Record Reviews

ASAF SIRKIS ~ SHEPHERD`S STORIES STONED BIRD 003 (Barcode: 680569811257) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is an excellent album by Israeli (living in London) drummer / composer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with Greek guitarist Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist, both also living in London. Several guest musicians are featured on selected tracks. The album contains eight original compositions, all written by Sirkis. Musically the album broadly belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, although it also amalgamates other influences, mostly folkloristic and ambient themes. There is a strong presence of melodic elements, most rather melancholic and somewhat mystical, which create an atmosphere of reflection and serenity. And yet the music is full of dynamics and drive, both on the low-key tracks and obviously on the up-tempo numbers. All these musicians are clearly masters of their trade. Spiliotopoulos plays some incredible licks, which could cause even the most famous guitarists to miss a heartbeat. His flow and apparent virtuosity are especially effective on the up-tempo numbers, where his performances sound similar to those of Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, without any attempt to copy them of course. Stavi is a very intelligent and proficient bassist, and his solid bass lines serve as the foundation upon all the music is based. He is also beautifully melodic and hassle-free. Sirkis, whom I know since his very early days as a drummer, became a Master of his trade, playing some amazing rhythmic patterns but always emphasizing the melody as well. His rolling technique is simply breathtaking, as is his ability to play forcefully and yet unobtrusively at once is truly sublime. This is an album for people who love guitar-based instrumental music, but don´t expect and razzle-dazzle neck-breaking trickery, ready to enjoy some elegant and meaningful music. This album promises to grow on the listener with time, always uncovering new vistas with every visit.

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ ARCHIPELAGOS F-IRE 32 (Barcode: 5060092193221) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is the second album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with his customary cohorts at the time: Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, both also resident in London. Two guest musicians appear, each on one track only: guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist and legendary (sadly no longer with us) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who plays a brilliant solo like only he could. The album presents eight original tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. Spiliotopoulos is certainly one of the most original voices among contemporary guitarists, playing and composing in a completely unique style which is incomparable with any other guitar player that I have heard and immediately recognizable. Considering the fact that there are countless guitar players out there, his individuality is already a great asset. Combined with his virtuosic abilities, it makes Spiliotopoulos a phenomenon worth following. The music is a sort of Jazz-Rock Fusion, mostly sonically, as the actual melodies are way more delicate and complex than the average Fusion production, full of beautiful melancholy and intrinsic Mediterranean peace of mind. Spiliotopoulos, Stavi and Sirkis fir together ideally, as documented also on other recordings they are all featured on, and it shows. The interplay and camaraderie present here are simply marvelous. Overall this is a beautiful album recorded by three Master musicians, which proves that Jazz-Rock Fusion has still something to offer when taken seriously. Wholeheartedly recommended, and if you can find a copy grab it ASAP.

Updated: 11/03/2016Posted: 11/03/2016

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TASSOS SPILIOTOPOULOS ~ WAIT FOR DUSK KONNEX 5166 (Barcode: 4017867031210) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is the debut album by Greek (resident in London at the time) guitarist / composer Tassos SpiliotopoulosFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet format with French saxophonist Robin FinckerFind albums by this artist and Israeli bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, all three also resident in London. The album presents nine tracks, all composed and arranged by Spiliotopoulos. The music belongs to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, although it is much more complex and sophisticated than most Fusion recordings, with excellent melodic themes and extended improvisations. The flow and grace of these tunes is delightful and the album is one continuous fun to listen to from start to finish. Spiliotopoulos has a unique approach to guitar playing and although the guitar is the most common instrument in music today, his tone, fingering and phrasing are truly extraordinary, which is true only in very few cases. It is hard to say if this is a result of his Greek roots and the omnipresent bouzouki dominance in Greek music, but there is something that makes him immediately to stand out after hearing just a few notes. The leader gets excellent support from his cohorts, all highly professional players of great talent. Fincker plays some admirable solos and supports Spiliotopoulos by playing unisono passages on the melody intros and of course the rhythm section is a dream team, which turns any album they are on into a joyous occasion. This is a most impressive debut recording, introducing a superb guitarist, which is definitely worth to be followed as he should get far with his music and his virtuosic abilities as a player. The album is now out of print but if anyone can get hold of a copy, it is certainly highly recommended.

Updated: 08/04/2016Posted: 08/04/2016

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WINGFIELD / REUTER / STAVI / SIRKIS ~ THE STONE HOUSE MOONJUNE 083 (Barcode: 692287908324) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the debut album by a Fusion / Ambient quartet comprising of British guitarist Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist, German guitarist Markus ReuterFind albums by this artist and Israeli (resident in UK) rhythm section: bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all co-credited to the four members of the quartet. The music is a highly developed and completely improvised Fusion effort, which allows the quartet members to freely express their individual statements during the extended musical journeys taken within each of the lengthy tracks. The music wanders on several parallel planes, created by the double guitar lead and supported amicably by the rhythm section. Long ambient passages incorporate World Music elements, which can not be exactly pinpointed, but definitely have an Eastern feel about them. Considering the fact that all the music was composed spontaneously during the recording process, the communication between the musicians is truly telepathic. The individual performances by all quartet members are, as expected, quite amazing, both on the individual level and especially so on the ensemble level. Combining two expressive guitar players, like those present here, could have easily ended up in a chaotic race, but thankfully is skillfully avoided. The rhythm section proves to be able to carry this heavy weight front line intensity without a hitch, with a steady pulsation this particular duo is known for since years. Overall this is a splendid effort which should make all guitar fans extremely happy, especially since many of the things heard on this album are quite unique and certainly innovative. Fusion and Prog fans might also find this music to be exactly their cup of tea, and last but not least the many Wingfield´s followers will discover both a continuation of his previous work and ventures into new territory. Well done Gentlemen!

Updated: 23/02/2017Posted: 23/02/2017

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MARK WINGFIELD ~ PROOF OF LIGHT MOONJUNE 071 (Barcode: 692287907129) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This excellent album by British guitarist / composer Mark WingfieldFind albums by this artist is another proof of his well earned position as one of the most interesting guitar players on the Isles, which he is consistently establishing since the turn of the Century. His prolific discography includes many gems and this new album proudly joins the list. Recorded in a trio setting with two Israeli (resident in UK) musicians, bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and drummer Asaf SirkisFind albums by this artist, the album presents nine original compositions, all by Wingfield. The music is a unique variety of Fusion, with Wingfield´s whining guitar and forceful rhythm section driving the tunes firmly, but at the time subtly and intelligently. Wingfield manages to create his own guitar sound, which is phenomenally rare these days and displays a highly personal style of expression, which is full of quirky phrases and twists and turns, which keep the listener´s ears erect at all times. The compositions are all very solid, with great melody lines and intrinsic complexity, which makes it impossible to guest what comes next, which of course is highly engaging. Although Wingfield is obviously the leader, the album is above all a trio effort. Stavi and Sirkis are both Master instrumentalists and their virtuosic support turns this album into a group effort, which is definitely more than the sum of its parts. Stavi supplies the steady bass lines, which keep the music flowing, which frees Sirkis to stretch and develop his rhythmic frenzy, so typical of his personal style. The Stavi / Sirkis rhythm section is obviously an ideal Fusion vehicle one can ask for and Wingfield definitely made the right decision taking them on board. Overall this is an adventurous Fusion (and beyond) album featuring virtuosi performances by all the trio members, which should make every connoisseur of the genre ecstatically happy. Considering how trivial most Fusion albums released these days are, this is a rare gem indeed, definitely worthy of repeated listening sessions. Well done Gentlemen!

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ROBERT WYATT ~ COMICOPERA DOMINO 202 (Barcode: 5034202020226) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 9th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, which is yet another triumph in his outstanding career over the years, presenting an imaginary three-parts opera abut life and its unexpected aspects, craziness, absurd, love and so on. Supported by an incredible team of musicians from all over the world (UK, Brazil, Norway, Cuba, Colombia, Spain and Israel – bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Gilad AtzmonFind albums by this artist) Wyatt creates a continuous stream of relatively short tunes, many richly orchestrated, which is quite different from most of his previous works, which have been mostly intimate in their sound scope. The music is mostly composed by Wyatt, with a couple of tunes by Brian EnoFind albums by this artist and two folk songs used as well. Wyatt and his wife Alfreda BengeFind albums by this artist are responsible for most of the great lyrics, but a Garcia LorcaFind albums by this artist poem is also used, which exemplifies Wyatt´s deep love and appreciation of the Spanish and Ibero-American culture. The music, still very much typical Wyatt, has also another dimension to it at times, being more closely related to contemporary Classical, probably due to the orchestral arrangements. Overall it´s a complex work, which requires several listening sessions to truly appreciate it and is definitely some of the best music recorded lately in complete contrast to the surrounding overwhelming shallow output created nowadays. Brilliant stuff!

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ROBERT WYATT ~ CUCKCOOLAND DOMINO 47 (Barcode: 5034202204725) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2008 8th album by Robert WyattFind albums by this artist, recorded six years after the last album (Wyatt seems to be keeping his followers purposely on the edge) and another minor masterpiece. Wyatt seems to have found finally the perfect formula for creating his unique music: using his wife´s poetry as lyrics and cooperating with Jazz (this time notably with two Israelis – saxophonist Gilad AtzmonFind albums by this artist and bassist Yaron StaviFind albums by this artist) and Rock veterans like Brian EnoFind albums by this artist, David GilmourFind albums by this artist and Phil ManzaneraFind albums by this artist. The political statements are still there, but less aggressive (not less painful or truthful of course), well even the most fierce revolutionaries get old in time. The music is fresh, vibrant, whimsical and magical, same as always and stimulating as ever. Of course Wyatt´s music never was intended for mass consumption and musical charts. It takes time and patience, as well as open-mindedness and musical liberalism in order to fully appreciate this kind of Art. Considering the fact that Wyatt has been at the center of musical activity for five decades, his position in the Pantheon is assured, regardless of what some critics may think about him and his music. This is beautiful, stimulating music, which shows that not everything in music is lost in the 21st Century!

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