Record Reviews

ANTHONY BRAXTON ~ CHARLIE PARKER PROJECT HATOLOGY 612 (Barcode: 752156061229) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 2004 This is a long overdue reissue of the legendary album by American musician / composer / bandleader Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist, one of the most iconic figures of the late 20th Century Free Jazz and Avant-Garde music scene and probably the most important Jazz pioneer in the post John ColtraneFind albums by this artist era. The album captures a live recording of the Braxton´s sextet in Switzerland and Germany, with him playing saxophones and clarinet, accompanied by saxophonist Ari BrownFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Paul SmokerFind albums by this artist, pianist Misha MengelbergFind albums by this artist, bassist Joe FondaFind albums by this artist and drummers Han BenninkFind albums by this artist and Pheeroan AkLaffFind albums by this artist (each playing on one of the two CDs). The music is a loving tribute to Bee Bop and includes mostly compositions by the genre´s pioneer Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist with three tunes by Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist and one each by Tadd DameronFind albums by this artist and Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Braxton re-visits Bee Bop with respect and love, but of course applies his completely unique interpretation of the music, which is, as usual, completely breathtaking. The level of virtuosity in interplay is simply astounding and this album surely deserves an honorable place in any serious Free Jazz collection. The intercontinental meeting of improvising forces and talents works beautifully, soaring to previously undiscovered heights. This is an absolutely essential example of Free Jazz, for those who are connoisseurs of the genre, which is not to be missed, especially for the second time around.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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PER HUSBY ~ DEDICATIONS HOT CLUB 21 (Barcode: 7029660010412) ~ NORWAY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1985 Released: 1990 This is an insanely beautiful album by Norwegian pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Per HusbyFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra / Big Band, which features the vocal talents of Norwegian singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British singer Georgie FameFind albums by this artist, my favorite Jazz singers in the whole world. The Orchestra includes the absolutely best Scandinavian players and the British guests: trumpeter Martin DroverFind albums by this artist and saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist. The album is dedicated to the American pianist / composer Tadd DameronFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, five of which are compositions by Dameron, two by Husby and one is a medley of a composition by Swedish Jazz composer Lars GullinFind albums by this artist and a composition by Husby dedicated to Gullin. The music was recorded at the fabulous Rainbow Studios and engineered by the legendary Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist. The album is full of brilliant arrangements and superb performances by the instrumentalists, which are nothing less than astounding, and the entire Big Band sound is just breathtaking. The vocals are the proverbial cherry on top. This has been one of my favorite albums since the date it was released but I managed to get a copy of the CD only recently after a long hunt ;) This project has a twin album called “If You Could See Me NowFind albums with this title”, recorded a year later by the Husby / Krog / Fame team, this time with an American Big Band. The comparison between the two is a true lesson in the differences between American and European Jazz, especially in the Big Band idiom. Overall, this is a classic album both for Big Band Jazz lovers and Jazz vocals lovers, which has but a few competitors. Sadly, it is rather obscure despite its sublime class and aesthetic values, but hey this is the fate of so many great albums produced outside of the mainstream American Jazz machine. Wholeheartedly recommended to all true Jazz lovers.

Updated: 29/03/2023Posted: 29/03/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DAVE LIEBMAN / ELLERY ESKELIN ~ DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME HATOLOGY 615 (Barcode: 752156061526) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 1st album by the excellent quartet co-led by legendary US saxophonist Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist and his somewhat younger colleague saxophonist Ellery EskelinFind albums by this artist, with bassist Tony MarinoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BlackFind albums by this artist. The two saxophonists share the leadership on equal footing, playing both individually and collectively with passion and almost telepathic rapport. The material, which includes a mixture of tunes written by Liebman and Eskelin with standards composed by Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Tadd DameronFind albums by this artist, Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist and Cole PorterFind albums by this artist, all freshly arranged, is truly inspiring and moves freely between "straightforward" modern jazz and free improvisation. The technical skills of the musicians are astounding and the collective performances breathtaking. The album is a perfect example of superb contemporary Jazz, which successfully avoids the traps of trying to be "likeable" and stays faithful to the principles of artistic expression and exploration. Liebman´s career is an example of dedication to one´s true vocation and his consistently excellent work over the years is a beacon for future generations of Jazz players, with this album being no exception. A must for any experienced Jazz listener armed with a pair of open ears and adventurous spirit!

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Recommend To A Friend