in Poland and other Eastern European countries, the group folded a few years later, only to be resurrected by 2004 as a Heavy / Hard Metal band functioning to this very date, albeit with a different lineup, which so far released two albums. The music sounds remarkably fresh despite the fact that it was recorded almost four decades ago. The basic classic Rock lineup of keyboards / guitar / bass / drums works out perfectly and the dreaded 1980s synthesizer sound is kept here to the minimum, which makes this music pleasantly listenable today. There is a strong PoliceFind albums by this artist influence present over this music, which is hardly surprising considering their popularity and impact at the time, but luckily Mech did not try to copy what Police were doing, but merely allowed to be artistically influenced. The new mixes are a great example how much music can be influenced by the process of mixing, and the new versions sound much more contemporary and impressive. It was definitely a nice idea in this case. Overall this is a great opportunity to revisit this music, which does not deserve to be forgotten. As usual GAD Records make sure the legacy of Polish recorded music gets properly preserved. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 18/02/2020Posted: 18/02/2020

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ZOOT MONEY / BIG ROLL BAND ~ BIG TIME OPERATOR REPERTOIRE 5343 (Barcode: 4009910534328) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1964 - 1968 Released: 2017 This is a wonderful Box Set collecting early recordings by British vocalist / organist Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist and his excellent ensemble called Big Roll BandFind albums by this artist. Spread over 4 CDs, the material includes the two albums: "Zoot!Find albums with this title" (Recorded live at the Klook´s Kleek club and released in 1966) and "It Should`ve Been MeFind albums with this title" (The debut studio album released in 1965) and a plethora of additional material, which was recorded live at the Flamingo, as well as at the BBC. Also included are singles and other recordings made between 1964 and 1968, altogether ninety tracks spanning over five hours of music, worth their weight in gold. The band included such luminaries like saxophonists Nick NewallFind albums by this artist, Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist and Clive BurrowsFind albums by this artist, guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist (later of PoliceFind albums by this artist fame), vocalist / bassist Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin AllenFind albums by this artist. Although the music reflects the British Soul and Rhythm And Blues explosion of the mid 1960s, it also clearly reveals the seeds of early Jazz-Rock and the closely intertwined, cross-genre approach that characterized the British scene at the time. Many musicians felt as comfortable playing a Rhythm And Blues gig as they would playing a Blues or a straight ahead Jazz gig, displaying the same dexterity, knowhow and passion, regardless of the circumstances. Zoot Money and the Big Roll Band replaced Georgie FameFind albums by this artist and the Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist as the house band at the Flamingo, and the similarities between these two excellent bands are striking; both led by a vocalist / organist, with similar throaty vocal quality, both featured brass sections and a famous (to be) guitarists (in the case of the Blue Flames it was no else than John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist). Most importantly both these ensembles were swinging like hell and had a strong Jazzy feel whatever they were doing. In retrospect the music presented by the Box Set, although definitely "dated", still sounds absolutely fresh and inspiring. Yes, nobody plays like that anymore, and what a pity it is that they don´t. In spite of the seemingly naïve melodic structures, the music is full of clever hooks and twists, and the playing is simply superb from start to finish. Beautifully remastered, accompanied by a book with background essays, interviews and many wonderful photographs, this Box Set is a treasure chest, like many similar compilations made by the German RepertoireFind albums on this label label, which specializes in reissues. I hope some younger listeners will reach out and give this music a listen, as it could be really enlightening, especially in view of what is considered as music today. To the people who remember this stuff from their youth, like yours truly, this is an absolute must and an invigorating reminder that music was fun a long, long time ago.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 24/05/2018

CD 4 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ROXA ~ ALEJA MARZEN GAD 076 (Barcode: 5903068120015) ~ POLAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2018 This is a reissue of the only album recorded by the Polish Pop group RoxaFind albums by this artist, originally released only on cassette. This remastered and expanded edition adds six bonus tracks, three previously unreleased. Although the music is in many respects quite typical 1980s Pop, soaked in synthesizer sounds, the level of songwriting and playing of Roxa was much better that other groups of the period. Obviously influenced by PoliceFind albums by this artist, the group sadly functioned for a relatively short period of time and is primarily remembered for their one hit song "A Ona Tanczy", but their one-hit wonder status doesn´t do them justice, as many of their other songs were equally good. Since many of the people who listened to this music as teenagers are Grandparents by now, this is a great trip down the memory lane. Nostalgia heaven ;)

Updated: 23/01/2022Posted: 09/08/2018

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SUMMERS ~ GREEN CHIMNEYS REPERTOIRE / RARE 1002 (Barcode: 4009910000229) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1988 Released: 2007 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is a tribute to the music of the great American pianist / composer Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, showcases Summers as a splendid Jazz guitarist, with beautiful technique and exquisite taste. Of course Summers manages to achieve a completely unique sound and voicing on his instrument, which retain a certain affiliation with his Rock roots, but overall the album is an absolute knockout. With drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist, organist Joey DeFrancescoFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave CarpenterFind albums by this artist, StingFind albums by this artist doing vocals on one track and many other superb musicians, this album is a true delight. Life is full of surprises!

CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SUMMERS ~ PEGGY`S BLUE SKYLIGHT REPERTOIRE / RARE 1003 (Barcode: 4009910000328) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2007 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is a tribute to the music of the great American bassist / composer Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, showcases Summers as a splendid Jazz guitarist, with beautiful technique and exquisite taste. Of course Summers manages to achieve a completely unique sound and voicing on his instrument, which retain a certain affiliation with his Rock roots, but overall the album is an absolute knockout. With bassist Dave CarpenterFind albums by this artist, drummer Joel TaylorFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist and many other superb musicians, this album is a true delight. Life is full of surprises! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I was a little sceptical about this but have thoroughly enjoyed it; a new slant on successful fusion in my view - jazz with pop/rock production!

CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SUMMERS / VICTOR BIGLIONE ~ SPLENDID BRAZIL REPERTOIRE / RARE 1016 (Barcode: 4009910001622) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2002 Released: 2008 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is the second guitar duo recording with the Brazilian (born in Argentina) virtuoso guitarist Victor BiglioneFind albums by this artist, presents Summers as a monster acoustic guitar player and a most sensitive performer. The duo performs material ranging from Jazz standards to World Music pieces, all of which were composed by great Brazilian musicians (Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, Tom JobimFind albums by this artist and others) and all of which is absolutely brilliant. This is guitar heaven! Life is full of surprises!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SUMMERS / VICTOR BIGLIONE ~ STRINGS OF DESIRE REPERTOIRE / RARE 1015 (Barcode: 4009910001523) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1998 Released: 2008 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is the first guitar duo recording with the Brazilian (born in Argentina) virtuoso guitarist Victor BiglioneFind albums by this artist, presents Summers as a monster acoustic guitar player and a most sensitive performer. The duo performs material ranging from Jazz standards to World Music pieces, all of which is absolutely brilliant. This is guitar heaven! Life is full of surprises!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ANDY SUMMERS / BEN VERDERY ~ FIRST YOU BUILD A CLOUD REPERTOIRE / RARE 1001 (Barcode: 4009910000120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2004 Released: 2007 It is not often that a Rock musician decides to cross over into much more advanced musical environment, such as Jazz or World Music and does so completely and seriously. PoliceFind albums by this artist guitarist Andy SummersFind albums by this artist, obviously known to most Rock listeners on this planet, is one of those musicians, who changed their path and successfully developed a "new" career. This album, which is the first guitar duo recording with the American virtuoso guitarist Ben VerderyFind albums by this artist, presents Summers as a monster acoustic guitar player and a most sensitive performer. The duo performs material composed by Summers with one piece by StingFind albums by this artist and one classical composition, all of which are absolutely brilliant. This is guitar heaven! Life is full of surprises!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

FRANK ZAPPA ~ BROADWAY THE HARD WAY ZAPPA 3879 (Barcode: 824302387924) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1988 Released: 2012 This is a reissue / remaster of the 53rd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, originally released in 1988. The album presents seventeen tracks, which include mostly original songs by Zappa, but also some covers including one song by The PoliceFind albums by this artist on which StingFind albums by this artist sings lead vocals. The music was recorded live during Zappa’s 1988 tour, which was sadly his last. It is one of three live albums recorded during this tour, together with “The Best Band You Never Heard In Your LifeFind albums with this title” and “Make A Jazz Noise HereFind albums with this title”. The lineup that recorded the music includes Zappa on guitar and vocals, guitarists Ike WillisFind albums by this artist and Mike KeneallyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Robert MartinFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ed MannFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Walt FowlerFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Paul CarmanFind albums by this artist, Albert WingFind albums by this artist and Kurt McGettrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist and drummer Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist. It reflects Zappa’s love of orchestral arrangements, which of course were meticulously conceived and brilliantly executed by this excellent team. The undertones of a Broadway show, which this album presents, are a pinnacle of Zappa’s mastery and a cruel twist. With passing time, Zappa’s cynicism and radical criticism of American politics, organized religion, show business and general stupidity became more bitter and plain painful at times. His idea to shake his audiences, had sadly little effect, as we can see with the world getting worse and stupider consistently. The absurdity of the beautiful melodic songs crafted by Zappa, which were accompanied by his toxic lyrics is absolutely amazing. However, as we all know, protest songs never managed to make a dent in the way our world is being conducted, especially so in America – Woody GuthrieFind albums by this artist, Pete SeegerFind albums by this artist, Bob DylanFind albums by this artist and eventually Zappa, all failed miserably – a magnificent failure it was indeed! Overall, although thirty-three years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever. Side Note Frank Zappa created a vast recorded legacy during his lifetime, which is continuously being expanded using music recorded and stored in his extensive vault. The albums officially released and approved by Zappa are numbered sequentially in the "Official Release" series, from #001 to the last release so far #126. The albums between #001 to #062 were released during Zappa's lifetime and all the others were released posthumously. There are countless unofficial / bootleg releases on the market as well. Zappa's catalogue was remastered for CD release twice: in 1995 for the RykodiscFind albums on this label releases and again in 2012 for the ZappaFind albums on this label Records / UniversalFind albums on this label releases. The Zappa / Universal program includes 60 releases, which cover the entire catalog released during his lifetime (62 releases, except #013 "200 Motels" and the three Box Sets #043, #046 and #049 called "The Old Masters vol.I / II / III"), and 6 posthumous releases (#064, #065, #067, #068, #093 and #094), which were also included.

Updated: 22/09/2022Posted: 05/12/2021

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend