Record Reviews

MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ CHAMELEON / CONQUISTADOR / HOT BGO 1199 (Barcode: 5017261211996) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 - 1979 Released: 2015 This is a reissue of three albums by Canadian trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist released on ColumbiaFind albums on this label during his 1970s stint with label: "ChameleonFind albums with this title" (1974), "ConquistadorFind albums with this title" (1977) and "HotFind albums with this title" (1979). These albums feature some of the best American Jazz musicians at the time and mark Ferguson´s peak commercial success and popularity, well beyond the strict Jazz circles. Following Ferguson´s revolutionary recordings in the UK during the late 1960s and early 1970s, called the "M. F. HornFind albums with this title" albums, which featured a superb Big Band comprised of top British Jazz musicians at the time, and which defined the Jazz-Rock Fusion Big Band sound, he returned to the US in 1973 continuing the "M. F. Horn" series and than recording the first album on this reissue set, which also continued the Jazz-Rock direction. The other two albums included here present a more commercial approach emphasized by the phenomenal success of the "Rocky" movie theme (entitled "Gonna Fly Now"), which charted as a single not only on the US Jazz charts, but also on the US Pop charts. However, despite the more commercial approach, these albums still offer superb Jazz performances, first-rate Big Band arrangements and brilliant soloing. The music on these albums remains completely timeless and offers some of the most exciting Big Band recordings made in the US, featuring exquisite arrangements and excellent soloing by the leader and other musicians. Ferguson´s piercing trumpet sound is still one of the most recognizable sounds in American Jazz and remains unparalleled to this very day. Personally I have always found the music of Ferguson to be both highly entertaining and artistically relevant, offering classy performances with stand the test of time with ease. Highly recommended!

Updated: 17/04/2020Posted: 10/09/2019

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PETER HAMMILL ~ CHAMELEON IN THE SHADOW OF THE NIGHT (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 370435 (Barcode: 094637043523) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 1978 Released: 2006 2nd album by Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist leader Peter HammillFind albums by this artist, who maintained a remarkable solo career in parallel to his work with the band. Although accompanied by his VDGG mates, his solo albums were quite different in sound and atmosphere from the band’s albums. Hammill is much more personal and expressive, with song lyrics being poetic and much more complex in nature. His vocal talents come to full exposure here and the atmosphere is passionate and bleak. The album is considered to be one of his strongest efforts and is often referred to as a concept album about old age, although formally never described as such. Definitely a must for all VDGG and Hammill fans.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

LEMMUS LEMMUS ~ CHAMELEON MOOD SWINGS NAKED LEMMING 1001 (Barcode: 827912007251) ~ ISRAEL ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2004 1st album by a new Israeli group Lemmus LemmusFind albums by this artist, which mixes elements of Psychedelia and Prog and produces some truly spectacular effects. They use a vintage mellotron (previously owned by Pink FloydFind albums by this artist) and the music is heavily influenced by Psychedelic innovations of the late 1960`s, but the sound is crispy clear and modern. Combined with English vocals, this could be easily mistaken as originating in UK(?). This is a must for all Psychedelic freaks! Outstanding.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

TOMASZ STANKO ~ CHAMELEON METAL MIND 0401 (Barcode: 5907785027404) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1982 Released: 2006 This album´s title is perhaps the most concise and precise description of its contents. With the 1970s behind him Polish trumpeter / composer Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist takes a sharp turn off the path he followed previously as the leader of the local Free Jazz / Avant-Garde scene and as other musicians before him (or like a chameleon) entered the world of Jazz-Rock Fusion. The album was recorded in Athens in 1982 and reminded unreleased until 1989 (by that time Stanko was already moving to the next phase of his career), when it was finally released by a small independent Greek label. But chronologically this is the first recording of Stanko´s 1980s "new" style, preceding "C.O.C.X.Find albums with this title". The setting is a trio with guitarist Apostolis AnthimosFind albums by this artist (of SBBFind albums by this artist fame), who also plays bass, drums and percussion and young keyboardist Janusz SkowronFind albums by this artist, who uses the electronic devices to create beautiful sound vistas. The music is (as always with Stanko) absolutely stunning and quite different from his earlier work. Here we can hear the "easier" or happier side of Stanko, with almost cheerful melody lines and relatively simple rhythmic approach. Let´s make no mistake however; this is still Stanko at his best, with his unmistakable personal way of making music, virtuosic blowing and genius musical concept, all this in a slightly more accessible wrap up. Of the eleven tracks on the album seven were composed by Stanko and four are credited to the trio, as much of the music was actually created on the fly in the studio. In retrospect this is definitely one of the most memorable Stanko albums and an absolute must to all his numerous fans. Just grab it! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Stanko does play beautifully on this album, and as a budding completist I don´t actually regret buying the album, but I have to say that the other instrumentation often leaves a lot to be desired, being more Pop (and occasionally TV-Schmaltz) than Jazz-Rock

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend