Record Reviews

GINGER BAKER / AIR FORCE ~ LIVE IN THE STADTHALLE OFFENBACH GERMANY 1970 VOICEPRINT / TMQ 055 (Barcode: 604388738120) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 This live recording is one of several releases based on the private archives of legendary drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, which finally see the light of day. Although not intended for a formal release and suffering from "bootleg" sound quality problems, the musical importance of this material is so significant, that it overshadows any technicalities and is essentially a Godsend. This album brings a live recording of Baker´s revolutionary Jazz-World Fusion ensemble Air ForceFind albums by this artist, which he founded following the demise of CreamFind albums by this artist. Air Force recorded only two albums during its short life-span, and any additional material by the band is invaluable. Baker assembled a formidable group of top British Jazz players of the period, augmented by African vocalists and drummers. The fact that this album features the talents of the legendary saxophonist / organist Graham BondFind albums by this artist is alone worth the price, but other great players are also present: organist / guitarist Ken CraddockFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bud BeadleFind albums by this artist, bassist Colin GibsonFind albums by this artist and others. The material is similar to the material present on the two Air Force albums, but several surprises are heard here for the first time, like the group´s version of Cream´s "Sunshine Of Your Love". Most of the pieces include extended improvised parts, with the saxophonist taking solos in tandem. Definitely worth investigating, provided you´re not squeamish about sound quality.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GINGER BAKER / SALT ~ LIVE IN MUNICH GERMANY 1972 VOICEPRINT / TMQ 056 (Barcode: 604388738229) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2010 This live recording is one of several releases based on the private archives of legendary drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist, which finally see the light of day. Although not intended for a formal release and suffering from "bootleg" sound quality problems, the musical importance of this material is so significant, that it overshadows any technicalities and is essentially a Godsend. This album brings a live recording of Baker´s ensemble SaltFind albums by this artist, which he founded following the demise of Air ForceFind albums by this artist. Salt never recorded any albums during its short life-span, and therefore this material by the band is invaluable. In Salt Baker assembled a group of British Jazz players, which played in the last Air Force lineup, augmented by African vocalists and drummers, taking an even more radical step towards World-Jazz Fusion. Some great players are present: saxophonist / flautist Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bud BeadleFind albums by this artist and others. But the great surprise of this recording is the participation of the legendary Jazz drummer Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist, who "battles" with Baker in a series of drum exchanges. Definitely worth investigating, especially in view of the fact that the sound quality on this album is quite excellent, as it originates from a TV recording made of the concert.

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

GEORGIE FAME ~ THREE LINE WHIP THREE LINE WHIP 001 (Barcode: 5017771102623) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993 This is the first album recorded by British Jazz vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Georgie FameFind albums by this artist with his two sons: guitarist Tristan PowellFind albums by this artist and drummer James PowellFind albums by this artist, a family trio called Three Line WhipFind albums on this label, which also became the name of Fame’s record label. The trio is augmented by some of the top British Jazz instrumentalists: Trumpeter Guy BarkerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter KingFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist and Steve GregoryFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and bassist Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine songs (one repeated twice), mostly Fame originals. The music is absolutely lovely, as always, and presents Fame as a completely original songwriter and interpreter of Jazz / Blues / Soul / Pop songs, who had a few equals over time. His feeling for the Blues, which was present in everything he sang and played over the years, was undoubtedly his signature, but in his songwriting Fame contributed some of the most beautiful songs ever written, often with highly whimsical and humorous lyrics. Fame’s last album on his label, the fabulous “Swan SongFind albums with this title” released in 2015, hints as to the possibility of being his last recording, but I still firmly believe and hope that he might bless us with some more of his musical bliss. Please!

Updated: 01/05/2021Posted: 01/05/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend