Record Reviews
19 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | MILLER ANDERSON ~ BLUESHEART / CHAMELEON
MIG 01142 (Barcode: 885513011428) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2003 - 2008 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of two albums by British Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist. "BluesheartFind albums with this title" (2003) was recorded in a core trio format with bassist John PriceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist and features keyboard players: Dave BaldwinFind albums by this artist and the legendary Jon LordFind albums by this artist. "ChameleonFind albums with this title" (2008) was recorded in a quartet setting with keyboardist Frank TischerFind albums by this artist, bassist Kris GrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist. Most of the material on both albums consists of Anderson´s originals. This remastered and expanded edition adds two bonus tracks to each of the original albums.
Anderson, primarily known as a founding member of the legendary Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist, is a superb singer and extraordinary guitarist, who sadly did not achieve a wide recognition he so much deserves. His career picked up on the German scene with the beak of the new millennium and these two excellent albums document his activities during that period.
The music and the stylistic approach is completely retro, sounding as if these albums were recorded in the late 1960s, when British Blues and Blues-Rock enjoyed a tremendous renaissance. Therefore fans of such music should find this album irresistible.
Blues-Rock fans not familiar with Anderson´s work should grab this album at the first opportunity, as there are very few genuine manifestations of the genre as good as this one. Anderson´s guitar work puts him on a pedestal of the Blues-Rock heroes, and none of the new generation of Blues oriented guitarists come even close to his fabulous feel of the Blues that he is able to deliver.
Overall this is a must have for all Blues-Rock fans out there, no questions asked! Contemporary Blues-Rock is mostly about imitation, so why nor go directly to the source? Enjoy!
| | Updated: 04/08/2018Posted: 04/08/2018 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAKOUT ~ BLUES
MUZA 940 (Barcode: 5907783499401) ~ POLAND ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005
3rd album by Polish group BreakoutFind albums by this artist is one of the most influential albums, not only in Poland but in the entire Easter European music scene. Separated from the West by the Iron Curtain, Eastern European musicians and fans alike had little opportunity to hear album released "on the other side" and therefore relied primarily on whatever was available to them. Poland led the way in music in the 1960s and 1970s not only in Jazz, which flourished there, but also in Rock and Blues-Rock, as well as early Progressive Rock. Albums by NiemenFind albums by this artist, Poland´s most influential Rock / Prog / Jazz-Rock Fusion figure and later on also this album, served as the "musical bible" for generations of Eastern European musicians to study, copy and be inspired by. Breakout, led by vocalist / guitarist / composer Tadeusz NalepaFind albums by this artist, included also lead guitarist Dariusz KozakiewiczFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Tadeusz TrzcinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jerzy GoleniewskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Józef HajdaszFind albums by this artist. The lyrics were written by Polish poet Bogdan LoeblFind albums by this artist, who was the band´s resident lyricist. This album is a superb example of Blues-Rock, with absolutely stunning guitar work by Kozakiewicz, which resulted in it being referred to as the Polish version of the legendary John MayallFind albums by this artist´s "Bluesbreakers With Eric ClaptonFind albums with this title" album, being surely as influential as that seminal release. In retrospect the album lost absolutely nothing of its power and beauty and hopefully some Rock-Blues enthusiasts around the world will discover it eventually. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ BLUES JAM IN CHICAGO VOL.1
BLUE HORIZON 516446 ~ UK ~ Blues
First part of a marathon jam session arranged during the New Year 1968/1969 Fleetwood Mac US tour. All this music was recorded in one day (January 4th 1969) at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, and this was an incredible opportunity for the Fleetwoods to meet and to jam with some of their heros and legendary blues figures, such as Otis Span and Willie Dixon. The result is of course stunning and fortunately documented here for posterity.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ BLUES JAM IN CHICAGO VOL.2
BLUE HORIZON 516447 ~ UK ~ Blues
Second part of a marathon jam session arranged during the New Year 1968/1969 Fleetwood Mac US tour. All this music was recorded in one day (January 4th 1969) at the legendary Chess studios in Chicago, and this was an incredible opportunity for the Fleetwoods to meet and to jam with some of their heros and legendary blues figures, such as Otis Span and Willie Dixon. The result is of course stunning and fortunately documented here for posterity.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SHLOMI GOLDENBERG ~ BLUES STRAIGHT AHEAD
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
Israeli saxophonist / composer Shlomi GoldenbergFind albums by this artist is one of the most active musicians on the local scene. Shlomi released his debut recording on my JazzisFind albums on this label label almost 20 years ago, and he´s been recording and releasing albums ever since. This album presents him in a quartet setting with pianist Nitzan GavrieliFind albums by this artist, bassist Nadav LahishFind albums by this artist and drummer Roi UlielFind albums by this artist, playing what seems at first glance as a nostalgic set of his own Blues-based compositions, similar to the material recorded by many Jazz Giants at the outset of their careers, especially John ColtraneFind albums by this artist. Although the music is definitely straight-forward, it is by no means simplistic. If fact it is often more challenging to play today in a straight-forward manner than explore the thrills of freedom that Jazz allows, provided of course that the straight-forward performance is as good as the one presented here. Shlomi´s ability and fluidity as a player are quite evident here, when he soars during his solos and he´s superbly supported by the pianist and the rhythm section. All the musicians have a great grasp of the Blues background so omnipresent in Jazz, enabling them to explore the compositions to their full potential. Overall this is an excellent album from start to finish, somewhat nostalgic, but very much contemporary at the same time. I´m sure that this album can be enjoyed by many Jazz connoisseurs around the world.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HACKETT ~ BLUES WITH A FEELING
CAMINO 13 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
This album from 1994 presents Steve`s version of the blues, with a `normal` quartet. There is a lot of blues in there of course, but the originality of the approach give it a great `twist` which creates a fabulous feeling.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SIRIL MALMEDAL HAUGE / KJETIL ANDRE MULELID ~ BLUES AND BELLS
GRAPPA 4757 (Barcode: 7033662047574) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
This is the debut album by the Norwegian duo comprising of vocalist / songwriter Siril Malmedal HaugeFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Kjetil Andre MulelidFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven songs, three of which are originals by the duo and the rest are their arrangements / interpretations of Pop / Jazz standards.
Although primarily associated with Jazz, the duo members take somewhat liberal approach to their Jazz roots on this album, creating a unique atmosphere, which blends many musical influences. The intimate setting allows for close dialogue between the two musical souls, which is always the most important aspect of any musical cooperation.
Hauge has a very particular timbre and vocal expression, which I personally like very much, but might perhaps not be for everybody. It is somewhat theatrical and cabaret oriented, and her English accent is charmingly foreign. But all in all I always enjoyed her vocals, although I suppose I’d have preferred her singing in her Mother tongue.
Mulelid is an excellent pianist and proved to be also a sensitive accompanist. His improvisations are sometimes a bit intense for this intimate setting, but on the other hand they are significantly enriching the musical tapestry of the entire album.
Overall, this is a very agreeable and enjoyable vocals / piano duo, with strong ties to Jazz, but not strictly Jazz per se, making it accessible to a relatively wide audience. Beautifully recorded, the music is certainly elegant and inviting, which should make many music lovers happy.
| | Updated: 01/04/2023Posted: 31/03/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | DICK HECKSTALL-SMITH ~ BLUES AND BEYOND
BLUE STORM 004 (Barcode: 5050232500422) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
This is the last album by British saxophonist / composer Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, recorded before his passing in 2004. The album, produced by Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, includes an incredible list of British musicians, who played with him during his career: guitarists Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummers Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and vocalists Rab McCulloughFind albums by this artist, Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist. John MayallFind albums by this artist plays piano and several other musicians also take part in the proceedings. The album presents twelve tracks, most of which are originals by Heckstall-Smith and some are Blues standards.
As the list of names and the album’s title suggest, the album is dedicated to Blues and Blues-Rock material, which of course was always a part of Heckstall-Smith’s background in addition to his Jazz-Rock Fusion, Prog and Jazz activities.
The music is absolutely delightful, as expected, and the guests / friends invited to participate do not disappoint. The album is full of great tunes, brilliant guitar soli and evocative vocals, all within the Blues idiom, spiced with Heckstall-Smith’s idiosyncratic saxophone playing. Of course the album brings fond memories of his activities with Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and ColosseumFind albums by this artist, which were icons of the British scene for many years.
Overall, this is a brilliant and sadly little known album by one of the true heroes of the British Blues, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz scenes. It certainly deserves to be heard and if anybody can find a copy of it, it is wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 03/02/2022Posted: 03/02/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | KARIN KROG / JOHN SURMAN ~ BLUESAND
MEANTIME 09 (Barcode: 7051070000097) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999
This is wonderful duo album by Norwegian vocalist Karin KrogFind albums by this artist and British multi-instrumentalist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist, one of many albums they recorded together since their first meeting on stage in 1978, mostly released on the ECMFind albums on this label label and MeantimeFind albums on this label Records, like this one, which is owned by Krog. The album presents twelve original compositions, co-credited to them both with lyrics by Krog. The album was recorded at the legendary Rainbow Studio in Oslo and engineered by Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist.
The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz, Blues, Electronics, Nordic moods and above else elegance and good taste, which results in a unique listening experience. Krog sings lyrics and uses electronic devices and loops and Surman as usual switches between soprano and baritone saxes, clarinets, piano and synthesizers, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and feelings.
Each and every one of the compositions is a gem, combining Krog’s vocals with layers of instrumental improvisations by Surman, and although completely coherent as a whole the compositions present a diversity of musical capsules, each and every one as if originating in a different universe.
Overall this is a masterly conceived and executed piece of music in the “Art of the Duo” idiom, which exemplifies the power of minimalism. In his work with Krog, Surman always displays a different personality than on his solo or ensemble works as a leader, showing the gentler, almost romantic facet of his musical charisma.
For British Jazz enthusiasts, this album offers some of Surman’s best work, Norwegian Jazz fans need no introductions and the album is simply a sweet reminder of how superb music can become in hands if intelligent and highly talented musicians. Not to be missed and every bit as great as it was at the time of its release.
| | Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 13/04/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | LOVE SCULPTURE ~ BLUES HELPING
EMI 99416 ~ UK ~ Blues
1st album from 1968 by this UK Blues trio with sensational guitar playing by Dave Edmunds, who unfortunately later in his career aborted his great gift for blues. The material is pretty standard (except a great version of Summertime), but the performance absolutely brilliant. Blues guitar fans still wet their lips hearing this after all these years.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUES FOR THE LOST DAYS
MUSIC ON CD 13458 (Barcode: 8718627225424) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1996 Released: 2017
This is a reissue of an album by the Godfather of British Blues, vocalist / guitarist / keyboardist / harmonica player / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist. “Blues For The Lost DaysFind albums with this title” was the third of the three albums released in the 1990s by the American SilvertoneFind albums on this label label and it finds Mayall accompanied by guitarist Buddy WhittingtonFind albums by this artist, bassist John PaulusFind albums by this artist and drummer Joe YueleFind albums by this artist. Keyboardist Tommy EyreFind albums by this artist plays on five tracks and a brass section on two tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, eight of which are Mayall’s originals and the rest are by other songwriters. Mayall used the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist moniker for the second time between 1982 and 2008 and this album was also released under that moniker.
All the three albums released on Silvertone find Mayall at his very best. Mayall sings splendidly and plays some great harmonica parts as well as other instruments. Whittington is a brilliant guitarist and his works is simply exemplary. The keyboards work by Eyre is absolutely superb as well, as is all his work over time and he remains as one of the greatest secret heroes of British music. Time made absolutely no dent on this music whatsoever and it sounds every bit as fresh and inviting as it did at the time of its release.
One of the amazing qualities of Mayall is his remarkable consistency and level of artistry, which he managed to preserve throughout his career, in spite of his constant metamorphosis and migration into diverse stylistic niches. His recording legacy presents an impressive collection of over fifty albums, without not even one of them being an artistic compromise. Same goes for his songwriting, which against all odds, manages to ignore the limitations of the Blues idiom and create wonderful new material without being derivative.
Overall, this is a most welcome initiative to bring this album back into circulation, as it was getting a bit tough to find on the market. For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this is of course as indispensable as any other Mayall album.
| | Updated: 29/08/2021Posted: 29/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUES FROM LAUREL CANYON (EXPANDED EDITION)
DECCA 840839 (Barcode: 602498408391) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
9th album by John MayallFind albums by this artist, and his most personal and intimate statement to date. Following the decision to disband the Bare WiresFind albums with this title version of the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist Mayall immediately formed a new quartet, retaining only Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist from the previous group and adding two exceptional young musicians: Steve ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Colin AllenFind albums by this artist on drums.
The material for the new album was written during Mayall’s vacation in California, where he stayed in the Laurel Canyon near LA, a favorite living area of many US musicians. During his stay Mayall met and socialized with fellow musicians, such as members of the blues band Canned HeatFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and his Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist, and even dedicated two of the songs on the album to them.
The entire album was designed as a one continuous flow of music, with one song smoothly leading into another without any breaks. The magic atmosphere is completely unique and the complex and subtle musical themes make it one of the most remarkable albums recorded in the 1960s. In many respects this album was an end of a phase in Mayall’s long musical road.
It was the last album on DeccaFind albums on this label (he would sign with PolydorFind albums on this label next), the last purely UK based album (he would play with many US musicians later on and eventually move to live in the US), the last of the pure blues albums (the next phase would be much more jazz influenced). In retrospect the John Mayall Decca recordings are one of the greatest documents of the 1960s UK music scene and an everlasting, timeless source of musical inspiration. Essential!
| | Updated: 24/10/2021Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUESBREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
DECCA 984180 (Barcode: 602498418017) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2006
2nd album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his Bluesbreakers, which features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist and sadly the only album they recorded together at the time. Of course this is the definitive white blues album of all times, with an incisive impact not only on Clapton’s stairway to the “Godly” status of Emperor of all guitar players, but also on the entire music scene, basically establishing the electric Blues (and later Blues / Rock) as the natural and legitimate next step from American-born acoustic blues. This album influenced (and still influences) generations of guitar players of all genres and changed the face of music probably more than any single album did beforehand. It is pretty ironic (at least in retrospect) that Clapton left the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, accusing the band of becoming to “commercial” following the release of the “For Your Love” single (which by the way was quite revolutionary and groundbreaking as it is), to pursue a “pure” blues oriented music with Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, only to leave a few month later to form CreamFind albums by this artist, which became one of the most successful Rock bands in history. Life is full of surprises! Nevertheless during his stint with Mayall, Clapton managed single-handedly to shape the future of Rock, producing some of the most memorable sounds ever. Speaking of sound, Clapton’s US-made Gibson Les Paul combined with the British Marshall amplifiers produced a sound so unique that it was to be imitated by hordes of axe players around the world for decades. Of course Clapton’s feel for the blues is undeniable, and his interpretation of the twelve bar music form, mixed with his rock background, created an embryo of a new musical Hydra. Mayall was of course ecstatic to have Clapton in his band, only to be utterly devastated when Clapton announced his departure soon after this album was recorded. Fortunately Mayall soon recovered and followed suit with another guitar hero – Peter GreenFind albums by this artist. This (long overdue) edition of this groundbreaking album collects virtually absolutely everything Mayall and Clapton managed to record together. The First CD includes both the original mono mix of the album and the stereo mix, which was done only three years later (1969). The second CD includes a plethora of singles, outtakes, BBC sessions and live recordings, many of which see the light of day for the first time. I am not a great fun of the “If you had to select only one single album…” idea, but this one does come as close to the idea as it is humanly possible. If you don’t own this album, this probably is the greatest hole in your collection (not to mention your music education). Hopefully not for long.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JERZY MILIAN ~ BLUES FOR PRAHA
GAD 007 (Barcode: 5901549197068) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2013
The Polish GADFind albums on this label Records label has become a treasure chest of archival recordings by Polish Jazz and Rock artists and in the short period of time since 2010, when the label released its first album, it established its position on the market as a dedicated and reliable source of interesting material. This album follows the already established pattern and is the second volume of archival material by legendary Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer Jerzy MilianFind albums by this artist, one of the forefathers of modern Polish Jazz.
The material collected here was recorded in former Czechoslovakia, Poland´s southern neighbor, which had a wonderful Jazz scene as well at the time these recordings were made, i.e. mid-1960s. For many reasons, which fall far beyond the scope of a record review, the cooperation between these two scenes was rather limited, and therefore this album is especially important, as it documents a little known chapter of Eastern European Jazz. Milian established collaboration with Gustav BromFind albums by this artist, the founder and leader of the legendary Gustav Brom OrchestraFind albums by this artist, which was one of the best Jazz Big Bands in Europe at the time. He performed and recorded with the orchestra several times until the brutal Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, which put an end to the Prague Spring.
The material collected here presents four studio tracks recorded by the Czech radio and three live tracks recorded a few months later. Two tracks are Milian originals and one was composed by the Gustav Brom Orchestra´s bassist Milan RezabekFind albums by this artist. The remaining four tracks are standards. The American trumpeter Ted CursonFind albums by this artist, who often visited Eastern Europe and recorded in Poland as well, solos along Milian on one track. All tracks feature extended solos by Milian and are a wonderful testimony to his virtuosic abilities. The orchestra also performs quite splendidly of course, even in the trickiest moments. The music is nor terribly innovative, moving within the established boundaries of Bee Bop and Cool, but is definitely well played. Overall this is yet another glace at the Polish Jazz history, which of course deserves to be remembered.
With remastered and restored sound and informative booklet (including text in English), this album is definitely worth checking out by any connoisseur of European Jazz, looking for another perspective.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MODERN BLUES QUARTET ~ BLUES ON BACH
REQUIEM / LYDIAN 2020/08 ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
This is the debut album by a Polish Jazz quartet called Modern Blues QuartetFind albums by this artist, which comprises of flautist / composer Ryszard BorowskiFind albums by this artist, violinist Mateusz SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Rafal SarneckiFind albums by this artist and bassist Michal JarosFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Borowski.
As the title suggests, the music is "inspired" by compositions of Johann Sebastian BachFind albums by this artist, and follows many similar Jazz projects mentioned in the album´s liner notes. The liner notes also state that there is very little of Bach´s music as such on this album, and the proximity is mostly associative, which is quite correct. The resulting music is easy on the ear and quite entertaining, obviously meant for wider audiences.
The musicians are of course some of Polish Jazz top instrumentalists, as their individual performances attest, providing plenty of excellent solo showcases. The delicate sound of a drumless quartet works very well and the excellent bass parts manage to keep the music swinging, even without percussive support. Smoczynski´s parts take the music into the Gypsy Jazz idiom and are (for me) the highlights of this project. Sarnecki plays some tasty swinging guitar parts, but is less dominant.
Overall this is a nice amalgam of Jazz-Classical Fusion and Smooth Jazz, which many listeners on the lighter side of the Jazz idiom can enjoy immensely.
| | Updated: 09/01/2021Posted: 27/09/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRITZ PAUER ~ BLUES INSIDE OUT
MPS 602498112649 (Barcode: 602498112649) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2003
This is a reissue / remaster of an album by Austrian pianist / composer Fritz PauerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic piano trio format with two American expatriates: bassist Jimmy WoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony InzalacoFind albums by this artist. All three musicians lived at the time of the recording in Germany, which was one of the most important European Jazz centers. The album presents eight tracks, with three of the being original compositions by Pauer, two each are by Woode and Inzalaco and one is a standard. The album was produced by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist, who also served as the session’s sound engineer. This was the last album Pauer recorded for the legendary MPSFind albums on this label label.
The music is deeply rooted in the Jazz tradition, but Pauer takes it way further into the European Jazz aesthetics, with his extraordinary improvisations, which often move briefly as far as Free Jazz, swiftly returning to the melodic swing. The resulting see-saw between Swing and more open playing is truly delightful, and the excellent American rhythm section supports the leader with ease and elegance. Pauer, along with Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, were the most internationally renowned Austrian Jazz pianists.
Overall, this is a fascinating snapshot of the German Jazz scene at the early 1970s, which was a magnet for Jazz musicians from all over Europe and the US, and served as a breeding ground for the exploding European Jazz. For classic Jazz piano trio fans, this album is a delight from start to finish.
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| | Updated: 18/06/2025Posted: 18/06/2025 | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | RUTKOWSKI & KOSSOWSKA ~ BLUES ON THE BRIDGE
LUNA 395 (Barcode: 5900672923957) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is an album by Polish Jazz vibraphonist / composer Milosz RutkowskiFind albums by this artist and vocalist / harmonica player Beata KossowskaFind albums by this artist. They are supported by bassist Grzegorz PiaseckiFind albums by this artist and drummer Wojciech BulinskiFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Krzysztof Puma PiaseckiFind albums by this artist appears as guest artist. Together they perform eleven compositions, all of which are originals by Rutkowski except for one Pop standard and one Polish Pop song.
The music is a nice amalgam of Jazz and Blues, pretty unusual these days as the two genres have grown apart despite their common roots. The original compositions by Rutkowski are all excellent, with strong melodic content and perfect harmonic structure, as well as internal Groove and Funky feeling. The basic sound of the album is very Jazzy and the Blues seasoning is emphasized mostly by the harmonica and guitar parts and the vocals.
The instrumental performances are all excellent from start to finish and the album is a great fun to listen to, beautifully balancing the sophistication of the Jazz ingredients and the emotional influx of the Blues. Personally I´m not really excited by the vocals and would have preferred this album in purely instrumental version, which would have made it truly exceptional, buy hey, that´s just me. Kossowska does however contribute some breathtaking harmonica parts. The young rhythm section does a perfect job and Piasecki burns with his electrifying solos.
Overall this is a very enjoyable album, which maintains a classy approach to the Blues along with the basic Jazz attitude, which should easily satisfy connoisseurs of both genres. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 13/05/2017Posted: 13/05/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | SAVOY BROWN ~ BLUES ALL AROUND
QUATRO VALLEY 0165 (Barcode: 805859088724) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023
This is an album by legendary British Blues band Savoy BrownFind albums by this artist, founded in 1965 by guitarist / vocalist / composer Kim SimmondsFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded in a trio setting with bassist Pat DesalvoFind albums by this artist and drummer Garnet GrimmFind albums by this artist and was completed shortly before Simmonds died in December 2022, aged seventy-five, and was released posthumously. The album presents twelve original songs, all by Simmons.
As the music proves, Simmonds never lost any of his great feeling for the Blues and his recorded legacy, which spans dozens of albums, has no weak spots, despite the ever changing lineup of the band. His vocals and especially his unique guitar playing remain an everlasting statue of the Blues-Rock idiom, which proves that Europeans can write and play the Blues every bit as well as musicians from across the pond.
Overall, with the sadness accompanying the departure of the iconic figure of Simmonds, this album is a great testimony of his creative powers and a proper “closing” of his titanic career, although more of his recording are bound to pop up in the future. Absolutely not to be missed, this is an instant Blues classic.
| | Updated: 16/03/2023Posted: 16/03/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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