Record Reviews

AMALGAM ~ PLAY BLACKWELL & HIGGINS FMR 146 (Barcode: 649849982353) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2004 2nd album by the superb British Jazz / Improvised Music ensemble AmalgamFind albums by this artist, one of the precursors of British / European Free Jazz scene in the late 1960s and 1970s, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist. On this album the lineup is a trio, including the legendary drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist and bassists Ron HermanFind albums by this artist and Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, Amalgam play tribute to two almost anonymous heroes of the American Jazz revolution, drummers Ed BlackwellFind albums by this artist and Billy HigginsFind albums by this artist, both of which played on the pioneering recordings by Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist and contributed their share in expanding the Jazz horizons. The music is recorded live and both extended compositions included here are by Stevens. This album was originally released on the tiny independent AFind albums on this label label, owned by Watts, and was unavailable for many years, which is now rectified by this CD issue. The performances are inspired and fiery, proving how advanced the British scene was at the time. Watts´ saxophone work summarizes the development of the instrument in the hand of geniuses like Coleman, Albert AylerFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Overall this is yet another example of the wonderful forces at work during a most illustrious period in British Jazz. A true classic of the genre and a must for any Free Jazz / Improvised Music buff!

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ADAM BALDYCH & YARON HERMAN ~ THE NEW TRADITION ACT 9626 (Barcode: 614427962621) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is the debut album by Polish / Israeli duo comprising of violinist Adam BaldychFind albums by this artist and pianist Yaron HermanFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, five of which were composed by Baldych, two are Classical pieces and the remaining two are Polish Jazz standards. Baldych arranged all the music, except for the closing piece which was co-arranged by him and Herman. It is pretty clear from the very onset of the album that this music is only marginally Jazzy and the intention is to take a few steps back and examine the sources of contemporary music, regardless of their stylistic origins. Both players follow a rather minor and minimalistic approach, stating the melodies and improvising delicately and non-aggressively. One can interpret the album´s title in many ways of course; personally I believe that music fuses all its elements developed over time in a continuous process, and therefore "The New TraditionFind albums with this title" is simply an amalgam of all the traditions that existed beforehand, as this music clearly demonstrates to be possible. Tradition simply re-invents itself inside every Artist anew. Since all the original music on this album was composed by Baldych, he points out the musical direction of this album and therefore the tradition in this case involves his sources: European Classical music, Polish Folklore and of course Polish Jazz. Baldych pays tribute to the Godfather of Polish Jazz, Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist as well as the great Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. Thanks to the great musicality of Herman, he plays along splendidly, not only on the obvious sonic level, but way beyond proving to be a "twin spirit" in every way. Of course we have two great virtuosi players here, so the individual performances are also important, but the musicians clearly try to avoid flashy exhibitionism, sticking to the "less is more" approach at all times. This is no doubt "pretty" music, but it manages not to cross over to the kitschy domain, which always looms in the background of all Jazz-Classical Fusion projects. As usual it is all a matter of personal integrity of the musicians involved. This album should be easily accessible to quite a wide audience, as most Classical music lovers should find it appealing no less than the Jazz buffs. In any case this is music for connoisseurs and those few, who still listen to music seriously and passionately. Our Culture might be in a retreat, but as long as we have people like Adam & Yaron making music, not all is lost.

Updated: 01/03/2019Posted:

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