Record Reviews

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ FAT ALBERT ROTUNDA WARNER BROS. 47540 (Barcode: 093624754022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001 Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s solo career (apart from his work done with his Mentor Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with whom he stayed for over five years as the member of the legendary second quintet) produced an overwhelmingly diverse body of work which positions him as one of the Giants of 20th Century music. After recording a series of excellent and immensely influential albums on the Blue NoteFind albums on this label label in the 1960’s, Hancock switched to Warner Bros.Find albums on this label where he recorded just three albums, this one being the first of these. Recorded shortly after Hancock left the Miles Davis group, it contains music he wrote for a TV series, rearranged for a jazz sextet. The funky approach was Hancock’s first attempt to play around with funk (influenced among others by the revolutionary work done with the genre at that time by Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist). This started a love affair that would be extensively developed a few years later after Hancock switched labels again, this time to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. He plays the Fender Rhodes electric piano exclusively leaving the acoustic piano aside for a few years until the formation of the V.S.O.P.Find albums by this artist quintet. The funky arrangements are extremely clever and exquisitely performed by the sextet, which includes Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Johnny ColesFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Garnet BrownFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Albert HeathFind albums by this artist on drums. The music sounds beautifully fresh and vibrant today, loosing nothing of its original charm and magic. A timeless classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ HEAD HUNTERS COLUMBIA 65123 ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 This album turned out to be one of the all time best selling jazz albums, and rightfully so. The Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist quintet takes a new direction and makes funk the focal point of their music, this being probably the quintessential instrumental funk album of all times. Influenced by music of rock-funk groups like Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist, Hancock adds his jazz vistuosity to the basic funk elements and creates a masterpiece that withstands the test of time effortlessly. Absolutely essential cornerstone of modern music.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

KUTIMAN ~ KUTIMAN MELTING POT 047 (Barcode: 673793304725) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007 1st album by young Israeli composer / multi-instrumentalist Ophir KutielFind albums by this artist a.k.a. KutimanFind albums by this artist. Although the young generation of Israeli musicians active in the 21st Century already proved time and again that they are capable of producing some amazing music in the Electronic, Rock, Prog and Jazz genres (as witnessed on the numerous CDs found on my site), most of them are deeply influenced by the European classical music tradition and American Rock and Jazz. What the local scene lacks (or rather lacked until this album) almost completely is music, which boasts groove, such as Funk, Soul or Afro-beat. Therefore this album comes as such a delightful surprise, filling the missing gap completely. This Jewish boychik has enough groove to shake the entire country’s butt and a soul as black as the heart of Africa. Of course it all didn’t come from thin air – Ophir did a lot of listening to the right kind of music, which can be traced (but only as influences, not as imitations) in his music: Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist (There’s A Riot Goin’ OnFind albums with this title), Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s late 1970’s Funk explorations, late Miles DavisFind albums by this artist (TutuFind albums with this title), African Master musician Fela KutiFind albums by this artist (obvious name reference here) and a lot of Ambient, Lounge and Psychedelic music. All these influences come together, and Ophir’s individual approach glues them into a new and fascinating amalgam. This music although far from trivial or simplistic, hits you right in the place where your soul happens to be located and engulfs you completely, making your body to sway in the process. Although Ophir plays most of the instruments on the album, which BTW is also brilliantly produced, he invited some local musicians and vocalists to take part. These include members of the local Funk band Funk’n’steinFind albums by this artist and the local diva KarolinaFind albums by this artist. Whatever your musical preferences, this music just can’t leave you cold, and if it does (God forbid) then you probably have no soul at all. Absolutely great fun!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ A WHOLE NEW THING (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 90277 (Barcode: 827969027721) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007 1st album by one of the most important and influential US bands from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist were pioneers on all fronts, musical, social and political. They were the first fully integrated group with Black and White, Men and Women musicians playing side by side. They were the first group to develop Funk as a fully-fledged musical genre. They were one of the first Pop / Rock acts to use a brass section as an integral part of the group. Later on they would also spearhead the political protest (in which many rock musicians participated) against segregation and the Vietnam War. The group had an immense influence on the US music scene, far beyond the Rock circles and earned many admirers and supporters among such distinguished musical figures as Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Their legendary Woodstock appearance was one of the highlights of the festival. In short, they were one of the cornerstones of the US musical scene. This debut album firmly belongs to the Flower Power movement of the San Francisco scene, mixing elements of soul, funk, psychedelic influences and jazz. The different ethnic backgrounds of the members created an amalgam of styles that was truly unique and groundbreaking. The music was eclectic and sophisticated way beyond what was happening on the music scene at the time, using jazzy brass arrangements and vocal harmonies in a way never previously attempted. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. A beautiful trip down the memory lane!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ DANCE TO THE MUSIC (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 90274 (Barcode: 827969027424) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007 2nd album by this great band, which brought them the recognition and success they so much deserved. The title track was a major hit on the charts and eventually became one of the anthems of the Flower Power generation. The group develops here its eclectic and unique approach to music, using previously known elements in a new way. Intricate vocal and instrumental arrangements and quirky rhythm changes are still quite amazing 40 years later with the music loosing none of its charm. Of course they’d get even better with time, but this album already includes all the elements of greatness one can expect from a classic. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. Warmly recommended.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ FRESH (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 90275 (Barcode: 827969027523) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007 6th album, which is not as dark as its predecessor and brings back some of the lighter / soul-drenched elements from the earlier albums. This was to be the band’s last Funk masterpiece and as the times were changing the musicians felt burned-out and weary, trying to stay afloat and facing serious drug abuse problems. In spite of all the difficulties and personal confusion they managed to produce a memorable set of new songs, which paved the ground for an entire generation of future Funk artists, including Stevie Wonder, Prince and many others, who would borrow heavily from these riffs. The genius of Sly and his band is still very much apparent here and the album was to become in a time another icon of the classic Funk. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ LIFE (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 83945 (Barcode: 828768394526) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007 3rd album by this great band, released only a few month after its predecessor, but marking a remarkable development and perfection of their unique style. Although this album did not produce any hit singles, it is nevertheless an astonishing piece of music and a true classic. The band strengthens the rock / psychedelic elements considerably, with the (fuzz) guitar being much more up-front than on the two previous albums. Each and every song is perfect, although they are quite different from each other. The definition of Funk is basically all here, creating a new musical genre. Superb songwriting and perfect execution make this album an everlasting icon of the late 1960s ingenuity and inventiveness. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. A classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ SMALL TALK (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 04540 (Barcode: 886970454025) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 Released: 2007 7th and last album by this seminal group. Although Sly released a few later recordings under his own name and the group’s moniker, none of those would resemble the glory days of the first seven classic albums with the original band. This album is a much calmer and settled down affair than its two predecessors, with optimism and hope again on the horizon. Marriage and parenthood induced some new hope, but alas for just a short while, as he was to sink deeper and deeper into drug addiction, which eventually destroyed his career. Since the mid-1990s he completely disappeared from the public eye. Although less groundbreaking and revolutionary that all the previous albums, this one closes the circle gracefully, making the entire classic seven albums chapter one of the most fascinating ones in American music history. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ STAND! (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 75912 (Barcode: 828767591223) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2007 4th album by this great band, which represents the culmination of their unique style of psychedelic Funk, now completely refined and perfected. In addition to the superb musical performances the album also marks their strongest to date political / social statement, which reflects perfectly the atmosphere of the social revolution of the late 1960s in the US. Racial discrimination, social injustice, the Vietnam War and other issues are the subject matter of this masterpiece, which spoke directly to the heart of the young generation. The album includes several chart hits, including the song “I Want To Take You Higher”, which would become an anthem of the Woodstock generation. Definitely one of the most important US albums recorded in the 1960s and a milestone of modern music. This is an essential piece of musical education, regardless of your favorite musical inclination. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ THERE’S A RIOT GOIN’ ON (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION) EPIC 75911 (Barcode: 828767591124) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2007 5th album by Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist, which brings a dramatic change to the band’s sound. Released almost two years after its brilliant predecessor, this album again reflects the changes in the social / political atmosphere that took place, with skepticism, sarcasm and bitterness replacing hope, brotherhood and happiness. With the Flower Power and Hippie ideology dissolving soon after Woodstock and the harsh reality of drug abuse and addiction among rock stars becoming a frightful reality, the band (and their leader in particular) faced an increasing difficulty to create a cohesive piece of music. Finally after endless sessions the material for the new album was assembled, producing a dark and bleak musical mosaic. The music is still brilliant in every respect, but it is dense and brutal. The lyrics include harsh social commentary, which is often shocking. In retrospect the album is another musical milestone defining (or re-defining) Funk and paving the way for many future artists, who would build on these foundations. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1973-1983 CHRYSALIS 5060516091263 (Barcode: 5060516091263) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1983 Released: 2019 This Box Set presents all ten studio albums recorded by British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist for the ChrysalisFind albums on this label Records label: "Twice Removed From YesterdayFind albums with this title", "Bridge Of SighsFind albums with this title", "For Earth BelowFind albums with this title", "Long Misty DaysFind albums with this title", "In City DreamsFind albums with this title", "Caravan To MidnightFind albums with this title", "Victims Of The FuryFind albums with this title", "B.L.T.Find albums with this title", "TruceFind albums with this title" and finally "Back It UpFind albums with this title". All these albums feature the guitar power trio format, with slight personnel changes; Trower plays the guitar of course, vocalist / bassist James DewarFind albums by this artist plays and sings on most of the albums except the two collaborations with Jack BruceFind albums by this artist ("B.L.T." and "Truce") and drummers Reg IsidoreFind albums by this artist (who plays on the first two album and "Truce") and Bill LordanFind albums by this artist (who plays on all the other albums except "Back It Up"). A few additional musicians are also involved, like American bassist Rustee AllenFind albums by this artist of Sly & The Family StoneFind albums by this artist fame who plays on "In City Dreams" and "Caravan To Midnight". Almost all the material on these albums was written or co-written by Trower with a few exceptions. After recording five albums with Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, of which he was a founding member, Trower left the group to join forces with Scottish vocalist Frankie MillerFind albums by this artist, ex-Stone The CrowsFind albums by this artist bassist James Dewar and ex-Jethro TullFind albums by this artist drummer Clive BunkerFind albums by this artist to form the short lived band JudeFind albums by this artist. After Jude broke up Trower decided to form a guitar power trio, which became his modus operandi for many years to come. Trower´s guitar playing was often compared to that of Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, especially his early trio output, but although some stylistic similarities can be clearly heard, Trower always had his very unique idiosyncrasies that set him apart from all other guitarist of the period. They do however share their deep love for the Blues, which profoundly influenced their approach to the instrument. The music included here is a classic example of British guitar power trio idiom, which started with CreamFind albums by this artist, Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist and Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist´s TasteFind albums by this artist in the late 1960s, and which Trower proudly and very ably continued in the 1970s. There is no need to emphasize the historic importance of this material, and although the sound quality is a bit muddy at times, the depth and ingenuity of the music is simply stunning. This is an absolute must to the many Trower fans and guitar aficionados the world over! Side Note I can´t imagine what Chrysalis Records were thinking when they decided not to include in this Box Set the only live album Trower recorded for them, entitled simply "Robin Trower Live!Find albums with this title". With the inclusion of that album this Box Set would have become "The Complete Robin Trower Chrysalis Recordings", which beyond any doubt almost all people who bought this Box Set would have preferred! The live album was already released as part of the budget "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" series (two volumes), which in turn left out "Back It Up". So the fans and collectors got screwed for the second time! There is no limit to stupidity and meanness!

Updated: 01/06/2019Posted: 01/06/2019

CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend