Record Reviews

JOHNNY ALMOND / MUSIC MACHINE ~ HOLLYWOOD BLUES VOCALION 8441 (Barcode: 765387844127) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 2nd (and last) album by British multi-instrumentalist / composer Johnny AlmondFind albums by this artist recorded under the Johnny Almond Music MachineFind albums by this artist moniker. Although recorded only a few months following the debut “Patent PendingFind albums with this title”, it is a completely different affair, as the album was recorded in the US and all the musicians except Almond come from the US West Coast. The opportunity to record this album arrived, when Almond visited the US to perform at the 1969 edition of the Newport Jazz Festival with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. Legendary producer Mike VernonFind albums by this artist came up with the idea to record an album with Almond and some local musicians. For the recording session a rhythm section was assembled, which included organist Charles KynardFind albums by this artist, legendary guitarist Joe PassFind albums by this artist, bassist Ray NeapolitanFind albums by this artist and drummers Earl PalmerFind albums by this artist / Joe HarrisFind albums by this artist. On the front line Almond was paired with one of three saxophone players: Hadley CalimanFind albums by this artist, Curtis AmyFind albums by this artist and Vi ReddFind albums by this artist. He plays several instruments (as usual) – tenor and alto saxophone, flutes, organ and vibraphone. Almond wrote most of the music on the album, with just a couple of standards used. The result is a delightful, funky, soulful session with excellent music and some remarkable solos. Almond’s playing bears a distinctive European approach, which when consolidated with the American natural bluesy sound fits just perfectly. The album is much more jazzy that the debut and perhaps less adventurous, but nevertheless and excellent document of the fine music that was happening at the time and cross-pollination of musical ideas. Most warmly recommended! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice I think this deserves an "essential" label - certainly an essential part of the soundtrack to my musical and general development; first a pirated reel-to-reel copy back in the early 70s; then eventually a second hand LP when I found one; and now the CD for easy access and road-trip enhancement.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JIMI HENDRIX ~ HOLLYWOOD BOWL, AUGUST 18, 1967 SONY 196588315626 (Barcode: 196588315626) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1967 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by the legendary Jimi Hendrix ExperienceFind albums by this artist, which was previously unreleased. The album presents ten tracks, which are a mixture of original songs and songs by others. Originally recorded on a cassette and offering a pretty Lo-Fi sound quality, the music was restored and remastered by the mythological Eddie KramerFind albums by this artist, and is certainly audible. The fact that previously unreleased material by Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist is still being unearthed almost 60 years later is truly astounding. At the time of the recording, Hendrix and his trio were almost completely unknown in the US, with only one previous appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival a couple of month earlier. The trio was formed in UK and included British bassist Noel ReddingFind albums by this artist and drummer Mitch MitchellFind albums by this artist, releasing their debut album in UK in May 1967, which was not released in the US until much later. They made a name for themselves in the UK and Europe, but the US was as yet unconquered. The performances are as stellar as one might expect from this unearthly trio, and these early moments are especially interesting as all three players were still testing their ground and experimenting, before the wall of sound effect they developed later on was firmly in place. The brilliant virtuosity and originality was all there already, so there is nothing for us but to admire once again the best ever Rock guitar player in action, supported by an unstoppable and incredibly sophisticated rhythm section. Overall, despite the imperfect sound quality, this album is an absolute pure gold as far as Rock history is concerned. It does not matter how many live Hendrix live album there are already in your collection, this is definitely one of the most fascinating, presenting Hendrix at his most innocent, almost naïve self, before fame, fortune and drugs destroyed him. Long live the Summer Of Love!

Updated: 22/12/2023Posted: 22/12/2023

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend