Record Reviews

CRIMSON JAZZ TRIO ~ KING CRIMSON SONGBOOK VOL.1 VOICEPRINT 373 (Barcode: 604388321421) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 This is a perfect marriage of two of my favorite worlds: Jazz and Prog. The piano trio was always my jazz vehicle of choice, as it is ideal to provide both the improvisational and rhythmic jazz qualities. The music of the legendary Prog band King CrimsonFind albums by this artist was always right on top of my preferred music. The Crimson Jazz TrioFind albums by this artist combines both of these preferences perfectly. Jody NardoneFind albums by this artist (piano), Tim LandersFind albums by this artist (bass) and ex-KC Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist (drums) take the music of KC places, which were unimaginable so far – far into the land of swing (I wander if anybody could have imagined the music of KC in that setting before). The players shine and sweat from the onset to the very last note, full of imagination, brilliant technique and intelligent interplay. The sound is perfect as well, with clear definition of sound, which enables the entire range of the piano to sound balanced and the drum kit (from bass drum to hi-hat) to be perfectly audible. I can only join Robert FrippFind albums by this artist in his reaction to this masterpiece: “Can’t wait for Vol.2”!

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AL DI MEOLA ~ SPLENDIDO HOTEL / ELECTRIC RENDEZVOUS BGO 0927 (Barcode: 5017261209276) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1980 - 1982 Released: 2010 This is a reissue / remaster of the 4th and 5th studio albums by American guitarist / composer Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist: “Splendido HotelFind albums with this title” from 1980 and “Electric RendezvousFind albums with this title” from 1982, released on ColumbiaFind albums on this label Records. He is supported by his regular band at the time with keyboardist Philippe SaisseFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim LandersFind albums by this artist, drummer Robbie GonzalesFind albums by this artist and percussionist Eddie ColonFind albums by this artist. Many guest artists appear on these albums, including pianist Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jan HammerFind albums by this artist, bassist Anthony JacksonFind albums by this artist, drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, guitarist Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist, percussionist Mingo LewisFind albums by this artist and others. “Splendido Hotel”, originally a 2LP album, presents eleven tracks, seven composed by De Meola, one co-composed with Saisse, one by Saisse, one by Corea and one a pop standard. “Electric Rendezvous” presents eight tracks, five composed by Di Meola, and one each by Saisse, Hammer and Lewis. The music is the usual splendid mixture of superb melodies, Jazz licks, Fusion Groove and Spanish / Latin / Mediterranean / Flamenco Folkloristic accents, which was De Meola’s home turf. There is plenty of brilliant guitar playing by Di Meola and excellent parts by the guest artists, and although these two albums are not surprising or innovative as far as Di Meola’s output in the first decade of his career is concerned, they withstand the test of time splendidly and still sound great today. Overall, this is a marvelous reminder of the early days of Di Meola’s recording career, full of virtuosity, superb compositions and passionate performances by him and his cohorts, which were the leading American Fusion musicians at the time. They are a must in any serious Jazz-Rock Fusion / Jazz-World Fusion record collection.

Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: 28/02/2024

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