Record Reviews
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  | JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ LIVE ON AIR 1967-68
LONDON CALLING 5031 (Barcode: 5053792503117) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2019
This is an archival release of TV and live club performances by the legendary British vocalist Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist and keyboardist / composer Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and his TrinityFind albums by this artist, which were at the peak of their commercial success when these recordings were made. The Trinity lineup changed several times in this period and included guitarists Gary BoyleFind albums by this artist and Vic BriggsFind albums by this artist, bassists Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist, Rick LairdFind albums by this artist and Dave AmbroseFind albums by this artist and drummers Clive ThackerFind albums by this artist, Micky WallerFind albums by this artist and Clem CattiniFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks recorded in UK and France, which include several versions of the same songs, overall seven songs from the repertoire of Driscoll and Auger albums released at the time. The quality of these historic recording varies but overall is good enough to be listened to and enjoyed in full.
Auger is of course one of the forefathers of Jazz-Rock Fusion and his Hammond performances are second to none to this very day. Deeply rooted in Jazz, Auger managed to create a wonderful amalgam of Jazz / Groove / Soul / Rock, which proved be as popular at the time as the most commercial recordings. He is still active today, five decades later.
Driscoll was one of the most idiosyncratic British Pop stars of all times and her performances in the late 1960s stand proudly side by side by the most important female Rock vocalist of the era. She later married the British Avant-Garde pianist / composer Keith Tippett and changed her vocal style into innovative Avant-Garde vocal Jazz explorations. She is also still active today, five decades later. One of the tracks on this album offers a recording of Driscoll supported by a large orchestra, which is absolutely unique in her discography.
Considering the fact that the recorded legacy of Driscoll, Auger and the Trinity is relatively limited, every scrap of recorded music featuring their unique talents is invaluable.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 27/07/2019Posted: 27/07/2019 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | BLIND FAITH ~ LIVE IN LOS ANGELES
LONDON CALLING 5056 (Barcode: 5053792505616) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2020
The British supergroup Blind FaithFind albums by this artist existed briefly for just a few months in 1969, but remains an icon of Classic Rock to this very day. Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist (ex-CreamFind albums by this artist), vocalist / keyboardist Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist (ex-TrafficFind albums by this artist) and bassist Rick GrechFind albums by this artist (ex-FamilyFind albums by this artist) recorded just one legendary album and then went on a short European tour followed by an American tour, and then disbanded.
This album is a new release of one of several bootlegs recorded during the a.m. tours, and is a bootleg of the bootlegs, as the cover work simply copes two earlier bootleg covers. The title is even more misleading, since Blind Faith never actually performed in Los Angeles, and this album presents the material recorded during their Oakland performance and other material, which of course was previously released.
But bootlegging apart, the music is of course fantastic, and even the sound quality is acceptable, considering the circumstances. Clapton’s lengthy guitar solos are a reminder of the Cream days, Winwood’s heartwrenching vocals and excellent keyboards playing are just right on, Baker is an unstoppable drumming machine and Grech, although low in the mix, is supporting amicably. In short there is everything a hardcore guitar freaks and Classic Rock addicts really love.
Overall, although there is nothing new here, if you don’t have an earlier copy of this bootleg, it is an essential piece of music history.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 04/04/2021Posted: 04/04/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ EUROPEAN UNION (LIVE IN THE UK & GERMANY)
LONDON CALLING 5067 (Barcode: 5053792506712) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1966 - 1970 Released: 2020
This an archival album by the Godfather of British Blues vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist / songwriter / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist presenting three early iconic lineups of his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and broadcasted on the radio / TV.
The first six tracks originate from 1966 and were performed by perhaps the most recognizable Bluesbreakers lineup featuring guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist and drummer Hughie FlintFind albums by this artist.
The next five tracks originate from 1969 and were performed by the Bluesbreakers featuring guitarist Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Colin AllenFind albums by this artist.
The last track originates from 1970 and was performed by the revolutionary drumless lineup (not called Bluesbreakers), which recorded the “The Turning PointFind albums with this title” album, and two guests, with guitarists Jon MarkFind albums by this artist and Duster BennettFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist and bassists Steve Thompson and Alex DmochowskiFind albums by this artist.
Although the sound quality of these recordings is problematic, especially the 1966 tracks, the quality of the music is excellent and Mayall’s bands at the time were the undeniable pinnacle of the British Blues Rock explosion. For Mayall’s completists, who don’t have this material in their collection, this is of course a must!
| | Updated: 24/10/2021Posted: 24/10/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ STRANGER BLUES - LIVE
LONDON CALLING BOX 3 (Barcode: 5053792300334) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2020
This Archival Box Set collects radio / concert recordings by one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, and his seminal group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist (on drums) and Green formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and the group included also guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist and bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist, and eventually a third guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist. That early lineup lasted until May 1970, when Green left the group, and recorded a number of albums, which are absolute Blues-Rock classics to this very day.
This Box Sets presents 4CD worth of material. The first CD collects nineteen tracks of Fleetwood Mac BBC recordings between January and October 1968. The second CD presents a live concert recorded at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco in June of 1968, recorded by a local FM station. The third CD presents a live concert in Helsinki in September of 1969, recorded by the Finnish YLE. The fourth CD presents a live concert in Gothenburg in November 1969, recorded by the Swedish radio.
The music includes the familiar Fleetwood Mac repertoire, about half of which was written by Green, including the everlasting icons like “Man Of The World”, “Oh Well”, “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman”, but more importantly dozens of Blues classics and long jams, which emphasize green’s incredible guitar pyrotechnics and his genuine fondness and deep understanding of the Blues.
The sound quality of these historic recordings varies, but is certainly good enough to enjoy the music, and the material is an incredible document of the two crucial and most innovative years in music history, as reflected by only one of its heroes.
For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this album is an absolute must of course, and hopefully it will also open the eyes / ears of some young listeners to the treasures of days passed, which still glimmer more potently than anything recorded today.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 05/06/2021 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | CREAM ~ LIVE IN SWEDEN AND THE USA
LONDON CALLING BOX 4 (Barcode: 5053792300433) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021
This is an archival Box Set collecting three live shows by the iconic British supergroup CreamFind albums by this artist, recorded in Detroit in October 1967 on CD1 & CD2, in Stockholm in November 1967 on CD3 and finally in San Diego in October 1968 on CD4. The material is taken from radio broadcasts and offers iffy sound quality. The material on the last CD was also released on the “Goodbye Tour Live 1968Find albums with this title” Box Set, in much better sound quality.
Guitarist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Jack BruceFind albums by this artist and drummer Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist managed to revolutionize Rock music during the short time they stayed together, pioneering everything that defines Rock by crystalizing its ingredients: riffs, Blues changes, power trio setting, extended soloing and most of all incredible inventiveness and stamina. Most of the original material in Cream’s repertoire was composed by Bruce, featuring lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, but they also played their interpretations of Blues standards.
The music included in this Box Set is a wonderful opportunity to study the modus operandi Cream developed over time, and the time spans of just one year exhibits dramatic alteration in their stylistic approach and depth. The extended Rock improvisations that Cream pioneered, were a significant ingredient of their music, and went way beyond just long guitar solos played by other Rock guitarist, often bordering on early Jazz-Rock Fusion.
Listening to the bass playing reveals the genius of Bruce, who was definitely the greatest virtuoso of the bass guitar in all times. Baker, who learned to play drums from the great British Jazz drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist, was also one of the most unique Rock drummers of all times and his drum soli are absolutely unique to this very day. This album is a great tribute to these two Giants, both sadly no longer with us.
Overall, the music this album presents, despite of being five and a half decades old, is still some of the finest Rock achievements in the entire history of the genre. There is no need to recommend this album to veteran Rock fans, but there a billions of people who never even heard one note of this, which explains why this world looks like it does :) My suggestion to the Jazz lovers among my readers would be to give it a listen and discover not only how it swings, but also where the sources of the Jazz-Rock Fusion Nile originate from.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 01/02/2022Posted: 01/02/2022 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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