Record Reviews

RON CARTER ~ ETUDES WOUNDED BIRD 6214 (Barcode: 664140621428) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008 Legendary US bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist, one of the great Jazz veterans of the genre and the backbone of countless Jazz recordings, presents here a series of new compositions accompanied by other great musicians: trumpeter Art FarmerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Bill EvansFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony WilliamsFind albums by this artist. This piano-less quartet might sound slightly unusual at first, but just a few bars into the music it becomes clear that they are s superb unit of Master musicians. Both Farmer and Evans solo with confidence and flair, Williams displays his usual pyrotechnics, which is second to none, and Carter confidently and with virtuosity sets the pace and puts down the backbone at all time. His beautiful tone (excellently recorded) is overwhelming and inspiring. The music includes four compositions by Carter and two by Williams and although it´s not experimental or particularly innovating, is well structured and makes perfect sense musically, allowing plenty of space for soloing. Carter´s solos are of course, as always, full of inspiration and virtuosity and Williams proves to be a perfect partner – well they did play together for many years in the legendary Miles DavisFind albums by this artist second quintet after all. This album is an absolute must for all bass enthusiasts, but every Jazz lover will find plenty of great music here.

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JOHN MAYER ~ ETUDES / RADHA KRISHNA FIRST HAND 01 (Barcode: 5060051618222) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2008 This magnificent album finally brings back to life two great recordings by the legendary violinist / composer John MayerFind albums by this artist, a pioneer of Jazz-World Fusion. Mayer’s revolutionary ensemble, called Indo-Jazz FusionsFind albums by this artist, recorded four superb albums in the 1960s, which were first of a kind attempts to combine Jazz with Indian music. EtudesFind albums with this title, recorded in 1969, was the fourth and last album in this series, and although recorded without the participation of saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist (another legendary British Jazz figure), who was a co-leader of the ensemble for several years, it is a direct continuation of the work done on the first three albums. The new ensemble includes some of Britain’s best Jazz musicians at the time: Mayer - violin, Chris TaylorFind albums by this artist – flute, Ian HammerFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – saxophone & clarinet, Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and John MarshallFind albums by this artist – drums with three musicians playing traditional Indian instruments – sitar, tanpura & tabla. The music offers a slightly different overall structure, as it resembles a classical suite in five movements (Rondo, Capriccio, Serenade, Toccata & Saraband), utilizing structures used often in Classical music. Mayer was of course classically trained and a master of cross-pollination between genres. The overall effect of the music is absolutely stunning, still fresh and moving as it was at the time of the recording. Radha KrishnaFind albums with this title, recorded a couple of years later with a similar lineup expanded by a string trio and singers, is a further step into showcasing Mayer’s work as a composer of contemporary Classical music, which he will develop in the years to come. Based on an ancient love story from the Hindu mythology, the two parts suite flows gently and beautifully presenting the characters and the events with musical themes. Although more classically oriented, it still uses the Jazz elements, especially in the solos performed by the players. This is a beautiful piece of music, which should be enjoyed by every true music lover. Having two such wonderful recordings together on one album is a true blessing for which we should be grateful to John’s son Jonathan MayerFind albums by this artist, who released this album on his new record label. I can not think of a better tribute he could have paid to his father’s memory. A double masterpiece!

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