Record Reviews
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  | GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD / SONGS FOR MY FATHER / MOSAICS
BGO 767 (Barcode: 5017261207678) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007
Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album collects the three albums Collier recorded for the FontanaFind albums on this label / PhilipsFind albums on this label labels in 1969 / 1970, following his debut recording on DeramFind albums on this label from 1967. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DEEP DARK BLUE CENTRE / PORTRAITS / THE ALTERNATE MOSAICS
BGO 822 (Barcode: 5017261208224) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 - 1972 Released: 2008
Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a companion to the previous BGOFind albums on this label reissue of his early recordings, includes the very first recording by Collier released on DeramFind albums on this label in 1967, his last of the early 1970s recordings released on the tiny SaydiscFind albums by this artist label in 1972, before he established his own records label MosaicFind albums on this label, and a sensational never previously released alternate version of the live material, which produced the original "MosaicsFind albums with this title" album. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Dave AaronFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist, Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TEN YEARS AFTER ~ 1967-1974
CHRYSALIS 5060516096084 (Barcode: 5060516096084) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1974 Released: 2021
This Box Set collects reissues of nine (out of ten) albums recorded during the classic first period of the seminal British Blues-Rock / Rock group Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist, led by the phenomenal guitarist / composer Alvin LeeFind albums by this artist and including also keyboardist Chick ChurchillFind albums by this artist, bassist Leo LyonsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ric LeeFind albums by this artist. It also includes a bonus CD with a previously unreleased material recorded during the 1972 sessions for the “Rock & Roll Music To The WorldFind albums with this title” album, called “The Cap Ferrat SessionsFind albums with this title”. The first eponymous album appears in its original Mono version and the rest are all Stereo versions. The nine original albums offer no bonus tracks. The first six albums were originally released on the DeramFind albums on this label label and the last three on ChrysalisFind albums on this label (in UK) and ColumbiaFind albums on this label (in US). The Box Set also includes a booklet with a plethora of photographs and memorabilia, as well as extensive liner notes by Chris WelchFind albums by this artist, which I find rater lackluster.
It is worth to mention that the first three albums (“Ten Years AfterFind albums with this title”, “UndeadFind albums with this title” and “StonedhengeFind albums with this title”) were reissued twice before on Deram, in 2002 and 2015 respectively, remastered and with bonus tracks and then as 2CD sets with even more bonus tracks. The rest of the albums also received remastered / bonus tracks reissues, which puts a serious question mark as what was the purpose of this Box Set really is? Even more puzzling is the fact that the ninth album, the 2LP “Recorded LiveFind albums with this title” from 1973 was completely omitted from this Box Set. What the heck is wrong with the people who are in charge of these projects?
But if we put aside the above reissue reflections, this is still some of the best music the British Blues-Rock and later Rock ever produced. Lee’s guitar virtuosity was never doubted and his feel for the Blues, inspired by the British Blues revivalists, found one of its greatest hosts in his soul. In time he also emerged as a great songwriter, and although his singing was never his strongest virtue, he was an inspiration and a power horse of the scene.
Many biographers speculate that the Ten Years After spectacular appearance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival was more than Lee’s fragile personality could handle, but considering the fact that he carried on doing his thing for so many years until his untimely death in 2013 proves that nothing of the sort took place.
For younger music lovers, who never heard a Ten Years After album before (I pity you!), this cheapish Box Set is a superb opportunity to get a grip on what real music is all about.
| | Updated: 22/10/2021Posted: 21/10/2021 | CD 10 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CARAVAN ~ THE SHOW OF OUR LIVES - LIVE AT THE BBC 1968-1975
DERAM 301443 (Barcode: 600753014431) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1968 - 1975 Released: 2007
Every piece of archival material by the legendary Canterbury Scene band CaravanFind albums by this artist is worth its weight in gold, and where to look for such material if not in the BBC vaults, which seems to be an endless source of superb material from the 1960s and 1970s material for us, the ever hungry fans. This great collection of Caravan recordings spans the first 8 years of the group’s career and includes material from their most adventurous and productive period. It’s enough to list the musicians, who were members of the band over the years (Dave SinclairFind albums by this artist, Pye HastingsFind albums by this artist, Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist, Richard CoughlanFind albums by this artist, Geoffrey RichardsonFind albums by this artist, Mike WedgwoodFind albums by this artist) is enough to make every Canterbury fan shiver with awe-inspired admiration. The group was truly inspirational, setting the path for generations to come and vastly contributing to the development of jazz influenced Fusion and avant-oriented RIO. The BBC session included here cover the band’s entire first phase, starting from their debut eponymous album on VerveFind albums on this label and covering all the albums they recorded for DeccaFind albums on this label, the last being Cunning StuntsFind albums with this title. The quality of the material is absolutely superb from start to finish both musically and sonically, as the usual high standard of the BBC sound engineering never fails to astonish. This is an absolute must to every Caravan and Canterbury Scene fan, and basically for anybody out there, who likes good music.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CARAVAN ~ IN THE LAND OF GREY AND PINK (40TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
DERAM 533316 (Barcode: 600753331613) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011
This is the 3rd album by CaravanFind albums by this artist, the ultimate Canterbury Scene band which defined the Prog sub-genre and laid out its musical boundaries. Guitarist Pye HastingsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave SinclairFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard SinclairFind albums by this artist and drummer Richard CoughlanFind albums by this artist were not only superb players but also revolutionary composers, creating music which was new and completely different from anything else on earth. Aided by flautist / saxophonist Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, the band recorded this masterpiece, which remains their best effort in a long and illustrious career. The original album is an iconic singularity as far as giant steps in music development are concerned and it still is an absolutely essential listening experience. This new edition expands even further the 2001 expanded edition, including BBC sessions, previously unreleased demos and alternate versions and a DVD with 5.1 Surround Sound mixes of the album by Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist (of Porcupine TreeFind albums by this artist and BlackfieldFind albums by this artist fame) and TV video material. If any album deserves such a royal treatment, this is it, so enjoy every minute of it as there are certainly many minutes to be enjoyed. Beyond essential!
| | | 2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAT STEVENS ~ MATTHEW & SON
DERAM 602498108215 (Barcode: 602498108215) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2003
This is a reissue of the debut album by British singer / songwriter Cat StevensFind albums by this artist. The original album presented fourteen original songs, all by Stevens. This remastered and expanded edition adds eight bonus tracks, mostly mono versions of the album’s tracks, released as singles and two non-album tracks.
The music is absolutely stunning and each of the songs is a Pop gem, typical of the era, when gems like that were created en masse. A few of the songs are just Stevens accompanying himself on guitar, but most have brilliant orchestral arrangement, created by producer Mike HurstFind albums by this artist, who discovered Stevens, and composer / arranger Alan TewFind albums by this artist, little known library music aficionado.
The wonderful aura of creativity and innocence that this music projects, which characterized to “Golden Decade” of 20th Century music, is sadly long gone, but we can enjoy our escapism by revisiting these time capsules, as if the world stood still.
The album marked Stevens as a major songwriting talent, and his idiosyncratic vocal style became one of most powerful British Pop statements over the years. A convoluted career influenced by conversion to Islam did not silence his creative powers and he is still releasing new albums five decades later.
Fifty-five years after this music was recorded it sounds absolutely fresh and timeless, overshadowing almost everything recorded in the last decades, a sad testimony of human Culture simply disappearing.
| | Updated: 18/09/2021Posted: 18/09/2021 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ LIVE AT THE BBC 1967-1970
DERAM 602498472026 (Barcode: 602498472026) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1970 Released: 2007
This is a collection of BBC Radio recordings by the seminal British Prog group The Moody BluesFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten radio sessions, two TV sessions and a concert, which cover the material included on the three albums by the group on the DeramFind albums on this label Records label: "Days Of Future PassedFind albums with this title", "In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title" and "On The Threshold Of A DreamFind albums with this title" and two albums on their own ThresholdFind albums on this label Records label: "To Our Children`s Children`s ChildrenFind albums with this title" and "A Question Of BalanceFind albums with this title", altogether forty one tracks on two CDs. All the songs bar one were written by the group´s members.
Following a relatively brief flirt with Pop and the release of their debut album "The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title", the group switched to writing their own material and soon became one of the pioneers of British Progressive Rock and Psychedelia, creating a series of seven magnificent groundbreaking albums between 1967 and 1972. Their music was always deeply melodic and at the same time cleverly sophisticated, using the developing recording techniques to create multilayered epic works, often using Classical Music influences and orchestration combine with advanced use of early synthesizers and electronics.
In retrospect the achievements of The Moody Blues have but a few equals as far as contemporary Popular music is concerned and the music they created at the time seems to be unmatched by almost anything done since as far as expanding the musical horizons is concerned.
The live snippets of their music captured on this album thanks to the BBC open-mindedness and liberal approach to documenting the music being created regardless of its popular appeal, is a time capsule of quality and ingeniousness, which we can only admire today and perhaps set as an example, although with little hope of it being followed anytime soon. Brilliant stuff!
| | Updated: 26/05/2019Posted: 26/05/2019 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ IN SEARCH OF THE LOST CHORD (DELUXE EDITION)
DERAM 832147 (Barcode: 602498321478) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2006
3rd album in which the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist undertake the impossible task to follow up their previous album, which became an instant absolute classic. Very few rock groups managed to accomplish this, but they surely are one of those few. The group decided to relay on their own strength this time and did not involve an orchestra. Instead they initiated the use of the Mellotron, which proved to be an ample replacement in the hands of Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. The melodies are as beautiful and eloquent as ever, with the group members using a wide array of instruments to enrich the sonic textures. There is of course a distinct psychedelic influence present, not surprising as the album was recorded at the peak of the psychedelic period, but the Moodies turn those influences into something uniquely their own. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.
| | | CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ ON THE THRESHOLD OF A DREAM (EXPANDED EDITION)
DERAM 832153 (Barcode: 602498321539) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2006
4th album and the first album the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist really had time to prepare for, as the recording of their previous album (In Search Of The Lost ChordFind albums with this title) was squeezed between grueling touring schedules. Not willing to use an orchestra, they fully utilized (and in many respects invented) the (then) new instrument – the Mellotron – played by Mike PinderFind albums by this artist. Pinder used the Mellotron for the first time on their previous album, but here he really got the grip of the full potential of the instrument, creating new sound vistas previously unimaginable. The original idea of the album was to present two different “sides” of the group, split between the two sides of the LP: on side A they placed a set of more “rocky “ songs and on side B the more complex, lyrical ones, which turned out to be their best to date. It seems the Moodies were unstoppable at creating one masterpiece after another at the time and the combination of great composers and excellent musicians worked as a magic formula. This magnificent new edition adds a set of fascinating bonus tracks, all previously unheard and a new pristine remastered sound, with the SACD 5.1 mix based on the original 1972 Quadraphonic release. Another timeless classic and a must.
| | | CD 1 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TEN YEARS AFTER ~ TEN YEARS AFTER
DERAM 882897 ~ UK ~ Blues
1st album from 1967 by this excellent UK rock / blues group. Although deeply rooted in the blues tradition, the exceptional abilities of the players, especially the lead guitarist Alvin Lee and keyboards player Chick Churchill, make them to stand out as one of the most important white blues groups in history. Already on this debut album the quality is outstanding, to be only much improved later on.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TEN YEARS AFTER ~ STONEDHENGE (EXPANDED EDITION)
DERAM 882898 (Barcode: 042288289821) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2002
3rd album, and a more advanced work in comparison to the two previous albums, which were quite basic white blues, this one includes some very sophisticated compositions and many mood changes. Their playing is sheer virtuosity and the album sounds as fresh as when it was first released. One of the best `white blues` albums of all times.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CAMEL ~ MIRAGE (EXPANDED EDITION)
DERAM 882929 (Barcode: 042288292920) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2002
2nd album by this great band. Camel`s debut album was so strong that the following one was a real challenge to match and even improve upon it, but Bardens and Latimer managed to come up with yet another masterpiece. Full of great melodies and exceptional playing, this is a real delight.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MOODY BLUES ~ DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED (DELUXE EDITION)
DERAM 9832150 (Barcode: 602498321508) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2006
If there ever was an album that epitomizes the meaning of Progressive Rock this is it! This magnificent new edition of the timeless classic receives the proper treatment at last – almost 40 years after its creation. This is the 2nd album by the Moody BluesFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1967. The group existed a few years before this album was recorded and even scored a huge hit with the song “Go Now” in 1964, which was the basis for their first album (Go Now!Find albums with this title in US and The Magnificent MoodiesFind albums with this title in UK), but at that time the group was playing an entirely different kind of music, namely Rhythm And Blues – typical of scores of other UK groups at the time. The release of this epic work came as a huge surprise, considering the revolutionary (at that time) approach to making music – a marriage of Rock and Classical music, ergo the basis of Progressive Rock. (BTW a similar story applies to another Prog giant – GenesisFind albums by this artist – with their debut album (From Genesis To RevelationFind albums with this title) foretelling very little as to their next album – TrespassFind albums with this title). As mentioned before, this album has everything that defines Prog: it features a Classical Orchestra (The London Festival OrchestraFind albums by this artist) and a Rock group, it is a concept album, the songs are several minutes long, etc., etc. The sheer audacity of placing a Rock group and a Symphony Orchestra in the same recording studio was unthinkable earlier on and considering how well it works is a piece of musical magic. Of course the songs are majestic, with “Nights In White Satin” safely placed at the pantheon of all-time classics. This new edition adds an entire CD of previously never heard material, both studio and live (BBC), which of course is a revelation, considering how long it was kept in the vault and how great it is. The new remasters are pristine and sound better than anything recorded these days and the SACD 5.1 mix is stunning. This is an absolute classic and a must in every record collection.
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: | CD 2 Digipak SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILLER ANDERSON ~ BRIGHT CITY
MIG 00802 (Barcode: 885513008022) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2013
This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by British vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, one of the great unsung heroes of the British Blues-Rock scene, who is still active at the time of writing. After spending three years with the Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist as its vocalist / lead guitarist and recording five splendid albums with the band ("HalfbreedFind albums with this title", "The Battle Of North West SixFind albums with this title", "The Time Is NearFind albums with this title", "OverdogFind albums with this title" and "Little Big BandFind albums with this title"), he recorded this album with a dream team of musicians which included Keef Hartley Band keyboardist Peter DinesFind albums by this artist and bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist, as well as drummer Eric DillonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mick WeaverFind albums by this artist, guitarist Neil HubbardFind albums by this artist, vocalist Madeline BellFind albums by this artist and Jazz musicians: flautist Lyn DobsonFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist. The album presented seven original songs, all written and composed by Anderson and was originally released on the cult DeramFind albums on this label label. This reissue adds one bonus track, which is a live version of one of the album´s original songs, recorded almost four decades later.
The album presents a stunning collection of songs which cover a diverse spectrum of music that thrived at the time, moving elegantly between Blues-Rock, Folk-Rock, Prog-Rock and Jazz-Rock, emphasizing the lack of stylistic snobbishness and pompousness. These musicians were able to play delicate Folksy ballads, heavy Rock riffs and Jazzy improvisations with the same ease, completely naturally and always with full dedication. No wonder this music sounds so much better than the garbage marketed on the music market today, as it belongs to a completely different universe of musical values.
Anderson emerges on this album not only as a great vocalist and guitarist, but also as a superb songwriter. Each of these tunes is a little Rock gem, which lost absolutely nothing of its glamour over time. Sadly Anderson did not make another recording under his own name for almost three decades following the making of this album and returned to active recording career only by the turn of the Millennium.
Although not mentioned on the album´s packaging, the original master tapes were probably remastered, as the CD has a great sound quality, faithfully retaining the unique sound of the early 1970s, which of course is absolutely brilliant. This album is an absolute must to connoisseurs of the British Blues-Rock scene in particular and British Rock in general, a great trip down the memory lane and an important glimpse at a point in history, when music simply kicked ass. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/04/2016Posted: 23/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ TURTLE RECORDS: PIONEERING BRITISH JAZZ 1970-1971
RPM 528 (Barcode: 5013929552807) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2015
This is a phenomenal Box Set including the reissues of all three albums released by the legendary British TurtleFind albums on this label label, owned by producer Peter EdenFind albums by this artist, who besides owning the label was also responsible for producing a long list of revolutionary British Jazz albums, which are all classics today and which document the extraordinary explosion of creativity and talent that transformed British Jazz into a new idiom, emancipated from the American Jazz tradition, proudly stepping into a new dimension, which spread rapidly to the European Continent giving birth to European Jazz. Eden´s productions included albums by such pioneering Jazz musicians like Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and others, as well as no less pioneering Rock / Prog musicians. Most of his productions were originally released on the DawnFind albums on this label and DeramFind albums on this label labels.
The three albums included in this Box Set are: "OutbackFind albums with this title" by Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, "FlightFind albums with this title" by Howard RileyFind albums by this artist and "Pause, And Think AgainFind albums with this title" by John Taylor.Find albums by this artist To read the reviews of these albums please click on their titles. The set also includes a fabulous book "The Turtle Records Story" by Colin HarperFind albums by this artist, which is an excellently written and researched account of Eden´s activity at the time, and which includes may interviews with musicians involved and photographs taken at the time, in short a superb piece of British Jazz history. This is a splendid example of what writing about music is all about.
I can hardly imagine a more important document of the pivotal period of the British Jazz than this Box Set. The music is still shockingly expressive, losing nothing of its power and farsightedness over time, the production is exemplary and the listening experience exhilarating. Anybody interested in Jazz who does not own the original LPs should of course get this Box Set ASAP, since not knowing this music is simply criminal. Unless of course someone prefers to listen to the insanely boring American mainstream…
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 20/05/2016 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TERRY DURHAM ~ CRYSTAL TELEPHONE
VOCALION 8401 (Barcode: 765387840129) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2005
Writer, poet and painter Terry DurhamFind albums by this artist recorded this one-off, strangely beautiful album for the DeramFind albums on this label label and disappeared from sight. The fact that a major record label released such unusual and unconventional production proves the incredible atmosphere of the late 1960s, before the record industry became completely ruthless and unsympathetic to innovation and musical progress.
The album includes a series of poems by Durham, which he recites (partly in spoken word and partly singing) on top of a magnificent musical background composed and orchestrated by John ColemanFind albums by this artist. The words and music fit one another perfectly and Durham’s poems stand the test of time beautifully. Although the full list of musicians participating in the recording is not given, a most notable, and again highly unusual appearance by Free Jazz saxophone giant Evan ParkerFind albums by this artist is one of the highlights of the album. Guitarist Alan ParkerFind albums by this artist also makes a notable appearance and the composer’s piano playing is featured as well.
Make no mistake – this is not a Jazz album at all. In fact it’s almost impossible to categorize at all, as it transcends genres and conventions at will. For the lack of a better solution I placed it under Progressive Rock, but it belongs probably more to a non-existent Poetry and Music sub-genre (as opposed to Jazz & Poetry which is a real sub-genre). Genres aside, this is a wonderful memento of a great time, which sounds today as good as it ever did. Wholeheartedly recommended to the adventurous listeners.
| | Updated: 01/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHITINOUS ENSEMBLE ~ CHITINOUS
VOCALION 8405 (Barcode: 765387840525) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005
This strange and beautiful album would have never been released at the time if not for the openness of the DeramFind albums on this label label to issue even the most eccentric material, as long as it had musical merit. The Chitinous EnsembleFind albums by this artist was as fictitious as they come, so named by cellist / composer / arranger Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist, who assembled the musicians to perform an ambitious piece of orchestral music he composed. Buckmaster was a gifted and accomplished musician, who was in great demand in UK as arranger and composer, working with top Rock stars like Elton JohnFind albums by this artist, the Bee GeesFind albums by this artist (see OdessaFind albums with this title) and even the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist (see Sticky FingersFind albums with this title). He also composed numerous film scores, including the amazing soundtrack for Roman PolanskiFind albums by this artist’s MacbethFind albums with this title, where he cooperated with the Third Ear BandFind albums by this artist. The ensemble Buckmaster assembled to perform this complex extended composition includes a large string section and a large deployment of his Jazz buddies, all top British Jazz players like Ian CarrFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass, John MarshallFind albums by this artist on drums and many more. The music is a mixture of classical influences with Jazz-Rock rhythmic patterns and modern sound vistas, all combined together into a wonderful sonic experience. It sounds absolutely great today as if time only enhanced the intrinsic beauty included therein. Wholeheartedly recommended for more adventurous listeners.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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