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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 10 2007 at 10:29 |
Following yesterday's addition of the wonderful Ian Anderson DVD I couldn't resist adding another Jethro Tull remaster today - one of the very few not already present on my site. Soon the discography will be complete:
JETHRO TULL ~ CREST OF A KNAVE CHRYSALIS 473413 (Barcode: 724347341328) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1987 Released: 2005 17th album by JT and ironically the first and only Grammy Award winner the group ever had (more ironically the Award was for Best Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Performance - which goes to show what these Awards people know about music). At the time this album was recorded JT were merely a threesome, with Anderson, Barre and Pegg. A few guest musicians play on some of the tracks, but the mean & lean JT sound with more that usual aggressive guitar leads characterize this effort, although some acoustic folk / rock tracks are present as well. The beautifully melodic "Budapest" was always one of my favorite JT songs. The album stands out especially strong in contrast to the mediocre (at best) music, which was predominantly produced at the time, and Anderson's talent to wave great tunes remains intact. As all the later period JT albums, this one suffered its share of criticism and mockery at the time of its release (and especially due to the unexpected Grammy), but the album is still here today, sounding as good as ever, whereas the critics and mockers are long forgotten. Definitely a worthwhile addition to the splendid JT legacy and a solid album as all the others they ever did.
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102178
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 09 2007 at 10:34 |
After a long streak of jazz releases (to be continued later this month) here is a new Prog title:
ANDERSON, IAN ~ PLAYS THE ORCHESTRAL JETHRO TULL XYZ 3082 (Barcode: 090204905669) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 What a delightful piece of music this is! Ian Anderson accompanied by a quartet of rock musicians and a small symphony orchestra (The Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt - consisting mostly of young, but excellent classical musicians) create live on stage a re-make of some of the Jethro Tull favorites and lesser known tunes. Anderson leads the show with vigor and vitality, which surely is a poke in the eye of his many critics, who have been foretelling the end of his career since many years. In fact his appearance proves again that there are very few (if any at all) contemporary Rock artists, who come even close to his level of musicality, wit and intelligence (just watch the extensive interviews with Anderson and enjoy his cracking irony related to his peers). The cooperation between the rockers and the symphony orchestra works like a charm and the exquisite arrangements of older pieces shed a new light on the depth of Anderson's music, which stand the test of time with flying colors. The 12+ minutes long interpretation of the beautiful "Budapest" (from the Crest Of A Knave album) is especially impressive. In short almost 3 hours of great music and English humor - one can hardly ask for more. Essential to all Anderson / JT fans. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 160 minutes.
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102177
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 08 2007 at 05:07 |
Here is another jazz item - this time a DVD - for you to enjoy:
COREA, CHICK ~ RENDEZVOUS IN NEW YORK - THE MOVIE SONY BMG 681801 (Barcode: 828768180198) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2003 To celebrate his 60th Birthday, legendary Jazz musician Chick Corea organized a series of concerts in December 2001 at the famous NY Blue Note Club, which presented a retrospective look at his entire career. He reassembled some of his past groups and musical associations and formed nine different line-ups, which include a wide range of music from Free Jazz to Fusion. Three duet performances were also organized, with singer Bobby McFerrin, pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba and vibraphonist Gary Burton. All the performances were recorded and filmed and the material was released as a 2 CD album and a series of DVDs with the individual performances. In addition this film - documenting the entire process - was made, which in addition to excerpts from the concerts includes also numerous interviews with musicians associated with Chick Corea over the years. It is a splendid piece of Jazz history, full of great music and packed with information. Essential to all Chick Corea's fans. Dolby Digital 4.0 Surround Sound and DTS, 107 minutes. NTSC
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102176
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 07 2007 at 10:02 |
There is great music being done today, not only in the past. Here ia a new addition that proves it:
DI MEOLA, AL ~ CONSEQUENCE OF CHAOS TELARC 83649 (Barcode: 089408364921) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 There are quite a few parallels between guitar Masters Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin. Each has a very unique and personal style of course, but both alternate between the electric and acoustic version of their instrument and both ventured deeply into wold music influences (Di Meola absorbing Flamenco and Tango and McLaughlin exploring Indian music) during their extensive careers, returning to the Jazz-Rock Fusion (which was their Alma Matter) periodically. And of course they recorded together several times. This album takes Di Meola back to his roots, which are of course his work with Chick Corea's Return To Forever. Returning to his electric guitar and with Chick as guest (playing some fiery solos), the atmosphere is reminiscent of the RTF hay days. All the superb participating musicians (Steve Gadd - drums, John Patitucci - bass, Barry Miles - keyboards and others) perform beautifully and the music (written entirely by Di Meola) flows with grace and elegance. Although strong world music influences are still present, the Fusion sound is predominant and unmistakable. It is heartwarming to see that Di Meola manages to produce such a consistently excellent music over the years, for which he deserves praise and respect. The usual Telarc exquisite sound quality is an additional factor making this a truly excellent album. Highly recommended!
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102175
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 06 2007 at 07:46 |
Another classic Jazz album added today, always a part of the quest to expand the timeless repertoire:
DAVIS, MILES ~ AT CARNEGIE HALL: THE COMPLETE CONCERT COLUMBIA 65027 (Barcode: 5099706502722) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 Released: 1998 It's good to see that record companies sometimes are able to get a grip and correct the mistakes of the past. Columbia has certainly tried its best to do justice to the magnificent recorded legacy of Miles Davis and this album is a part of that effort. This album assembles the complete Miles Davis Quintet / Gil Evans Orchestra concert recorded on May 19, 1961 at the Carnegie Hall, putting everything at the original recording order without editing or dubbed applause (the music included here was previously available on two separate albums: "Miles Davis At Carnegie Hall" and "More Music From The Legendary Carnegie Hall Concert"). This album is of course a perfect companion to the sublime Columbia 6 CDs box set "Miles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio Recordings", especially as the concert was the first time Miles performed with the Gil Evans Orchestra live. 1961 marked an extremely busy and productive year for Miles. Following the departure of John Coltrane and Bill Evans, the "first" legendary Miles Davis Quintet was history and Miles quickly organized a new Quintet, which was to be his vehicle for an interim period of about two years, until the "second" legendary Quintet was to rise like a phoenix and take Jazz places never dreamt about. The "interim" Quintet included excellent and experienced players: Hank Mobley - saxophone, Wynton Kelly - piano, Paul Chambers - bass and Jimmy Cobb - drums (the last two were remaining members from the "first" Quintet). These players followed their leader with skill and devotion, creating some of the best modern jazz on record. Just one month before this concert the Quintet recorded a magnificent live album "Miles Davis In Person" (which is now available as a 4 CDs box set "In Person Friday And Saturday Nights At The Blackhawk, Complete"). The studio album "Someday My Prince Will Come" was recorded just a couple of months before the Carnegie concert recording. The next (and last) studio recording with Gil Evans ("Quiet Nights") was just months ahead. Looking back at this period it becomes plainly evident that Miles was already "miles ahead" in his mind, looking for a new vehicle and a new direction, which would commence shortly with the formation of the new Quintet and the groundbreaking new album ahead ("Seven Steps To Heaven"). That of course makes this music no less magnificent, as Miles was destined to be "in transition" for the duration of his entire career. It remains here, recorded for posterity, for us mortals to enjoy (almost 46 years later), loosing absolutely nothing of its relevance and eternal beauty. Miles of course was one of the very few artists, who made a statement with every note they played. As such, these notes are a source of inspiration and joy for those who love this music. Essential!
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102174
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January started rather slowly and I hope it does not stay this way for long? The winter makes everybody hibernate?
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 05 2007 at 06:49 |
January sure looks like a Jazz month so far, but no worries, Prog stuff will follow. Here is another jazz adition, the ultimate album of all times: COLTRANE, JOHN ~ THE CLASSIC QUARTET: COMPLETE IMPULSE! STUDIO RECORDINGS IMPULSE! 280 (Barcode: 011105028028) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1961 - 1965 Released: 1998 If there was ever a box set that includes the most quintessential music recorded in the 20th century, this is it! If we lived in an ideal world, this icon would be present in every household on earth, replacing the many religious / political / pseudo-cultural and empty icons so many people worship blindly. Sadly we don't live in such a world and the only solace is that Coltrane's touched millions of people around the globe and shaped the way of thinking and inspired the way of playing of countless musicians over time. Not enough, but still quite an achievement, for which one should be grateful to the technology of sound recording. Let me say this again (as repetition is this case is hardly redundant): If I were to head the SETI project, I'd have this music beamed out to deep space indefinitely, hoping that if we ever get to the Encounter of the Third Kind, the sentient beings out there might have a better opinion of our species than the average Homo Sapiens might project. Back on earth; this lavish set includes all the music the legendary Coltrane Quartet (with McCoy Tyner - piano, Jimmy Garrison - bass and Elvin Jones - drums) recorded for Impulse! between December of 1961 and September of 1965. It includes the complete 8 studio albums the Quartet recorded ("Coltrane", "Ballads", "Crescent", "A Love Supreme", "Plays", "Transition", "Sun Ship", "First Meditations") and the studio tracks of 4 other albums, which also included live tracks ("Impressions", "Live At Birdland", "Kulu Se Mama", "Infinity"). In addition various previously unreleased tracks and tracks released on compilation albums are included. All the tracks are presented in strict chronological order (by date of recording), which enhances the value of the set immensely, as the listener is able to follow the rapid transition process Coltrane's music was taking during this period. It is almost impossible to believe that it is the same Quartet that recorded the first tracks in the set and the last ones. The visionary drive that pushed Coltrane to the limits (and beyond) of human ability to express emotions and intellect in the form of musical creation is plainly evident here. Coltrane's impulse (how appropriate) to expand the borders of known musical vocabulary seems to completely engulf the other members of the Quartet, as these tracks are as much Coltrane's as the Quartet's. The telepathic interplay between the musicians and the process of constant challenging each other is an essential ingredient of this music, which takes it to a higher plane. The bonus tracks shed light on the entire process of development and clear many unanswered (up to the time this was released) riddles and gaps in the continuity of the process. Obviously the material released during Coltrane's life was only partial and suffered from corporate decisions as to what and how was released. This set puts the record straight (no chaser). To summarize; this is one of the best introspective releases ever done (of the best music ever recorded). The set is lavishly packaged in a sturdy metal case and includes a 100-page book with exquisite photos and intelligent liner notes. Add to this over 8 hours of heavenly music and you get the Mother of all box sets and a collectors' item that is virtually priceless. Still thinking about this? https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102173===================================== I managed to put my hands on one copy of each of the first 3 King Crimson 30th Anniversary HDCD albums. These are absolutely impossible to find and I wonder why they remain unordered? ===================================== Have Fun!
Edited by Jazzis - January 05 2007 at 06:50
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
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Posted: January 04 2007 at 11:51 |
Another great piece of Jazz history added today:
AYLER, ALBERT ~ LIVE IN GREENWICH VILLAGE: THE COMPLETE IMPULSE RECORDINGS IMPILSE! 273 (Barcode: 011105027328) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1967 Released: 1998 One of the greatest pioneers of the Free Jazz in the 1960's, Albert Ayler is universally recognized for his contributions but remains the most controversial of the period's figures. There are quite a few reasons for this controversy: his relatively limited output (due to his tragic death in 1970 he recorded just for about 9 years between 1962 and 1970), his background (Ayler arrived at the Free Jazz scene from Rhythm And Blues unlike Coleman or Coltrane who had years of Be Bop behind them) and his radical approach to improvisation based less on personal virtuosity and more on expressiveness and attack. In addition Ayler based his improvisations on many world music influences (one of the first US musicians to do so), rather than on the blues and jazz standards. Ayler started his career in Scandinavia, where he lived in the early 1960's and where he first recorded (similar to many other US jazz musicians, who found the US scene to be unappreciative of their innovations as opposite to the Europeans who were much more open-minded - this being true to this very day). Upon his return to NY, Ayler recorded a series of visionary and now legendary albums for the no less legendary NY based "underground" ESP label, which was the first American label to provide it's artists a total artistic freedom and control of their output. Later on Ayler signed with Impulse, where he recorded until his untimely (and mysterious) death. This exquisite album collects all the live recordings Ayler made for Impulse between 1965 and 1967 in various venues in the NY Greenwich Village. It captures him (and his group) at the absolute peak of his improvisational ability. Strongly influenced by Coltrane's late period output (one of the pieces here is dedicated to Coltrane and was recorded just after Coltrane's death) the music presents turmoil of emotions and brilliant group improvisations. Ayler's group includes his brother Don on trumpet, Michael Sampson on violin, Henry Grimes on bass, Beaver Harris on drums and many other prominent NY Free Jazz players. This is an essential piece of the Free Jazz history and a great portrait of an Artist at his best moment. Brilliant!
https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102172
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Massive re-stocking in progress, please check your Waiting List for items that are back in stock
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Jazzis
Forum Senior Member
Joined: January 28 2006
Location: Israel
Status: Offline
Points: 650
|
Posted: January 02 2007 at 09:29 |
I start the New Year and the new month with a new Israeli release, which is a first in a series of new experimental jazz albums released here recently: TEMPERAMENTAL TRIO ~ RAW AND THE COOKED KADIMA COLLECTIVE 06 ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 The Jerusalem based "Kadima Collective", under the leadership of Jean Claude Jones, has been over the last few years a major source of new Israeli releases, all of which present the local improvised music scene, or what is often referred to as "weird jazz". Jones and his cohorts create music which is totally free from any commercial / business aspects, which enables them total artistic freedom of expression. Temperamental Trio is Stephen Horenstein - baritone saxophone, Loic Kessous - electronics and Jean Claude Jones - bass. They perform a series of collaborative compositions freely floating between free jazz, contemporary chamber music and electronic music. Highly emotional and absorbing, these sound collages are a demanding listening experience for open-minded and experienced listeners. https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102171==================================== Following the annual Jazzis Web Shop End Of The Year Sale the depleted stock is need of massive re-stocking, which will happen over the next few weeks. ==================================== Have Fun!
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