Record Reviews

JOHN BOSTOCK ~ JOURNEY TO GYTHIA NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 Australian born pianist / composer John BostockFind albums by this artist has been living in Israel since the late 1980s and by now is an integral part of the local music scene. Although primarily celebrated for his work in the contemporary Classical Music, his ongoing flirt with Jazz has become his second nature by now. Although some Jazz motifs have sneaked here and there into his Classical compositions over the years, this is debut Jazz album. The music was written about a decade prior to the recording, inspired by his trip in Greece. Bostock attempted to record the music shortly after it was written but abandoned the project, obviously not “ready” at the time. His instinct paid off big time, as I can’t imagine a more perfect execution of this music other than what is present on this record. Supported by two marvelous players: Guy LevyFind albums by this artist on bass and Danny BenedictFind albums by this artist on drums, this piano trio (my favorite Jazz format) is truly exceptional, bringing immediate associations with Bill EvansFind albums by this artist being the most obvious, especially in view of the absolute technical brilliance and fluidity of Bostock’s piano playing, the amazing interplay between the trio members and the romantic, lyrical character of the music. The music, all composed by Bostock (except for one standard) is also exceptional. Beautifully melodic and yet full of brilliant ideas and harmonic surprises, seemingly “easy” on the ear but full of unique ideas. In short – a great example of what Jazz is really all about. I must admit that this album shatters one of the “commonly known” cliches: “Classical musicians can’t swing”, as it swings like hell from start to finish. Beautifully recorded (by Yair NisimovFind albums by this artist at HaOgen studios – where I recorded many of my productions), with perfect balance between the three instruments, which is so devilishly difficult to achieve, it surely deserves the title of an audiophile recording. I can say with clear conscience that this is one of the best Jazz albums ever recorded in Israel and I can’t wait for the next Bostock piano trio album. Marvelous!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ JOURNEY CASTLE 806 (Barcode: 5050159180622) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2003 3rd and last album by this great group, which pioneered many of the Avant-Garde Prog developments that would pop-up only many years later. The use of electronics and programmed drums make this one of the first albums to feature them. The material is absolutely amazing and years ahead of its time and Brown`s vocals are stunning as usual. What a pity they did not record more material!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ARTHUR BROWN / KINGDOM COME ~ JOURNEY (EXPANDED EDITION) ESOTERIC 2187 (Barcode: 5013929728721) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1972 Released: 2010 3rd and last album by brilliant British Prog band Kingdom ComeFind albums by this artist led by singer Arthur BrownFind albums by this artist. Following the release of the second album, the band´s personnel shifted slightly and Brown was joined by guitarist Andrew DalbyFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Victor PerianoFind albums by this artist and bassist Phil ShuttFind albums by this artist, creating a superb outfit capable of playing outstanding music in spite of the fact that they had no drummer and used electronic drums for the job – the first band ever to do so. Combining elements of Art-Rock, Prog, Psychedelia, Avant-Garde, Jazz and even Classical, this was music eons ahead of its time. This music is revolutionary and outrageous, intelligent and funny, full of complex compositions with frequent rhythm shifts and multi-melodic themes; in short dazzling every step of the way. Brown´s unique vocal delivery adds another dimension to the already multifaceted package. Sadly the music was not appreciated at the time of its release and only decades later discovered as a true gem, as rightly deserved. Brilliant stuff and a must for every Prog fan!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

STANLEY CLARKE ~ JOURNEY TO LOVE EPIC 468221 (Barcode: 5099746822125) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1975 3rd album by one of the most important Jazz / Fusion players / composers Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist. A brilliant instrumentalist on both the acoustic and electric basses, Clark first came to the attention of Fusion fans as a member of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, where he played some of the most innovative bass parts of the genre. His ability to switch between the acoustic and electric bass and his incredible musicality and sense of rhythm made him the world’s leader on his instrument, to be surpassed later only by the mighty Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist (please note Clarke plays fretted bass guitar and Pastorius fretless bass guitar, which are quite different in many ways). This album is considered his best release ever. With a stellar cast including Chick Corea, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, George DukeFind albums by this artist, Steve GaddFind albums by this artist and David SanciousFind albums by this artist, Clarke presents a series of brilliant compositions, each one in a different style and instrumentation. The absolute highlight of the album is the acoustic trio (with Corea and McLaughlin) dedicated to John Coltrane. Also the “Concerto For Jazz / Rock Orchestra”, performed with a brass section, is an amazing piece of classic Fusion. This is an absolute must for any Fusion / good music fan.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

AVIV GEFFEN ~ JOURNEY HELICON 8184 (Barcode: 7293627818421) ~ ISRAEL ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 8th album. Aviv GeffenFind albums by this artist (son of Jonathan GeffenFind albums by this artist, who is a prominent figure in Israeli music as well) is the Israeli `rebel` poet, songwriter and singer. His lyrics are provocative and sharp like a knife and he does not aschew any controversy, slaughtering `holy cows` by the herd. He is a gifted composer, able to write both rocky songs and beautiful lyrical ballads. He became an instant star with the Israeli teenagers, but as the years passed by his message sank deeply in the Israeli society, mainly due to the many political issues he touches upon. The music becomes much more refined over the years. As of 2002 Aviv lives part time in London, where he met Steven WilsonFind albums by this artist, leading to their common BlackfieldFind albums by this artist project.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GLASS HAMMER ~ JOURNEY OF THE DUNADAN ARION 1111 (Barcode: 769051111120) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1993 Released: 1993 1st album. US Prog band Glass HammerFind albums by this artist was formed in 1992 by two musicians - Steve BabbFind albums by this artist and Fred SchendelFind albums by this artist. They shared a love for Symphonic Prog and Fantasy literature (Talkien and the likes), which were to dominate and shape the group`s path. All their albums, starting from the debut, were to be based on Fantasy / History literary works and bear an ambience of mystery and adventure. This debut album was basically recorded by the two founders, with some help from fellow musicians.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

NEKTAR ~ JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EYE ECLECTIC 1203 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock 1st album from 1972. In retrospect this is a masterpiece of Proto-Prog which marks the transformation from psychedelic and space-rock genres into Prog. Roye Allbrighton and Co. come up with an amazing acheivment on their debut, which of course was just a hint of great things which followed. The new SACD treatment gives the music an entire new dimention and is an exciting musical experience.

CD 1 SACD Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HADAR NOIBERG ~ JOURNEY BACK HOME NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 884502383195) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 2nd album by Israeli flautist Hadar NoibergFind albums by this artist, who lives, composes music and performs in NY, recorded with her trio, which consists of two other Israeli compatriots currently residing in NY: bassist Omer AvitalFind albums by this artist and drummer Ziv RavitzFind albums by this artist. Appropriately entitled "Journey Back HomeFind albums with this title", the album reflects Hadar´s Israeli / Middle Eastern cultural roots much stronger than her affiliation with American Jazz, which of course works in her favor. Evidently the longing for native shores and the sounds implanted in her mind when she grew up in Israel all floated up to the surface, when she wrote and arranged the music, which makes up this beautiful ode to her true homeland. Israelis, perhaps more that any other People on this planet, are seldom able to disconnect themselves from their true source, even after living abroad for extended periods of time. So here we have it: the sound of desert winds, see breezes, distant hills, Bedouin tents, camel caravans, herds of sheep tendered by lonely shepherds sending their tunes of solitude wrought on a wooden flute… all of these are reflected both melodically and rhythmically by Hadar´s music. With today´s omnipresence of World Music elements, these lovely tunes sound completely natural to anybody, who is true music connoisseur. Of course there is plenty of Jazz here, no need to worry about that; it is a Jazz album after all. Hadar´s cohorts are both well seasoned and exceptionally talented Jazz players. Avital, with his deep and steady bass pulsations is the ideal partner for Hadar´s flute, providing the earthly connection to her windy improvisations. Avital´s bass (and occasional oud) is the firm basis, carrying the music like a magic carpet, far away, but always exactly on track. Ravitz ornaments the music with endless percussive inventions, which make the music sparkle like a multicolored veil, rather that forcing the rhythms. He is blessed with the rare gift of being able to produce a feel of a rhythm rather that the actual rhythmic pattern itself, leaving the rest to the listener´s imagination. So here you have it: an album full of beautiful, moving, intelligent music performed masterly by exceptional musicians, who dedicate their lives to make our lives worth living. I must admit that listening to this music makes me proud to be an Israeli, which is not often an easy undertaking these days. Thank you Hadar, Omer and Ziv for this wonderful musical experience; may others enjoy it as much as I did!

CD-R 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend