Record Reviews
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  | CRIMSON JAZZ TRIO ~ KING CRIMSON SONGBOOK VOL.1
VOICEPRINT 373 (Barcode: 604388321421) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
This is a perfect marriage of two of my favorite worlds: Jazz and Prog. The piano trio was always my jazz vehicle of choice, as it is ideal to provide both the improvisational and rhythmic jazz qualities. The music of the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist was always right on top of my preferred music. The Crimson Jazz TrioFind albums by this artist combines both of these preferences perfectly. Jody NardoneFind albums by this artist (piano), Tim LandersFind albums by this artist (bass) and ex-KC Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist (drums) take the music of KC places, which were unimaginable so far – far into the land of swing (I wander if anybody could have imagined the music of KC in that setting before). The players shine and sweat from the onset to the very last note, full of imagination, brilliant technique and intelligent interplay. The sound is perfect as well, with clear definition of sound, which enables the entire range of the piano to sound balanced and the drum kit (from bass drum to hi-hat) to be perfectly audible. I can only join Robert FrippFind albums by this artist in his reaction to this masterpiece: “Can’t wait for Vol.2”!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DEEP PURPLE ~ HARD ROAD: THE MARK 1 STUDIO RECORDINGS 1968-69
PARLOPHONE 825646337415 (Barcode: 825646337415) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set includes the expanded and remastered versions of the first three albums by the seminal British band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist: "Shades Of Deep PurpleFind albums with this title", "The Book Of TaliesynFind albums with this title" and the eponymous "Deep PurpleFind albums with this title". Recorded between May 1968 and March 1969, i.e. in just ten months (!), these are some of Rock and Prog cornerstones of epic proportions, seldom given their due as far as influencing future generations of Rock and especially Prog musicians in the decades to come. The Mark 1 lineup consisted of vocalist Rod EvansFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ritchie BlackmoreFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist, bassist Nick SimperFind albums by this artist and drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, who all contributed as songwriters, although obviously most of the group´s material was created by Lord and Blackmore. On those three albums the band played mostly their own music, but also arranged, quite dramatically one must admit, songs by other songwriters, like John LennonFind albums by this artist / Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist (twice), DonovanFind albums by this artist, Joe SouthFind albums by this artist, Billy RobertsFind albums by this artist, Neil DiamondFind albums by this artist and others. All three albums were produced by the legendary British produced Derek LawrenceFind albums by this artist.
This Box Set includes both the original mono and stereo mixes (on separate CDs) of the first two albums and the stereo version of the third album. All five CDs are expanded by a plethora of bonus tracks, which include album outtakes, alternate takes, single edits, etc. all of which are studio recordings. For radio (i.e. live in the studio) recordings of the Deep Purple Mark 1 the fans should look up the excellent double CD album entitled "The BBC Sessions 1968–1970Find albums with this title", which collects all Mark 1 BBC recordings on the first CD.
It is also worth remembering that although the next Deep Purple album would be recorded by the Mark 2 lineup with vocalist Ian GillanFind albums by this artist and bassist Roger GloverFind albums by this artist, musically it belongs very much to what the Mark 1 lineup was doing on the third album, which included elaborate orchestral arrangements. The appropriately titled "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album, a pioneering and unprecedented merger of a Rock group with a Symphonic Orchestra, was a direct result of the work initiated on the third album and is a true closure of the Mark 1 chapter. The fifth album however, "In RockFind albums with this title", was a completely new story and came as a reaction to the release of the Led ZeppelinFind albums by this artist debut album in early 1969, which also prompted the personnel change from Mark1 to Mark 2. That album embedded Deep Purple´s role as a defining element of the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal genres and Rock music in general.
I often wonder why the role of Deep Purple Mark 1 is almost completely ignored by the Prog snobs. Even under the populist definition of Prog as an amalgam of Rock (electric instruments and rhythmic patterns), Classical (extended melodic and harmonic themes) and Jazz (improvisation), Deep Purple Mark 1 are the essence of Prog, much more so that say early YesFind albums by this artist, GenesisFind albums by this artist and other pretenders to the Big Five. By the same token the roles of other Deep Purple Mark 1 contemporaries, like NiceFind albums by this artist, Moody BluesFind albums by this artist and several others, are similarly completely overlooked, which is a pity to say to say the least. Prog was not just born one day with Robert FrippFind albums by this artist being struck by lightening…
This is an essential piece of history of the formative years of Rock and a beautiful example how great music remains untouched by time and perhaps even gets better in time. I can´t imagine a music library, which does not include these classic recordings, so now is the time to repent and remedy.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GILES, GILES & FRIPP ~ THE CHEERFUL INSANITY OF
ESOTERIC 2049 (Barcode: 5013929714922) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2008
This is the only formally released album by this trio, which included brothers Peter GilesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Mike GilesFind albums by this artist (drums) and legendary guitarist Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, which in retrospect turned out to be one of the most pivotal albums in the history of Rock. Not only did it outline the foundations on which King CrimsonFind albums by this artist was to be based musically, but it also marked the birth of Prog or rather the transition between the Psychedelic and the Progressive Rock genres. The music is excellent of course, with Fripp`s guitar prominently featured. There are some Psychedelic elements but also a lot of jazz influences and a lot of the typical British whacky humor. This is essential Prog history!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ EPITAPH (VOLUMES THREE & FOUR)
DGM 5002 (Barcode: 633367500229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
A natural companion to the previously released King CrimsonFind albums by this artist archival release Epitaph (Volumes One & Two)Find albums with this title, this beauty includes further documentation of the recorded legacy of the original lineup of the band (Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, Greg LakeFind albums by this artist and Michael GilesFind albums by this artist), recorded in 1969 before and after the debut album was released. Although the source of the music comes from various bootleg recordings and Fripp’s cassettes, rendering somewhat inferior sound quality, the importance and the power of this music overshadows all sonic obstacles. As with Jazz, this highly improvised music provides new aspects with every performance, making it absolutely unique and unrepeatable. This is a good enough reason to own this album, even if one already owns other live versions of these tunes (I don’t even dare to think of someone not owing the studio album). Over two hours of original King Crimson on stage is a dream come true to every fan of the band and something that reveals new insights about the band, the scene, the formative years of Prog and the inception of modern music in general. Do yourself a favor a go for it!
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING (ORIGINAL MASTER EDITION)
DGM 0501 (Barcode: 633367050120) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
1st album by the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and the most important Prog album of all times. There is no other example of recorded music in existence, which defines a complete genre (and all its sub-genres) so comprehensibly as this album and becomes a reference point for generations to follow. Every Prog album recorded since anywhere on earth bears the genetic imprint created by this album. Everything that is defined as Prog can be found on this album: intricate compositions, shifting rhythms, extended jazzy improvisations, mystic lyrics - in short the canon of the genre. No other album ever achieved the same revolutionary effect this masterpiece had on generations of listeners since its release. At the time of the recording the band consisted of the following members: Robert FrippFind albums by this artist – guitar, Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist – reeds, woodwind, vibes, keyboards, mellotron & vocals, Greg LakeFind albums by this artist – bass & lead vocals and Michael GilesFind albums by this artist - drums, percussion & vocals. Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist, who was considered a band member as well, wrote the lyrics. This remastered edition, which is based on the original master tapes of the album for the first time, renders all previous releases obsolete and for the first time the listener can truly enjoy the beautiful sound as well. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | KING CRIMSON ~ IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON (30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION + BONUS TRACKS)
DGM 0502 (Barcode: 633367050229) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
2nd album by King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and one of the most eagerly awaited follow ups in the history of Prog. Honestly how does one follow up a masterpiece such as the debut In The Court Of The Crimson KingFind albums with this title, which was almost instantly elevated to the status of a genre-defining masterpiece. Adding to the challenge ahead the band at the time of the recording seemed to be in a shaky state, following the exhausting touring schedule and dramatic personnel changes: Ian McDonaldFind albums by this artist, who’s mellotron and flute parts were one of the most prominent features of the debut album, left the band in the midst of their US tour. Michael GilesFind albums by this artist and Greg LakeFind albums by this artist announced their departure soon after, and although they took part in the recording sessions for this album they were practically out. All this turmoil seemed to have little influence on Robert FrippFind albums by this artist, who used his resilience and what was to become his legendary survival instinct, to reorganize the band and move on. Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist joined the band to take over the flute and saxophones department. Michael’s brother bassist Peter GilesFind albums by this artist joined to provide the full force of the Giles & Giles rhythm section, which was second to none on the scene. Fripp also turned to his friends from the burgeoning (at the time) London Avant-Garde Rock and Jazz scene and enlisted the wonderful pianist Keith TippetFind albums by this artist, who adds many brilliant piano trinkets on the album. Singer Gordon HaskellFind albums by this artist joined in on one song to provide his contribution. Fripp, in addition to composing all of the music (to the lyrics penned by Peter SinfieldFind albums by this artist) and playing the guitar parts, also took over the mellotron chair, maintaining the instrument’s supremacy in the overall band’s sound. Against all odds, this album is as strong, if not stronger then its predecessor. The compositions are better developed and the playing, enforced by the presence of the new members, is richer and better organized. Amazing stuff and absolutely essential. This new edition expands the original 30th Anniversary Edition from 1999 by adding two bonus tracks – the two sides of the King Crimson single released to promote the album. This is the first time any additional material is added to the original studio albums by the band.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 HDCD Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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