Record Reviews
21 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | JAN AKKERMAN ~ PROFILE
BGO 490 (Barcode: 5017261204905) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2000
2nd album by the legendary FocusFind albums by this artist guitarist Jan AkkermanFind albums by this artist recorded while he was still with the group. It showcases Akkerman`s brilliant playing, both as an electric Fusion player and as acoustic classical one. Backed by the cream of contemporary Dutch musicians (some fellow Focus members and some members of other groups like TraceFind albums by this artist) he shines throughout. The 20+ minutes opening track is a Fusion suite a la Mahavishnu. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY / IAN CARR / MICHAEL GIBBS / STAN TRACEY ~ WILL POWER
VOCALION 8412 (Barcode: 765387841225) ~ UK ~ Jazz
This stunningly beautiful album managed to stay on the top of my personal list for over 30 years now and I love it as much as I did the first time I heard it. It simply represents all the beauty, sophistication and intellectual quality of the British Jazz of the late 1960s / 1970s, perhaps more accurately and more concisely than any other one album. It documents a concert performed at London’s Southwark Cathedral, one of the many events dedicated to Shakespeare’s tercentenary celebrations, and presents four major works written by four great British Jazz composers: Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, dedicated to Shakespeare’s genius.
The list of performers certainly resembles the “Who’s Who” of British Jazz at the time and includes: Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist – vocals, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – reeds, Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist and Colin WalkerFind albums by this artist – cello, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Stan Tracey – keyboards, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist – bass, Tony LevinFind albums by this artist – drums and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – percussion. All the lengthy suites, although quite different from each other, are majestic and respectful to the great poet’s legacy, often touching on Elizabethan era motifs, even if ever so slightly. The ambience of the Cathedral adds to the overall effect and the magic of that performance if caught forever by this extraordinary recording.
Everything that is so great about Jazz – composition, arrangement and performance – is unified here to produce that magical moment, which can never be repeated. I can’t imagine anybody not liking this, and although it’s by far no easy listening, the immediate magnanimity of this music is so apparent that repeated listening could only deepen the experience. Beyond essential!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ARS NOVA ~ BIOGENESIS PROJECT
MUSEA 4532 (Barcode: 3426300045324) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003
4th album by Japanese Prog trio Ars NovaFind albums by this artist, which plays a modern version of music first created by groups like NiceFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist or RefugeeFind albums by this artist. So far nothing extraordinary, but considering the fact that all three players are female changes the picture a bit. Since I’m a big admirer of female musicians, who are not intimidated by the male-dominated world of Prog (in particular) and Music (in general). Of course the fact that they are female isn’t enough to make Ars Nova the superb group it is – but their talents as composers and instrumentalists. The band’s albums are mostly extensive and complex concept works, based on literary or mythical themes. This one is no exception with a story line based on a Science Fiction futuristic idea. On this one the band gets a huge cast of supporting / guest artist (many of them Prog legends), who are members of groups like Balletto Di BronzoFind albums by this artist, PFMFind albums by this artist, GerardFind albums by this artist, AyeronFind albums by this artist and others. The music is bombastic and dramatic, but all in good taste, making it an ideal meal for Symphonic Prog lovers. Definitely worth checking out.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DIAPASÃO ~ OPUS I
MASQUE 0306 ~ BRAZIL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
1st album by the Brazilian Prog band DiapasãoFind albums by this artist. Led by keyboards player Rodrigo LanaFind albums by this artist, Diapasão are a trio (keyboards, bass & drums), which immediately brings comparisons to Emerson, Lake & PalmerFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist, NiceFind albums by this artist and all the other keyboards trios in Prog. Lana, who composed all the music, is an accomplished player who switches with ease between the acoustic piano and the electronic instruments. His compositions sound mostly very close to classical music (especially when he plays the acoustic piano) with complex melodic themes often intertwined with each other. Apart from the regular band members several guest musicians (violins, cello) are present on a couple of tracks. All together a most impressive debut, which hopefully will see a follow up in the future. Keyboards fans and general Prog lovers will have a feast with this one.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRACE ~ THE WHITE LADIES
MUSEA 4189 ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1977 which is more of a solo effort by Rick van der Linden with guest musicians. This is a concept album based on an ancient legend. Musically more diverse then the previous 2 albums due to the vocal parts and more instruments involved. Still a great and important record.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRACEY, CLARK ~ STABILITY
LINN 159 ~ UK ~ Jazz
Clark Tracey is the son of Stan Tracey, one of the most important UK jazz musicians. He follows his dad`s tradition extremely well and is considered one of the best young drummers in jazz today. For this record Clark gathered a small big band comprising of the creme de la creme of UK jazz players and the result is spectacular. Fresh and sophisticated this is jazz at its best
| | | CD 1 HDCD Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ FROM STAN, WITH LOVE (WITH LOVE FROM JAZZ / WE LOVE YOU MADLY)
RESTEAMED 115 (Barcode: 5060138617155) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021
This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “With Love From JazzFind albums with this title” and “We Love You MadlyFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist (Lennie BushFind albums by this artist and Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist replace Green and Dougan on the last track) and presents eight original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by an eighteen-piece Big Band (called Big Brass), which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Kenny BakerFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Don RendellFind albums by this artist, and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist, Tracey on piano, Bush on bass and drummer Barry MorganFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and presents six compositions by him, one by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist and one by Tracey, all also arranged by him. The first album was recorded October12 and 31, 1967 and the second August 20 and 21, 1968 and released a year later (respectively) on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label.
The first album is a wonderful example of Tracey’s quartet work, based on his idiosyncratic compositions, often truly romantic in nature, which defined his style characterized by his singular chord vamping. This was the last recording with Wellins, who was replaced on future albums by Peter KingFind albums by this artist. Tracey and Wellins has a telepathic communication between them and played like musical twins, which of course is audible here as well. The last track is a surprising excursion into African rhythms, which finds Tracey playing the vibraphone.
The Big Band album is a complete different cup of tea, with Tracey showing off his genius as arranger / Big Band leader, which always were his undeniable passions in addition to his composing and playing the piano. His love and respect to Ellington the composer is plainly apparent and his arrangements are highly unusual, almost diametrically different from the original Ellington recordings, which of course is a brilliant lesson in the differences between the American and British / European approach to using the Big Band as a musical tool. The original composition closing the album is a proverbial cherry on top of course. Personally this is one of my most loved Tracey recordings, but hey I love them all of course.
Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 18/08/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ LAUGHIN` AND SCRATCHIN`
JAZZ HOUSE 608 (Barcode: 751848670824) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 1997
This is an album which presents archival / informal recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / composer Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a trio format at the famous Ronnie Scott´s Club in London, featuring bassist Rick LairdFind albums by this artist (later of Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist fame) and drummers Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist or Bill EydenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs seven pieces, two of which are originals by Tracey and five are standards.
Between 1959 and 1965 Tracey and his trio served as the house band at the Ronnie Scott´s Club (the original one at Gerrard Street) and accompanied scores of visiting musicians, mostly from the US, such as Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist, Ben WebsterFind albums by this artist, Stan GetzFind albums by this artist, Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Roland KirkFind albums by this artist and many, many more. Playing with these Giants obviously served as a wonderful opportunity for Tracey to polish his chops, but more importantly to develop his own style as a player and composer, which differed from the standard American Bebop approach.
The selections included on this album are all pretty long in duration and as such are wonderful documents of Tracey´s idiosyncrasies as a piano player, with his quite unique approach to the instrument, similar in some ways to what Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist was doing. Tracey plays mostly chords, vamping and boogieing all over the keyboard, only occasionally playing out the melody notes. His interpretation of the Monk tune present here is simply amazing.
The rhythm section bravely keeps up with the governor, standing with him shoulder to shoulder even during the unexpected twists and turns he takes along the way. Although the sound quality of this album is far from ideal, the music is absolutely stunning and more than compensates for the technical limitations.
Albums like this are precious pieces of Jazz history captured for eternity, which are still valid today and are definitely worth listening to, especially by the young generation, which missed it in real time. Great stuff!
| | Updated: 24/03/2016Posted: 24/03/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ PLAYS DUKE ELLINGTON
MOLE 10 (Barcode: 5018265001026) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1986 Released: 1989
This is a little known album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded in an intimate duo setting with bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, and as the title suggests, those are compositions by iconic American Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist (or Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist in one case).
For British Jazz lovers, Tracey is not only a legendary figure, but also a symbol, which bridges the first period of the British Jazz, which was more or less an attempt to follow, and to a large degree copy, everything that happened in American Jazz, with the second period, which developed an independent, original approach to Jazz music somewhere by the mid-1960.
Tracey, who was dominantly active during both periods, represents the generation, that had to adapt to the changes imposed by the radical transition, and he proved to be brilliantly adaptive / embracing, brilliantly connecting everything he learned during his early years, with the often dramatically different trends that followed, like Free Jazz and Improvised Music. In retrospective he emerges as the undisputed Godfather of the British Jazz scene, which his affluent recording legacy proves beyond any doubt.
This intimate album is a beautiful illustration of Tracey’s ability to respect the tradition, which Ellington represents at the most eloquent level, with the liberties allowed by the modern approaches, respectfully and lovingly treating the original music, but firmly taking it to a new level.
Tracey’s virtuosity is of course plainly evident every step of the way, and this album is especially effective, since Ellington’s music is obviously deeply familiar to every Jazz enthusiast, and Tracey’s daring and original approach is therefore even more evident herein.
Needless to say, Babbington offers superb support to Tracey and adds plenty of elegant soloing, in order to earn the respect, he fully deserves. As a result, the album wonderfully fits into the “Art of the Duo” category.
Overall, this is a gem of an album, which deserves to be heard by every British Jazz enthusiast, or rather every Jazz enthusiast worldwide. Tracey, whom I had the immense pleasure of hearing live in person on many occasions, remains “Sir Jazz” for me to this very day and every album of his is sprinkled by gold dust.
| | Updated: 25/05/2025Posted: 25/05/2025 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ THE 1959 SESSIONS
RESTEAMED 116 (Barcode: 5060138617162) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1959 Released: 2022
This is a sensational archival album by one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. It presents eight previously unreleased tracks recorded in June 1959 at the Decca studios and intended to be released as a follow-up album to Tracey’s second album as a leader “Little KlunkFind albums with this title”, released in early 1959, but strangely forgotten. The tracks were recorded by two trios, both with Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist on bass, and with drummer Tony CrombieFind albums by this artist on the first four tracks, which are standards, and drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist on the next four tracks, which are original compositions by Tracey. The recording quality of all the tracks is absolutely perfect, which of course adds to the joy.
The music is as brilliant as one might expect, with Tracey and the lads having obviously great fun and playing their hearts out. Clearly the tracks with Seamen are much more exciting and modernist, with his brilliant drumming technique, way ahead of its time, dominating the proceedings, as appropriate for his legendary status.
Tracey demonstrates the early exposure of his idiosyncratic approach to Jazz piano playing, with the typical attack on the keyboard and a barrage of single notes, rather than playing chords, perhaps influenced by the fact that he also played the vibraphone, which can be heard here on one track.
Overall, this is another superb addition to the Stan Tracey discography, thanks to his son Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist and the ReSteamedFind albums on this label Records label, which is doing a great job keeping the memory and music alive. This is an absolute must to all Tracey followers and thanks for bringing this music to our lives!
| | Updated: 06/01/2023Posted: 06/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN ADVENTURE
TENTOTEN 753 (Barcode: 5060052777539) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2006
This is an expanded reissue of the classic album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live on November 3rd, 1975 at the 100 Club in London, a Mecca of the London Jazz scene at the time, where I have spent more evenings deep into the night than I can remember, by a fabulous quartet (well all of Stan’s quartet were fabulous) with saxophonist Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist, and was released on LP as “Captain AdventureFind albums with this title” on the SteamFind albums on this label Records label, owned by Stan, in 1976. The LP offered just four tracks captured that night and only thirty years later this magnificent 2CD reissue appeared, offering seven previously unreleased tracks recorded that night, almost tripling the playing time of the music. This reissue was released on the TenToTenFind albums on this label Records label, owned by Stan’s son, drummer Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist. Of the eleven tracks on this album, ten are original compositions by Tracey and one is a standard.
The music is absolutely stunning from start to finish, with all members of the quartet playing marvelously and due to the special atmosphere in the club explode into lengthy hair-raising solo performances. No wonder that “Captain Adventure” is considered as Tracey’s second-best album after the groundbreaking “Under Milk WoodFind albums with this title”. Themen shows his virtuosity and amazing improvisational skill, Green is unmistakably steady as a rock and superbly melodic and Spring swings like a clockwork. As a result, this is surely one of the best live British Jazz albums of all time.
It is fascinating to see the progress towards Free Jazz made by Tracey and his crew. Although the music is still based on clear melodic themes, the improvisations spread towards a much less defined musical structures, especially in Themen’s soloing. Tracey’s idiosyncratic piano playing, based on series of single notes rather than chords, is present vividly and delightfully for the entire duration of the music.
Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, a timeless gem that deserves an honorable place in every British Jazz record collection, no questions asked. Sadly, this reissue is already out of print since years, so it might be a while until a copy can be found, but the effort is absolutely worth it. Happy hunting!
| | Updated: 13/01/2023Posted: 13/01/2023 | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS
AVID 1044 (Barcode: 5022810304425) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1955 - 2003 Released: 2011
This is a marvelous collection of early recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. It includes the first two albums Tracey recorded as a leader: "ShowcaseFind albums with this title" (from 1958) and "Little KlunkFind albums with this title" (from 1959) and the only album by the short-lived octet Jazz Inc.Find albums by this artist led by drummer / composer / bandleader Tony CrombieFind albums by this artist, which features Tracey on piano. The "Plus" comprises of four tracks by the Stan Tracey quartet featuring Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (from 1959), a couple of tracks by the Harry KleinFind albums by this artist Quintet featuring Stan Tracey on piano (from 1955) and a trio recording by guitarist Jon WheatleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy CleyndertFind albums by this artist and Tracey from 2003 (not really belonging to this set but what the heck).
This collection is not only highly entertaining, but also very educational, as it traces the development of Modern British Jazz, which started as a formidable adaptation of the American Jazz tradition and gradually developed into a completely new and even separate Jazz idiom.
The comparison between "Showcase" and "Little Klunk" is particularly fascinating, as these two albums are light years apart from each other, although in fact they were recorded only one year between each other. The former, recorded in a trio / quartet setting features Tracey on piano and vibraphone, with guitarists Ike IsaacsFind albums by this artist or Ray DempseyFind albums by this artist, bassists Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist or Johnny HawksworthFind albums by this artist and drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist or Ronnie VerrellFind albums by this artist (the piano pieces are trios and the vibraphone pieces are quartets). All the music on this album consists of standards and stylistically the music moves between Swing and Bebop, with Tracey obviously already listening closely to the American pioneers stepping beyond, especially Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. The latter album, however, recorded in a trio format with Napper and Seamen features all original compositions by Tracey and clearly defines his original voice, which moves away quite radically from both Swing and Bebop, but not yet as advanced as it will become in not too distant future. The work of the magnificent Phil Seamen heard here is of course priceless, considering his tragically short life.
The Jazz Inc. live recording is also a typical example of the British scene at the time, with the octet playing mostly original material by its members, with just a couple of standards thrown in for good measure. Excellent soloing by all the musicians and the accomplished Big Band sound are a superb nostalgic memento. The Tracey / Hayes tracks recorded by the BBC World Service for "export to former colonies", is a rare opportunity to hear these two Giants together, which happened only very rarely. The guitar trio tracks added here seemingly simply to "fill the time" prove to be the least interesting per se, although of course perfectly well played.
Overall this collection, digitally remastered and very reasonably priced, is a true gem and an essential part of every modern British Jazz record collection. A must!
| | Updated: 26/01/2016Posted: 26/01/2016 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ UNDER MILK WOOD IN HAMBURG
RESTEAMED 117 (Barcode: 5060138617209) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2022
This is a truly sensational archive release of an album by one of Godfathers of the modern British Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. In 1965 Tracey released the iconic “Under Milk WoodFind albums with this title” album, which presented a Jazz suite based on the play for voices of the same name, by Welsh poet Dylan ThomasFind albums by this artist. Tracey’s original album was recorded by his quartet, which included saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist. A few months after the release of the album, which achieved instantaneous recognition as a masterpiece, in March 1966, Tracey was invited by the German NDR network to record a radio broadcast, for which he extended his quartet into a quintet, adding the great ex-Canadian trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The broadcast was recorded, but remained unreleased on record until now. The recording sound quality is beyond perfection as is the performance by the quintet. It includes a short spoken introduction by Tracey.
“Under Milk Wood” is undoubtedly one of the most groundbreaking modern European Jazz recordings, presenting the innovations of the British Jazz, which are audible only so subtly here, but already clearly distinguishing this music from the American Jazz tradition. Tracey was about to push the boundaries of British Jazz in the next decades, remaining a head figure of the local scene, highly respected by his peers. His idiosyncratic way of playing the piano made him instantly recognizable in any setting and completely unique to this very day.
It is fascinating to compare the original quartet recording with this quintet version, which allows the full impact of Wheeler on the music to be hear perfectly clearly. Therefore, this version sound even more advanced and revolutionary than the original, as Wheeler adventurous spirit is exposed here in full as well as his uniquely brilliant trumpet / flugelhorn technique.
Overall, this album is one of the most sensational discoveries in recorded British Jazz history and the fact that is remained hidden for almost six decades and is now available, sounding as if recorded here and now is a bloody miracle. Needless to say, it is an absolute must in any serious British Jazz record collection.
| | Updated: 21/12/2022Posted: 20/12/2022 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY ~ WISDOM IN THE WINGS (FREE AN` ONE / THE SEVEN AGES OF MAN)
RESTEAMED 114 (Barcode: 5060138617148) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2020
This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “Free An` OneFind albums with this title” and “The Seven Ages Of ManFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Peter KingFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist and presents five original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by a sixteen-piece Big Band, which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Peter King, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, the rhythm section from the quartet and others and presents eight original compositions by the leader, also arranged by him. Both albums were recorded in late 1969 (September 10 and October 8 respectively) and released the following year on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label.
The quartet album is a brilliant example of Tracey’s openness towards the “new winds” that were stirring up the British Jazz scene, with strong Avant-Gardist / Free Jazz influences ventilating the scene. In complete contrast to many of his veteran contemporaries, Tracey had no problem whatsoever with these trends and flirted with them openly, as long as he was either enjoying or in control, as many of his recordings, like those with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist or Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, clearly show. This quartet was not playing Free as such, but fiery improvisations and less strict rhythmic patterns are clearly audible, and the general carefree atmosphere testifies.
The Big Band album is a complete different pair of galoshes, with Tracey showing off his genius as composer / arranger / Big Band leader, which always way one of his undeniable fortes (not that he had any weaknesses as a musician that I am aware of). The compositions are simply brilliant, the arrangements unique and the Big Band, exploding with talent, is riding the wind, soaring like there is no tomorrow. Considering the fact that this album was recorded in one day, it is truly amazing that the Big Band performs all these complex arrangements with awe-inspiring ease and elegance.
Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 14/08/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY / MIKE OSBORNE ~ ALONE & TOGETHER
CADILLAC 014/015 (Barcode: 5020675971424) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2015
This is an expanded 2CD reissue of the solo piano album by iconic British Jazz pianist / composer Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Wigmore Hall on June 18, 1974 and originally released as “AloneFind albums with this title” later that year on the CadillacFind albums on this label label. This reissue adds another CD of previously unreleased music recorded at the same concert, which was a duo of Tracey with saxophonist / composer Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist. Each of the CDs includes just one continuous improvised music piece, lasting 42 and 45 minutes respectively.
The Osborne / Tracey duo released an album “OriginalFind albums with this title” on the Cadillac label in 1973 and another album “TandemFind albums with this title” on the OgunFind albums on this label label in 1977, and the duo recording herein expands significantly their common recorded legacy.
The music is of course nothing short of stunning, a prime example of the dramatic change of the British Jazz scene during the preceding decade, from Jazz based on the American tradition, including anything between Swing and Bebop, into a full-blown unique genre, which created a new Jazz language, embracing the tradition but expanding it with European music influences and embracing new forms like Free Jazz and Improvised Music.
The two CDs in this set differ significantly on many levels and yet have also a wide common ground. Both musicians travelled a long road on their musical paths, and although Osborne was a much more radical and complex musician and personality, they both obviously made many giant steps, before this music was recorded.
Solo piano is by definition the most “naked” format and as such the most difficult one altogether, but Tracey managed to record several solo piano album and each of those was a triumphant achievement on many levels – Artistic, aesthetic, technical and intellectual as one. This solo recording is one of them – a brilliant piece not only of music, but an example of how Tracey’s mind worked, constructing the flow of themes and free improvisations glues together as if pre-conceived, which of course it was not so in reality. His brilliant technique is in a way secondary here, as a solo performance is always first and foremost an emotional affair and this music simply explodes with emotions.
In complete contrast to the solo performance, a duo is all about combining forces, exchanging ideas, supporting each other, pulling and pushing, leading and following, which is beautifully documented here. The sublime balance between Tracey’s “sanity” and Osborne’s “insanity” is the key to understand what is going on here, and the resulting music is a fascinating example of the “Art of the Duo” idiom. As much as Osborne is pushing the music toward Free Jazz, Tracey is “holding him back” so to speak with his melodic accompaniment, only allowing himself to fully explode during the crescendos of emotions the music leads to.
Overall, this is an iconic release, a sublime document of the most productive period of the British Jazz explosion, a point of reference and a milestone of everything that happened on the British Jazz scene at the time. Considering how short Osborne’s career lasted and how limited his recorded legacy is, this is album is nothing short of a Holy Grail, with the Trace’s album remastered as a cherry on top. Absolutely essential piece of British Jazz legacy and a must in any serious record collection. In memory of John JackFind albums by this artist (died 2017), the owner of the Cadillac label, for all his contributions to British Jazz, of which releasing this music is just a tiny part.
| | Updated: 30/01/2023Posted: 30/01/2023 | CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | STAN TRACEY / EVAN PARKER ~ CREVULATIONS
PSI 05.04 (Barcode: 5030243050420) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
This is a live album by the duo of British Improvising Music Giants, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents four tracks, all extended improvisations credited by default to both musicians.
The music is surprisingly well behaved and relatively serene, which is rather unusual for the Avant-Garde milieu, and as such sounds less outlandish and startling to a less experienced listener, who might come across it by chance. The music’s progression is coherent and often even somewhat melodic, and for Improvising Music connoisseurs absolutely thrilling, displaying a superb telepathic cooperation between the two musicians, in the spirit of the “Art of the Duo” idiom.
As an avid follower of Tracey’s recordings, I have always admired his incredible diversity, flexibility and out of the box approach to music. It is almost incomprehensible that the same musicians can play a highly melodic, swinging, almost mainstream (but never quite mainstream) music and at the same time take part in the British Avant-Garde scene, alongside musicians like Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist or John SurmanFind albums by this artist, all with the same enthusiasm, dedication and most surprisingly perfect accomplishment. This makes Stan Tracey probably the most unique and universal British Jazz Giant, who was always able to create aesthetics rather than try to copy it. This album is a natural companion to another duo album the duo recorded a year earlier, called “Suspensions And AnticipationsFind albums with this title”.
For people familiar with Evan Parker’s music, this album might be as well quite surprising, as he sounds here beautifully melodic, even romantic at times, completely devoid of his usual rather angry / almost aggressive attitude, not to mention some of his most accomplished saxophone performances ever.
Overall, this is a brilliant Improvised Music album, awe-inspiring by its ingenuity and beauty, and one of the few albums in that genre, that can be listened to repeatedly over time, always discovering new layers of Artistry. Jazz lovers, who might be nervous about Improvised Music, will be well advised to give this amazing album a try.
| | Updated: 13/09/2024Posted: 13/09/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRESPASS ~ MORNING LIGHTS
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 7290010781256) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2006
2nd album by Israeli trio TrespassFind albums by this artist. The band achieved worldwide recognition after their debut album was released on the French MuseaFind albums on this label label in 2002 and was accepted warmly by Prog fans. Gil SteinFind albums by this artist, who plays a multitude of keyboard instruments and recorders and occasionally sings, leads the trio. He is also the main composer and on this album he composed two and co-composed another two tracks. The fifth track is the band’s adaptation of Vivaldi’s violin concerto in A minor. Listeners familiar with the band’s debut album will find this one quite different. Gone is the feverish, faster then light racing on the keyboards; the music is now firmly based on classical music, with frequent quotations reminiscent of Baroque Masters. The compositions are solid and very well developed, with many themes and tempo changes. The similarity to bands like NiceFind albums by this artist, RefugeeFind albums by this artist, TraceFind albums by this artist, etc. is obvious, especially due to the sound, which is (purposely I assume) very 70’s. I’m personally very happy to see the band fulfill the high hopes we all had and produce an album, which can easily compare (if not overshadow) to any other Prog album produced anywhere else in the world. This again strengthens the fact that something truly wonderful is happening on the Israeli scene since the beginning of the 21st Century with a long streak of impressive new albums being produced one after another.
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