Record Reviews
16 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | CMU ~ OPEN SPACES
ESOTERIC 2093 (Barcode: 5013929719323) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2008
1st album by the excellent British Prog band CMUFind albums by this artist (Contemporary Music Unit), founded by drummer Roger OdellFind albums by this artist and fronted by his wife Larraine OdellFind albums by this artist, a superb vocalist. The sextet also included bassist Ed LeeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ian HamlettFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Terry MortimerFind albums by this artist and drummer James GordonFind albums by this artist. They played a highly ambitious blend of Rock / Folk / Jazz, with sophisticated compositions and complex arrangements, and although mostly completely unheard of, were one of the most intriguing bands at the time. Strongly rooted in Jazz, the band members were all excellent instrumentalists and the female lead vocals set them apart from most of their contemporaries. They were sometimes compared to the band AffinityFind albums by this artist, which was also fronted by a wonderful female singer Linda HoyleFind albums by this artist and had a similar Jazz background. Unfortunately this original lineup of the group fell apart shortly after this album was released, to reformed later on and record one more album. This little known gem is a must to any serious Prog and early British Jazz-Rock enthusiast.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DONOVAN ~ OPEN ROAD
REPERTOIRE 4880 (Barcode: 4009910488027) ~ UK ~ Classic Pop
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2000
This is a reissue of the eighth studio album by the legendary British bard / singer / songwriter DonovanFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970 with the short-lived band Open RoadFind albums by this artist, which included also bassist / vocalist Mike ThomsonFind albums by this artist and drummer / vocalist John CarrFind albums by this artist. Pianist Mike O`NeillFind albums by this artist plays on some of the songs. The album presents twelve songs, all by Donovan.
This was the first album Donovan recorded after parting ways with the producer Mickie MostFind albums by this artist, who had a strong influence on Donovan’s albums up to the seventh album “BarabajagalFind albums with this title”. The song’s subject matter returns to protest themes against industrialization and other social / political issues. Musically, in addition to the Psychedelic influences, the album also has some World Music and Jazz influences.
Musically, the album is full of the absolutely beautiful tunes, that no one but Donovan could weave, and his mellow / yellow voice is still absolutely unique, something to long for. Sadly, Donovan and Open Road parted ways and the band continued as a separate musical entity for some years, but Carr and Thomson did take part in recording of the next Donovan album called “HMS DonovanFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this is a classic Pop / Rock album, which lost absolutely nothing of its charm and beauty over time. The heartbreaking naiveté, which kept us floating in the air even without getting “stoned”, is still alive and kicking, with bittersweet memories pushing the ticker to beat faster while the music plays. A superb trip down the memory lane!
| | Updated: 13/06/2023Posted: 13/06/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | BOB DOWNES / OPEN MUSIC ~ OPEN MUSIC (DREAM JOURNEY)
ESOTERIC 2189 (Barcode: 5013929728929) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010
Flautist / composer Bob DownesFind albums by this artist is one of the most creative and innovative figures on the British Jazz scene, with a wide scope of cross-genre contributions from contemporary Classical Music via Jazz and Jazz-Rock to Free Jazz and Improvised Music. Downes was an integral part of the late 1960s / early 1970s revolution, that emerged in British and European Jazz, emancipating it from years of American influence and domination, and participated in numerous seminal recordings made during that period. His many activities were usually executed under the loosely defined umbrella name of Open MusicFind albums by this artist, which varied from a trio to a large ensemble and as the name suggests was completely free from any stylistic or genre restrictions. After recording several albums for mainstream record labels in his early days, Downes created his own record label, called OpenianFind albums on this label Records, on which he releases his projects, being one of the first musicians to do so. By the early 1980s Downes moved to Germany, where he lives and continues his work today. This incredible album presents Downes as a composer of "serious" contemporary music, with the entire first side of the original vinyl album dedicated to a suite intended for a ballet performance, called "Dream Journey". In fact this album was intended to be entitled "Dream Journey", but the title never appeared on the album´s artwork and therefore it is referred to as "Open Music" (which was of course the ensemble´s name). The rest of the music consists of shorter pieces, the final of which is entitled "Electric City" – a name of another album Downes was working on at the same time. The list of participating musicians is awe inspiring, with some of the most illustrious musicians on the scene at the time, like trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, saxophonist John WarrenFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, bassist Harry MillerFind albums by this artist, drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist and many others. The music, although difficult at times, is breathtaking and captivating. The virtuosic performances are ample expressions of the underlying musical currents and once immersed in the magic sound, the listener is completely absorbed and mesmerized. They don´t make music like this any more, that´s for sure. Brilliant stuff!
| | | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | JULIE DRISCOLL / BRIAN AUGER / TRINITY ~ OPEN (DELUXE EDITION)
CASTLE 0978 (Barcode: 5050159197828) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2004
2nd album by one of the most distinctive female voices ever on the UK scene. Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist was undoubtedly the most talented interpretter of soul material in her unique style which mixes soul with jazz and heavy psychedelia. Combined with the amazing talents of the organ player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist (see his releases), they were deadly. Just listen to Julie`s performance of DonovanFind albums by this artist`s `Season Of The Witch` - this surely must be one of the highlights of female singing in music`s history. The bonus material includes their amazing psychedelic hit `This Wheel`s On Fire`, penned by Bob DylanFind albums by this artist. Absolutely essential in any person`s collection!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE HILLAGE ~ OPEN (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 373459 (Barcode: 094637345924) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2007
7th album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist in less than 5 years and the third one originally released in 1979 – a very busy year for him. As already mentioned (see Live HeraldFind albums with this title) the album opens with four studio tracks originally included as side 4 of the Live Herald album and then continues with the tracks recorded a few months later as the original OpenFind albums with this title album. As usual most of the music was written by Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist, with just one cover of a BeatlesFind albums by this artist song and a most surprising instrumental track based on a song by the legendary Egyptian singer Oum KalsoumFind albums by this artist. This proves that Hillage was looking everywhere for inspiration and his openness to music outside the strict rock circles was always obvious. Just two months after the album was released the Steve Hillage band would play a couple of farewell concerts and disband and it would be three years until the next Hillage album would be released. The album stands the test of time beautifully and the remaster upgrades the sound considerably, so this is another must for SH fans.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | WOJCIECH KAMINSKI ~ OPEN PIANO (POLISH JAZZ VOL.66)
MUZA 1066 (Barcode: 5907783420665) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1981 Released: 2006
This album by veteran pianist / composer Wojciech KaminskiFind albums by this artist presents the versatility of the Polish Jazz scene, which at all times presented the entire scope of Jazz music, from Ragtime to Avant-Grade, all of them on a very high artistic level. Kaminski was active on the local scene mainly in the traditional Jazz circles, co-founding such splendid ensembles as Ragtime Jazz BandFind albums by this artist and Old TimersFind albums by this artist. He felt most comfortable playing Jazz, which ranges from Ragtime, through Dixieland and into Swing and selected some of the absolutely best local players at the time to accompany him on this album: trumpeter Henryk MajewskiFind albums by this artist, trombonist Zbigniew KonopczynskiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Zbigniew JaremkoFind albums by this artist, Janusz ZabieglinskiFind albums by this artist and Wladyslaw HalikFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marek BlizinskiFind albums by this artist, bassist Janusz KozlowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jerzy BartzFind albums by this artist. Kaminski composed five of the ten compositions on this album (the remaining five include four standards and one composition by Zabieglinski). The level of performance is absolutely excellent all the way through and every Jazz fan should be able to enjoy this music for what it stands for: quality and fun! Recommended!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MUFFINS ~ OPEN CITY
CUNEIFORM 55010 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Previously unreleased performances by this legendary band from 1977-1980, by the `classic` quartet version. Includes an outtake from the album `Manna/Mirage`, excellent live recordings and outtakes from the Fred Frith`s `Gravity` album, on which the band played.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW NAMYSLOWSKI ~ OPEN (POLISH JAZZ VOL.74)
POLSKIE RADIO 0540 (Barcode: 5901448115408) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1987 Released: 2005
This is a superb album by Polish Jazz veteran, saxophonist / composer Zbigniew NamyslowskiFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great quintet which includes pianist Kuba StankiewiczFind albums by this artist, bassist Darek OleszkiewiczFind albums by this artist, drummer Jerzy GlodFind albums by this artist and percussionist Jose TorresFind albums by this artist. All the music, except for one standard, was composed by Namyslowski, who seems to be completely untouched by time, full of creative and performing powers and always at the edge of latest Jazz developments. It is his music, which is the true magic here, and although his performances as well as those of the other players are all excellent, the music is immediately recognizable as Polish Jazz, which is hardly surprising when coming from one of the Godfathers of the genre. It was always Namyslowski´s ability to create a perfect link between the Jazz tradition and Polish folklore, which is deeply embedded in his cultural background, which made him a model for a new breed of European Jazz players, those who would stand proudly and say that they can contribute something new and fresh to the already established tradition of American Jazz and make it their own. In retrospect this is another milestone recording in the long and glorious recorded legacy that Namyslowski managed to bestow upon us, and hopefully will be also enjoyed by future generations. A must!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | POINT OF FEW ~ OPEN TO CLOSENESS
BIVAK 003 ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022
This is an album by Czech Jazz quartet Point Of FewFind albums by this artist, comprising of saxophonist Petr SmekalFind albums by this artist, guitarist Radim PridalFind albums by this artist, bassist Vlastimil SkodaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marek AntonuFind albums by this artist. American keyboardist Jason LindnerFind albums by this artist guests on three tracks. The album presents nine tracks, all original compositions, four by Pridal and the rest co-composed by the quartet members.
The music is wonderful modern Jazz, strongly influenced by Ambient synthesizer / electronics sounds on the first three tracks, where Lindner adds his parts, and much more relaxed and open-spaced on the rest of the album. There is also some Nordic Jazz inspiration, with a slow development and silence incorporated within the fabric of the compositions, mixed with the Slavic romanticism and lyricism, which often characterizes Czech Jazz.
The two leading instruments (sax and guitar) play unisono parts, which creates a very unusual sound, and the interplay between the two soloist is quite remarkable. The rhythm section is also quite unusual, often playing complex rhythm patterns, which somehow miraculously fit together with the melodic flow. In short, this is definitely a highly absorbing piece of music, which requires open-minded approach and patience in order to be fully enjoyed.
Personally, I think that the group made a tactical mistake in placing the three tracks with Lindner at the start of the album, rather than leaving them at the end as a closing, sort of separate chapter, but that is of course an artistic decision not for me to take.
Overall, this is an excellent album, full of beautiful music and very unusual approach to Jazz composition, superbly executed by the musicians involved and offering an unusual sound, which is even further expanded into the Jazz-Ambient Fusion idiom by the participation of their guest. Highly recommended and definitely worth adding to one’s record collection!
| | Updated: 18/05/2024Posted: 18/05/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JEAN-LUC PONTY ~ OPEN MIND
WOUNDED BIRD 8185 (Barcode: 664140818521) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1984 Released: 2006
11th album for Atlantic and a conceptual follow up to its predecessor. This is essentially another solo effort with Ponty creating layers of sound using various synthesizers and then soloing and improvising on top. Chick Corea guests on two tunes and George Benson on another one, but the album is perhaps the most personal and intimate affair Ponty recorded at that period. The music, as usual all written by him, bears the distinct qualities of Ponty’s lyricism and European serenity, but remains focused and fascinating. Definitely a gentler side of Fusion, recommended to attentive listeners. JLP fans will of course love this to bits.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JEAN-LUC PONTY ~ OPEN STRINGS
PROMISING MUSIC 44116 (Barcode: 602527615936) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011
This magnificent album by French virtuoso violinist / composer Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist is a great example of European Jazz at its best. The quintet, which recorded this album was Ponty´s regular group at the time, called ExperienceFind albums by this artist, and comprised of brilliant Belgian guitarist Philip CatherineFind albums by this artist, German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and American rhythm section: bassist Peter WarrenFind albums by this artist and drummer Oliver JohnsonFind albums by this artist. Ponty´s previous MPSFind albums on this label album "Sunday WalkFind albums with this title", recorded 4 years earlier, exposed Ponty´s revolutionary approach to his instrument, but this recording shows how much and how fast he advanced, moving from mainstream Jazz towards much more adventurous surroundings, often including Free, improvised passages. Of course his incredible sense of melody is still present, albeit subtly hidden sometimes. Ponty composed four of the five tunes (the first three are parts of a suite, which occupied Side A of the original LP). The last tune is composed by Kuhn. The playing is phenomenal all the way, both in the more melodic and the completely Free parts, perfectly summarizing the first period of Ponty´s musical journey. Not too long after recording this album Ponty will change his musical direction and create his own admirable brand of Fusion, which will bring him fame and international exposure. But this particular album remains his most notable Jazz achievement. Produced by the legendary Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, this is a must to all European Jazz fans and particularly those who love the violin. A classic!
| | | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Slipcase Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | HEIKKI SARMANTO ~ OPEN SKIES
SVART 080 (Barcode: 6430050669690) ~ FINLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2011 - 2012 Released: 2017
This is a wonderful solo piano album by veteran Finnish pianist / composer / bandleader and my dear friend Heikki SarmantoFind albums by this artist. The 2CD album presents twenty two tunes, nine of which are original compositions by Sarmanto and thirteen are his interpretations of (more or less) standards. The music was recorded live at various concerts over a period of several months and resulted in no less than 1,200 recorded pieces, from which these twenty two were selected.
I have had the enormous pleasure to follow Sarmanto´s career for the last half a Century, seeing him developing his personal style and aesthetics, which never failed to amaze and delight, travelling across a wide cross-genre mass of music, touching on Jazz-Rock Fusion, Gospel, modern Jazz, Classical and Chamber Music and others and now also solo piano performances. The accumulated contribution of Sarmanto´s productivity as a composer, his genius as a performer and improviser and his recording and concert careers and invaluable and constitute a most significant part of the European Jazz idiom in particular and European Culture on the whole.
Although the original idea of this album was to present solo piano renditions of Sarmanto´s vast legacy as a composer, the final result combines this original concept with his tribute to the American Songbook, which encapsulates the development of Jazz in the US, and other musical sources, which shaped his Artistic personality over the years.
Sarmanto´s interpretation of standards is very varied, moving between close proximity to the original and quite abstract improvisations, often hiding the original almost entirely. It is up to the listener to discover the original chord changes and the melody thread in the case of the more nonrepresentational interpretations, which is always a great intellectual fun of course.
Solo piano music, especially that of an improvised nature, is never an easy listening, and requires from the listener as much dedication, attentiveness and love as those put by the musician into creating them. As a result, listening to this album in its entirety is a challenge, but of course an immense source of joy and satisfaction. Sarmanto is a very unconventional piano player, and although he maintains a close connection with melody and above all musical coherence, he can, and often is, quite demanding, in a most delightful way I might add.
I urge every true music connoisseur to grab this extraordinary album and put the music on as soon as possible. Pour yourself a glass of some great wine or Special Reserve cognac (can´t hurt) and let yourself be immersed within this magical music; satisfaction guaranteed!
Thank you my Friend for sharing your gift with the world!
| | Updated: 28/09/2017Posted: 28/09/2017 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | TSIVI SHARETT ~ OPEN TOES AND EVERYTHING
NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002
1st album by Israeli pianist / composer / arranger Tsivi SharettFind albums by this artist, currently living in London, who presents here her talents as composer of great Jazz tunes as well as playing piano with an ensemble of British musicians. Classically trained, Tsivi continues a long family heritage of musical activities. After extensive musical studies in Israel she left for London, where she continues working as composer, player and musical director. Although always open to Jazz, she really started to compose and perform Jazz relatively late in her life. Her Classical training is quite evident in her playing and composing, with clear lines and sophisticated melodies. This debut album is primarily intended as a showcase for her compositions, which are truly remarkable and varied, combining Jazz with both Classical and World (Middle Eastern) music. The album´s track include a septet, a quintet and one trio performances, featuring talented musicians who are most sympathetic as performers of this delicate and often intricate music. Overall this is an excellent debut, which hopefully will be followed by more recordings, as Tsivi surely has a lot to share with her listeners.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ OPEN AIR BURG HERZBERG-BEST OF PART II
THINK PROGRESSIVE 1.907.054 ~ GERMANY ~ Progressive Rock
The Burg Herzberg music festival in Germany is one of the most famous and unique annual events in Europe. It featured during the years the most advanturous rock music and the album presents some of the festival highlights with acts like Caravan, Ashra, Edgar Broughton, Dissidenten a.m.o. This is great music and an important historic document of the European alternative scene.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | VAS / BUKOWSKI / SZMANDA ~ OPEN-CLOSED PRINCIPLE
SJ 068 (Barcode: 5902596066994) ~ HUNGARY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2021 - 2022 Released: 2022
This is the debut album by the trio comprising of Hungarian (resident in Poland) organist / composer Bence VasFind albums by this artist and Polish vibraphonist Dominik BukowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Krzysztof SzmandaFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Vance. The music was recorded at the excellent Studio Tokania and engineered by Jan SmoczynskiFind albums by this artist, who owns the studio and is a fabulous organist himself, which of course guarantees a fabulous sound quality.
The trio offers a unique aural experience and the unusual instrumental lineup, despite its minimalist setting, offers an almost orchestral sound, much denser and elaborate in textures than one might expect. Both the organ and the vibraphone are among my favorite instruments, so I obviously have no complains in that department, although aurally the matching of these two instruments might prove difficult.
The compositions are less exciting and the feeling is that the music tends to linger somewhat longer than necessary, not really developing much after the melodic theme was introduced. Also the compositions are quite similar to each other, which offers little dynamics over the playing time of the album. Of course all three musicians are highly professional and capable of playing the music without a hitch, with most of the inventive soloing is taken over not surprisingly by Bukowski, who is a true Master of the trade. Szmanda, as usual, keeps the music swinging at all times.
Overall, this is a nice, melodic Jazz album, which offers a rather unusual sound and instrumental blend, in a chamber like atmosphere, often close to Classical music. For fans of organ Jazz, this is certainly something they might like to look into.
| | Updated: 16/01/2023Posted: 16/01/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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