Jazzis Web Shop News 11/2006

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   Two new Prog releases on the excellent French Musea label added today:
MOVING GELATINE PLATES ~ REMOVING
MUSEA 4663 (Barcode: 3426300046635) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
The excellent French Prog group Moving Gelatine Plates recorded two albums in the early 1970s and a reunion album in 1980 (all 3 albums are included on the two reissue albums available on Musea) and then disappeared from the scene like most early groups. Almost 30 years later they reunited again and recorded this album, which of course created quite a buzz in the Prog community. Rather than trying to recreate their original style, the new album is quite different in most respects, except for the beautiful 1970s (retro) sound. In fact the albums sounds remarkably Canterbury, somewhere between Soft Machine and Caravan, and if I didn't know the group I'd have been absolutely convinced that it is British. They also introduced some vocals (on 3 songs only) whereas previously their material was purely instrumental. The music is relaxed and very melodic, with strong jazzy undertones and plenty of great solos by the band members. All the music was composed by the group's two founding members and is remarkably strong. In short this album should appeal to most Prog lovers, not only those who are familiar with the band's original output.
SCARLET THREAD ~ VALHEISTA KAUNEIN
MUSEA 4670 (Barcode: 3426300046703) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006
2nd album by the excellent Finnish Prog band Scarlet Thread. As everybody knows, I have a real soft spot for Finnish music, therefore every new album from the Nordic shores is always a source of excitement, especially when it is as good as this one. The group includes two guitar players, who provide the rocky parts, but basically they are heavily influences by ethnic motifs, which makes them as much a folk-rock ensemble as a Prog group (in fact I was hesitant how categorize them by genre). The usual keyboards spot is occupied by a violin player and they also use guest flute players, creating a much softer sound than one might expect form a group fronted by two guitarists. The tracks which include the flute are remarkably similar to some early Jethro Tull pieces (mind you associatively only). The folk inspired melodies are enchanting and provide a great vehicle for instrumental solos. Definitely worth serious investigation, especially for more folk-inspired Progheads.
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Have Fun!

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Jazzis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: January 28 2006 Location: Israel Status: Offline Points: 650	Posted: November 02 2006 at 11:59
	Two new Prog releases on the excellent French Musea label added today: MOVING GELATINE PLATES ~ REMOVING MUSEA 4663 (Barcode: 3426300046635) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 The excellent French Prog group Moving Gelatine Plates recorded two albums in the early 1970s and a reunion album in 1980 (all 3 albums are included on the two reissue albums available on Musea) and then disappeared from the scene like most early groups. Almost 30 years later they reunited again and recorded this album, which of course created quite a buzz in the Prog community. Rather than trying to recreate their original style, the new album is quite different in most respects, except for the beautiful 1970s (retro) sound. In fact the albums sounds remarkably Canterbury, somewhere between Soft Machine and Caravan, and if I didn't know the group I'd have been absolutely convinced that it is British. They also introduced some vocals (on 3 songs only) whereas previously their material was purely instrumental. The music is relaxed and very melodic, with strong jazzy undertones and plenty of great solos by the band members. All the music was composed by the group's two founding members and is remarkably strong. In short this album should appeal to most Prog lovers, not only those who are familiar with the band's original output. SCARLET THREAD ~ VALHEISTA KAUNEIN MUSEA 4670 (Barcode: 3426300046703) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 2nd album by the excellent Finnish Prog band Scarlet Thread. As everybody knows, I have a real soft spot for Finnish music, therefore every new album from the Nordic shores is always a source of excitement, especially when it is as good as this one. The group includes two guitar players, who provide the rocky parts, but basically they are heavily influences by ethnic motifs, which makes them as much a folk-rock ensemble as a Prog group (in fact I was hesitant how categorize them by genre). The usual keyboards spot is occupied by a violin player and they also use guest flute players, creating a much softer sound than one might expect form a group fronted by two guitarists. The tracks which include the flute are remarkably similar to some early Jethro Tull pieces (mind you associatively only). The folk inspired melodies are enchanting and provide a great vehicle for instrumental solos. Definitely worth serious investigation, especially for more folk-inspired Progheads. ==================================== Have Fun!
	Adam Baruch Jazzis Web Shop Adam's Web Site

Jazzis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: January 28 2006 Location: Israel Status: Offline Points: 650	Posted: November 01 2006 at 12:52
	I start the November new additions with two hot new releases, one jazz and the other fusion: ALLEN, GERI ~ TIMELESS PORTRAITS AND DREAMS TELARC 83645 (Barcode: 089408364525) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 Every new release by Geri Allen is always a source of joy and this one does not disappoint as well. Allen's delicate lyricism (often resembling Bill Evans) and fantastic technique go hand in hand with her highly developed sense of melody, producing jazz which is both melodic and intellectual. This album is quite different from her previous releases, as in addition to the piano trio format (here with veterans Ron Carter - bass and Jimmy Cobb - drums) Allen uses several guests, including Wallace Roney on trumpet, two vocalist and even a chorus. The reason for the presence of the vocalist becomes apparent when one realizes that Geri re-visits the gospel roots of jazz and brings them up to date as an integral part of her musical landscape. The performances are of course brilliant, as usual in her case, and the sound quality staggering (kudos to Telarc again). I loved every moment of this and I'm pretty sure every serious jazz connoisseur will join me here. Includes bous CD single STERN, MIKE ~ WHO LET THE CATS OUT? HEADS UP 3115 (Barcode: 053361311520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 One of the pioneers of Fusion, Mike Stern ranks this day among the best guitar players. Throughout his illustrious career, since his Miles Davis days and up to now, Stern released a long series of excellent solo album (this is his 15th release as a leader) and was very prolific as a sidemen taking part in hundreds of projects. His playing always borders elegantly between Fusion and Jazz, occasionally emphasizing one genre or another. This album presents a perfect mixture of both genres and includes players from both genres as well, such as Roy Hargrove - trumpet, Chris Minh Doky - bass, Dave Weckl - drums, Anthony Jackson - bass and many others. Stern wrote all the music and plays some mighty guitar here, with traces of Pat Metheny sound, but overall quite original and technically brilliant. This is a true fun album and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all fusion-heads. ===================================== Rody is back home from hospital and it will take time to nurse her back to health. She needs a lot of rest. ===================================== Have fun!
	Adam Baruch Jazzis Web Shop Adam's Web Site