Record Reviews

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

PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ LIVE 86 - 89 CRESCENT 09 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1986 - 1989 Released: 2008 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 presents a series of live recordings from the 1980s with a stellar lineup, which includes Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – alto saxophone and saxello, Peter LemerFind albums by this artist and Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist and Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass and Pip PyleFind albums by this artist – drums. Most of the music, except one tune by Hopper, Dean and Franklin each, was composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional, as are the performances. This is a reissue of the original edition of this album from 1989, which is now a rare collector´s item. Highly recommended!

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend

PHIL MILLER / IN CAHOOTS ~ SPLIT SECOND CRESCENT 10 ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1988 Released: 2008 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 presents a series of studio recordings from the 1980s with a stellar lineup, which includes Miller – guitar and guitar synthesizer, Elton DeanFind albums by this artist – alto saxophone and saxello, Steve FranklinFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Fred BakerFind albums by this artist – bass and Pip PyleFind albums by this artist – drums on four of the eight tracks and the other tracks are collaborations with Canterbury heroes Dave StewartFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist – vocals, Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist – vocals and John MitchellFind albums by this artist – keyboards and percussion. Most of the music was composed or co-composed by Miller and is as usual exceptional, as are the performances. This is a reissue of the original edition of this album from 1988, which is now a rare collector´s item. Highly recommended!

CD-R 1 Recommend To A Friend