Record Reviews

CHICAGO ~ AT CARNEGIE HALL (IV) RHINO 76174 ~ USA ~ Brass Rock 4th album (recorded 1971), and the first live recording. After releasing 3 consecuitive double LPs Chicago astounded the music world with the release of this 4 LPs set - the first ever in Rock. The beautiful packaging and the enclosed goodies (photos & posters) made this one of the most memorable albums in the history of Rock. The music includes selections from the 3 first albums, as well as new tunes performed here for the first time. The recording quality is simply breathtaking, especially in view of the fact that Carnegie Hall was built and designed for acoustic (mostly classical) music. Also the ability of the band to perform live the complex and lengthy compositions is truly amazing. This is undoubtedly one of the most important live albums ever recorded and this expanded reissue, which includes a whole CD worth of bonus material is a treasure not to be missed.

Updated: 18/04/2020Posted:

CD 4 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

MILES DAVIS ~ AT CARNEGIE HALL: THE COMPLETE CONCERT COLUMBIA 65027 (Barcode: 5099706502722) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 Released: 1998 It’s good to see that record companies sometimes are able to get a grip and correct the mistakes of the past. ColumbiaFind albums on this label has certainly tried its best to do justice to the magnificent recorded legacy of Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and this album is a part of that effort. This album assembles the complete Miles Davis Quintet / Gil EvansFind albums by this artist Orchestra concert recorded on May 19, 1961 at the Carnegie Hall, putting everything at the original recording order without editing or dubbed applause (the music included here was previously available on two separate albums: Miles Davis At Carnegie HallFind albums with this title and More Music From The Legendary Carnegie Hall ConcertFind albums with this title). This album is of course a perfect companion to the sublime Columbia 6 CDs Box Set The Complete Columbia Studio RecordingsFind albums with this title, especially as the concert was the first time Miles performed with the Gil Evans Orchestra live. 1961 marked an extremely busy and productive year for Miles. Following the departure of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and Bill EvansFind albums by this artist, the “first” legendary Miles Davis Quintet was history and Miles quickly organized a new Quintet, which was to be his vehicle for an interim period of about two years, until the “second” legendary Quintet was to rise like a phoenix and take Jazz places never dreamt about. The “interim” Quintet included excellent and experienced players: Hank MobleyFind albums by this artist – saxophone, Wynton KellyFind albums by this artist – piano, Paul ChambersFind albums by this artist – bass and Jimmy CobbFind albums by this artist – drums (the last two were remaining members from the “first” Quintet). These players followed their leader with skill and devotion, creating some of the best modern jazz on record. Just one month before this concert the Quintet recorded a magnificent live album In PersonFind albums with this title (which is now available as a 4 CDs Box Set In Person Friday And Saturday Nights At The Blackhawk, CompleteFind albums with this title). The studio album Someday My Prince Will ComeFind albums with this title was recorded just a couple of months before the Carnegie concert recording. The next (and last) studio recording with Gil Evans (Quiet NightsFind albums with this title) was just months ahead. Looking back at this period it becomes plainly evident that Miles was already “miles ahead” in his mind, looking for a new vehicle and a new direction, which would commence shortly with the formation of the new Quintet and the groundbreaking new album ahead (Seven Steps To HeavenFind albums with this title). That of course makes this music no less magnificent, as Miles was destined to be “in transition” for the duration of his entire career. It remains here, recorded for posterity, for us mortals to enjoy (almost 46 years later), loosing absolutely nothing of its relevance and eternal beauty. Miles of course was one of the very few artists, who made a statement with every note they played. As such, these notes are a source of inspiration and joy for those who love this music. Essential!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

IT`S A BEAUTIFUL DAY ~ AT CARNEGIE HALL COLUMBIA 480970 (Barcode: 5099748097026) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 1995 4th album by the short-lived legendary San Francisco band It`s A Beautiful DayFind albums by this artist. Recorded at the NYC most prestigious venue the band was at its peak at the time supporting their 3rd studio album ("Choice Quality Stuff / AnytimeFind albums with this title"). Leader and violin player David LaFlammeFind albums by this artist plays some amazing improvisations supported by a group of excellent musicians, including future Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist. The material includes only one track from the third album and a few of earlier hits (including the legendary “White Bird”). The rest of the material is new and this is the only album it was ever released on. The group made a formidable transition from their early Psychedelic days into a full-blown Prog band by the time this music was recorded, with strong jazzy and world music influences. Shortly after this recording the group started to disintegrate and the leader left to start a solo career. This is an excellent document of this fruitful era and one of the best live albums ever recorded. Essential item in any serious collection of 1970s music.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend