Jazzis Web Shop News 03/2008

CD

Here is the next item in the new batch of Vocalion additions:

Like many other American Jazz artists, trumpeter / bandleader Maynard Ferguson left the US in the late 1960s for Europe, where Jazz was accepted as a legitimate Art Form and highly appreciated. European audiences were more receptive to new sounds and musical experimentation, be it Free Jazz or Jazz-Rock Fusion, and therefore an ideal refuge for many frustrated American musicians. Ferguson resided in UK between 1968 and 1972, where he was warmly received and his talent promptly recognized. He recorded four albums in UK for the CBS label, which are considered the pinnacle of his recorded legacy. This album combines two of these albums, the last and the first of his UK recordings. In spite of the differences between the two albums they both showcase Ferguson’s amazing abilities as an instrumentalist. His famous high-pitched cadenzas and screaming, soaring finales are of course legendary. “M. F. Horn 2” is an excellent Jazz-Rock Fusion album, similar to the work of American bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chase or British bands like If, but rather than leading a combo, Ferguson is riding the powerful locomotive of a full-fledged big band / brass orchestra, which of course makes a huge difference to the overall sound. Conducted by Keith Mansfield, a brilliant arranger and producer, the band comprised of the absolute best British Jazz horn players at the time and sounds like a million dollars. The clever and sophisticated arrangements suit Ferguson’s abilities perfectly and the album is an absolute blast from start to finish. “The Ballad Style Of Maynard Ferguson” is a complete contrast, showcasing the trumpeter’s solos against a lushly playing orchestra, directed again by Keith Mansfield, who also arranged the music. Some Jazz fans might shrug at this music, considering it almost a Pop effort, but honestly anybody who can appreciate great trumpet performance and a superb orchestra supporting the soloist will find this certainly worth their while. Great stuff!

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CD

Here is the next new release on the new reissue label Reel Recordings, which brings back to life some amazing stuff from the 1970s both previously unreleased and released at the time but long since unavailable. This is mostly quite weird stuff and covers Avant-Rock, Jazz (mostly Free) and Improvised Music – exactly the sort of music that is worth listening to:

Scottish guitarist G. F. Fitz-Gerald is an avant-garde musician best known for his 1970 “Mouseproof” album. His activities span Psychedelic, Avant-Rock and Free Jazz. This album presents him in cooperation with one of the greatest British improvisers, saxophonist Lol Coxhill, performing a series of musical “conversations”. Recorded live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and selected from hours of material, this is a most wonderful window into the intimate world of spontaneous music creation by two masters. Coxhill is at his best here, always lyrical and often strangely romantic, even at the very peak of heated improvisation. The interplay is telepathic and inspired. Not an easy listening, but a most rewarding intellectual experience. Intended for Improvised Music enthusiasts.

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CD

Here is the next new release on the new reissue label Reel Recordings, which brings back to life some amazing stuff from the 1970s both previously unreleased and released at the time but long since unavailable. This is mostly quite weird stuff and covers Avant-Rock, Jazz (mostly Free) and Improvised Music – exactly the sort of music that is worth listening to:

Guitarist / composer Ray Russell was a dominant figure on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s / early 1970s, making numerous seminal recordings as sideman and leader in a wide variety of styles ranging from Jazz-Rock Fusion, modern Jazz and even avant-garde Free Jazz. This reissue of his classic album shows him at the extreme edge of his work in the field of Free Jazz and is a wonderful example of the genre, similar to the work done earlier by John McLaughlin with John Surman on “Where Fortune Smiles”. Accompanied by a splendid group of musicians that includes Harry Beckett on trumpet, Gary Windo on sax, Daryl Runswick on bass and Alan Rushton on drums, Russell presents a series of his compositions, which vary from contemplative pieces to group improvisation mayhem, all performed splendidly. Beckett is more prominent on the quieter pieces and Windo leads the massive “wall of sound” sections, with his incredible virtuosity. The album achieved little attention at the time of its release, but now 35 years after it was recorded, it can be really appreciated in full and in the proper historic perspective. Definitely worth checking out!

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CD

Today I start adding a bunch of new releases on the new reissue label Reel Recordings, which brings back to life some amazing stuff from the 1970s both previously unreleased and released at the time but long since unavailable. This is mostly quite weird stuff and covers Avant-Rock, Jazz (mostly Free) and Improvised Music – exactly the sort of music that is worth listening to:

After leaving the Soft Machine (of which he was a founding member) and recording the debut solo album (“Joy Of A Toy”), guitarist / singer / composer Kevin Ayers formed the Whole World band to record his second album (“Shooting At The Moon”) and support its release by touring. This live recording captures the performance of Ayers and his band at the legendary London’s Hyde Park free concert, which had on the bill the most famous bands of the time performing in front of a 100,000 strong public – a record attendance to a rock venue in UK up to that time. Pink Floyd performed their “Atom Heart Mother” suite for the first time at that concert. Ayers and his cahoots, including David Bedford on keyboards, Lol Coxhill on saxophones, Mike Oldfield on bass and Robert Wyatt on drums, storm through a bunch of Kevin’s song with vengeance, as appropriate for such eclectic gig, and the whole set is captured exactly as it happened – a true piece of rock history. Coxhill’s brilliant contributions were always my favorite part of that particular band. The sonic quality might not be perfect, but considering this was a “field recording” done 37 years ago – who gives a damn? Priceless stuff!

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DVD

There are still a lot of Jazz albums left to be added, following the massive Jazz additions last month, but I start this month with a new Steve Hillage DVD, which is a must for his fans:

Guitarist / composer Steve Hillage is one of the most important figures of the British Progressive Rock scene. His entire 1970s / 1980s discography was recently beautifully remastered and now we can actually see some live footage of his incredible performances. Filmed for the German television this show captures the Steve Hillage Band at the peak of their powers, with Hillage on guitar, Miquette Giraudy on keyboards, Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull) on drums, Colin Bass (Camel) on bass, Christian Boulé on rhythm guitar, Phil Hodge on keyboards and Basil Brooks on keyboards and flute. This was the group’s tour following the release of “L” and some of that album’s material is included, as well as some tunes from the debut album. In addition to the splendid music, a recent (2007) interview with Steve and Miquette is also included. Brilliant stuff and an absolute must for Hillage fans.

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