Record Reviews

AMALGAM ~ PRAYER FOR PEACE FMR 096 (Barcode: 649849981417) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2002 Legendary debut 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 and including the legendary drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist. Both Watts and Stevens were also founding members of the Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (SME), which was in some respect the alter ego of Amalgam, whereas SME concentrated on freely Improvised Music, Amalgam used more structured themes, mostly pre-composed, as the basis for their expanded Jazz improvisations. In many respects Amalgam and SME lineups, musical directions and intentions overlapped and the collective recorded legacy of these two groups is an icon of some of the most daring and wonderfully adventurous music ever recorded. This initial lineup of Amalgam was a trio, including the superb bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, who is replaced on the title track of this album by another British bass legend Barry GuyFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released on the TransatlanticFind albums on this label label and for many years was on of the most sought-after Jazz collector´s items. The music is absolutely stunning from start to finish and what makes this album so special is the inclusion of three versions of the same tune ("Judy´s Smile"), so brilliantly different from each other, that they are a classic example of the gift of improvisational ability. An absolute classic of the genre and a must for any Free Jazz / Improvised Music buff!

Updated: 11/04/2025Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

PIOTR DAMASIEWICZ PROJECT ~ IMPROGRAPHIC 1 FOR TUNE 0006 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This double CD album captures live performances by the quartet called Piotr Damasiewicz ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by Polish Jazz trumpeter Piotr DamasiewiczFind albums by this artist, with saxophonist Gerard LebikFind albums by this artist, bassist Jakub MielcarekFind albums by this artist (both members of the Polish ensemble EraseFind albums by this artist) and Portuguese drummer Gabriel FerrandiniFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded over a short period of just six days during the quartet´s performances in three clubs, each in a different Polish city. All the music is spontaneously improvised and is credited to all the quartet members. Stylistically the music belongs to the gray area between spontaneous Improvised Music, Free Jazz and contemporary Avant-Garde. The concept of using graphic notations instead of notes, as the basic directions upon which the improvisations are based, is of course quite old and was pioneered decades ago by such Jazz icons as Anthony Braxton as well as several contemporary Classical composers. Although Damasiewicz and his colleagues are obviously very talented musicians, this music leaves me stone cold. Having been listening to this kind of music for the last fifty years, I don´t find any substance here, which justifies listening to this music for over two hours; there is no real innovation, no fire that I can feel, no concept except for total freedom. Even the collective improvisation is quite limited, as the two soloists rarely play together and the rhythm section contributes very little to the overall result. Of course there are some great moments, but overall this is not going anywhere as far as I can hear. There are some differences between the music on the first and on the second CD of this set, with the latter being definitely more engaging to the listener, but still it was mostly a déjà vu of music heard many times before. Although the liner notes hint towards such legendary sources of influence as the British Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, or Peter BrötzmannFind albums by this artist´s Machine GunFind albums by this artist and other European improvising ensembles, honestly I fail to see the parallels here. Of course this kind of music deserves to be documented and kudos to the For TuneFind albums on this label label for including it in its catalogue. Hardcore Avant-Garde fans will definitely find this interesting, as this kind of music is certainly quite rare these days.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

MAGGIE NICOLS / MATILDA ROLFSSON / MARK WASTELL ~ SEMIOTIC DRIFT CONFRONT 37 ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Improvising Music trio comprising of British vocalist Maggie NicolsFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist Mark WastellFind albums by this artist and Swedish percussionist Matilda RolfssonFind albums by this artist. The album presents one track of improvised music lasting for about thirty-five minutes. The album was released by ConfrontFind albums on this label Recordings, owned by Wastell, which is dedicated almost exclusively to the Improvised Music scene. The music evolves around the vocal expressionism by Nicols, one of the few British Improvised Music vocalists, active since the late 1960’s as one of the pioneers of the genre, with Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist’s CentipedeFind albums by this artist and others. Her recorded legacy is sadly rather limited, which is a great pity, as she is definitely one of the most individual voices of the European Improvised Music scene. The music is as Avant-Garde as one might expect, completely free spirited and unconventional, going back to the first forms of expression available to humans, which were voice and percussive tools. Obviously this is mostly for the highly dedicated audience of Avant-Garde explorations, but the human voice enthusiasts should find this very interesting. Overall, this is a fascinating opportunity to hear Nicols again, which is always a great adventure, and the Improvised Music buffs should be very happy to have this album in their collection. Wastell’s dedication to promote adventurous and uncompromising music is truly admirable.

Updated: 30/06/2025Posted: 30/06/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

HOWARD RILEY ~ DISCUSSIONS JAZZPRINT 137 (Barcode: 604388682720) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007 This debut recording by the legendary UK pianist Howard RileyFind albums by this artist was initially released 40 years ago on a tiny label (OpportunityFind albums on this label, owned by producer Chris WellardFind albums by this artist) and has been unavailable for ages, making it a super-rare collector’s item. Riley has been spearheading the UK free jazz scene since the mid-1960, recording regularly over the years and serving as a beacon of musical enlightenment and vision. His exceptional talents as a pianist and composer are truly unrivaled, with the possible exception of his peer Keith TippettFind albums by this artist. On this album Riley is accompanied by the brilliant bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist (Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (SME)), another prominent figure on the UK free jazz scene, who recorded with Riley’s trio on more than one occasion. The person behind the drums is probably the greatest surprise to the visitors of this site, as it is no other than Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist - future leader of ColosseumFind albums by this artist, TempestFind albums by this artist and United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist (Hiseman’s early jazz career is much lesser know). The trio performs a set consisting of several Riley’s original compositions and a few standards – these well disguised as appropriate for a free jazz setting. Some clearly melodic elements are still present on these tracks, as the adventurous full-blown Avant-Garde was yet to come, but this is a classic of the genre in every sense. The interplay between the three master musicians is phenomenal and considering their tender age (at the time of this recording) this is a monster achievement. Absolutely essential for all free jazz lovers, especially for connoisseurs of the UK branch of the genre.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SPONTANEOUS MUSIC ENSEMBLE ~ QUESTION AND ANSWER RHYTHM AND BLUES 068 (Barcode: 5060331752431) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1966 Released: 2021 This is an archival release, which presents early recordings by the pioneering British Free Jazz / Improvised Music outfit, called Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. SMEFind albums by this artist), fronted by drummer / composer John StevensFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and Australian bassist Bruce CaleFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks recorded live at a pub, as well as an Q&A session with the musicians, and additionally four trio tracks (less Rutherford), recorded a couple of months later at an unknown studio. The sound quality is a bit rough around the edges, but surely good enough to express the atmosphere and the magic of the music. The album’s booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, gives a wide historic perspective of the circumstances surrounding the music. Soon after Stevens formed the SME with Watts and Rutherford, the group begun a residency at the Little Theatre Club, and soon after recorded their debut album. The recordings on this album originate from just few months later on and are some of the earliest SME musical documents. Over the years the entire British (as well as many European improvisers) Avant-Garde Jazz scene took part in SME activities, making it one of the most formidable British / European foci of the genre. A plethora of SME lineup existed up to the untimely death of Stevens in 1994. Britain was definitely somewhat behind the burgeoning American Avant-Garde Jazz scene, which started in the late 1950s, and therefore what was considered as Free Improvisation in UK was much gentler and less radical than what was happening across the pond. The music played here still offers some basic themes, which are then improvised on, and the music more often than not still swings, at least to those listeners who can recognize that swing in Stevens’ drumming. Watts, improvising bravely and with unlimited expressionism, is only of the verge of becoming the Master Improviser he would become a few years later. Rutherford manages to raise some brows, being perhaps the most virtuosic performer at that point of time. Overall this is certainly a very important document as far as the British / European Avant-Garde history is concerned, and the fact that this music suddenly pops up five and half decades later is a major discographical event. Surely this will be of interest to many British Jazz fans around the globe and make many of them grateful for being able to enjoy it.

Updated: 19/06/2021Posted: 18/06/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN STEVENS ~ AT THE PLOUGH `79 FMR 215 (Barcode: 649849982766) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007 British drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist was one of the great heroes of the local scene and a great pioneer of the European Free Jazz / Improvised Music. Together with such distinguished British improvisers as Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist, Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist and Barry GuyFind albums by this artist, Stevens laid the foundations of the modern British Jazz revolution in the mid 1960s, when he started his Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (SME), which he led for many years. SME recorded extensively through the 1970s, when the Improvised Music movement was at its peak. Later on he also recorded with many other European improvising musicians from the continent and continued to record for small independent labels. Stevens died in 1994 (at the age of 54) and left an immense legacy of recorded music, as well as a crucial contribution to the development of the Jazz Art Form. This live recording at the legendary London pub “The Plough”, which served as the meeting place of the Improvised Music scene in the 1970s, captures the John Stevens Trio with saxophone giant Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and superb young (at the time) bassist Paul RogersFind albums by this artist. The set was recorded on a portable tape machine, which means that the sound quality is limited, but it does not affect the intensity and the brilliance of the music. The trio performs three Osborne originals and three interpretations of Jazz standards, which of course get quite a work-over. All three musicians are simply brilliant and the fans of this music should be grateful it was preserved for posterity, especially in view of the rather limited availability of live material by Osborne. Great to have this lost treasure rediscovered and available for all of us to enjoy. A gem!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS ~ THE LANTERN TREE JAZZ IS BRITAIN 73 (Barcode: 5060774190791) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2000 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, recorded with an ensemble that included saxophonist Marcus CumminsFind albums by this artist, pianist Gabriel KeeneFind albums by this artist, guitarist Geoff SapsfordFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Colin McKenzieFind albums by this artist, drummer Greg LeppardFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ali IaazaneFind albums by this artist. Two additional saxophonists Amy LeakeFind albums by this artist and Rob LeakeFind albums by this artist also take part in the recording. The album presents eleven tracks, all original compositions by Watts. The music is strongly oriented towards various World Music elements, and offers often a trance-like development, with a collective improvisation by the musicians, based on the basic themes composed by Watts. In many respects this music continues Watts’ fascination with World Music, which is omnipresent on many of his recordings since his early days on the scene, especially his interest in various rhythmic patterns, which is well documented on his recordings with his Moire MusicFind albums by this artist or Drum OrchestraFind albums by this artist ensembles. Wats has been present on the British Jazz scene since the mid-1960s, originally with the legendary Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, which marks the origins of British Improvised Music, and still active at the age of eighty-five, is a remarkable life achievement, which deserves love and admiration. Therefore, every recording that documents his creativeness over the years is most welcome. Overall, this is another piece of British Jazz history, revealed by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which builds up a remarkable volume of music documentation, which would have otherwise probably disappeared into oblivion. It is, as always, most welcome!

Updated: 01/02/2025Posted: 01/02/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS / LIAM GENOCKEY ~ THE ART IS IN THE RHYTHM JAZZ IN BRITAIN 39 (Barcode: 5060774190418) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1989 Released: 2022 I have been following the Artistry of British saxophonist / composer / bandleader Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist for almost six decades now, starting with the early days of SMEFind albums by this artist (Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist) and later AmalgamFind albums by this artist, Moire MusicFind albums by this artist, London Jazz Composers` OrchestraFind albums by this artist and his work with other British and international improvisers, which over the years amasses to a vast recorded legacy, surely one of the most impressive achievements of the British Improvised Music scene and beyond. We are so lucky to have him around with us, still contributing new music continuously, although this album is of a retrospective / archival nature, documenting Watts’ duets with Irish drummer Liam GenockeyFind albums by this artist, who earned his fame on the British Folk-Rock scene, but in fact was active on the British Jazz, Jazz-Rock and Improvised Music scene as well, including his work with Watts as early as 1976, when he became a member of Amalgam. This archival album presents three improvised pieces, recorded over three decades ago, two of which last almost half an hour and the remaining one half that time, which of course is nothing exceptional in Improvised Music. The recording offers an excellent sound quality and separation (drums on the far left and saxophones on the far right), which allows the listener to enjoy the phenomenal interplay between the two musicians, who converse, exchange ideas and dance around each other in perfect accord. Improvised Music tends to be mostly a spur of the moment affair, which is a brilliant, but often sadly of very temporary nature. Most improvised concerts do not manage to encapsulate the energy and emotional delivery when transferred to a recording, which a listener would return to repeatedly. This recording manages to break the pattern, and certainly offers enough aesthetic and artistic value, which is worth keeping for posterity and listening to, since it offers a timeless tale of human communication, not only on the musical plane, but also on a perceptional “higher” plane, which is not even possible to be explained verbally and has to be experienced at first hand in order to participate in the event. Of course the Masterly abilities of both these musicians are plainly evident herein, and as the title suggests, it is worth to listen carefully to the rhythmic effect of this music, which of course is present not only in the drum parts. As usual kudos to the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which keeps all the British Jazz fans around the globe hooked on its excellent output, which never ceases to deliver exactly what we all wish to hear. Overall, this is another excellent piece of the puzzle, which presents the diverse musical history of the British Jazz, which remains to be a wonderful treasure chest, which sometime seems like a bottomless pit, considering the amount of music it offers time and again.

Updated: 26/09/2022Posted: 26/09/2022

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR WATTS & VERYAN WESTON ~ AT AD LIBITUM FOR TUNE 0057 (Barcode: 5902768701593) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2015 This is a live recording by the British duo comprising of saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist and pianist Veryan WestonFind albums by this artist, captured during the 2013 edition of Warsaw´s Ad Libitum festival. The album presents five pieces of improvised music, credited to both members of the duo, one of which lasts for over twenty minutes. Watts can be considered as one of the Godfathers of the Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene in Britain and his pivotal and groundbreaking recordings with the Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist, AmalgamFind albums by this artist, London Jazz Composers` OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Moire MusicFind albums by this artist and other ensembles constitute a most significant part of the modern British Jazz legacy. Weston, who is perhaps less prominent outside a closed circle of "insiders", has also an impressive legacy and his activities over the years are worth being discovered. Their performances as a duo are always a thrill and sound youthful and contemporary, as if time stood completely still for them. The music herein is a perfect example of what Improvised Music is all about; the intimate duo format allows both musicians to exchange musical ideas on the fly, probing and responding almost instantly, which often sounds as if the duo was in fact one mind occupying two persons. Playing together for quite a while allows these two Masters to approach their music without any inhibitions or barriers, simply communicating on a telepathic level, and the resulting music sounds perfectly coherent and natural. I have followed Watts every step since the 1960s, attending numerous gigs he played all over Europe and of course listening to all the albums he released over time. There are very few Jazz artists that can match his consistent excellence and his everlasting drive to move forward with his musical ideas. This duo suits his characteristics perfectly and Weston proves a worthy and inspiring partner. Together they create heavenly music!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend