Record Reviews

PAUL DUNMALL QUINTET ~ YES TOMORROW DISCUS 134 (Barcode: 5051078993423) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by veteran British Jazz / Improvised Music icon, saxophonist / composer Paul DunmallFind albums by this artist, and his quintet, which also includes guitarist Steven SaundersFind albums by this artist, trombonist Richard FooteFind albums by this artist, bassist James OwstonFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BashfordFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by the leader. Considering the fact that Dunmall is one of the most prolific British Jazz musicians, with a vast discography to his credit, this album is even more surprising than one might expect, since in contrast to his mostly Improvised Music ventures, this album is almost “tame” and “well behaved”, emphasizing his compositional skills, rather than his improvisational eccentricity. But on the other hand this is still Free Jazz by all means, with extensive improvisations and all, but it is also way more “listenable” and acceptable to a larger audience that most of his recordings. Described by Dunmall himself as “a guitarist’s album”, the role of the guitar here is certainly crucial, building the connecting tissue of the entire affair, with the horn section on one pole and the rhythm section on the other. With strong Blues, Funk and even Rock hints incorporated within the music, the guitar riffs are an essential ingredient within the bubbling sonic mixture. The quintet manages to achieve a much “larger” effect, often sounding almost orchestral, when the music becomes most intensive. But there are many delicate passages of solo performance, like the superb solo bass parts, or intimate duets; in short never a dull moment. The age differences between the leader and his companions seem to disappear completely, in the heat of the moment. Overall, this is a wonderful album, full of excellent music and sublime performances by all participants, which manages to open the Free Jazz / Improvised Music idiom to a wider audience, without any Artistic compromise, simply by being undeniably creative, coherent and honest. Jazz lovers, who would instinctively not plunge into music labeled as such, are wholeheartedly invited to give it a try this time – you won’t regret it. Of course there is no need to convince those already won over.

Updated: 16/10/2022Posted: 16/10/2022

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

KEITH JARRETT ~ YESTERDAYS ECM 2060 (Barcode: 602517744479) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2009 This live recording by the best Jazz piano trio in the world: pianist / composer Keith JarrettFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary PeacockFind albums by this artist and drummer Jack DeJohnetteFind albums by this artist, is a companion release to the album "Always Let Me Go – Live In TokyoFind albums with this title", as it was recorded at the same series of concerts. This album, however, presents the trio playing standards, as opposed to the original material collected on the a.m. album. As all the other "Standards" albums released by this trio, this one is also perfect in every way and obviously different again from everything else already available. There is no point of going into how great this music is – the people who know this already will not hesitate for a moment and the ones who don´t want to know, don´t matter AFAIAC. An absolute must!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

YES ~ YES (DELUXE EDITION) RHINO 73786 (Barcode: 081227378622) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2003 1st album by YesFind albums by this artist. Anderson, Bruford, Banks, Squire & Kaye were to change the face of Rock as we know it with this sensational and astounding debut album. Full of new and original ideas, new sound and instrumentation that was to become the model for all Prog to come, this is a cornerstone of rare magnitude. Although naive and imperfect at times, this is my favorite Yes album and nothing done later by Yes had similar impact on music as this album. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend