Record Reviews
13 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | IDO BUKELMAN ~ SOLO
OUTNOW 005 (Barcode: 7290011216962) ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This is the debut solo recording by Israeli guitarist / composer Ido BukelmanFind albums by this artist, one of the most prolific musicians on the local Free Jazz / Improvised Music scene. In contrast to his ensemble recordings or those with the EFTFind albums by this artist trio (also released on the great OutNowFind albums on this label Recording label) where he mostly plays electric guitar, on this album Bukelman opts for the acoustic guitar, except for one track on which he adds electronics. The music is very difficult to describe and belongs to the extreme Avant-Garde personal statements, which are incredibly difficult to access and assess. If anybody reading this is familiar with the work of the great British guitarist Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of the Improvised Music movement, then this might be a starting point. This does not mean of course that Bukelman is imitating Bailey´s work, as that would be an oxymoron, but stylistically and sonically the content of this album belongs in the same sphere. Obviously this is a very personal music and the question if it is communicative and transferable to the listener remains open and is largely up to the listener himself. Improvised Music is, after all, a very individual expression of a momentary inspiration. One should of course commend the Artist first for making such individual and unconventional statement and that for bringing it out in the open for others to experience. Hopefully there will be others open-minded enough to enjoy and appreciate this music.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHICK COREA ~ SOLO PIANO
ECM 2140/42 (Barcode: 602527196527) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 - 1983 Released: 2010
This wonderful Box Set contains the solo piano recordings by US pianist / composer Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist released on the ECMFind albums on this label label, which are "Piano Improvisations Vol.1Find albums with this title" (ECM 1014), "Piano Improvisations Vol.2Find albums with this title" (ECM 1020), both recorded in 1971, and "Children`s SongsFind albums with this title" (ECM 1267) recorded in 1983. Along with Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist´s "Facing YouFind albums with this title", also recorded in 1971, Corea´s piano improvisations were bold, intimate and innovative statements by these two musicians, which of course emphasizes the special character and artistic approach, which ECM initiated early on and was about to support in years that followed. The music is of course delightful and highly inspiring, bordering on Jazz and contemporary Classical music. Corea is a wonderful player and his immense talent, both as performer and composer, is especially evident on these recordings. Wholeheartedly recommended!
Side Note: The first two CDs of this Box Set were not reissued on CD individually, so this is the only way to obtain them in CD form.
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Recommend To A Friend |
  | TANIA GIANNOULI ~ SOLO
RATTLE 139 (Barcode: 822601401396) ~ GREECE ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023
This is the fifth album by Greek Jazz pianist / composer Tania GiannouliFind albums by this artist and her first solo piano album. The album presents no less than twenty-four tracks, half of which last just about a minute, all of which are original compositions by Giannouli.
Although Giannouli refers to her music as Jazz, which is perfectly fine as far as I am concerned, the immediate connection is somewhat vague. I am not familiar with her earlier recordings, but judging by the lineups and instrumentation, those are probably as much related to what most people consider as Jazz, as is the music on this album, which again some listeners might find only marginally related, but who cares…
The music is obviously improvised, so we have already the basic ingredient, but her piano playing utilizes mostly Classical Music structures and her melodic approach also sources from similar turf, albeit there are also ethnic elements, both harmonically and rhythmically, which stimulates things interestingly. So the main point here really is: forget the labeling and just surrender yourself to the music, and there is a high probability you will love it, as much as I did, regardless of whatever one might want to call it.
Solo piano albums are a great challenge, that is a sure thing, and it seems Giannouli is very well aware of this, as she manages to stir things repeatedly, in order to avoid the listener falling into a lethargic daydreaming, which sadly most solo piano albums tend to cause sooner or later. Every time you start to melt as a result of some sweet melodic theme, she kicks back with an eerie theme worthy of a thriller movie soundtrack… in short there is never a dull moment here.
The more one listens to this music the clearer it becomes that this album is truly exceptional. The originality, inventiveness, coherence, clarity and aesthetic sensibility are simply overwhelming and the result leaves the listener dazed and confused, in the most wonderful way one can imagine. And all this a result of just one piano, ten fingers and a striking women behind it all.
Overall, this a stupendous, brilliant piece of music, something which happens quite rarely these days, and regardless of what one decides to label it, it simply plays on the listener’s soul strings, enslaving him completely, so beware as this might become addictive. All hats off, my Lady, you truly deserve it!
| | Updated: 13/08/2023Posted: 13/08/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | MACIEJ GRZYWACZ ~ SOLO
BLACK WINE 001 (Barcode: 5902020424024) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013
This is a solo guitar album by veteran Polish Jazz guitarist / composer Maciej GrzywaczFind albums by this artist, and after many years of playing mostly electric guitar his comeback to the acoustic classical guitar, his first musical love. The album presents nine tracks, two of which are his compositions and the rest are standards.
Polish Jazz fans familiar with his recordings with the group (0-58)Find albums by this artist or his earlier solo efforts will find this album quite different in comparison. This is naked acoustic guitar playing completely natural acoustic sounds, usually associated with Classical music. Although the music comes from the Jazz world, the solo guitar arrangements change their overall appearance drastically, especially as far as the rhythmic approach is concerned, which turns the well known Jazz pieces into somewhat somber, melancholic Classical pieces. The melodic themes are still there, but the swing is gone.
Therefore Jazz oriented listeners might find this album a bit too much to swallow, especially in the long term. Although the album is only slightly over thirty minutes in duration, this is way beyond the scope of attention of people who need to tap their feet in order to enjoy music. Although Grzywacz is an excellent player with splendid technical proficiency, which is easily recognizable, I´m afraid the public will find this way above their heads and move on to greener pastures.
I enjoy this music myself, but I don´t think that this album adds anything significant to the already superb recorded legacy by Grzywacz. But an artist has a right to indulge himself from time to time.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | KAIPA ~ SOLO
MUSEA 4128 (Barcode: 3426300041289) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1977 Released: 1994
3rd and last album by this group, similar to the previous material with emphasis on more technical playing ability, but still great. After this one most of the original members left the group, which carried on and released one more album in fact, but a straight rock one, so we won`t count it here.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | EYRAN KATSENELENBOGEN ~ SOLOTUDE
EYRAN 9004 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz
This is a deeply emotional album for me. Of course in this case I can hardly be objective (but who gives a damn about objectivity when music is concerned), as I “discovered” Eyran almost 20 years ago when I released his debut album on my label (“Jazzonettes” on Jazzis Records). Eyran left Israel to settle in cold and dreary Boston, first to study and then to teach and perform music, and what a performer he is! In time he lost none of his juvenile spontaneity and innocence, but acquired a refined technique and a mature approach to the piano. His choice of recording music exclusively for solo piano could have proven disastrous for his career, being obviously the most intricate and precarious form of creating jazz – one on one with the instrument. Fortunately for Eyran (and all of us – his devoted listeners) he stood up to the challenge with bravery and flare and in my (not so) humble opinion reached the rank of the absolute top of his vocation. This beautiful album serves as a wonderful proof of his immense talent. On this album Eyran chooses to interpret 17 well known jazz standards (rather than play his own music). This could be a double-edged challenge, as virtually all the greatest piano players in the history of jazz have already performed all of those tunes. Nevertheless Eyran’s approach and vision manage to create new and undisclosed layers of musical delight based on the originals. He dares to play around with tempo, intonation and even combines a few of the melodies into a new melodic identity. Needless to say his performances are technically brilliant and flawless and his imagination boundless. He often plays as if there’s no tomorrow and the only negative thing I can say about this album is that it ended all much too soon for me – I just wanted more and more of this. Hopefully more will indeed follow suit on another album. “Rani” my friend – you make me proud. Bless you for the pleasures you bestow upon us with your magic fingers!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN KLEMMER ~ SOLO SAXOPHONE II - LIFE
WOUNDED BIRD 0566 (Barcode: 664140056626) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2008
Brilliant American saxophonist John KlemmerFind albums by this artist is one of the most versatile and talented Jazz players in the last few decades. His initial influence was the saxophone legacy of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and to this date he is one of the best post-Coltrane players around, but his career found him playing in many different settings ranging from Free-Jazz to Smooth-Jazz. However, regardless of the musical environment, Klemmer´s saxophone playing is always beyond reproach and his improvisational skills are breathtaking, as is his amazing tone on tenor saxophone and the echoplex electric saxophone, which he introduced into Jazz. He is also a brilliant composer and his lyrical melodies are among the finest out there. This was Klemmer´s 3rd album for the Elektra label and it is completely different from the other three albums he recorded for the label. Any solo instrumental album is a major challenge and sometimes the musician involved, regardless of his talent and virtuosity, is unable to produce an album´s worth of music, which keeps the listener interested. On this, his second solo saxophone effort, Klemmer is simply brilliant from start to finish and his improvisations are breathtaking. The superb tonal qualities of his instrument and the flow of the music, either lyrical or at faster-then-light speed is flawless. Klemmer comes back to the days when he was an avid Coltrane disciple and his excursions remind the Master´s greatest moments. The music, all composed by Klemmer, includes melodic themes of depth and beauty, which are great vehicles for his improvisations. There is one vocal track on the album, which might seem out of place for the Jazz buffs, but the rest of the album is all pure improvised Jazz. Highly recommended!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UWE KROPINSKI ~ SOLO
EDEL CONTENT 4029759080497 (Barcode: 4029759080497) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1985 Released: 2012
This is a reissue (first time on CD) of the excellent debut album by the East German guitarist Uwe KropinskiFind albums by this artist, recorded solo on acoustic guitar. Kropinski performs six pieces, all or which are his original compositions.
The music is an amalgam of Jazz and ethnic influences, obviously Spanish but also many others, beautifully melodic and fascinating rhythmically. Kropinski displays amazing virtuosic abilities and technique, which combined with his compositions, turn this album into a delightful and passionate listening experience.
The overall atmosphere is somewhat similar to the Al Di MeolaFind albums by this artist acoustic recordings, but of course is completely unique and should not be considered as an attempt to copy anybody else. The album is also beautifully recorded and is a true delight from start to finish for acoustic guitar fans, losing nothing of its splendor over time.
This album is another proof of the diversity and strength of the East German music scene, which against all odds managed to stay up to date with everything that happened musically behind the Iron curtain.
Side Note: As all the East European countries under the Socialist regime, East Germany, or DDR as it was known at the time, had only one state owned and controlled Music Company, which released most of its productions on the AmigaFind albums on this label label. Among the many Amiga releases the legendary "orange J" series was dedicated to Jazz recordings, many of which were licenses from the West, but others were original productions, mostly of Jazz made in DDR. Some of these releases, like the one described above, were absolute gems.
Following the unification of Germany, the Amiga albums disappeared from the face of the earth and only in 2012 a German label reissued 15 Amiga Jazz albums on CD. They are all worth checking out!
| | Updated: 06/06/2016Posted: 06/06/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MANGELSDORFF / HAMPEL / KUHN / FAVRE ~ SOLO NOW
MPS 602517795099 (Barcode: 602517795099) ~ GERMANY ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2008
This is a reissue / remaster of the album recorded by four great European Jazz innovators, three Germans: trombonist / composer Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist / flautist / composer Gunter HampelFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist, and Swiss drummer / composer Pierre FavreFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are solos, two are duos and one is a quartet recording, all bar one are originals by the participating musicians and one is a standard. The album was produced by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist and the album’s booklet includes the original liner notes by Berendt (sadly in German only).
The music is of course as brilliant as one might expect, with all musicians demonstrating their incredible abilities, both as solo performers and collective players. The music is composed, but offers a large degree of Freedom, with improvisation as the focal point. In many respects the album reflects the spirit of European Jazz at its early peak by the mid-1970s, where national borders were completely meaningless and the only thing that really mattered was the spirit of Jazz and its creativity. Berendt was always a maverick in creating connections between musicians and his role as Artistic Director of several key European Jazz festivals as well as a sought-after record producer enabled him a free hand in selecting the musicians he wanted to record, as in this case.
Overall, this is brilliant example of European Jazz at the time, with the creative input of Berendt behind the music and the unparalleled sovereignty he enjoyed to take his creativity wherever he wanted. I had the incredible luck to be around there and then, including this particular recording session, and of course the experience is deeply implanted in my memory. Of course, knowing all these incredible musicians personally was also a most educational experience. The album is a must in any serious European Jazz collection.
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| | Updated: 11/04/2025Posted: 08/04/2025 | CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ALBERT MANGELSDORFF ~ SOLO
MPS 602517797437 (Barcode: 602517797437) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 - 1982 Released: 2008
This is a reissue / remaster of three solo trombone albums by the iconic German trombonist / composer / bandleader Albert MangelsdorffFind albums by this artist: “TrombirdsFind albums with this title” (1972), “TrombonelinessFind albums with this title” (1977) and “SoloFind albums with this title” (1982). The three albums, combined into a 2CD album, present twenty-seven tracks, all bar one composed by Mangelsdorff, and all played on trombone solo. The booklet includes an extensive interview with Mangelsdorff by my Friend and Mentor Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, who produced many of his albums for MPSFind albums on this label (sadly only in German).
The concept of recording a solo trombone album was at the time completely revolutionary, which of course proves Mangelsdorff’s forward-thinking and his role as a bold innovator and leader on the European Jazz scene, in addition to his undeniable virtuosity and complete control of his instrument. He was of course encouraged by Berendt, who always stood behind his ideas and supported his career.
Despite the fact that the music is performed by trombone only, it lacks absolutely nothing in melody, harmony and incredible expressiveness, as always with anything recorded by Mangelsdorff. In retrospect, these bold recordings stand out even more as incredible achievements, considering the fact that they were recorded half a Century ago, and still sound complete fresh and invigorating.
Overall, this is a brilliant document of the strength of the European Jazz scene, which since the 1960s on raced forward with incredible vigor to rewrite the Jazz tradition into a new path, which saved the genre from stagnation and slow demise. It is an absolute must have for any Modern Jazz lover.
Side Note
The legendary German MPSFind albums on this label (Musik Produktion Schwarzwald) label, founded by Hans Georg Brunner-SchwerFind albums by this artist (HGBS) in 1963, first as SABAFind albums on this label Records and later on from 1968 as MPS Records, was the most important independent European record label, which had an enormous contribution to the development of European Jazz. For many years MPS cooperated with the legendary German producer / author Joachim BerendtFind albums by this artist, my Friend and Mentor, whose visionary approach and open-mindedness brought the crème de la crème of the Jazz (in the broadest meaning of the word) musicians from all over the world to the label. Between 1963 and 1983 MPS produced about five hundred albums, many of which are among the most important Jazz recordings on this planet.
In 1983 the MPS catalog was sold to UniversalFind albums on this label, which sadly resulted in all those artistic treasures to almost disappear from the face of the earth – a situation not only tragic but culturally criminal. Universal reissued a part of the MPS albums (probably 128 titles) on CD between 1999 and 2011 under the "Most Perfect Sound Edition" moniker.
Since 2008 the German Promising MusicFind albums on this label label released some of the MPS recordings, but at a very slow pace.
In 2014 the German company Edel AG bought the MPS catalogue from Universal and released a series of 25 MPS albums on CD with a new slipcase graphic design, which brought all those excellent albums back to life. In 2015 Edel AG started to record and release new albums under the MPS moniker. In 2016 Edel AG released a series of 10 classic MPS albums on CD, which were beautifully remastered and re-packaged, presenting the original artwork and liner notes, as well as new liner notes and photographs. An obvious labor of love, these reissues are what the MPS catalogue truly deserves. This project was continued in 2017 with another series of 10 classic MPS albums released on CD. In later years some new reissues were released sporadically.
Over the years many SABA / MPS albums were reissued in Japan, which is often the only available source for these albums today, but that is a story in itself.
| | Updated: 02/04/2025Posted: 02/04/2025 | CD 2 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT ~ SOLO VIOLIN
ZBIGNIEW SEIFERT FOUNDATION 3 (Barcode: 5907222048023) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017
This is the first legitimate reissue on CD of the solo violin album by the legendary late Polish Jazz violinist Zbigniew SeifertFind albums by this artist. Recorded during a concert at Radio Bremen in 1976, the album was released only a couple of years later in Germany, and has been an extremely rare collector´s item in its original vinyl form for decades. The album presents just four original compositions, all by Seifert. Shortly before this music was recorded Seifert was diagnosed with cancer, which tragically killed him just three years later, and the album was supposed to pay for his medical bills.
Solo violin Jazz albums are extremely rare, and as such this album has been a beacon and a point of reference since its release as far as violin in Jazz is concerned. Seifert´s virtuosity and uniqueness are immediately apparent from the very first tones, and he does not cease to amaze for the entire forty seven minutes the music lasts.
Well trained listeners will obviously recognize the immense influence of John ColtraneFind albums by this artist´s music on Seifert´s playing, and Seifert has been many times referred to as the Coltrane of the violin. But beneath the Coltrane influence on the way Seifert improvises, one can also hear his deep European and Polish roots, not only in his compositions, but also in his tonality and expression, which are always deeply lyrical and melancholic, even at the height of the climatic eruptions.
In many respects this album tells more about Seifert than most of his other recordings, where he plays with other musicians and his playing is just a part of a bigger picture. The "nakedness" of this music in also 100% proof Seifert, at his absolute best. Therefore this album is so unique not only due to its unusual setting, but also due to the fact that it is presents Seifert isolated from all external influences and disturbances, in his most direct and straightforward self. The superb sound quality of this album enhances the experience of listening to the music enormously.
Of course this album is also exquisitely beautiful and powerful, and should leave absolutely no listener untouched. For Polish Jazz fans and Seifert´s numerous followers this album is obviously the Holy Grail of Polish Jazz recordings. Big thanks to the Zbigniew Seifert FoundationFind albums on this label, spearheaded by Aneta NorekFind albums by this artist, for bringing this National treasure back to life, for old admirers to enjoy again and new ones to discover.
| | Updated: 22/06/2018Posted: 05/01/2018 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | WLADYSLAW SENDECKI ~ SOLO PIANO AT SCHLOSS ELMAU
ACT 9485 (Barcode: 614427948526) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010
This is a wonderful live recording of a solo piano concert by my friend, the great Polish pianist Wladyslaw SendeckiFind albums by this artist. Sendecki, now living in Germany, is active in various settings in addition to his piano chair with the excellent NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, probably the best European Big Band at the moment. This solo piano recording follows his previous solo piano album recorded three years earlier and is as beautiful. He plays mostly self-composed material and his incredible virtuosity and sensitivity as a player are truly overwhelming. An absolute must to all piano lovers!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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