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7 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.

IF ~ IF
REPERTOIRE 1037 (Barcode: 4009910103722) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock

Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006

Thi is the debut album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 by three representatives of the burgeoning British Jazz scene, which was experiencing an unprecedented surge of creativity and revolutionizing the Jazz form at the time. Although partly inspired by American Jazz-Rock pioneers like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which were gaining wide popularity at the time, If was quintessentially different from its American counterparts.

Essentially Jazz-Rock was "invented" in Britain several years earlier by musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist and others, creating a distinctive "sound and feel", which was quite different from the development of the genre on the other side of the pond. The Americans based their bands on the rich "brass" tradition, which was perfected over the years by countless Big Bands and Brass bands, adding an aggressive rock backbeat to the music, whereas the British used a different approach, which basically left the Jazz environment intact, rejuvenating it with modern rhythmic approach and electric instruments (and in some cases adding Rock vocals), but remaining faithful to the Jazz idiom. In short where the American Jazz-Rock mainly rocked, the British Jazz-Rock mainly swung.

If were a great example of these differences and although short-lived, the band produced some of the most exquisite examples of British Jazz-Rock ever recorded. The core of the band comprised of the extraordinary guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and another saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (please note the absence of trumpeters). All three musicians had behind them several years of playing Jazz in various ensembles and were amongst the most gifted young British players at the time. Supported by a great and versatile rhythm section: keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist and fronted by unusually gifted and able vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, If were an absolutely perfect combination of talent and abilities, which actually worked. This, combined with the abilities of the "in house" composers (mostly Morrissey and Quincy), who crafted incredible melodies; crispy, complex and intelligent yet "easy" on the ear, made If a lean and mean music making machine of staggering proportions. All three main instrumental soloist were wonderful musicians, which is evident on this album from start to finish, but the most incredible work was surely performed by guitarist Terry Smith, who uses every trick in the book and beyond, always fresh and unconventional.

It is most interesting to compare Smith´s work with Chicago guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (what a coincidence – both named Terry), who also was the most gifted instrumentalist in his band. Smith´s adaptation of Jazz guitar techniques into Rock as opposed to Kath´s improvised Rock guitar playing again emphasize the differences between the two bands. Words of praise should also go to If´s vocalist, who demonstrated exceptional feel on top of his wide range and clear, effortless treatment of even the trickiest challenges.

To summarize, If in general and this, their debut album in particular, are superb examples of what great music is all about. Although mostly forgotten and rarely mentioned in most references, this album is as essential to every Jazz-Rock fan as the air he breathes. Ignoring it would constitute an act of criminal negligence, not to mention the complete void in one´s musical education. Did I say essential?
Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

IF ~ IF 3
REPERTOIRE 1097 (Barcode: 4009910109724) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock

Recorded: 1971 Released: 2007

This is the third album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded in London following a grueling touring schedule in the US and Europe in the months before the recording. Although worn out by touring, the band was tighter and more experienced than ever, keeping the same lineup from the very start, which is evident by their playing on this album (although they were brilliant from day one). They also had more time to work on new material, which proved to be as inspiring as always, but more focused on melody and arrangements rather than the display of extended instrumental improvisations. In many respects this is the most "perfect" If album, closest in spirit to great British Jazz-Rock essence.

Most of the music here was composed by saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist, with two more compositions by keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist and one each by guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist. The vocals by J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist are particularly lyrical and moving here, placing his abilities in par with the instrumental wizardry of the other band members. Although tamer and less spontaneous than its two predecessors, this is still an essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

IF ~ IF 4
REPERTOIRE 1098 (Barcode: 4009910109823) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock

Recorded: 1972 Released: 2007

4th album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded "live in the studio" and unfortunately the last recording by the original lineup of the group. In spite of intensive touring in the US and Europe, the band never had a chance to record live (which was almost compulsory then) and this was their attempt to recreate the atmosphere of their gigs. Although recorded in a studio, it is live in every respect, i.e. a large crowd was present in the studio during the recording and no overdubs or other studio trickery were used in the recording. The resident band composers came up with a great set of new tunes, rehearsed on the road before the actual recording captured here. This recording is closer in spirit to the first two albums the band recorded, full of spontaneity and superb extended soloing. The guitar work by Terry SmithFind albums by this artist is absolutely outlandish and the other players follow suit. The 10+ minutes opening track is alone worth the price of any album and a superb example of the Jazz-Rock at its best in every respect. Unfortunately shortly after this session and a brief personal change the band fell apart as a result of Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist´s illness. Although Morrissey revamped the band later on, which recorded three more albums using the If moniker, those were far apart from the glorious material recorded by the original group. For various management and contractual reasons this album was not released in the US in its entirety (as were the first three albums); instead the "WaterfallFind albums with this title" album released in the US included some of the material present here with the addition of different material recorded for that particular release. This is an essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

IF ~ IF 5
REPERTOIRE 1289 (Barcode: 4009910128923) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock

Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016

This is an album by a reunion edition of the legendary British Jazz-Rock Fusion and Brass-Rock band IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 and active for just over three years, releasing four brilliant studio albums and some live material that was also released since. If is one of my all time favorite bands as far as British Jazz-Rock is concerned. This reunion incarnation includes two original If members: saxophonist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist and guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist. They are joined by keyboardist Guy GardnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Ben TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummer Rod BrownFind albums by this artist and vocalist Dave BrowneFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight pieces, six of which are original compositions (five by Quincy and one by Gardner) and two are standards.

The music is a mixture of mainstream Jazz and Rhythm And Blues, sadly nowhere near the brilliant material of the original band, neither as far as the compositions are concerned nor the actual playing. Honestly this band sounds like an amateur band playing a gig in a pub, which is an insult to the memory of the original band.

This is a kind of an album which should have never been recorded and even worse released (and sold!) and shows the sarcasm and cynicism of the record label capitalizing on a band´s name. A shame!
Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 19/01/2017CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

IF ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
REPERTOIRE 1427 (Barcode: 4009910142721) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock

Recorded: 1970 - 1972 Released: 2022

This is a sensational archival album by the superb but relatively forgotten British Jazz-Rock Fusion / Brass Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which to this very day remains as one of the finest examples of the genre. Sourced from the BBC vaults, the double album presents twenty tracks of original music by the ensemble members, recorded over two years, which span the initial life span of the ensemble, all previously unissued.

Following the ensemble’s formative days in 1969, the core lineup stabilized as a septet, which included vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists/ flautists Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (who wrote most of the material), keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist. That lineup recorded the ensemble’s first four iconic albums, called simply “IfFind albums with this title”, “If 2Find albums with this title”, “If 3Find albums with this title” and “If 4Find albums with this title”, and disbanded by the end of 1972. That lineup is featured on all the tracks on this album.

The ensemble reformed with a different lineup and continued until 1975, releasing four more studio albums. A reunion lineup released a studio album in 2016, called “If 5Find albums with this title”, which was a sad affair.

Although stylistically somewhat similar to the American Brass Rock groups like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist and others, If had a very unique British / European approach, which less emphasis on brass arrangements but way more complex music and sophisticated ensemble sound. For a more detailed comparison, please read my review of the If’s early albums.

Overall, this is a treasure chest of previously unheard material by one of the best British Jazz-Rock ensembles ever, and an absolute must to the genre’s many fans. The sound is a bit iffy, despite the fact that the material was remastered, but the music is outstanding. RepertoireFind albums on this label are doing a remarkable job by bringing the material from the BBC vaults back to life, but their pricing borders on insane and the booklets are a bit trivial and repetitive lately, lacking the proper historical perspective this music deserves. But this is Holy Grail any way one looks at it, so don’t think twice and grab a copy.
Updated: 18/09/2022Posted: 17/09/2022CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TERRY SMITH ~ FALL OUT
SUNBEAM 5008 (Barcode: 5051125500819) ~ UK ~ Jazz

Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006

Guitarist / composer Terry SmithFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest musicians on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s. Voted the best Jazz guitarist in the 1968 polls, when this album was recorded, Smith was not only playing at the regular Jazz venues around London, but was also a member of the backup group of singer Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who was at the peak of his popularity at the time. Walker, although extremely successful as a Pop artists, had a keen musical ear and was trying to get away from the sugary Pop image by employing some of the best Jazz musicians at the time In his band, which was led by no other than the legendary Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist. Walker used his influence with his label (PhilipsFind albums on this label) to offer a recording opportunity to some of the young and extremely talented musicians in the band, which led to the recording of this debut album by Terry Smith. As this album shows, Smith already had an extraordinary technique and feel for Jazz. Based on the tradition created by players like Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist and Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Smith took his guitar work a few steps further adding his personal touch. Of course just a few months later Smith would become one of the founding members of the British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, which successfully competed with their American counterparts like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist. On this album Smith is accompanied by some of the best British Jazz musicians at the time, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist on sax and flute, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist on piano and Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist on bass. Of the eight tracks on this album, three are his originals and the rest standards, beautifully arranged for a big Jazz ensemble. Two of the tracks are performed by Smith’s trio with Bob StuckleyFind albums by this artist on organ and Chris KarenFind albums by this artist on drums. This is an excellent album by all means and it’s great to have it back from oblivion after all these years. Recommended!
 CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SCOTT WALKER ~ SCOTT: THE COLLECTION 1967-1970
MERCURY 602537288496 (Barcode: 602537288496) ~ UK ~ Pop & Rock

Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2013

This Box Set collects five of the six albums recorded by British (born in USA) singer / songwriter Scott WalkerFind albums by this artist, who earned his initial fame as the lead singer of the Walker BrothersFind albums by this artist vocal trio. These albums cover the early solo career of Walker, after the trio split, only to be reunited and active again between 1975 and 1978. The album not included in this Box Set ("Scott Walker Sings Songs From His TV SeriesFind albums with this title") was never reissues on CD due to Scott´s opposition to do so. Walker recorded four more solo albums before the Walker Brothers reunion, but those recordings are considered as significantly less valuable.

All the five albums included here are absolute masterpieces, presenting an intellectual singer / songwriter who takes his music seriously and completely ignores the fads of fashion and commerciality. Deeply interested in Jazz and European Culture, which was a hive of activity at the time, Walker carefully chose a mixture of self-written material and covers, especially those of songs by Jacques BrelFind albums by this artist, whom he admired, to create a music which clearly stood apart from almost everything else created in the Pop domain at the time.

Blessed with a velvet baritone and a superb artistic delivery, Walker recorded his albums supported by large orchestras, conducted by the best and often very innovative British arrangers / orchestrators active at the time. In retrospect these albums are all classics of European balladry, which remain completely untouched by time.

In parallel to his solo career Walker also produced albums by other artists, including debut albums British Jazz heroes Terry SmithFind albums by this artist ("Fall OutFind albums with this title") and Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist ("First AlbumFind albums with this title"). After years of reclusion and silence Walker returned to the centre of the music scene in the 2000s with a series of revolutionary albums, which find him again at the forefront of music making.

This Box Set is a treasure chest of elegance, intellectual songwriting and sensitive performances, which are timeless and deserve to be revisited or discovered by next generations of music lovers.
Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: CD 5 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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