Record Reviews

ELTON DEAN ~ THE VORTEX TAPES SLAM 203 (Barcode: 5028386020325) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1990 Released: 1992 This is a live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, recorded at the legendary London’s Vortex club during the five days of the last week of September 1990, each night with a different lineup, four of which are quartets and one is a sextet. The list of the participating musicians reads like the Who’s Who of the British Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene at the time and includes pianists Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, Jerry UnderwoodFind albums by this artist and Simon PicardFind albums by this artist, trombonists Nick EvansFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, bassists Marcio MattosFind albums by this artist and Paul RogersFind albums by this artist, drummers Louis MoholoFind albums by this artist, Mark SandersFind albums by this artist, Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist and Tony LevinFind albums by this artist. The fact that Dean managed to invite all these great musicians to play with him during one week speak volumes about his position on the scene and the respect he earned over the years. The album presents five tracks, three of which are over ten minutes in duration. All the music was composed by Dean. The music is absolutely in sync with what one might have expected from such esteemed players, Free Jazz oriented, full of passion and incredible dialogues between these musicians, who often played with each other in various settings. The incredible intensity of the music still allows for excellent individual contributions to be clearly heard. The sextet (four saxophones) track is a wonderful example of group improvisation, where the mutual respect is fully observed and the saxophone quartet is featured as an organic micro-orchestral unit, later joined by the rhythm section. There is so much superb music on this album, that writing about it is actually pretty redundant, and should simply encourage to grab a copy of this gem, before it completely disappears from the market. British Jazz enthusiasts and even listeners who are aware of Elton Dean only through his association with Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, should make to bold step forward and embrace this facet of Dean’s incredible talent. Overall, this is a monumental document of the British Free Jazz scene by the end of the 1990s, when it was at its absolute peak. The tornado swirl on the album’s cover reflects the power and spirit of the music perfectly and fans of this kind of music should find this album indispensable. Lucky for us this music was captured on tape and released, staying with us for posterity. A true force of Nature!

Updated: 24/06/2023Posted: 24/06/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

HUGH HOPPER ~ JAZZLOOPS / THE STOLEN HOUR EXPLORE RIGHTS MANAGEMENT 029 (Barcode: 5060105499616) ~ UK ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2001 - 2004 Released: 2023 This is a reissue / remaster of two albums by the iconic British Jazz / Fusion / Prog / Avant-Garde bassist / multi-instrumentalist / composer Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist. Recorded between 2001 and 2004 the albums present collaborations with many invited musicians, like saxophonists Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, Didier MalherbeFind albums by this artist and Simon PicardFind albums by this artist, vocalist / pianist Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, drummers Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, John MarshallFind albums by this artist and many other musicians. “JazzloopsFind albums with this title” presents eleven tracks and “The Stolen HourFind albums with this title” twelve tracks, all originals by Hopper. The music is mostly Free-Jazz / Improvised Music oriented, but based on steady hypnotic loops and monotonic rhythms, and kept in an Ambient / Industrial mood, creating a highly unusual atmosphere and a drone-like feel. The contrast between the saxophone improvisations and the rhythmic background offer a magic effect, which takes a while to get into, but keeps the listener in constant state of sonic intoxication. Hopper, who was the omnipresent hero of the Canterbury scene and played in dozens different groups, like Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, IsotopeFind albums by this artist, GilgameshFind albums by this artist, Soft HeapFind albums by this artist and many others and recorded a long list of legendary albums, was also an avid Jazz musician and played with the best British Jazz musicians over the years. His later years (he died in 2009) were dedicated to recording many projects with different musicians, which were mostly only released posthumously. His collected recorded legacy is truly monumental and he deserves to be remembered as one of the key figures of the British Rock and Jazz Avant-Garde. Overall, this is a most welcome reissue album, which brings back to life two important albums by Hopper, which were all but gone from the market and deserve to be heard by the young generation of listeners, who most probably never heard of their existence. Warmly recommended for lovers of nontrivial challenging music.

Updated: 21/04/2023Posted: 21/04/2023

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HUGH HOPPER ~ NUMERO D`VOL MOONJUNE 014 (Barcode: 692287901424) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 Legendary ex-Soft MachineFind albums by this artist bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist is definitely one of the most prolific and restless alumni of that band and his output over the year is nothing but extraordinary. Floating between Improvised Music / Free Jazz, modern Jazz and even Fusion, his dedication to move forward and explore uncharted territory is truly admirable. This new project takes Hopper into a completely new area, which combines Free Improvisation with ambient textures and steady upbeat, creating quite a fascinating and original musical experience. Although the music is completely improvised, it sounds as if pre-composed and more often than not even melodic. Hopper´s partners are saxophonist Simon PicardFind albums by this artist (member of the excellent Canterbury ensemble In CahootsFind albums by this artist led by guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist), keyboardist Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist and drummer Charles HaywardFind albums by this artist. Together they create some extraordinary musical vistas, full of imagination, beauty and inspiration, which yet again prove that music has no boundaries and new possibilities are still out there. Hopper´s many fans need no encouragement to try this out, but I´d recommend this stuff to every Canterbury / Jazz fan, as it definitely covers some uncharted music ground, which is accessible to most music lovers. Fascinating!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HENRY LOWTHER / JIM MULLEN QUARTET ~ FUNGII MAMA NOT ON LABEL 444 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 This is a live album by the quartet co-led by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and guitarist / composer Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which also included the legendary bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Stu ButterfieldFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Simon PicardFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The quartet was later renamed as The Great Wee BandFind albums by this artist and released two further albums under that moniker on TrioFind albums on this label Records. The album presents seven tracks, all of which are standards. This album was never officially released and exists only as a CD-R promo, which is extremely difficult to find, but offers excellent sound quality. Thanks to Tim HillayFind albums by this artist for sending me a copy of this Holy Grail :) The music is a wonderful example of a relaxed, but highly satisfying mainstream Jazz, beautifully performed by the quartet members. It is also a splendid opportunity to hear extended trumpet soloing by Lowther, who rarely gets so much exposure on the albums he plays on as a sideman. The same goes for Mulllen’s guitar, here in its Jazziest incarnation, as opposed to the more Fusiony or even Rocky side of his playing, which appears on most of his recordings. Green is, as usual, in superb form and his elegant bass lines are simply delightful and Butterfield keeps the swing of things right in place. Overall, this is a delightful document of British Jazz, played in a pub with no fuss or pretense, offering a glimpse of elegance and relaxed joy of playing, which the musicians and the public seem to enjoy as one. For Lowther’s many admirers, this is a great showcase of his playing, which of course is worth listening to, and a worthy item in his discography. Beg or steal, but find a copy ;)

Updated: 09/01/2023Posted: 09/01/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ CONSPIRACY THEORIES CRESCENT 08 (Barcode: 604388693726) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 Legendary guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist and his In CahootsFind albums by this artist ensemble have been active on the Canterbury / Jazz scene since the 1980s, constantly changing lineups but always producing music of the highest quality. A vehicle for presenting Miller’s intricate and highly sophisticated compositions, the ensemble’s recorded legacy through the years – both studio and live – is a great example of European Jazz. This album was recorded by an extended version of the ensemble involving twelve players, where each track was recorded by a different lineup ranging from quintet to an eleven-piece band. The players include Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Simon PicardFind albums by this artist – tenor saxophone, Didier MalherbeFind albums by this artist – soprano saxophone and flute, Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist – trombone, Simon FinchFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Peter LemerFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Doug BoyleFind albums by this artist – guitar, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – bass, Dave StewartFind albums by this artist - percussion and Mark FletcherFind albums by this artist – drums. Legendary vocalist Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist sings on one tune. All the music, except one tune by Lemer and Baker each, was composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS / MOIRE MUSIC ~ LIVE IN KARLSRUHE FMR 232 (Barcode: 649849982810) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1989 Released: 2007 Live recording by the Moire MusicFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist after his previous band, AmalgamFind albums by this artist, disbanded. In contrast to Amalgam, Moire Music is a large ensemble, varying in size around 10 members, and often features a brass section, a string section and an expanded percussion section, including African drums. In contrast to Amalgam´s music, which was based mainly on a small group improvisation, this ensemble performs music which is well structured and arranged, but allows plenty of individual improvisation to take place. It also tends to include many World Music elements, incorporating them into the Jazz framework. This particular lineup of the ensemble includes the esteemed saxophone player Simon PicardFind albums by this artist. The drummer is another ex-Amalgam member Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. This material was previously unreleased and is a most welcome addition to this band´s recorded legacy. It goes without saying that the music is brilliant, as anything Watts is associated with, I can hardly imagine a Jazz enthusiast who would remain impartial to these performances, while listening to this music and my warm recommendation is self-explanatory. Great stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS / MOIRE MUSIC ~ MOIRE MUSIC FMR 250 (Barcode: 649849983053) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1985 Released: 2008 Debut album by the Moire MusicFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded by saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist after his previous band, AmalgamFind albums by this artist, disbanded. In contrast to Amalgam, Moire Music is a large ensemble, varying in size around 10 members, and often features a brass section, a string section and an expanded percussion section, including African drums. In contrast to Amalgam´s music, which was based mainly on a small group improvisation, this ensemble performs music which is well structured and arranged, but allows plenty of individual improvisation to take place. It also tends to include many World Music elements, incorporating them into the Jazz framework. This particular lineup of the ensemble includes the legendary saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and another esteemed saxophone player Simon PicardFind albums by this artist. The drummer is another ex-Amalgam member Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the original album was released on the independent ArcFind albums on this label label, owned by Watts. Unavailable for many years, this is a long overdue first appearance on CD, which of course is most welcome. It goes without saying that the music is brilliant, as anything Watts is associated with, I can hardly imagine a Jazz enthusiast who would remain impartial to these performances, while listening to this music and my warm recommendation is self-explanatory. Great stuff!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS / MOIRE MUSIC ~ WITH ONE VOICE FMR 108 (Barcode: 649849981523) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1988 Released: 2002 2nd album by the Moire MusicFind albums by this artist ensemble, founded by saxophonist Trevor Watts after his previous band, AmalgamFind albums by this artist, disbanded. In contrast to Amalgam, Moire Music is a large ensemble, varying in size around 10 members, and often features a brass section, a string section and an expanded percussion section, including African drums. In contrast to Amalgam´s music, which was based mainly on a small group improvisation, this ensemble performs music which is well structured and arranged, but allows plenty of individual improvisation to take place. It also tends to include many World Music elements, incorporating them into the Jazz framework. This particular lineup of the ensemble includes the esteemed saxophone player Simon PicardFind albums by this artist. The drummer is another ex-Amalgam member Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the original album was released on the independent ArcFind albums on this label label, owned by Watts. Unavailable for many years, this is a long overdue first appearance on CD, which of course is most welcome. It goes without saying that the music is brilliant, as anything Watts is associated with, I can hardly imagine a Jazz enthusiast who would remain impartial to these performances, while listening to this music and my warm recommendation is self-explanatory. Great stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend