Jazzis Web Shop News 03/2008

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.

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

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!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

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!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

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.

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

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!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

CD

A short break in the new batch of Vocalion additions to introduce a couple of albums on the splendid Hux label and especially this new release, which brings to life an album hoped would be released for years:

Saxophonist / flautist / composer Harold McNair has been one of the greatest (and sadly unsung) heroes of the British Jazz scene. A brilliant instrumentalist he was one of the busiest studio musicians and took part in countless recording sessions, including those by famous Rock acts. He was a permanent member of Donovan’s group and recorded many albums with him. Of course he was also active on the Jazz scene, both as a leader and sideman. He recorded several albums, of which this is the last released while he was still alive, shortly before his life was tragically cut short by lung cancer at a ridiculously young age. His last eponymous album was released posthumously. This beautiful album was recorded with Harold’s musician friends and admirers, all great stars and Jazz heroes themselves: Keith Tippett and Alan Branscombe on piano, Colin Green on guitar, Rick Grech and Danny Thompson on bass and Terry Cox and Tony Carr on drums. Harold plays saxes and flute – my preferred instrument in his hands. The music has a slight Caribbean feel, and includes one original composition by Harold. It’s difficult for me to shed the nostalgic attachment to this album, as Harold has been one of my favorite musicians for a very time, but I think the albums stands the test of time beautifully and should be enjoyed by most Jazz loving people around the globe. Bliss!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

CD

Here is the next addition from the new batch of Vocalion additions, which are just phenomenal:

The title of the debut album by saxophonist / composer Alan Skidmore is indeed appropriate for the occasion, as this is a recording of such beauty and excellence, that is happens extremely rarely. Alan, son of veteran British Jazz figure Jimmy Skidmore, earned his own reputation by storming the modern British Jazz in the late 1960s. He participated in numerous pivotal recordings as sideman, and his debut turned out to be just it – the absolutely perfect example of what was happening at the time. If I had to select just one album, which represents the British scene at that time, this would be it. Skidmore on tenor sax leads a perfect quintet with Kenny Wheeler on trumpet, John Taylor on piano, Harry Miller on bass and Tony Oxley on drums (yes they were John Surman’s rhythm section as well). Of the six exquisite compositions present, two are by John Surman, and the rest by Tony Oxley, John Warren, John Taylor and Alan Skidmore, each contributing one composition. Whatever I’ll say here does not come even close to listening to this music, so do yourself a favor and grab a copy – this is something I’ve been listening to for almost 40 years and it still grabs me each and every time, so it must be really special. Essential stuff!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

CD

Another break in the Vocalion releases to add a new Polish Jazz album by my friend Zbigniew Wegehaupt:

Polish bassist / composer Zbigniew Wegehaupt is a late bloomer. Although his phenomenal bass performances have earned him the title of the best and most reliable player on the local scene and a job as sideman in the consistently best ensembles over the years – a status many players would be proud and honored to hold – his career as a leader took a quantum jump only about four years ago with the release of his second solo recording, the eponymous “Zbigniew Wegehaupt Quartet”. His debut album “Sake” was recorded in 1983 – 21 years earlier. Since his ability as a player is already well established, Wegehaupt now concentrates on his composing duties. Since the last album unearthed some of his work, which was sitting in the drawer for a while, this new album is all about presenting his new compositions. It’s a real pleasure for me to admit that he stands up to the challenge with grace and glory. The album includes a set of great tunes, quite different from each other, but all prime examples of contemporary Jazz at its best. They are interesting on both the melodic and the rhythmic planes, with clever structures, which leave space for solos but emphasize the ensemble unity. The quartet, which performs the music, is a perfect vehicle for this music: Wegehaupt on bass, Jerzy Malek on trumpet, Marcin Masecki on piano and the new member, Israeli drummer Ziv Ravitz. Each of these players excels in his area: Malek has a beautiful tone and deep lyricism, Masecki is a phenomenal pianist with outstanding technique (both play on the previous album as well) and Ravitz is completely unique with his complex polyrhythmic approach, which extends way beyond keeping time. Although Wegehaupt is my friend, I’m confident that my assessment of this album is fairly objective and therefore I can easily – and with a clear conscience – recommend it to every Jazz lover around. Give it a try and see that great music is still being made today. Tota(l) satisfaction guaranteed!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

CD

Back to the fabulous Vocalion releases, hoping to finish the lot without further interruptions:

Canadian born saxophonist / composer John Warren and British Jazz giant John Surman were “soul brothers” in many respects: both played primarily the baritone saxophone, both composed fabulous modern Jazz and both played together on many of the period’s pivotal albums. This joint effort was the culmination of their work together, which remains as one of the greatest European Jazz albums of all times. Warren composed all the music, which includes four shorter pieces and the extended five-part suite, which gives the album its title, all performed by a Big Band, comprising of the creme de la creme of British Jazz musicians at the time. It includes trumpeters Kenny Wheeler and Harry Beckett, sax players: Mike Osborne, Stan Sultzmann, Alan Skidmore, John Surman and John Warren, pianist John Taylor, bass players: Harry Miller and Barre Phillips and drummers: Alan Jackson and Stu Martin (and other less known players). The compositions, arrangements, orchestration and performances are all stellar from start to finish and the overall quality of the music is completely outstanding and miles ahead of any competition. It is interesting to compare this album with any Big Band recording made at the same time in America and see that the Brits left their American counterparts aeons behind by that time. I have been harshly criticized many times (by Americans of course) for saying that although Americans invented Jazz, Europeans perfected it. Anybody listening to this album and still not admitting this to be true must be completely deaf. To me this is a perfect album, one of very few that deserves to be called “perfect” in every respect. Beyond essential!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!

CD

Here is the next addition on the fabulous Vocalion label:

Keyboardist / composer / arranger Nick Ingman was one of the most important arrangers on the UK music market in the 1970s. As part of the Production Company run by ex-EMI stuff producers George Martin and Norrie Paramor, he arranged albums for some of Britain’s most famous Pop and Rock stars. In parallel he released albums with his own compositions, which had a strong Jazz influence. Ingman studied with bassist / composer Graham Collier, who deeply influenced his approach to music, as well as at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. This is the last of the seven solo albums Ingman recorded and is the most Jazz influenced of them all. It’s a masterpiece of arrangement, which employs a large Big Band / Orchestra and a group of first rate session musicians and Jazz soloist. Ingman composed six of the eleven tracks on this album. Beautifully recorded and performed, this is a prime example of instrumental music, which is extremely difficult to categorize. The closest I can come up with is orchestral Jazz-Rock Fusion. Great stuff!

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Normal activity.

HAVE FUN!