Record Reviews

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN / AL DI MEOLA / PACO DE LUCIA ~ PASSION, GRACE & FIRE PHILIPS 811334 ~ UK ~ Jazz-World Fusion Two years after recording their immensely successful live album Friday Night In San FranciscoFind albums with this title, the three guitar geniuses - John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist and Paco De LuciaFind albums by this artist - gathered to record a studio album, which reflects again their supernatural ability to improvise together in both the duo and trio formats. One could hardly find a better description for this music than the title of this 1982 album, which says it all. Their ability to exchange hot licks, as well as compliment each other by providing elegant background for the respective solos is truly phenomenal. The music is entirely acoustic of course and it is all composed by the three participants. There is a definite influence of Spanish, Flamenco and Gypsy folk motifs, strong jazzy feel and incredible musicality. They truly play with pleasure to please the listener, who should be able to discover new layers of intricate phrases with each repeated listening. A true classic!

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CHARLES MINGUS ~ PASSIONS OF A MAN: THE COMPLETE ATLANTIC RECORDINGS 1956-1961 RHINO 72871 (Barcode: 081227287122) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1956 - 1961 Released: 1997 This superb Box Set includes the music Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, one of the most charismatic and outspoken jazz musicians, recorded between January 1956 and November 1961 – almost a six years span. It includes the 6 albums released by AtlanticFind albums on this label (Pithecanthropus ErectusFind albums with this title, The ClownFind albums with this title, Blues & RootsFind albums with this title, Oh YeahFind albums with this title, Tonight At NoonFind albums with this title and the double live album Mingus At AntibesFind albums with this title) as well as the Teddy CharlesFind albums by this artist album Word From BirdFind albums with this title on which Mingus plays bass. Some previously unreleased alternate takes are also included, as well as a long (over 70 minutes) interview with Mingus by Nesuhi ErtegunFind albums by this artist, the producer of all these sessions. This period is considered his most productive and stable and the bulk of his best compositions are included here. He plays bass and piano and the list of names of the musicians playing with him here sounds like a “who’s who” of modern jazz, including Jackie McLeanFind albums by this artist (alto sax), Mal WaldronFind albums by this artist (piano), Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist (drums), Booker ErvinFind albums by this artist (tenor sax), Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist (alto sax and bass clarinet), Ted CursonFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Bud PowellFind albums by this artist (piano) and many others. This is magnificent music in every respect – Mingus at his peak as composer and bandleader, surrounded by musicians of the highest class creates beautiful collages linking blues, bebop and the emerging free form jazz. I highly recommend to read Mingus’ autobiography “Beneath The Underdog” (one of the most original and striking jazz books ever written) as a companion to this music. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 11/01/2024Posted:

CD 6 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ PASSION GOLDENCORE 20204 (Barcode: 194111024205) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 2023 This is a reissue of the 10th solo studio album by legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded with vocalist Davey PattisonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Reg WebbFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave BronzeFind albums by this artist and drummer Pete ThompsonFind albums by this artist. A couple of guest musicians also take part in the recording. The album presents nine original songs, most co-written by Trower and Bronze and three co-written also by Webb. Following his departure from the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most. The songs on this album are some of Trower’s most Rock oriented material, with only partial Blues influence, similar to his two next albums released on the Atlantic label. They are however still spiced by the spectacular guitar playing, which sounds as good as ever and the songwriting is as excellent as always. Overall, this is another gem of an album in the long list of his solo albums, which happily for us he keeps delivering in regular time interviews. Since this album was deleted ages ago it is a most welcome opportunity to close the gap for his faithful followers, for whom getting this album is absolutely a no-brainer.

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

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