Record Reviews

ELTON DEAN ~ JUST US CUNEIFORM 103 (Barcode: 045775010328) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 1998 A reissue of the legendary debut album by British saxophonist Elton DeanFind albums by this artist (called the `scorpions` album by collectors), recorded when Dean was already a Soft MachineFind albums by this artist member. Several of the SM members participate here (Mike RatledgeFind albums by this artist, Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, Phil HowardFind albums by this artist), with the music being a fully developed Modern / Free Jazz (not Prog) at its best. This album is considered as one of pivotal UK Modern Jazz albums and rightly so, as the music is superb - provocative, challenging and intelligent at all times. The bonus tracks come from 1972 and show another glimpse at Dean`s activities at the time. A must for all UK Modern Jazz fans.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HEIKKI SARMANTO / JUHANI AALTONEN ~ JUST US JAZZAGGRESSION 753 ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2025 This is an album by the duo comprising of two Godfathers of the Finnish Jazz scene, keyboardist / composer / bandleader Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist and flautist / composer / bandleader Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist. It presents eleven tracks, nine of which were composed by Sarmanto and two were co-composed by Sarmanto and Aaltonen. The music is absolutely gorgeous collection of highly melodic, melancholic and slowly developing tunes, exquisitely performed by these two brilliant musicians, who have over six decades of common music making behind them. Sarmanto uses the Roland D77 keyboard, which subtly imitates some human voice effects and ambient vistas, whereas Aaltonen plays acoustic flute, an instrument he is a complete Master of. The music, although pre-composed, offers a large degree of Freedom and improvisation, which of course is hardly surprising. In many respects the music offers a strong Nordic aesthetics and spirituality, of landscapes filled with forests, lakes and snowy mountains, sometime in late spring, when Nature is waking up and the dark winter is overtaken by new life. The serene atmosphere is overwhelmingly optimistic and the music sounds full of hope. It is obviously a dialog of friends, as the personal relationship between them is fully reflected by the music they manage to create with such harmony and mutual respect. A true example of the “Art of the Duo”, which often achieves the deepest form of expression in Jazz, despite its intrinsic intimacy. Overall, this is a true gift of love to me, from two musicians that I have been respecting and admiring for decades. It makes me happy to hear them so creatively active and energetic, always hoping to hear more from them. My frequent conversation with Heikki and our plans to work together, although constantly disturbed by world events, stand as firm as always and I am eagerly waiting for them to be realized. Love you guys! You are awesome, as the young generation say to express their admiration.

Updated: 05/04/2025Posted: 05/04/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend