Record Reviews

FINGERS ~ THE COMPLETE FINGERS REMEMBER MINGUS JAZZ IN BRITAIN 55 (Barcode: 5060774190692) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 - 1993 Released: 2024 This is an expanded reissue / remaster of an album by British Jazz quintet FingersFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonists Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and Bruce TurnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist. The original album was recorded in 1979 and released on the legendary SpotliteFind albums on this label label in 1983, which needless to say has been in my collection since then. It included only five tracks, some of which were edited to fit on the LP, which are here expanded to include the complete recording session on CD1 and CD2, total eleven tracks including alternate tracks. CD3 presents eight unreleased tracks, originating from BBC broadcasts or other sources, recorded between 1979 and 1993 (see details on the album’s artwork). Although the music herein, either that by Charles MingusFind albums by this artist or by other composers, is basically mainstream oriented, the unique “Fingers’ treatment” it receives here turns is into an orgy of improvisation, which more often than not ventures into the Free territory, especially when Coxhill is in the lead. The atmosphere of the session is somewhat similar to what one might hear on Mingus’ albums, so the resulting music is a tribute with a British twist, which fans of Mingus and those familiar with his music should enjoy immensely. These are some of the finest British Jazz players after all, so it’s hardly surprising that the performances are stellar. Under the steady bass grip by Green, the music manages to swing even when the melody wanders far away, only to return like a wave. Some spectacular soli, which are lost on the original abridged edition, are here to bring a wide smile upon the listener’s lips. The relaxed, almost informal atmosphere of the session, serves the music well, as the result proves. Overall, this is another brilliant release by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, which does not rest on its laurels, keeping us on edge awaiting the next showdown. Thy good people behind the labels have of course access to more great music that they can possibly handle, so it all comes down making the right choices, which so far has been impeccably done. Thanks, as always, for the music, which never fails to bring a tear in the corner of an eye.

Updated: 01/07/2024Posted: 01/07/2024

CD 3 Digisleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HOWARD RILEY ~ FEATHERS WITH JAKI SLAM 215 (Barcode: 5028386021520) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1984 - 1988 Released: 1995 This is a reissue / remaster of material by British Jazz pianist / composer Howard RileyFind albums by this artist. The first two tracks are live piano duo recording with American pianist Jaki ByardFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1984 and originally released on LeoFind albums on this label Records LP as “Live At The Royal Festival HallFind albums with this title”. Both tracks are compositions by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. These two tracks were Side B of the LP and sadly the three tracks on Side A of the LP remain unreleased on CD. The next seven tracks are a trio recording with bassist Mario CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony MarshFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1988 and originally released on SpotliteFind albums on this label Records LP as “FeathersFind albums with this title”. Six of the compositions are by the trio members and one is a standard. The duo tracks present a fine “Art of the Duo” display, and despite the obvious stylistic differences between the two players, there is a coherent and interesting cooperation between them, in some respect a mixture of the “old” and the “new” in Jazz, respectfully balanced and complimenting each other. The trio tracks offer an absolutely stunning display of British Free Jazz at its peak, with Riley’s virtuosity amicably supported by his more than able cohorts. Mostly highly energetic, the improvisations swirl and swarm with brisk exchanges and dialogues / trialogues, which portray the trio not as a pianist accompanied by a rhythm section, but as a completely organic musical unit. This is definitely some of the finest Improvised Music one can put one’s hands on, and the fact that it was reissued is a true gift. Overall, this is absolute must for British Free Jazz / Improvised Music buffs, offering music saved from oblivion, but fully alive and kicking, which sound fresh and relevant, as if recorded yesterday. Howard’s death last year (2025) was a loss a true Colossus.

Updated: 28/05/2026Posted: 28/05/2026

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN DEE ~ SECOND SIGHT SPOTLITE 543 (Barcode: 736598154329) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 1992 This is an album by British pianist / composer Brian DeeFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with bassist Mario CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Bobby WorthFind albums by this artist. One of the tracks is a solo piano recording and percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are original compositions by Dee and the rest are standards or compositions by others. Criminally rarely mentioned, Dee was for decades one of the greatest “shadow” musicians on the British scene, playing with the best local and international musicians, in orchestras and mostly appreciated as accompanist of Jazz and Pop vocalists. As this album proves, Dee was a superb piano player with a beautiful tone and rare sensibility. Although his work was entirely within the modern mainstream genre, he was definitely one of the finest British Jazz piano Masters for decades. Supported here by an excellent rhythm section Dee performs a wide selection of his own compositions and music written by others, playing with rare fluency and obvious sensibility, all of which deserve a much wider recognition. Overall, this is a superb classic Jazz piano trio album, which Jazz lovers should be able to enjoy immensely, as much as they do the fork of much more famous pianists. A true delight!

Updated: 18/06/2025Posted: 18/06/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend