Record Reviews

ROLF KUHN ~ AFFAIRS INTUITION 3211 (Barcode: 750447321120) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1997 Released: 1997 Following the recent demise of the great German clarinetist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of the modern German Jazz, as well as a dear Friend, Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, I decided to dig into my shelves and write about some of his albums I did not review previously. Kuhn recorded this album with a bunch of friends from the US and Germany, a list that proves his status as one of the most admired Jazz musicians on the international scene. The list includes saxophonists Ornette ColemanFind albums by this artist and Dave LiebmanFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chuck LoebFind albums by this artist, fellow clarinetists Eddie DanielsFind albums by this artist and Buddy DeFrancoFind albums by this artist, trombonist Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, bassist Dieter IlgFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang HaffnerFind albums by this artist. The music includes some standards and some original compositions by Kuhn and the participating musicians, altogether ten tracks of great performances, which showcase Kuhn’s versatility playing anything between Swing to Free. These relaxed sessions are an ideal opportunity to allow the musicians to get the absolute best out of themselves, all supporting Kuhn as the main soloist, who is simply brilliant every step of the way. Kuhn a sublime example of a total musician, with a career spanning decades and crossing styles from Swing to Avant-Garde, always with grace, intelligence and professionalism beyond reproach. For clarinet lovers, this album is an absolute revelation. Overall, this an instant classic, full of brilliant music and heavenly performances, which is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Goodbye Friend!

Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 23/09/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ANDY MIDDLETON ~ NOMAD`S NOTEBOOK INTUITION 3264 (Barcode: 750447326422) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is the third album as a leader by American (resident in Vienna) saxophonist / composer Andy MiddletonFind albums by this artist recorded with a superb team of musicians including legendary American guitarist / pianist / composer Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, no less legendary British bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist and American (resident in US and Germany) drummer Alan JonesFind albums by this artist. Three guest musicians play on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, five of which are original compositions by Middleton, one is his arrangement of two traditional melodies, and three are original compositions by Towner. The music is modern Jazz with some World Music influences, stunningly performed by these world-class musicians. The superb compositions by Middleton and Towner, full of deeply melodic and highly aesthetic contents, allow individual members to solo extensively and produce a harmonious ensemble sound all around. The Word Music influences create as ambience of mystique and the album offers a truly wonderful musical journey. For Towner and Holland followers, this album, probably unknown to most, is certainly worth seeking out, as it presents them both at their absolute best. Of course Middleton also plays wonderfully here and the album is still absolutely fresh, even though it was recorded over two decades ago. On a personal note; I met Andy in person a few years ago and we have had opportunity to meet regularly since during an annual event, which in time developed into a friendship. It took me a while to get hold of this album, which is not an easy task, but apparently not an impossible one – so get hold of a copy as long as it is possible!

Updated: 14/06/2021Posted: 14/06/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ANDY MIDDLETON ~ REINVENTING THE WORLD INTUITION 33102 (Barcode: 750447331020) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2003 This is the fourth album as a leader by American (resident in Vienna) saxophonist / composer Andy MiddletonFind albums by this artist recorded with a superb team of musicians including Canadian saxophonist Sheila CooperFind albums by this artist, British (of Canadian origin) trumpet Maestro Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, German trombonist Nils WogramFind albums by this artist, Canadian clarinetist Darcy HepnerFind albums by this artist, American pianist Henry HeyFind albums by this artist and bassist John HebertFind albums by this artist and Canadian drummer Owen HowardFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, all composed by Middleton and a short bass intro to one of the tunes composed by Hebert. The music is all modern mainstream Jazz, based on the superb compositions by Middleton, which serve as ideal vehicles for the excellent performances by the instrumentalists. The compositions are interesting and coherent, and are all splendidly arranged for the large ensemble, which allows individual members to solo extensively and produce a harmonious ensemble sound all around. For Wheeler´s followers, this album offers plenty hair-raising examples of his genius and is therefore a highly recommended addition to every serious British Jazz connoisseur´s collection. On a personal note; I met Andy in person a few years ago and we have had opportunity to meet regularly since during an annual event, which in time developed into a friendship. It took me a while to get hold of this album, which is not an easy task, but apparently not an impossible one – so get hold of a copy as long as it is possible!

Updated: 03/02/2025Posted: 27/09/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN / RAIS BIG BAND ~ SMILE INTUITION 3342 (Barcode: 750447334229) ~ GERMANY ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2002 Following the recent demise of the great German clarinetist / composer / bandleader and one of the Godfathers of the modern German Jazz, as well as a dear Friend, Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, I decided to dig into my shelves and write about some of his albums I did not review previously. Kuhn dedicated this album, as the title suggests, to the great and everlasting film music, which produced an endless string of Jazz standards over the years. The music was recorded with the Berlin RAIS Big BandFind albums by this artist and the Cologne VoicesFind albums by this artist duo in best fashion of cinematic performances and the wonderful Big Band sound accompanying Kuhn’s magic clarinet performances. Jorg Achim KellerFind albums by this artist conducted the Big Band and wrote the superb arrangements, which make the music shine and twinkle. Kuhn plays some amazing clarinet on this fabulous album and the magnificent Big Band performs brilliantly, showing the subtle and not so subtle differences between the European and American Big Band approach. This is Kuhn the romantic warrior, with perfect feel for the melody and the swing, needed to deliver these, often quite complicated arrangements. Kuhn a sublime example of a total musician, with a career spanning decades and crossing styles from Swing to Avant-Garde, always with grace, intelligence and professionalism beyond reproach. Overall, this an instant classic, full of brilliant music and heavenly performances, which is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Goodbye Friend!

Updated: 21/09/2022Posted: 21/09/2022

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOE ZAWINUL ~ BROWN STREET INTUITION 3450 (Barcode: 750447345027) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is an album by Austrian Jazz keyboardist / composer / bandleader Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, recorded live with a superb rhythm section comprising of American bassist Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, (Peruvian born) percussionist Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist and drummer Nathaniel TownsleyFind albums by this artist and the great German WDR Big BandFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents ten original compositions, all by Zawinul, which span his entire career from his stint with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and his bands Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Zawinul SyndicateFind albums by this artist. Following his return to Austria Zawinul opened a club in Vienna’s Hilton hotel called Zawinul’s Birdland, which is where this music was recorded in October 2005. This is one of the last recordings by Zawinul before his untimely death in 2007. The music is a brilliant mixture of Jazz-World Fusion and Big Band Jazz and pays a great tribute to Zawinul’s compositional genius, in addition to his unparalleled keyboard magic. The Big Band arrangements are absolutely amazing, as are the performances, which makes the fact that these compositions have been recorded before irrelevant, as this new attire makes them sound completely fresh and worth being rediscovered. There is not one dull moment on this album and the soaring music is worth its weight in gold. Overall, this album is full of wonderful music, brilliant performances and innovative Big Band arrangements, which should leave no true Jazz fan indifferent. For Zawinul fans and his many followers around the world this is an absolute must!

Updated: 31/08/2021Posted: 31/08/2021

CD 6 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JERRY BERGONZI / JACEK KOCHAN / PIOTR LEMANCZYK ~ THREE POINT SHOT INTUITION 71302 (Barcode: 608917130225) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2009 Released: 2010 This is an album by a trio comprising of American saxophonist / composer Jerry BergonziFind albums by this artist and a Polish rhythm section with bassist Piotr LemanczykFind albums by this artist and drummer Jacek KochanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, three composed by Bergonzi, two each by Lemanczyk and Kochan and one by Finnish saxophonist Joonatan RautioFind albums by this artist. The music is modern Jazz, quite remote from the American tradition, despite the fact that Bergonzi played with many top American Jazz musicians for many years. The two Poles have a strong influence on the proceedings, both as composers and performers, and are both up to the challenge playing with Bergonzi without any inferiority feelings involved. The intimate trio format allows all three musicians to show their skills and talents, which of course are very impressive. Lemanczyk is definitely one of the top Polish Jazz bassists and a very able composer, and Kochan is utterly unique and original drummer, who follows his own rules and desires. Combined with Bergonzi’s refined skills and great experience, the trio is able to weave some very inspiring moments, which border on Free but never quite leave the melodic and rhythmic threads. Overall, this is a very impressive saxophone trio recording, which is not an easy listening experience but offers musical depth and incredible instrumental abilities by these excellent musicians. Jazz listeners, who love their music served with some challenge, should find this album most rewarding.

Updated: 17/02/2025Posted: 17/02/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ARILD ANDERSEN ~ THE ROSE WINDOW INTUITION 71318 (Barcode: 608917131826) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a spectacular album by the Norwegian Jazz bassist / composer Arild AndersenFind albums by this artist, recorded live in a classic piano trio setting with young and extremely talented Norwegian musicians: pianist Helge LienFind albums by this artist and drummer Gard NilssenFind albums by this artist. The trio performs six original compositions by Andersen and the album also includes an interview with Andersen. This album is the sixth volume in the "European Jazz Legends" series and of course Andersen deserves to be included in the distinguished group of European Jazz Giants. His countless recordings over time, mostly for the ECMFind albums on this label label, present a formidable tale of virtuosity, talent, elegance and untarnished good taste lasting now for almost five decades. The music is mostly beautifully melodic, with typical melancholic and lyrical ambience that characterizes Norwegian Jazz, but one up tempo and highly dynamic piece is also included, emphasizing the diversity of Andersen´s milieu as a composer and of course as a brilliant bassist. The trio performs excellently together, with the two young musicians treating the Master with respect, supporting amicably his many solos, incorporated within the pieces present on this album. Andersen of course reciprocates with allowing them to play their respective solos as well. Andersen´s performances are all stunning, and his virtuosity seems to be completely unaffected by time, which is a great blessing. He is incredibly sensitive both harmonically and rhythmically and every touch of the strings is always perfect in tone and time. In many respects this album is an epitome of European Jazz; it is all about the relationship between sound and silence, the minimalism and understatement, the meaning of melody and its reflection in hundreds of years of tradition of Folklore and Classical Music, and countless other subtleties, that only few Jazz musicians outside of Europe are blessed with. It gives me an immense pleasure to see Arild Andersen in great shape today and considering that we are only a few years apart, it gives me hope of at least few years into the future staying on top of things. Thank you Arild for all those years of musical pleasures and what a pity I missed you in Oslo recently – something we have to rectify at the nearest future. Obviously this album is a must to all fans of Andersen´s musical universe and all connoisseurs of European Jazz at its best!

Updated: 13/08/2016Posted: 13/08/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

PORK PIE ~ OPERANOIA INTUITION 750447315822 (Barcode: 750447315822) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 This is a reunion album by the legendary European Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble Pork PieFind albums by this artist, recorded half a century after the original band was formed in the early 1970s and recorded a couple of excellent albums for the MPSFind albums on this label label. The three founding members: Dutch keyboardist / composer Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, American (living in Europe) saxophonist / composer Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and Belgian guitar virtuoso / composer Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist are joined by American drummer / percussionist Don AliasFind albums by this artist, who completes the reunion lineup. Together they perform ten original compositions, three each by van`t Hof, Mariano and Catherine and one by Alias. Although reunions often turn out to be pale reflections of glorious past achievements, this album is a beautiful example of a reunion that not only matches the original music, but in some respects surpasses it. In time pioneering spirit and the fire of creating a new musical genre gives place to reflection and contemplation, with the music aging like a good wine. With some World Music elements added to the mix, the music on this album is simply marvelous from start to finish and is executed brilliantly. All these musicians have mastered every trick in the book, but they never forgot the essence of music being based on writing great tunes and improvising intelligently and emotionally. This music is all about elegance, good taste, space and mutual understanding, lyricism and communication. There is a place for every member of the ensemble to showcase their respective skills, without a shadow of competition or domination. It´s music made by four equal partners, resulting in an effect being greater than the sum of its ingredients. Although this album achieved little attention at the time it was released, it remains a wonderful piece of contemporary Fusion, which is completely free of the dreaded endless and senseless doodling and consists simply of superbly executed marvelous music. In should be studied by Fusion players to learn what should be avoided and of course wholeheartedly enjoyed by intelligent Fusion fans the world over. Brilliant stuff!

Updated: 06/02/2016Posted: 06/02/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN ~ INSIDE OUT INTUITION 750447327627 (Barcode: 750447327627) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999 This is an exquisite album by German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, one of my all time favorite musicians, recorded in several different lineups and including American guest stars: saxophonists Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist and Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist and also Rolf´s younger brother pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist. The rest of the musicians are members of the younger generation of the German Jazz scene. Together they perform nine tunes, four of which are originals by Rolf Kuhn, three are by Joachim Kuhn, one is by Konitz and the remaining one is a Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist standard. The album was recorded by the legendary sound engineer / producer Walter QuintusFind albums by this artist, owner of CMPFind albums on this label Records, and the sound quality is simply breathtaking. Kuhn´s clarinet sound, which has been his trademark for decades, is absolutely unique, combining the traditional Jazz approach originating in the early Jazz days and European modernism. Kuhn, who often joins forces with his pianist brother, produced a substantial and consistently excellent body of recorded work over time, which in retrospect is an integral part of the European Jazz and one of its finest facets. This album is full of beautiful melodies, mostly reflecting the European lyricism and melancholy, superbly executed by all the participants, with many splendid solos and outstanding ensemble playing. The younger musicians seem to have no problem whatsoever to stand shoulder to shoulder with the veterans. Considering the fact that Kuhn was seventy years old when this music was recorded, he manages miraculously to keep his head and soul eternally young! This album is a classic example of the elegance, sophistication, panache and stylish flair, which characterize European Jazz at its best, and which manage to present relatively mainstream Jazz in a fresh and challenging way. I can´t imagine any true Jazz fan not enjoying this fantastic music, and therefore recommend it wholeheartedly. For clarinet lovers this album is simply beyond essential!

Updated: 05/02/2016Posted: 05/02/2016

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JASPER VAN`T HOF / CHARLIE MARIANO ~ BRUTTO TEMPO INTUITION 750447330924 (Barcode: 750447330924) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 This is an album by the international trio comprising of Dutch keyboardist / composer Jasper van`t HofFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Germany) saxophonist / composer Charlie MarianoFind albums by this artist and American bassist / composer Steve SwallowFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original compositions, four by van`t Hof, two by Mariano and three by Swallow, and one Classical piece arranged by Mariano. Although involving two Americans, the music is soaked with European aesthetics, which of course is hardly surprising since Mariano lived in Europe since 1971 and Swallow played and recorded with numerous European musicians over time. The intimate trio format is ideal to express the wonderful affinity between these musicians, and enables close exchange of ideas and mutual inspiration. The music is characteristic Chamber Jazz, influenced by Classical motifs and constructs and World Music themes, but at the same time highly improvised and exploding with ideas for the entire duration. Of course all three musicians are virtuosi, which this intimate setting emphasizes to the max. Although this album is little known to Jazz enthusiasts beyond Europe, it is one of the finest examples of what these three musicians ever recorded, together and separately, and deserves a much wider recognition. Overall, this is a wonderful hidden gem of European Jazz which should make very true Jazz lover deeply moved by the exquisite music it includes, which is timeless and cross-cultural. It’s been quite a while since I heard this album last and rediscovering it was an immense pleasure!

Updated: 04/07/2025Posted: 04/07/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ROLF KUHN ~ INTERNAL EYES INTUITION 750447332829 (Barcode: 750447332829) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 - 2001 Released: 2001 This is a fine album by German clarinetist / composer Rolf KuhnFind albums by this artist, one of my all time favorite musicians, recorded with members of the younger generation of the German Jazz scene: organist Frank ChastenierFind albums by this artist, bassist Detlev BeierFind albums by this artist and drummer Wolfgang HaffnerFind albums by this artist and several guest stars: American saxophonist Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist, Swedish pianist Claes CronaFind albums by this artist, French pianist Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, American guitarist Chuck LoebFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist. Together they perform ten tunes, five of which are originals by Rolf Kuhn, three are by Mintzer and the remaining two are standards. The album was partly recorded by the legendary sound engineer / producer Walter Quintus and the sound quality is of course excellent. The music on this album is mostly mainstream Jazz, which pays tribute to the American Jazz tradition, with elegant and sophisticated touches of European Jazz. When Mintzer plays up front, everything sounds American and when Kuhn plays up front everything sounds European, which is hardly surprising. Same can be said about Crona and Solal, who come from two very different Jazz environments. The two tracks that feature Loeb are Fusion oriented. In short this album embraces both the traditional approach and the modern one, treating them both with respect and as a result presents Kuhn as a versatile, relevant figure despite his advanced age. Kuhn´s clarinet sound, which has been his trademark for decades, is absolutely unique, combining the traditional Jazz approach originating in the early Jazz days and European modernism. Kuhn, who often joins forces with his pianist brother Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, produced a substantial and consistently excellent body of recorded work over time, which in retrospect is an integral part of the European Jazz and one of its finest facets. This is one of the most accessible and straightforward albums that Kuhn recorded during his extended career and as such is highly recommended to listeners who are not familiar with his work, perhaps serving as an introduction to the Rolf Kuhn universe, which is vast and versatile. Definitely worth exploring!

Updated: 05/02/2016Posted: 05/02/2016

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

OREGON ~ 1974 MOOSICUS 1218 (Barcode: 885513121820) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2021 This is an archival live album by the legendary American quartet OregonFind albums by this artist, recorded in Germany by Radio Bremen. It presents the original lineup of the quartet with guitarist Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, oboe and English horn player Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist, bassist Glen MooreFind albums by this artist and percussionist / sitar player Collin WalcottFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents nine tracks, all composed by Towner, most of which are well over ten minutes in duration. Oregon were undoubtedly one of the most eclectic, unique and revolutionary cross-genre American ensembles, which managed to combine Jazz improvisations with World Music, strongly influenced by Indian music, Classical Music, Avant-Garde and New Age and even Psychedelic and Space elements. The four members of the band were virtuosi on their respective instruments and their collective performances, which I managed to hear in person many times over the years, were simply magical. Not surprisingly, Oregon achieved acclaim and Artistic recognition predominantly in Europe, where they toured extensively. Following the early years spent with VanguardFind albums on this label Records in the US, they later released their albums on several European labels, including ECMFind albums on this label, IntuitionFind albums on this label and CAM JazzFind albums on this label. The members of Oregon recorded and performed also as solo artists and members of other ensembles. The music on this album is a wonderful document of the early period of Oregon, and offers a relaxed environment, which inspires the musicians to improvise intensively and extensively on the beautiful themes, which is much different to the same music appearing on the early studio albums. For Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts this is some of the finest and most sophisticated embodiment of the genre. The enthusiastic audience seems to be well aware of the greatness of the hour. Overall, this is a superb document of the Artistry represented by one of the finest American Jazz-World Fusion ensembles ever, captured in an ideal aura created by attentive and enthusiastic audience. For the many Oregon followers, this is an absolute must and a true revelation.

Updated: 27/12/2022Posted: 27/12/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON`S PARAPHERNALIA ~ LIVE AT LEVERKUSEN 1994 REPERTOIRE 1479 (Barcode: 4009910147924) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2025 Let’s start with placing everything in a historical perspective… By the time the concert, which this album presents, was recorded, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist’s ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist was one of the leading instrumental ensembles on the European Jazz / Fusion scene, with an extensive recorded legacy to their credit. Following the release of their first three albums (two studio recordings and one live outing) on the MCAFind albums on this label label, Paraphernalia joined the roster of the small German independent label veraBraFind albums on this label Records, owned and run by Cologne based Vera BrandesFind albums by this artist, one of the most dynamic female Jazz activists on the European scene at the time, manager, concert organizer and record producer, who founded CMPFind albums on this label (1977), veraBra (1980) and IntuitionFind albums on this label (1984) labels, which released hundreds of albums, including some of the finest European Jazz / Fusion recordings of the era. The cooperation with Brandes opened many concert opportunities for Paraphernalia, which resulted in their popularity in Europe, and especially so in Germany, to exceed the success on their British home turf. It is not surprising therefore, that the German NDR Broadcasting corporation was happy to invite them to take part in their highly popular “Rockpalast” series of live TV broadcasts, which is the source of the material on this album. In 1993 Paraphernalia released their fourth album on veraBra, entitled “Everlasting FlameFind albums with this title”. Recorded, mixed and produced by Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist at his Temple Music studio in Spring / Summer of 1993, it featured the quintet lineup of the ensemble, with Barbara Thompson on saxophones and flutes, keyboardist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Malcolm MacFarlaneFind albums by this artist, bassist Paul WestwoodFind albums by this artist and Jon Hiseman on drums and percussion, the same lineup, which is featured on this live recording. The set list includes four compositions, which originate from the new album, which they were promoting at the time, one composition from their previous album “BreathlessFind albums with this title” (1991), another one from their live album “A Cry From The Heart – Live In LondonFind albums with this title” (1988) and finally one track, which will become the title track of their future album “Shifting SandsFind albums with this title” (1998), their debut on Intuition Records. Paraphernalia was such a superb musical vehicle not only due to the fact that it combined the talents of some of the finest British Jazz / Fusion musicians, and was led by an extraordinary instrumentalist and composer. Yes, all these elements were the necessary ingredients to create excellent music, but the true explosive amalgamation was also the result of the personal and musical relationship between Barbara and Jon, one of the most extraordinary musical couples of all time. It was a true match made in heaven, when they met as members of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist), directed by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. Stricken not only by her beauty, but more profoundly by her extraordinary talent as a musician, Jon proposed and they were married in 1967, a marriage that lasted for half a Century until his tragically early and unexpected death in 2018. During their entire lifetime together they cooperated in many musical projects, complimenting each other. When Hiseman founded the iconic ColosseumFind albums by this artist with the late Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, Barbara, although not a formal group member, played on all early Colosseum albums as a guest musician. When the German pianist / composer Wolfgang DaunerFind albums by this artist founded the revolutionary Pan-European United Jazz + Rock EnsembleFind albums by this artist, both Jon and Barbara joined and were members of the ensemble for years. When Barbara founded the Paraphernalia ensemble, although unable to join at the very early days, Jon joined soon after and became the pillar of the band. When Dick Heckstall-Smith retired from the re-united Colosseum, Barbara stepped bravely in, despite her serious health problem, to replace him. And then of course, they both had their separate projects as well, which they mutually respected. This intertwined musical / personal life-path is a true symbol of Barbara and Jon as a couple, which resulted always in a whole much greater than the sum of its parts. Keyboardist Peter Lemer, who had a long personal relationship with the couple, remembers: “Onstage, Jon was unwavering in his commitment to quality. He deployed the best technology for sound and stage setup, ensuring that both the band and the audience had the best possible experience. His care extended especially to Barbara, creating an environment where she could perform with freedom and power. As Barbara faced the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, Jon’s support became even more essential. He threw himself into understanding the condition, building relationships with specialists, and even speaking at Parkinson’s symposiums, so knowledgeable that he was often mistaken for a consultant. This journey is poignantly captured in the film ‘Playing Against Time’. Through it all, their love for each other and their shared passion for music shone through. Jon’s protectiveness and Barbara’s resilience formed the foundation of their personal and professional lives. It was a privilege to be part of their journey, to share their laughter, their dedication, and their extraordinary ability to bring people together through music." Guitarist Malcolm MacFarlane remembers: “By 1994, the year of this featured concert, I’d been in the band for 6 years. If I’m remembering correctly, this is the tour that extended to over 110 dates! As an improvising musician this was a real gift to be given the chance to develop your skills so intensely and ‘for real’ in a sustained way. I left the band the following year. Barbara and Jon were very keen for me to stay but all good things as they say… The news of Jon’s passing was such a shock, I honestly thought that he’d outlive us all as his energy levels and drive were truly inspiring. Barbara’s diagnosis and spirited fight against her condition was also inspirational. These two formed such a huge part of my growth from being a recently graduated music student into adulthood and being ‘grown up’, that after a 7-year working relationship I’m not only deeply indebted to them but I genuinely loved them both too." So here we are, with Barbara, Jon and the rest of Paraphernalia playing their hearts out in front of an enthusiastic audience, captured for eternity on this album. It is another piece of the wonderful puzzle that Barbara and Jon left for us to cherish and admire, which will help us to remember them and their tantalizing musical heritage. Thanks to Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist for keeping the flame alight and RepertoireFind albums on this label Records for the continuous effort to make this legacy available to all fans, old and new, to delight in! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 20/08/2025Posted: 19/08/2025

CD+DVD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend