Record Reviews

ANTHONY BRAXTON ~ CREATIVE ORCHESTRA (KÖLN) 1978 HATOLOGY 644 (Barcode: 752156064428) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by American musician / composer / bandleader Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th Century Free Jazz and Avant-Garde music scene and probably the most important Jazz pioneer in the post John ColtraneFind albums by this artist era. The album captures a live concert, recorded in Germany (Braxton was always an icon in Europe, and hardly ever taken seriously at home), with Braxton conducting a huge orchestra performing his compositions. The orchestra includes some of the most important and celebrated Free Jazz players, such as trumpeters Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Leo SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Vinny GoliaFind albums by this artist and Marty EhrlichFind albums by this artist, trombonists Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist and George LewisFind albums by this artist, pianist Marilyn CrispellFind albums by this artist, bassist John LindbergFind albums by this artist and many others. The sound and overall effect of the orchestra performing this music is simply magnificent, and leaves the listener completely dazed. The music just rolls on all over one´s mind, constantly entering new territory both sonically and rhythmically. People familiar with Braxton´s music need no encouragement to plunge into this masterpiece, and those less familiar should definitely try this one in particular, as it might prove to be more accessible. Definitely a masterpiece!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Digisleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ANTHONY BRAXTON ~ PERFORMANCE (QUARTET) 1979 HATOLOGY 610 (Barcode: 752156061021) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007 This is a long overdue reissue (actually 2nd reissue) of the legendary album by American musician / composer / bandleader Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th Century Free Jazz and Avant-Garde music scene and probably the most important Jazz pioneer in the post John ColtraneFind albums by this artist era. The album captures a live recording of the Braxton´s quartet at the Willisau Jazz Festival in Switzerland, with him playing saxophones and clarinet, accompanied by trombonist Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist, bassist John LindbergFind albums by this artist and percussionist Thurman BarkerFind albums by this artist. The music includes seven original compositions by Braxton, performed continuously in two extended parts. The level of virtuosity in interplay is simply astounding and this album surely deserves an honorable place in any serious Free Jazz collection. The intercontinental meeting of improvising forces and talents works beautifully, soaring to previously undiscovered heights. This is an absolutely essential example of Free Jazz, for those who are connoisseurs of the genre, which is not to be missed, especially for the third time around.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digisleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

LEW SOLOFF ~ LITTLE WING BELLAPHON 4003099899025 (Barcode: 4003099899025) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Funk Fusion Recorded: 1991 Released: 1992 This is an album by American trumpeter / composer Lew SoloffFind albums by this artist, recorded in a septet setting with trombonist Ray AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist and Pete LevinFind albums by this artist, bassist Mark EganFind albums by this artist, drummer Kenwood DennardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by the septet members, one is a standard and one is an arrangement of the classic composition by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, which give the album its title. Soloff is primarily known as the lead trumpeter and founding member of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, but he was very active on the Jazz scene as well, playing with Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Carla BleyFind albums by this artist, Mingus Big BandFind albums by this artist and many others. His recording legacy is rather limited, with just eight albums to his credit, but he plays on dozens of album by others. His high-pitch virtuosic trumpet notes were his trademark, with very few other Jazz trumpeters able to compete in that department, but he was also a wonderful melodic player and his solos are truly heart-melting. Personally I have always had a soft spot for his superb performances since I’ve heard him first with BS&T, and I tried to follow his solo recordings, which sadly are quite difficult to find. Overall, this is an almost unknown album, which is a superb example of Soloff virtuosity and a great piece of Jazz-Funk Fusion, which deserves a much wider recognition. If you are able to put your hands on a copy, don’t think twice for even a second, as it is a true gem!

Updated: 04/06/2026Posted: 04/06/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend