Record Reviews

JAN GARBAREK ~ DANSERE ECM 2146/48 (Barcode: 602527551784) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 - 1975 Released: 2012 This wonderful Box Set contains three early albums by the legendary Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, the first of which was recorded by a quintet with guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, bassist Arild AndersonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and the other two were recorded by a quartet with Stenson, bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist and Christensen, recorded in early 1970s and released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "SartFind albums with this title" (ECM 1015) recorded in 1971, "Witchi-Tai-ToFind albums with this title" (ECM 1041) recorded in 1973 and "DansereFind albums with this title" (ECM 1075) recorded 1975. These albums are magnificent examples of early modern Scandinavian Jazz, which after years of copying American Jazz finally emerged as a new identity, leaving the tradition where it respectfully belongs. These six young (at that time) musicians emerged in time as some of the most creative and influential Jazz figures, producing groundbreaking music and expanding the realms of Jazz way beyond their original scope. They also defined the Scandinavian Sound, which to this day is a strong characteristic many recordings by Scandinavian musicians and some other trying to imitate them. This music lost absolutely nothing of its original charm and fascination and sounds every bit as enchanting as it did at the time of the recording. Listening to it again after quite a few years makes a very strong impression and brings on waves of nostalgia to the times when music was constantly breaking new ground and was full of wonderful surprises. This is definitely worth re-visiting and re-discovering! Brilliant stuff! Side Note: These albums are not available on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend

DON SUGARCANE HARRIS ~ SUGAR CANE`S GOT THE BLUES PROMISING MUSIC 44102 (Barcode: 602517545731) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008 American violinist Don Sugarcane HarrisFind albums by this artist was one of the very few great Blues / Rock / Fusion artists playing the fiddle. He came to prominence as a member of the revolutionary John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist group and later as a member of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist’s groups. This album, recorded live during the Berliner Jazztage Festival, presents Harris both as a leader and a participant in the legendary “Violin Summit” super-group, assembled by producer Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist. The solo appearance is in fact an offshoot project of the “Violin Summit”, which was a series of recordings on the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label, which celebrated the role of the violin in Jazz, Blues, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Rock and produced probably the most interesting document of music by violinists in the late 1960s / 1970s. The “Violin Summit” projects were based on a concept of a rhythm section and a series of violinist playing solo and in various combinations. The 1971 version of “Violin Summit”, which produced the “New Violin SummitFind albums with this title” double album, included also such great violin players as Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist (France), Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist (Poland) and Nipso BrantnerFind albums by this artist (Germany) – none of them is heard here – and a fantastic rhythm section consisting of the Norwegian guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, German keyboardist Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist, New Zealander (resident in UK at the time) bassist Neville WhiteheadFind albums by this artist and British drummer Robert WyattFind albums by this artist. On the solo night Rypdal is replaced by German guitarist Volker KriegelFind albums by this artist. Surrounded by such illustrious musicians, Harris plays his heart out, improvising more daringly than ever before, no doubt inspired by the incredible performances by his European partners, who were musically much more advanced that Harris’ usual American companions. Overall the album presents a great event captured for posterity, with some amazing musical moments documenting the formation of the European Jazz-Rock Fusion, which bridges between such distant genres as the Blues and Free Jazz with elegance and vision. Beautifully remastered and packaged, this album is definitely worth investigation and attentive listening.

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GEORGE RUSSELL ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1005 (Barcode: 8024709113221) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 - 1983 Released: 2010 This superb Box Set collects all the albums recorded by the legendary American keyboardist / composer George RussellFind albums by this artist on the twin Italian independent labels: Black SaintFind albums on this label and Soul NoteFind albums on this label. The recordings span a period of almost 20 years and present Russell in many different settings, from a sextet to a big Jazz Orchestra, his preferred weapon of choice. His brilliant compositions are the focal point of these recordings and present a most impressive volume of brilliant work, which earn him an honorable place in the history of the genre. Most of these recordings are with European and in particular Scandinavian musicians and the list of names reads like a who´s who of the European Jazz scene: Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, Bernt RosengrenFind albums by this artist, Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist, Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist and many others. Russell resided in Europe in the mid to late 1960s and after returning to the US he often visited Europe and continued to record there. His music was accepted and appreciated in Europe much more that in his native US, which is the case with many American Jazzmen in the 1960s and 1970s, many of which resided in Europe for extended periods of time. The contents of this Box Set is a great tribute to the great composer´s life and work and includes some of the most interesting music recorded in the 20th Century. A must! Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 12/04/2020Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TERJE RYPDAL ~ ODYSSEY – IN STUDIO & IN CONCERT ECM 2136/38 (Barcode: 602527945668) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2012 This magnificent Box Set includes, for the first time, the complete content of the seminal album "OdysseyFind albums with this title" recorded by Norwegian guitarist / composer Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist and his quintet and released originally as a double LP (ECM 1067/68). In addition to Rypdal the quintet also included trombonist Torbjorn SundeFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brynjulf BlixFind albums by this artist, electric bassist Sveinung HovensjoFind albums by this artist and drummer Svein ChristiansenFind albums by this artist. This Box Set also includes a third CD entitled "Unfinished Highballs", with the previously unreleased live recordings by the same group (less the trombonist) accompanied by the Swedish Radio Jazz GroupFind albums by this artist, which incorporated some of the best Swedish Jazz players at the time. "Odyssey" comprises of eight pieces, all composed by Rypdal, the longest of those being over 23 minutes long. "Unfinished Highballs" presents seven additional compositions by Rypdal, which do not appear on "Odyssey". The music of "Odyssey", strongly influenced by the great modern Classical composer György LigetiFind albums by this artist, who composed some of the music included in the soundtrack of the celebrated "2001: A Space Odyssey" movie (hence the connection), combines also many influences from other genres, like Jazz (Miles DavisFind albums by this artist) and Rock (Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist). Although it certainly defies known genres, and perhaps defines a genre of its own, in retrospect it is certainly one of the earliest major efforts to create Ambient music, which moves somewhere between contemporary Classical on one hand and Jazz-Rock on another. It is certainly one of the rare cases where the word "unique" in truly and completely justified. In retrospect this music is way ahead of its time, as perhaps only now some music listeners are mature enough and experienced enough (myself included) to appreciate the prophetic nature of this music. Ambient music "happened" only decades later and then most of it was nowhere near the magnificence of this music included herein. Rypdal´s screaming guitar backed by organ and trombone and propelled by the electric rhythm section are a universe of sound, which remains unchallenged. The famous sound of Rypdal´s guitar is best defined by this album, as it can be heard in many different settings, from painting atmospheric soundscapes to soloing furiously on top of a Rocky rhythmic pattern. The legendary "Rolling Stone" piece, which closes the album (and was omitted from the first single CD reissue), is perhaps one of the most remarkable Jazz-Rock anthems ever recorded. The release of "Unfinished Highballs" is a true cherry topping, as it presents a completely new perspective of Rypdal´s music. Although Rypdal was no stranger to the Big Band setting (see for example his recordings with George RussellFind albums by this artist) this time we can hear his music being performed by a Big Band, which is quite another story. The power of a Big Band takes the music to a new territory, which is more Jazzy that the music of "Odyssey", but retains the Rypdal spirit. Rypdal will return to the Big Band only 33 years later, with the recording of "Crime Scene". This is an absolute must for any faithful follower of European Jazz and Jazz-Rock and Jazz-Classical Fusions. This is a milestone recording, which remains as fresh as on the day it was recorded, with most of it still quite futuristic. An absolute gem!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO ~ LITANIA – MUSIC OF KRZYSZTOF KOMEDA ECM 1636 (Barcode: 731453755123) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, one of the great Lions of European Jazz, now in his fifth decade of the tireless journey dedicated to discovering uncharted territory. Anybody familiar with the history of European Jazz is of course aware of the fact that Stanko was a member of the early modern Polish Jazz group led by his Mentor pianist / composer Krzysztof KomedaFind albums by this artist, one of world´s most important Jazz personalities, a Godfather of Polish Jazz and a phenomenal composer, in retrospect perhaps one of the greatest composers in Jazz history. Stanko´s musical personality was obviously formed and shaped by his association with Komeda, a fact that he often openly admits. Although Stanko occasionally paid homage to Komeda on his recordings over the years, it was only a matter of time until Stanko would produce a full-scope project as a tribute to Komeda´s music (and Komeda the man), and this is it. Stanko carefully arranged a series of composition by Komeda, ranging from his early works to his latest ones, and presents them here, performed by a septet comprising of Scandinavian musicians. Of course this is not a coincidence, as Komeda´s music was first recognized and acknowledged as exceptional outside his native country in Scandinavia (Sweden in particular), Poland´s northern neighbors, where Komeda performed during his lifetime, played and recorded with local musician and befriended many of them. The lineup includes Swedish saxophonists Bernt ResengrenFind albums by this artist (a veteran player of Komeda´s generation) and Joakim MilderFind albums by this artist, pianist Bobo StensonFind albums by this artist, bassist Palle DanielssonFind albums by this artist, and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist and guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist (present on three tracks only). Since I´ve already written extensively about Komeda´s music, I will only say that these performances manage both to preserve the original beauty and depth of it, as well as transform is successfully into the present Jazz idiom, with grace, intelligence and deep respect. The performances are stellar from start to finish, the solos breathtaking, the rhythm session imaginative, yet solid like a rock – in other words this is perfect in every sense one can associate with music. This is a worthy and fitting tribute to the great Genius by the best and most sensitive musicians around and an absolute must in any music library, regardless of genre preferences. Beyond essential!

CD 1 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN ~ MORNING GLORY FMR 013 (Barcode: 649849982179) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 1995 In complete contrast to the first stage of British saxophonist John SurmanFind albums by this artist’s career, which lasted for about four years (between 1968 and 1971) and was characterized by almost obsessive recording and touring, he decided to “hold his horses” from that point on and record a limited number of albums each year – a modus operandi he adheres to consistently to this very day. 1972 saw the release of just one Surman album, the revolutionary Westering HomeFind albums with this title - a complete solo project. Similarly, 1973 brought us just one Surman album entitled “Morning Glory”, which was also the (collective) name of the group that recorded the album. Consisting of the top players on the British scene it included Surman on soprano saxophone and bass clarinet (note the fact that he does not play here his primary instrument – the baritone saxophone) with Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist on trombone, Norwegian guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on acoustic and electric piano, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums. Musically the album is quite surprising, as it marks Surman’s first venture into the field of Jazz-Rock Fusion (under his flag that is). Although the structure of the music is still very free form and the solos tend to float into free improvisational spheres, the guitar, electric piano and the rhythmic patterns are close to Fusion (which was at the peak of its development at the time). One might call this Free-Fusion, but of course labeling this magnificent music is completely senseless. Surman’s solos are, as usual, brilliant but all the musicians contribute more that a fair share to the album’s overall mastery. Originally released on IslandFind albums on this label, the album was unavailable for many years and having it back in circulation is a marvel. Of course it is an absolute must have for every follower of the British Saxophone Colossus and fan of modern British Jazz. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHN SURMAN ~ NORDIC QUARTET ECM 1553 (Barcode: 731452712028) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1994 Released: 1995 Breathtakingly beautiful album by British saxophone Giant John SurmanFind albums by this artist, recorded with Nordic (or rather Norwegian) friends: singer Karin KrogFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist and pianist Vigleik StoraasFind albums by this artist. Anybody familiar with Surman´s immense talent needs no introduction to his music, but this album is rather special in many respects and therefore uniquely interesting. The Norwegian partners fill this album with typical Scandinavian chilly atmosphere and the result is simply stunning. Rypdal, as usual, adds his ambient layers, Storaas delicately fills the spaces with his touch, but the true star of this album is my old friend Karin Krog, with her amazing vocal performances. Although little known outside her country, I´ve always considered her as one of the greatest female Jazz singers out there. Surman is of course brilliant, as always, both as a player and a composer (he composed and co-composed the majority of the music herein). This music works better in the heat of the day than a full-blast air conditioning unit! An absolute must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LESZEK ZADLO QUARTET ~ LIVE IN HAMBURG `75 FOR TUNE 0170 (Barcode: 5906395808847) ~ POLAND ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1975 Released: 2024 By the mid-1970s West Germany became a true Mecca of European Jazz. The great economic resurgence allowed benevolent support of Arts by the German regional and Federal governments, and Jazz became a highly popular and flourishing Artform, bursting with concert activity all around the country. The many indoor and outdoor Jazz festivals, venues ranging from newly constructed concert halls to small clubs and cellars, music schools with Jazz departments and a vast number of thriving independent record labels, like MPSFind albums on this label, ECMFind albums on this label and EnjaFind albums on this label, to mention but a few, all these created a climate, which not only enabled the local musicians to flourish, but also acted like a magnet pulling Jazz musicians from all over the world to move to Germany and take part in the celebration of creating the new European Jazz miracle. Since Europe was at the time literally split by the Iron Curtain into “West” and “East”, moving to Germany from the USA or other West European countries was a breeze. However, as far as East European Jazz musicians were concerned, such move was, more often than not, only but a dream. That did not mean, of course, that some of them would not try, and eventually also succeed to make such transition. Born in Krakow in 1945, Polish Jazz saxophonist / flautist / composer / educator Leszek ZadloFind albums by this artist was one of the first Polish Jazz musicians, who managed to make the “West” their new home. He moved first to Austria, in 1966, where he polished his education and performing skills, playing constantly with the best local and visiting international Jazz players. There he recorded his debut album “Inner SilenceFind albums with this title” in 1973. In 1975 Zadlo relocated to Germany, settling in Munich and quickly becoming an integral part of the busy local scene. This album presents a live recording by Zadlo with an international quartet, which includes American pianist Larry PorterFind albums by this artist, who was one of the many US musicians staying at the time in Germany, and a German rhythm section comprising of bassist Gunter LenzFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe NayFind albums by this artist. The concert was a part of the 1. New Jazz Festival, which took place in Hamburg in June of 1975. The festival’s concerts were presented at two legendary local venues: “Fabrik” and “Onkel Pös Carnegie Hall”, where the music on this album was recorded. The Festival’s lineup included several ensembles, led by important international Jazz artists, like Norwegian Terje RypdalFind albums by this artist, American Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, German Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and… Polish Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist, another proud representative of the Eastern European Jazz scene. Parts of the performances by these artists were included on a commemorative album released by the Polydor label later that year. The fact that Leszek Zadlo was invited to take part in this important festival speaks volumes about his status as a part of the evolving European Jazz Avant-Garde. The music is, as expected, a brilliant example of European Free Jazz / Improvised Music hurricane, exploding with emotions and sublime musicianship. Zadlo’s “infatuation” with the music of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist is obvious, but Zadlo offers his very own voice and interpretation of Freedom, which is perhaps less wild and instinctive, but rather more expressive and balanced, without losing touch with the world around. There is no doubt that Zadlo was at that period of his life perhaps the most “Coltrane oriented” European Jazz musician, all the way as total as the great Master, and with complete and full control of his faculties. Watching Zadlo on stage was like facing a Force of Nature, being totally and utterly swept by flow of his energy, all of which is wonderfully captured herein. His partners in crime are completely up to the task, as expected. It would be a sin to leave this music dormant in the vault and I am extremely happy to see it out in the open. Love you my Friend, as always! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 06/12/2024Posted: 06/12/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend