Record Reviews

GARY HUSBAND ~ THE THINGS I SEE ANGEL AIR 182 (Barcode: 5055011701823) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2004 This is a re-release of a wonderful solo piano album by British keyboardist / drummer / composer Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist. The album was originally released on the small American label Art Of LifeFind albums on this label Records and this re-release brings the album to the British / European market. On the album Husband performs ten of his interpretations of music originally composed by British guitarist / composer Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist. Husband admits that the music of Holdsworth influenced his entire musical life even before he became his partner in various endeavors they both participated in. Therefore this album is not just a loving tribute to Holdsworth the composer but also a reflection of many years of their friendship. Selecting the acoustic piano as the medium to explore the music associated with Holdsworth, which immediately screams electric guitar and Fusion, might seem somewhat bizarre at first, but just a few moments into this album reveal that it was perhaps the imperative choice. Husband transforms the music totally, even when he stays loyal to the original melodies or chord structures, but does so with great respect towards the original creations. Even if some de-composing and re-composing is involved, the spirit of the music is beautifully preserved. The nakedness of a solo piano performance is of course the definitive challenge and Husband emerges from it victorious on every imaginable platform. His command of the instrument is complete, his sensibility is awe-inspiring and his ability to weave intricate and multilayered threads is astounding. Most of the people who associate the figure of Husband with Fusion and who were never exposed to this album are in for a surprise of their lives. I have listened to this album many times since it was released, and each and every time it took me completely by surprise, since the depth of emotion and elegance seems to simply grow within this music as the time moves on. This is a very rare quality which only the best of albums are blessed with and in retrospect I am glad that this is one of them, as it truly deserves to be a part of every music connoisseur´s permanent collection. Now, over fifteen years since this music was first conceived and recorded, it is still growing, as are its two protagonists: Husband and Holdsworth. In a word where artistic values are slowly (or perhaps rapidly) dying, these two proud British artists continue to serve as islands of sanity and hope. Not to be missed!

Updated: 10/07/2016Posted: 10/07/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ EXPERIMENTS WITH POPS ART OF LIFE 1001 (Barcode: 804640100126) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2001 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz; a pioneer and revolutionary in every sense and a giant musician, who managed to free himself from the boundaries imposed by the American Jazz tradition and take the music a step further to a new sphere. What is even more remarkable and amazing is the fact that in contrast to most British and European musicians, who took their emancipation from the rigors of the past towards Free Jazz and Improvised Music, Beck remained firmly within the seemingly “mainstream” form, playing melodically and in strict time, and yet so much “out there” that for people who are able to hear the difference it’s truly staggering. Beck first came to prominence when he joined the group led by British Jazz legend Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist in 1962 and remained with him for several years as his regular pianist, performing and recording some of the most remarkable albums in the British Jazz history. Since 1967 Beck started to record as a leader and his trio became the “house band” of the famous Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s London club. By the end of the 1960s he took part in the development of the British Jazz-Rock Fusion, playing with Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist in the European Rhythm MachineFind albums by this artist and later with NucleusFind albums by this artist. He became increasingly involved with other musicians from the European scene, especially with many French Jazz players (an association that thrives to these very days). His extensive discography accumulated over the years, both as leader and sideman, is a formidable body of work, which stands out as one of the most consistently excellent and creative. This album was Beck’s second (out of three) release on the tiny independent Major MinorFind albums on this label label, which in time became one of the most sought after British Jazz collector’s items. For the recording Beck expanded his trio (Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist – bass and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist – drums) to a quartet, with the addition of no other that guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, known at the time as “Johnny”. Apart from the fact that this is one of the very few early McLaughlin recordings, and therefore of immense historical value, the entire quartet is probably one of the strongest and most extraordinary European ensembles, pioneering the European approach of collective playing. McLaughlin’s brilliant arpeggios, Oxley’s prophetic time keeping away from time, Clyne’s innovative bass explorations and Beck’s flights all over the keyboard collectively create an new amalgam of sounds, taking the music to a new dimension, previously unexplored. How ironic, considering that the material consists entirely from Pop songs popular at the time (hence the album’s title), but in the hands of these players the music becomes truly experimental, as promised by the album’s title. The album’s producer Ray HorricksFind albums by this artist writes in the original liner notes: “This could be the most creative Jazz quartet album ever recorded in Europe… previous quartet recordings in London, or on the Continent, and including the best, have consisted of a rhythm section accompanying a leading soloist; whereas this one features a genuine collective development along lines which no other group, except Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist’s in America, has yet proceeded”. How perceptive and prophetic… Kudos to Paul KohlerFind albums by this artist of Art Of LifeFind albums on this label Records for bringing this timeless masterpiece back to circulation. This music, 40 years after it was recorded, sounds better and more exciting than most of what one hears in contemporary Jazz. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ GYROSCOPE ART OF LIFE 1003 (Barcode: 804640100324) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2002 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz, has been a source of inspiration and musical joy to Jazz connoisseurs since the 1960s. His formidable technique and more importantly overwhelming musicality are completely unique and unrivaled. This, his 4th recording as a leader, deserves a special notice for many reasons. Stylistically it is somewhat atypical to Beck’s usual output, as it marks his exploration of “free form” Jazz, which was enjoying a period of unparalleled prosperity in Britain at the time this album was recorded, with momentous recordings by other British piano giants like Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, Keith TippettFind albums by this artist and others. However, in Beck’s case the “free form” remains somewhat tamed by his immense love of melody, thus creating one of the most formidable examples of early European “free form”, which even the most conservative Jazz listener can easily savor. This is Beck’s genius, but the credit must also go to his two partners: bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist. The trio plays here in complete unity, with telepathic interplay and cohesiveness. Clyne is a monster player, incredibly melodic and with a sublime sense of rhythm and Oxley is a complete genius, the most intelligent and technically proficient drummer to come out of the British Isles. This is a marvelous opportunity to hear Oxley’s work at the time he was still playing “time”, although of course in his very special way of doing so, with the “time” being felt rather that actually played, since he is all over his kit doing stuff that is not recommended to be tried at home. This album was originally released on the tiny MorganFind albums on this label Records (owned by the famous Morgan Recording Studios in London) and disappeared from the shelves soon after, becoming one of the British Jazz most sought after collector’s items. The reissue on Art Of LifeFind albums on this label brings back to life a masterpiece of immense importance, which is an essential piece of the complex musical puzzle created in Britain by the end of the 1960s. I can’t imagine any serious British / European Jazz fan not having this momentous recording in their collection. Beyond essential!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ REFLECTIONS ART OF LIFE 1005 (Barcode: 804640100522) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 2003 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is a living legend. Considered as one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz, has been a source of inspiration and musical joy to Jazz connoisseurs since the 1960s. Fortunately for us, Jazz lovers, Beck continues his remarkable career, producing exquisite musical marvels, now in his 7th decade. He seems to be untouchable by time and his playing is as vigorous and energetic, as it was 40 years ago. This marvelous solo piano concert brilliantly recorded by the BBC, portraits Beck, as he truly is – a romantic, gentle and highly intelligent musician with thousands of volts running through his magic fingers. The album is a tribute to the genius of Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, including one of his compositions and standards Evans often played. But it is way beyond just a tribute; it is a re-examination of the entire Jazz piano tradition, and even a reflection on Beck’s entire lifetime as a pianist. Although very much an innovator and ceaseless explorer, Beck never ignored the 100 years of piano playing by other Jazz piano giants. Therefore in addition to traces of Evans, there are subtle hints of such divers musicians as Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Oscar PetersonFind albums by this artist, Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist and countless other piano players creating an amalgam, which in Beck’s hands become a unique new creation. Listening to the uplifting music could be one of the most enjoyable hours ever spent while listening to music and I wish every Jazz enthusiast would come across it. The album also includes a bonus track, which has Beck performing a composition by his life-long musical partner, guitarist Allan HoldsworthFind albums by this artist, who collaborated with Beck on many recordings. This album is an absolute must have for Jazz piano lovers of all ages, a work of rare sensibility and artistic perfection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ NOT THE LAST WALTZ ART OF LIFE 1008 (Barcode: 804640100829) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the key figures in the history of British / European Jazz. His consistently excellent output, which now spans over four decades of activity, has always been a source of inspiration and a fountain of musical purity. The piano trio has always been Beck’s main vehicle for expressing his musical vision, starting with his early recordings as a leader in the late 1960s and continuing up to this very day. This album, recorded live at the Appleby Jazz Festival, captures his recent “French” trio with Bruno RousseletFind albums by this artist on bass and Philippe SoiratFind albums by this artist on drums. Obviously in high spirits, they fly through a set comprised mostly of Beck’s originals, with just a couple of standards. Beck seems to be completely unaffected by his age and his technical capabilities are in fool blossom. Aided by the virtuosity of the bass player and limitless energy of the drummer, Beck is able to fly all over the keyboard with ease and elegance, developing his inspired improvisations with their aid. The unity and interplay between the musicians is remarkable, regardless of the age difference between them. A bonus track, recorded live at a Parisian Jazz club, closes the album. The album is an instant classic as far as Jazz piano trios are concerned, and can be listened to repeatedly, always revealing new facets of Beck’s genius. A must for all Beck’s followers and piano trio enthusiasts.

CD 1 Oversampling Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ COMMONWEALTH BLUES ART OF LIFE 1016 (Barcode: 804640101628) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2005 British Jazz legend Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest representatives of the genre and also one of the very few British musicians to get US exposure due to his frequent performances there. Although primarily revered for his tenor saxophone playing, he was also a superb flautist and vibraphonist. The bulk of recordings come from the period between mid-1950s to mid-1960s. By late 1960s Hayes became seriously ill and subsequently died (in 1973) at a ridiculously young age of 38. His musical legacy is of immense importance, as it laid the foundations for the European Jazz and its emancipation from the American Jazz tradition. His virtuoso playing and extraordinary sense of improvisation enabled Hayes to extend the be-bop tradition, established by Jazz giants like Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, into a new plane with added European sophistication and culture replacing the raw energy and often rage of American Jazz. This album is an extremely important document of Tubby’s magnificent performance, especially so due to the fact that it contains all previously unreleased recordings. The source of the music comes from the famous BBC “transcription service” recordings – a blessed initiative of the BBC to record British Jazz and subsequently broadcast these recordings on the BBC World Service stations around the world. These recordings were pressed on vinyl and distributed worldwide, but never released commercially. The album includes four such sessions, recorded for the Spanish-speaking listeners (see the announcements in Spanish) with his quartet, which includes Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist on piano, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist on bass and Johnny ButtsFind albums by this artist on drums. The first three sessions are devoted each to a separate instrument and feature Hayes on tenor saxophone, vibraphone and flute. The fourth session features his playing all three instruments, each on a separate track. The recording quality is excellent (as is the remaster) and the result is a magnificent album, which deserves the title of a true classic of the British Jazz. The many fans of Tubby Hayes will find this album to be essential for their collections and it deserves a honorable place in any decent Jazz album collection. Genius at work!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ JAZZ TRIO ART OF LIFE 1017 (Barcode: 804640101727) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the key figures in the history of British Jazz and this album is a great document of his vital input as one of the pioneers of modern European Jazz. Recorded quite spontaneously during an Italian tour of the last version of the European Rhythm MachineFind albums by this artist, of which Beck and the other two musicians present here: British bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and Swiss drummer Daniel HumairFind albums by this artist, were members together with US saxophonist Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist, who was living in France at the time. The entire recording session took just a few short hours and captures Beck and his colleagues performing two extended compositions, each of which occupied an entire side of the original LP. The first, written by Beck, is a Jazz suite in three parts with the opening and closing sections being relatively “straightforward” and the middle section open up to free group improvisation. The second was a completely improvised piece of Free Jazz, co-composed by the trio. The music is simply breathtaking, full if incredible interplay and magic moments, with virtuosi performances. This is Beck’s most advanced venture into Free Jazz (although only partially so), previously attempted only on the fabulous “GyroscopeFind albums with this title” album, and therefore of immense historical importance. Although Beck usually stayed inside a more “conventional” Jazz framework throughout his career, his improvisational power is beyond reproach and his ability to operate in the Free Jazz realm is well proven by this album. Unfortunately this recording was know only to a very limited group of listeners, even the most dedicated Beck’s followers, so the CD reissue is most welcome. I’ve had this album for 36 years now and always regarded it as one of my favorite European Jazz releases, now others can also enjoy it. Brilliant stuff! Side Note: The original LP was released on a small Italian Jazz label called DireFind albums on this label Records, owned by Tito FontanaFind albums by this artist. Fontana owned a recording studio in Milan, called Studio 7 (or studio Fontana), which was famous for producing soundtracks for the burgeoning Italian film industry. Tito was a dedicated Jazz buff and had a great taste and vision in Jazz. His produced and released some of the most incredible European Jazz albums in the early 1970s, which (as far as I know) were not reissued on CD so far (except this album), which is a great pity and a true tragedy. Italian Jazz fans should note that the legendary pianist Guido ManusardiFind albums by this artist recorded for the label, as did Claudio FasoliFind albums by this artist and other great Italian Jazz musicians. Polish Jazz fans should note that both Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist and Michal UrbaniakFind albums by this artist also made albums for the label. I remember visiting Tito in Milan in 1974 and spending a few lovely days with him, talking Jazz day and night, drinking Italian wines and coffee and eating some incredible food. He was a gentle, highly intelligent person with a rare and boundless love for the music, which we both shared.

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ SEVEN STEPS TO HEAVEN ART OF LIFE 1018 (Barcode: 804640101826) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist continues to perform and record as if time stands still for him and his music. At the age of 70 his piano playing is as energetic and flawless as it has been throughout his glorious career. This live recording at a Parisian Jazz club, captures Beck with his regular “French” trio (Bruno RousseletFind albums by this artist on bass and Philippe SoiratFind albums by this artist on drums), expanded ad hoc to a quartet with the addition of saxophonist Pierrick PedronFind albums by this artist. They soar through a set of standards, as appropriate for a club date and a first meeting with a new member, which BTW is not evident at all, since they sound as if they had time to rehearse together – a result of obvious skill and professionalism. There is nothing groundbreaking presented here, just some first class modern jazz, done extremely well by four superb musicians. Of course Beck’s playing is never ordinary and his exceptional skills can be enjoyed to the fullest. This album should be enjoyable to a wide range of Jazz listeners, with its highly spirited performances and familiar material. Beck’s followers will of course love this stuff.

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ APPLEBY BLUES (LIMITED EDITION) ART OF LIFE 1025 (Barcode: 804640102526) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007 This live recording of the Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist trio at the Appleby Jazz Festival is a great proof of the fact that the legendary pianist is still at the top of his form in spite of his age. Vibrant and brilliant as always, Beck flies through a set original compositions and standards with grace and sensibility, rarely found elsewhere. Back is supported by an excellent rhythm section: the excellent young bass player Jeremy BrownFind albums by this artist and brilliant veteran drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist (who like Beck played in the Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist groups). Together they present a superb Jazz piano trio music, which sparkles with technical perfection and musicality. Levin’s extraordinary drumming is a perfect match for Back’s talents and his solo spots are quite amazing. The recording quality is also exceptionally fine, with every little detail perfectly audible. All together this is a perfect Jazz piano trio album, which every lover of that format will love and play repeatedly. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend