Record Reviews
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  | LOUIS ARMSTRONG ~ THE OKEH, COLUMBIA & RCA VICTOR RECORDINGS 1925-1933
SONY 886979456525 (Barcode: 886979456525) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1925 - 1933 Released: 2012
This Box Set includes all the recordings made by the Godfather of Jazz, trumpeter / vocalist / composer Louis ArmstrongFind albums by this artist, which define the genre as we know it. The historic importance of these recordings is simply beyond imagination and without them Jazz might have never been created, at least not following the path it actually took. A careful listener will notice that everything that defines Jazz, and most importantly the idiom of "swing" is simply epitomized by these recordings.
The early recordings in this set are by the Hot FivesFind albums by this artist and Hot SevensFind albums by this artist, which were Armstrong´s quintet and septet respectively and included such legendary players like trombonist Kid OryFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Johnny DoddsFind albums by this artist, pianists Earl HinesFind albums by this artist and Lil ArmstrongFind albums by this artist and many, many others. Later recordings are by much larger ensembles / orchestras, which also included the most famous musicians active at the time. Stylistically these recordings span several Jazz sub-genres, like Dixieland, New Orleans and Swing, but Armstrong always was cross-genre way before that expression was invented.
There is no way the importance of this music can be explained within the limits of a brief review, therefore rather than trying the impossible I simply state the obvious: this is an essential piece of Jazz history, and in fact also an essential piece of Human Culture of such significance, that every person on Earth should listen to this music at least once during his lifetime. For people, who love Jazz and are nor familiar with this music, hearing it might prove to be enlightening to the highest degree and certainly explain the "missing link" between Jazz and other music genres, like Blues and Rock, which have common roots.
This is iconic, essential and an absolute must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | RMS ~ LIVE AT THE MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 1983
ANGEL AIR 617 (Barcode: 5055011706170) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2003
RMS Find albums by this artist were invited to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival and they invited Gil EvansFind albums by this artist - the legendary pianist and arranger - to play with them, which he did. The group performs some great Fusion material, supported by a brass section, with long and inspired improvisations and great interplay. The sound quality is superb, as well as the video material. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 90 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | RAY RUSSELL ~ TURN CIRCLE
VOCALION 8436 (Barcode: 765387843625) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
Guitarist / composer Ray RussellFind albums by this artist has been active on the British Jazz and Fusion scene for the last five decades and has always been considered as a first class musician. Most of his recorded output belongs to the Fusion movement and he can be certainly considered as one of the genre’s pioneers. In the early and mid-1960s Russell was a member of the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist and Georgie FameFind albums by this artist’s backing band Blue FlamesFind albums by this artist, two outfits that were among the first to combine Rhythm And Blues with Jazz. By the end of the 1960s Russell started to lead his own groups and record with them, although in parallel he participated in numerous recordings in his capacity as a studio musician. He was also a founding member of the excellent Rock WorkshopFind albums by this artist ensemble and later of RMSFind albums by this artist. This album presents Russell’s debut album as a leader and is quite different from most of his recorded output, as it is closer to straightforward Jazz then anything else he recorded. Accompanied by three excellent young musicians: Roy FryFind albums by this artist – piano, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist – bass and Alan RushtonFind albums by this artist – drums, the quartet plays some fabulous music, composed mostly by Russell (two standards are also included). Russell’s guitar tone, completely devoid of any electronic devices so popular at the time, sounds more like classic guitar work by Grant GreenFind albums by this artist or Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, but with a harder edge and more attack. Overall this is a great document of the era and of Russell’s musical legacy, which stands the test of time beautifully. Great fun and recommended listening!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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