Record Reviews
15 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | BUDGIE ~ IF I WERE BRITTANIA I`D WAIVE THE RULES
REPERTOIRE 4372 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
6th album from 1976 by this UK Hard Rock group and probably their most successful release commercially (although they never made it to the attention of a wider audience). This was their first album on a new lable (A&M) and stylistically it included some Prog elements, but not enough to make this a Prog album. Still this stands the test of time quite well.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVID CROSBY ~ IF I COULD ONLY REMEMBER MY NAME (DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO 081227320423 (Barcode: 081227320423) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
This is a reissue of the seminal debut album by legendary American singer / songwriter David CrosbyFind albums by this artist, recorded in the months following the release of Crosby, Stills, Nash & YoungFind albums by this artist album "Déjà VuFind albums with this title", which saw all four members of the group releasing their debut solo albums. The album was recorded in San Francisco and features members of several groups associated with the SF scene at the time, like Jefferson AirplaneFind albums by this artist, Grateful DeadFind albums by this artist and SantanaFind albums by this artist, as well as solo artists like Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist. The combined list of musicians participating on this album reads like the who´s who of American Rock at the time. The original album presented nine original songs by Crosby (one co-written with Nash and Young and one arrangement of a traditional song) and this reissue adds one bonus track, which is an outtake from the original sessions. It also includes a DVD-A with hi-res mixes of the album and some bonus textual material and new liner notes with Crosby´s commentary on the album´s songs.
Of course this album is way beyond just a classic Rock masterpiece from the period when music thrived on Earth – it is a unique symbol of an era. This music symbolizes a generation, a social movement and a state of mind, which includes Flower Power, Psychedelia, Woodstock, Social Awareness and Enlightenment, all happening within a brief period of few years, which was the only Renaissance the American people experienced in their entire history, and which was over before it could achieve anything or change the brutal reality of the Corporate Nation. This music touched millions of people at the time but sadly managed to transfix only a handful of them in the long range, absurdly more outside of the US than Americans themselves.
Musically the album is also a document of the period, when everything was conceivable, allowed and welcomed. The album mixes American Folk, Rock, Psychedelia, Jazz and European Folk influences completely naturally and mostly subconsciously, which creates a unique, one time experience, never to be repeated again. Crosby´s hesitance results in his vocal theatrics and the distinctive way he delivers the lyrics as spoken word rather than singing them at the dramatic peaks of some of the songs. The instrumental accompaniment, which features intensive guitar improvisations in the background, delivered often by more than one guitarist at the same time, is another dimension of this complex and multilayered music. Although the trademark vocal harmonies, which dominate Crosby´s earlier work with The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, are present here as well, they are definitely not the centerpiece of this album, which offers a much wider musical scope.
The mayhem that dominated Crosby´s personal life in the years that followed the recording of this album had of course major consequences and as a result his next solo album ("Oh Yes I CanFind albums with this title") was released almost twenty years later, when the world was already changed beyond recognition. Crosby still performs and writes songs and his fifth solo album ("LighthouseFind albums with this title") was released recently (2016), but the magic spark glitters mostly in the hearts of those, like myself, who experienced this music in real time.
An anthem of a generation, a bright star in a dark night sky, a sweet memory… whatever one might consider this album to be, it still has everything great music is supposed to have and once you open your heart to it, it will pay back handsomely. The choice is yours!
| | Updated: 11/08/2019Posted: 14/01/2017 | CD+DVD 2 HDCD Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH ~ IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE
REPERTOIRE 1005 (Barcode: 4009910100523) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1966 - 1967 Released: 2003
2nd album by the British Classic Pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent hit makers in the mid to late 1960s, which with many other contemporary British Pop acts shaped the sound of the music of that decade. Although mostly known for their contributions to the hit parade. They were in fact excellent musicians and singers and listening to their albums in retrospect reveals a whole world of music, which is mostly forgotten, but certainly deservers to be remembered. Most of the music the group played was penned by the pair of excellent songwriters Ken HowardFind albums by this artist and Alan BlaikleyFind albums by this artist, who also wrote songs for other British acts. This album continues to follow their development, with the music being more sophisticated, full of wonderful melodies and lots of typical British humor. The material is superbly performed and sung, with vocal harmonies easily rivaling those of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist or the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and many other acts of the time. The bonus material (which doubles the volume of the original content) includes the early hit singles by the group. People, who love the wonderful sound of the 1960s and the intelligent and clever British Pop, will find here quite a surprising wealth of memorable material to delight in. Warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE DEE, DOZY, BEAKY, MICK & TICH ~ IF NO-ONE SANG
REPERTOIRE 1013 (Barcode: 4009910101322) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2003
3rd album by the British Classic Pop group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & TichFind albums by this artist, one of the most prominent hit makers in the mid to late 1960s, which with many other contemporary British Pop acts shaped the sound of the music of that decade. Although mostly known for their contributions to the hit parade. They were in fact excellent musicians and singers and listening to their albums in retrospect reveals a whole world of music, which is mostly forgotten, but certainly deservers to be remembered. Most of the music the group played was penned by the pair of excellent songwriters Ken Howard and Alan BlaikleyFind albums by this artist, who also wrote songs for other British acts. This album continues to follow their development, with the music becoming quite ambitious and the orchestrations and arrangements sophisticated and complex, including Psychedelic influences and even proto-Prog moments. The material is superbly performed and sung, with vocal harmonies easily rivaling those of the BeatlesFind albums by this artist or the Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and many other acts of the time. The bonus material (which doubles the volume of the original content) includes the early hit singles by the group. People, who love the wonderful sound of the 1960s and the intelligent and clever British Pop, will find here quite a surprising wealth of memorable material to delight in. Most warmly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CONNIE DOVER ~ IF EVER I RETURN
TAYLOR PARK 0301 ~ USA ~ World Music & Folklore
Third album by the greatest female celtic voice on earth, the most beautiful so far. Some of the most moving moments of celtic music and the crystal clear voice of Connie make it an unbeatable combination.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | HABIBIYYA ~ IF MAN BUT KNEW
SUNBEAM 5043 (Barcode: 5051125504312) ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2008
Only album by the obscure UK / US group HabibiyyaFind albums by this artist, formed by ex-Mighty BabyFind albums by this artist members and a musical couple from California. Deeply influenced by Eastern mysticism and especially the Sufi tradition, to which the musicians were exposed during their travels in Morocco, the music is one of the earliest examples of World Music recorded by Western musicians. Played on a wide range of acoustic instruments (both from the Middle and Far East and Western ones), the music is completely improvised and deeply spiritual / contemplative. At the time of its release this album was completely “far out” and of course had no real chance of gaining popularity, but in time it achieved a legendary status among collectors and this reissue is a most welcome step towards awarding the album the recognition and respect it deserves. Even today the album requires attentive listening in order to be enjoyed in full, but is truly worth it. Categorizing this one is really tough, so I decided to include it in the Jazz-World Fusion category, as the improvisational nature of the music has its jazzy association. For open-minded listeners!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF
REPERTOIRE 1037 (Barcode: 4009910103722) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
Thi is the debut album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 by three representatives of the burgeoning British Jazz scene, which was experiencing an unprecedented surge of creativity and revolutionizing the Jazz form at the time. Although partly inspired by American Jazz-Rock pioneers like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChicagoFind albums by this artist, which were gaining wide popularity at the time, If was quintessentially different from its American counterparts.
Essentially Jazz-Rock was "invented" in Britain several years earlier by musicians like Graham BondFind albums by this artist and others, creating a distinctive "sound and feel", which was quite different from the development of the genre on the other side of the pond. The Americans based their bands on the rich "brass" tradition, which was perfected over the years by countless Big Bands and Brass bands, adding an aggressive rock backbeat to the music, whereas the British used a different approach, which basically left the Jazz environment intact, rejuvenating it with modern rhythmic approach and electric instruments (and in some cases adding Rock vocals), but remaining faithful to the Jazz idiom. In short where the American Jazz-Rock mainly rocked, the British Jazz-Rock mainly swung.
If were a great example of these differences and although short-lived, the band produced some of the most exquisite examples of British Jazz-Rock ever recorded. The core of the band comprised of the extraordinary guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist and another saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist (please note the absence of trumpeters). All three musicians had behind them several years of playing Jazz in various ensembles and were amongst the most gifted young British players at the time. Supported by a great and versatile rhythm section: keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist, bassist Jim RichardsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dennis ElliottFind albums by this artist and fronted by unusually gifted and able vocalist J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist, If were an absolutely perfect combination of talent and abilities, which actually worked. This, combined with the abilities of the "in house" composers (mostly Morrissey and Quincy), who crafted incredible melodies; crispy, complex and intelligent yet "easy" on the ear, made If a lean and mean music making machine of staggering proportions. All three main instrumental soloist were wonderful musicians, which is evident on this album from start to finish, but the most incredible work was surely performed by guitarist Terry Smith, who uses every trick in the book and beyond, always fresh and unconventional.
It is most interesting to compare Smith´s work with Chicago guitarist Terry KathFind albums by this artist (what a coincidence – both named Terry), who also was the most gifted instrumentalist in his band. Smith´s adaptation of Jazz guitar techniques into Rock as opposed to Kath´s improvised Rock guitar playing again emphasize the differences between the two bands. Words of praise should also go to If´s vocalist, who demonstrated exceptional feel on top of his wide range and clear, effortless treatment of even the trickiest challenges.
To summarize, If in general and this, their debut album in particular, are superb examples of what great music is all about. Although mostly forgotten and rarely mentioned in most references, this album is as essential to every Jazz-Rock fan as the air he breathes. Ignoring it would constitute an act of criminal negligence, not to mention the complete void in one´s musical education. Did I say essential?
| | Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF 2
REPERTOIRE 1038 (Barcode: 4009910103821) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2006
2nd album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded in late 1970 in New York´s Hit Factory studios while they were on tour in the USA. This album is a direct continuation of the splendid job they started on their eponymous debut album just a few months earlier; same lineup and same great music, performed brilliantly from start to finish. The group toured the US and Europe at a frantic paste, which left little time to develop new material, but due to the presence of several great composers in the band they managed to come up with another set of brilliant compositions, performing them with zest and their usual intensity. The American studio didn´t manage to bungle the British sound of the band, which is most fortunate, setting them apart form their American counterparts (see the notes about the debut album on that subject). Despite their extensive touring and exposure, somehow If never achieved the success they so much deserved, neither in the US nor at home. In retrospect the reason might have been simply that they were just too good to "make it" commercially. Fortunately we have their recorded legacy to enjoy, and enjoy we will. This is an absolute essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF 3
REPERTOIRE 1097 (Barcode: 4009910109724) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2007
This is the third album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded in London following a grueling touring schedule in the US and Europe in the months before the recording. Although worn out by touring, the band was tighter and more experienced than ever, keeping the same lineup from the very start, which is evident by their playing on this album (although they were brilliant from day one). They also had more time to work on new material, which proved to be as inspiring as always, but more focused on melody and arrangements rather than the display of extended instrumental improvisations. In many respects this is the most "perfect" If album, closest in spirit to great British Jazz-Rock essence.
Most of the music here was composed by saxophonist / flautist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist, with two more compositions by keyboardist John MealingFind albums by this artist and one each by guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist. The vocals by J.W. HodkinsonFind albums by this artist are particularly lyrical and moving here, placing his abilities in par with the instrumental wizardry of the other band members. Although tamer and less spontaneous than its two predecessors, this is still an essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
| | Updated: 17/09/2022Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF 4
REPERTOIRE 1098 (Barcode: 4009910109823) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2007
4th album by the superb British Jazz-Rock ensemble IfFind albums by this artist, recorded "live in the studio" and unfortunately the last recording by the original lineup of the group. In spite of intensive touring in the US and Europe, the band never had a chance to record live (which was almost compulsory then) and this was their attempt to recreate the atmosphere of their gigs. Although recorded in a studio, it is live in every respect, i.e. a large crowd was present in the studio during the recording and no overdubs or other studio trickery were used in the recording. The resident band composers came up with a great set of new tunes, rehearsed on the road before the actual recording captured here. This recording is closer in spirit to the first two albums the band recorded, full of spontaneity and superb extended soloing. The guitar work by Terry SmithFind albums by this artist is absolutely outlandish and the other players follow suit. The 10+ minutes opening track is alone worth the price of any album and a superb example of the Jazz-Rock at its best in every respect. Unfortunately shortly after this session and a brief personal change the band fell apart as a result of Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist´s illness. Although Morrissey revamped the band later on, which recorded three more albums using the If moniker, those were far apart from the glorious material recorded by the original group. For various management and contractual reasons this album was not released in the US in its entirety (as were the first three albums); instead the "WaterfallFind albums with this title" album released in the US included some of the material present here with the addition of different material recorded for that particular release. This is an essential Jazz-Rock recording of the highest musical quality and an indispensible item in any serious music collection.
| | Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IF ~ IF 5
REPERTOIRE 1289 (Barcode: 4009910128923) ~ UK ~ Brass Rock
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016
This is an album by a reunion edition of the legendary British Jazz-Rock Fusion and Brass-Rock band IfFind albums by this artist, formed in 1969 and active for just over three years, releasing four brilliant studio albums and some live material that was also released since. If is one of my all time favorite bands as far as British Jazz-Rock is concerned. This reunion incarnation includes two original If members: saxophonist Dave QuincyFind albums by this artist and guitarist Terry SmithFind albums by this artist. They are joined by keyboardist Guy GardnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Ben TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummer Rod BrownFind albums by this artist and vocalist Dave BrowneFind albums by this artist. Together they perform eight pieces, six of which are original compositions (five by Quincy and one by Gardner) and two are standards.
The music is a mixture of mainstream Jazz and Rhythm And Blues, sadly nowhere near the brilliant material of the original band, neither as far as the compositions are concerned nor the actual playing. Honestly this band sounds like an amateur band playing a gig in a pub, which is an insult to the memory of the original band.
This is a kind of an album which should have never been recorded and even worse released (and sold!) and shows the sarcasm and cynicism of the record label capitalizing on a band´s name. A shame!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 19/01/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | HEINZ SAUER ~ IF (BLUE) THEN (BLUE)
ACT 4111 (Barcode: 614427411129) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2012
This is a re-edition of a wonderfully intimate album by the veteran (born 1932) German saxophonist / composer Heinz SauerFind albums by this artist, which consists of a series of duo pieces with two brilliant German pianists: Michael WollnyFind albums by this artist (born 1978) and Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist (born 1944), separated by time as members of two distinct generations, but united by their musical creativity. Each of the pianists performs eight duos with Sauer, which are partly spontaneously improvised and partly based on standards, most of those by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. Sauer recorded several duo albums with Wollny, but this is first encounter with Kuhn in a duo setting.
The music moves between freely improvised pieces and improvisations based on familiar melodic themes, but the overall atmosphere is full of fragile melancholy and introvert meditation. Sauer´s unique sound and blowing technique creates a magic atmosphere, which is supported by the piano as a frame of reference. At times it seems that the saxophone and the piano are both improvising on separate planes and than these planes intersect and collide creating a new multidimensional universe of sounds.
This music is a superb manifestation of European Jazz at its most elusive and mystic manifestation, where the musicians play minimalistic phrases separated by moments of silence and weaving a tapestry of complex, subtle pieces, which sound like soundtracks of imaginary movies. It is as aesthetically aloof from the Jazz tradition as humanly possible, and yet it is entirely Jazz based, simply existing on a celestial rather than earthly plane.
Overall this is surely one of the most fascinating examples of the "Art of the Duo" Jazz recordings, which deserves an honorary place in every respectable music collection. This kind of music can be listened to repetitively, with a good chance of discovering previously hidden treasures with each consecutive visit. Obviously I recommend it wholeheartedly to all serious Jazz connoisseurs and followers of the European Jazz scene. A true Gem!
| | Updated: 04/04/2016Posted: 04/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
|
