Record Reviews
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  | CROSBY & NASH ~ WHISTLING DOWN THE WIRE
MCA 008811203221 (Barcode: 008811203221) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2000
This is the third album by the celebrated team of singer / songwriter friends, American David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and British Graham NashFind albums by this artist. It followed the previous release ("Wind On The WaterFind albums with this title") just one year later, presenting a new set of songs performed by almost the same team of musicians that recorded that album: guitarist Danny KortchmarFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist, drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist David LindleyFind albums by this artist. Crosby and Nash are in charge of the vocals, Crosby plays guitars and Nash plays guitars and harmonica. The album presents ten songs. Both Crosby and Nash wrote three songs each, two songs were co-written by them both, one was co-written by Kortchmar and Nash and one by Doerge, Crosby and Nash. This is the remastered edition of the album, first time on CD, with a much improved sound clarity, but with no bonus material.
The songs are all exquisite, as expected from this talented team, and very much in the same "spirit" as those on the previous album. Some of them were recorded during the sessions that produced the previous album and overall these two albums could be in fact considered as one continuous reflection of the duo´s output at that time (1975-1976), including also the next album "LiveFind albums with this title", which documents the duo´s concerts, where they performed mostly material from these two albums. The duo and the band accompanying the two singers became a true and very tight band, definitely one of the best out there at the time.
As usual the stylistic, personal and cultural differences between Crosby and Nash create a unique amalgam, which combined with their fabulous vocal harmonies results in some of the best Classic Rock music ever recorded. They are simply one of the most perfect partnerships in Rock history.
The album also emphasize the political / social opinions both these artists never feared to voice, standing firmly for the values of freedom, social justice, environment issues etc., continuing the "protest song" tradition cultivated in American music since the 1950s, sadly to disappear almost completely by the end of the 1970s.
Overall in historic perspective this is a milestone album in every possible meaning of the phrase, which lost absolutely nothing over time in any aspect; it is still beautiful, relevant, and meaningful as a piece of an aesthetics that is long gone. Of all the Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist many sub-groups, Crosby & Nash have been the most consistently excellent outfit. I can´t imagine any decent Classic Rock collection not including this album. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 29/06/2018Posted: 29/06/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CROSBY & NASH ~ WIND ON THE WATER
MCA 008811204327 (Barcode: 008811204327) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2000
This is the second album by the celebrated team of singer / songwriter friends, American David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and British Graham NashFind albums by this artist. It followed the debut after a three years gap, presenting a new set of songs performed by the same team of musicians that recorded the debut: guitarist Danny KortchmarFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist, bassist Leland SklarFind albums by this artist and drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist. Multi-instrumentalist David LindleyFind albums by this artist and bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist complete the band. Musical friends: Jackson BrowneFind albums by this artist, James TaylorFind albums by this artist, Carole KingFind albums by this artist and others, perform on some of the songs. Crosby and Nash are in charge of the vocals, Crosby plays guitars and Nash plays the piano. The album presents eleven songs, the last of which is in fact a two song medley. Crosby wrote four of the songs, Nash five songs and two (including the medley) are co-written by them both. This is the remastered edition of the album, first time on CD, with a much improved sound clarity, but with no bonus material.
The songs are all exquisite, as expected from this talented team, definitely as strong as those on the stunning debut album. Considering the fact that the band accompanying the two singers is much tighter this time, the album overall sounds even better than the debut in many respects.
As usual the stylistic, personal and cultural differences between Crosby and Nash create a unique amalgam, which combined with their fabulous vocal harmonies results in some of the best Classic Rock music ever recorded. They are simply one of the most perfect partnerships in Rock history.
The album also emphasize the political / social opinions both these artists never feared to voice, standing firmly for the values of freedom, social justice, environment issues etc., continuing the "protest song" tradition cultivated in American music since the 1950s, sadly to disappear almost completely by the end of the 1970s.
Overall in historic perspective this is a milestone album in every possible meaning of the phrase, which lost absolutely nothing over time in any aspect; it is still beautiful, relevant, and meaningful as a piece of an aesthetics that is long gone. Of all the Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist many sub-groups, Crosby & Nash have been the most consistently excellent outfit. I can´t imagine any decent Classic Rock collection not including this album. Beyond essential!
| | Updated: 29/06/2018Posted: 28/06/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | CROSBY & NASH ~ LIVE
MCA 008811205225 (Barcode: 008811205225) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1975 - 1976 Released: 2000
This is the fourth album (and first live release) by the celebrated team of singer / songwriter friends, American David CrosbyFind albums by this artist and British Graham NashFind albums by this artist. It followed the previous two studio releases ("Wind On The WaterFind albums with this title" and "Whistling Down The WireFind albums with this title") presenting material recorded live during the concerts the duo performed promoting these albums and consisting mostly of songs originally included on them, featuring the same team of musicians that recorded them: guitarist Danny KortchmarFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Craig DoergeFind albums by this artist, bassist Tim DrummondFind albums by this artist, drummer Russell KunkelFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist David LindleyFind albums by this artist. Crosby and Nash are in charge of the vocals, Crosby plays guitars and Nash plays guitars and piano. The album presents eleven songs written by Crosby and Nash (five songs each and one by Crosby / Doerge). This is the remastered edition of the album, first time on CD, with a much improved sound clarity, and two bonus tracks.
The songs are all exquisite, as expected from this talented team, and very much in the same "spirit" and overall these three albums could be in fact considered as one continuous reflection of the duo´s output at that time (1975-1976), which was certainly the most productive in the Crosby & Nash legacy. The duo and the band accompanying the two singers became a true and very tight band, definitely one of the best out there at the time.
As usual the stylistic, personal and cultural differences between Crosby and Nash create a unique amalgam, which combined with their fabulous vocal harmonies results in some of the best Classic Rock music ever recorded. They are simply one of the most perfect partnerships in Rock history. This album emphasizes the incredible rapport between the Artists and the audiences, and their unique ability on stage, which allows them to change and adapt the songs to the atmosphere of each an every venue and the mood of the specific concert. As such it is an electrifying document of Classic Rock performed live, with is almost completely gone these days.
Overall in historic perspective this is a milestone album in every possible meaning of the phrase, which lost absolutely nothing over time in any aspect; it is still beautiful, relevant, and meaningful as a piece of an aesthetics that is long gone. Of all the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young many sub-groups, Crosby & Nash have been the most consistently excellent outfit. I can´t imagine any decent Classic Rock collection not including this album.
| | Updated: 29/06/2018Posted: 29/06/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMI HENDRIX ~ BBC SESSIONS
MCA 111742 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Hendrix, although an American, was `discovered` in the UK and his first recordings, that changed the face of music as we know it, were done there. This double album compiles all the BBC Sessions recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience (which included of course 2 Brits) in the years 1967-1969. Among them the great hits as well as much lesser known material. Every piece of music recorded by Hendrix is a treasure, as he was one of the greatest geniouses of the 20th century. These great quality recordings are an absolute treasure!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMI HENDRIX ~ LIVE AT THE FILMORE EAST
MCA 111931 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
This double album documents the legendary Hendix concerts on the New Year`s Eve (December 31, 1969 & January 1, 1970) at the Filmore East with the Band Of Gypsies trio (Hendrix, Cox & Miles). Hendrix was at the peak of his career and performing ability and these incredible music goes to emphasize his genious in full swing. Every note here screams perfection and after so many years this is still unbeatable and uncontrollably beautiful.
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHO ~ LIVE AT LEEDS (DELUXE EDITION)
MCA 112618 (Barcode: 008811261825) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2002
Recorded in 1970, this is the legendary concert of The WhoFind albums by this artist at Leeds University. Two and a half hours of unadulturated energy and genious by one of the most important and influential rock groups ever. This recording was made shortly after the rock opera Tommy was released, and on this version of the album the group performs the entire piece (no interruptions) live, which to many is a better version then the studio recording. The rest of the material includes Who`s all time favorites, performed with the usual frenzy and vitality. This is Rock And Roll at its best, no doubt about it!
| | Updated: 01/06/2018Posted: | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | WISHBONE ASH ~ ARGUS
MCA 112816 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
3rd album from 1972 by this excellent UK group, considered by many as their finest hour and presenting the quintessential sound and vision of the band. Fronted by two lead guitarists and supported by a fine rhythm section, they created some of the best melodic rock ever made, with long improvisations by the guitarists exchanging licks and tricks. Never a dull moment and a true classic!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WHO ~ WHO`S NEXT (DELUXE EDITION)
MCA 113056 (Barcode: 008811305628) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2003
Following a masterpiece of the magnitude of TommyFind albums with this title was not an easy task even for such masters as The WhoFind albums by this artist and the birth of their next epic involved much pain and heartbreaks. However, by the end of a turbulant period the group released Who`s NextFind albums with this title, which not only stood up tp Tommy but even surpassed it in many areas - it was more mature, the playing was much better, the instrumentation more ellaborate and the tunes were absolutely brilliant - in fact probably the best the group ever recorded. The additional material includes an extra rare recording of a live performance of the album in front of a `test` audience. A rock milestone!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMI HENDRIX ~ LIVE AT WOODSTOCK / SMASH HITS
MCA 113074 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Hendrix performance at Woodstock is one of the peak moments of the 60´s, as documented in the Woodstock movie. This is another look at the messmerizing moments of one of the most important musical as well as social events of the 20th century comes to its end and the music provides a perfect soundtrack. 57 minutes.
This packages also oncludes as a bonus the Smash Hits compilation audio CD, which was the only collection album released while Hendirix was alive.
| | | DVD+CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JIMI HENDRIX ~ JIMI PLAYS BERKELEY
MCA 117209 ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
This legendary documentary film now available on DVD for the first time. Filmed on May 30, 1970, this is a cronicle of a 2 sets Hendrix concert on that day and some additional footage about student riots happening at the university. Additinal audio only material includes the entire second set, released for the first time. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 50 minutes DVD plus 70 minutes audio. NTSC
| | | DVD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks 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 |
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