Jazzis Web Shop News 04/2007

Today we celebrate the Passover Holiday - the Jewish Holiday of Spring and Independence. This is when all Jewish families get together for the traditional Passover meal, which is accompanied by reading of the Passover "Hagadah" the story of Moses leading the Jews out of their slavery in Egypt. I wish all my Jewish Friends and Customers a Happy Holiday and of course since Easter is almost around the corner all the Non-Jewish Friends and Customer also please accept my worm greetings. May God give us all Health, Peace and Prosperity.

=====================================

Today I start to add the series of the newly remastered seven albums by Sly & The Family Stone albums. This special Limited Deluxe Edition is exquisitely packaged and is also extremely limited! Don't miss it!

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ A WHOLE NEW THING (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION)
EPIC 90277 (Barcode: 827969027721) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1967 Released: 2007
1st album by one of the most important and influential US bands from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Sly Stone and his Family were pioneers on all fronts, musical, social and political. They were the first fully integrated group with Black and White, Men and Women musicians playing side by side. They were the first group to develop Funk as a fully-fledged musical genre. They were one of the first Pop / Rock acts to use a brass section as an integral part of the group. Later on they would also spearhead the political protest (in which many rock musicians participated) against segregation and the Vietnam War. The group had an immense influence on the US music scene, far beyond the Rock circles and earned many admirers and supporters among such distinguished musical figures as Miles Davis. Their legendary Woodstock appearance was one of the highlights of the festival. In short, they were one of the cornerstones of the US musical scene. This debut album firmly belongs to the Flower Power movement of the San Francisco scene, mixing elements of soul, funk, psychedelic influences and jazz. The different ethnic backgrounds of the members created an amalgam of styles that was truly unique and groundbreaking. The music was eclectic and sophisticated way beyond what was happening on the music scene at the time, using jazzy brass arrangements and vocal harmonies in a way never previously attempted. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. A beautiful trip down the memory lane!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102239

=====================================

Have Fun!

Here is the next item in the series of the newly remastered classic seven albums by Sly & The Family Stone - Limited Deluxe Edition:

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE ~ LIFE (LIMITED DELUXE EDITION)
EPIC 83945 (Barcode: 828768394526) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1968 Released: 2007
3rd album by this great band, released only a few month after its predecessor, but marking a remarkable development and perfection of their unique style. Although this album did not produce any hit singles, it is nevertheless an astonishing piece of music and a true classic. The band strengthens the rock / psychedelic elements considerably, with the (fuzz) guitar being much more up-front than on the two previous albums. Each and every song is perfect, although they are quite different from each other. The definition of Funk is basically all here, creating a new musical genre. Superb songwriting and perfect execution make this album an everlasting icon of the late 1960s ingenuity and inventiveness. This beautiful new edition includes splendid liner notes and ultra-rare bonus tracks. A classic!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102241

=====================================

Have Fun!

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the debut album by the great Polish band Quidam, their first 3 albums were reissued in a beautiful mini-sleeve Limited Edition. Here is the third album:

QUIDAM ~ BAJA PROG - LIVE IN MEXICO `99 (LIMITED EDITION)
ROCK SERWIS 103 (Barcode: 5907729910328) ~ POLAND ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 2006
3rd album by Polish Prog band Quidam recorded live during the annual Baja Prog festival in Mexicali, Mexico. Quidam are not only the best Prog group in their country since the mid-1990s, but also one of the best bands worldwide. They play modern Prog at its best: vibrant, complex, improvised and deeply melodic. Fronted by the amazing female vocalist Emila Derkowska, who sings both in Polish and English, and including some amazing instrumentalists, they have little competition when it comes to creating memorable and moving melodies and stellar performances. Obviously the opportunity to perform live removes many of the constraints and limitations of the "serious" studio situation and the bands expands their material here to pay tribute to their many influences. Note the legendary guitar solo from the Genesis' "Firth Of Fifth", quotes from Camel's "Snow Goose" or their incredible version of Deep Purple's "Child In Time" - each and every one of these performances being truly breathtaking. Derkowska sticks to Polish vocals during the concert, which is for the best. The companion DVD presents most of the material from the audio CD and a few additional songs heard (and seen) here for the first time, as well as a short documentary about the band's stay in Mexico. This beautiful new edition includes both the CD and DVD in an exquisite mini-sleeve packaging.

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102247

=====================================

Have Fun!

It's always great to see some of the heroes of the 1960s-1970s Golden Age back on the scene with new releases proving they are still alive and well. Legendary guitarist Leslie West is one of them and here is his new album:

WEST, LESLIE ~ GOT BLOOZE
PROVOGUE 7155 (Barcode: 8712725715528) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005
Legendary guitarist Leslie West is best known as the leader of Mountain, America's answer to the UK power trio Cream. Mountain recorded a series of excellent albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which were loud and powerful (often being quoted as one of the forefathers of Heavy Rock), but also quite sophisticated. West's unique tone and approach to the guitar, heavily based in the blues tradition, stays to this very day as one of the icons of the formative years of electric guitar. A famous anecdote tells that if one places West in a room with another 99 guitar players, just one note played by him will be immediately recognizable. Since the mid-1970s West recorded sporadically, with none of the albums leaving any significant impact on the scene, but his 2000s output marks a revival of his powers. West returned to what he does best - playing the blues in his unique manner, which has but a few competitors. West formed an excellent group with two formidable blues / rock veterans: Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice) - one of rock's most respected bass players and Aynsley Dunbar (John Mayall, Frank Zappa) - one of blues-rock most respected drummers. Together they storm through a program, which includes many blues standards, but sounds fresh and vital like never before. West also pays tribute to his ex-partner Jack Bruce by including his superb composition "Politician" on this album. For blues-rock fans this is an absolute must!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102250

=====================================

Have Fun!

Every new release on the tiny French label Soleil Zeuhl is always a feast of new sounds and daring musicianship, so I'm glad to add today the latest of their releases:

PIENZA ETHNORKESTRA ~ INDIENES D'EUROPE
SOLEIL ZEUHL 14 ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007
Pienza Ethnorkestra are a French trio playing some of the most interesting music I have ever heard. The members of the band include ex-members of Magma and One Shot and they play drums, bass and the electric hurdy gurdy - the strangest instrument one might consider as a front for a band. Nevertheless they manage to create a fascinating sound, which although difficult to classify falls comfortably within the wide limits of RIO / avant-garde Rock. All three players are obvious virtuosi on their respective instruments, with the hurdy gurdy being of course the most unusual and innovative. The music is based on folk motifs: East European, Gypsy and Middle Eastern all serving as a basis for extensive instrumental improvisations. The hurdy gurdy sounds like a string trio played in unison, a truly amazing effect. Most of the album is up-tempo with the music being quite intense, which demands a lot of attention and careful listening. Absolutely amazing stuff and most warmly recommended to people with "balls" between their ears.

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102252

=====================================

Absolutely massive re-stocking across labels, including all the Hammill and Hillage titles. Please check your waiting lists!

=====================================

Have Fun!

Here are more of the new Wounded Bird releases, this time by the early Fusion hero Jan Hammer:

GOODMAN, JERRY / HAMMER, JAN ~ LIKE CHILDREN
WOUNDED BIRD 430 (Barcode: 664140043022) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006
Only album by this duo, formed following the demise of John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra Mk. I in 1973. Goodman and Hammer were the founding members of MO and played on the seminal three first albums by the group. This album is quite different from the fiery pyrotechnics used in MO and concentrates on presenting a gentler and more personal side of both musicians. Hammer composed most of the music for this album (with Goodman contributing on three tracks), which varies a lot stylistically between Funk, Fusion and Progressive. Between the two of them they play a myriad of instruments, with Hammer handling all keyboards and percussion and Goodman playing electric and acoustic violins and guitars. Hammer shines on the moog synthesizer, his main solo instrument, and Goodman displays again his amazing violin technique, which resembles his work with Flock (before MO). The album lost none of its charm in time and is still a prime example of well-played and sophisticated Fusion music. Since Goodman's recording heritage is rather sparse, it's great to see this album back in circulation. Recommended!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102255

=====================================

HAMMER, JAN ~ OH, YEAH?
WOUNDED BIRD 437 (Barcode: 664140043725) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2006
2nd album by keyboards wizard Jan Hammer, best known from his stint with the original Mahavishnu Orchestra. Born in Czechoslovakia, Hammer left his native country after the Soviet invasion in 1968 (same as many other prominent Czech musicians) and emigrated to the US, where he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He first played jazz (for Sarah Vaughan) but joined MO, as he was more interested in the Jazz-Rock Fusion, which exploded in the early 1970s. His memorable contributions to the MO sound are classics to this very day. After the demise of the original MO Hammer recorded an album with fellow ex-MO member Jerry Goodman ("Like Children" and a year later released his first solo album ("The First Seven Days") and formed the Jan Hammer Band with which he performed extensively. On this album Hammer continues the musical direction set by his debut, which is basically a funkier and rockier version of Fusion. The band includes another talented US violin player Steven Kindler and percussionist David Earle Johnson (with whom Hammer also recorded a duo album) and resembles at times the MO sound. The only disappointing thing is the (fortunately rare) usage of vocals, which although quite OK, contribute little to the otherwise solid album.

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102256

=====================================

Have Fun!

Here are the last two (for the while) Wounded Bird reissues, both of them jazz related:

PIKE, DAVE ~ JAZZ FOR THE JET SET
WOUNDED BIRD 1457 (Barcode: 664140145726) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2006
Vibraphonist Dave Pike has been active on the US jazz scene since the mid-1950s, playing in a variety of bands. In the early 1960s Pike joined the Herbie Mann band, where he stayed for several years, playing an amplified vibraphone (one of the first musicians to do so). After leaving Mann's band he recorded a few albums (this being one of them) and in 1968 he left for Europe, where he stayed for several years leading the Dave Pike Set, which was one of the most advanced and sophisticated early jazz-rock ensembles. With the Set he recorded a series of brilliant albums for the legendary German MPS label (sadly mostly not available on CD), which featured the absolutely top European players at the time, including guitarist Volker Kriegel and many more. In the mid-1970s Pike returned to the US, where he continued to perform and occasionally record. This album is quite unique in many ways: it was produced by Herbie Mann and features some of the best players on the scene, including Herbie Hancock (plying the organ - the only time that happened!) and trumpeter Clark Terry. The material includes several original tunes (by Hancock and Pike) and lovely arrangements of great (then contemporary) Pop songs, creating one of the nicest ever jazz-pop albums (typical of the mid-1960s), with that incredible sound that makes my heart melt each time I hear it. Perhaps my nostalgia slightly clouds my judgment, but this is a most pleasant album, full of joy and naivete, so rare these days. Superb!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102259

=====================================

DUKE, GEORGE ~ THE 1976 SOLO KEYBOARD ALBUM
WOUNDED BIRD 8208 (Barcode: 664140820821) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2004
Keyboards player George Duke has always been one of my favorite musicians, mainly due to his phenomenal achievements during the first decade of his career. His early piano trio recordings (mid 1960s), his work with Jean-Luc Ponty (late 1960s) and finally his stint with Frank Zappa (early to mid 1970s) are all examples of pure genius and incredible musical versatility. Unfortunately by the end of the 1970s Duke phased out gradually from his jazz and fusion oriented activities and moved into pop, mostly as a producer. His recordings sine then bear little resemblance to the glory of his early days. During the 1970s Duke recorded a series of revolutionary and groundbreaking albums for the legendary German MPS label (sadly mostly not available on CD), which showcased his exemplary jazz-rock / fusion wizardry. This album, his first completely solo recording, was the last of these MPS recordings, released under the title "The Dream". Duke re-mixed the album in 1980 and in 1982 it was released in the US on the Epic label under this new title. Unavailable for many years, here it is finally back in circulation. The music, all composed by Duke, is a set of beautifully crafted melodies, played by an array of keyboards, sounding like an entire ensemble. Absolutely brilliant and timeless piece of music!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102260

=====================================

As I need to reduce my stock dramatically, a Stock Clearing Sale was announced today. A substantial 15 % discount on ALL items will apply until the stock reaches the target level. This is a unique opportunity to get great music at a fantastic price.

=====================================

Have Fun!

As we all know, some of the most fascinating music is happening in Japan, so today's new additions bring us a sample of the best new Japanese Prog / Fusion, both released on the French Musea label:

SIDE STEPS ~ STEPS ON EDGE
MUSEA 4511 (Barcode: 3426300045119) ~ JAPAN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2003
1st album by Japanese Prog / Fusion quartet Side Steps, which was one of the most promising and interesting debut Fusion albums of the 1990s. The band features the classic guitar / keyboards / bass / drums lineup and plays amazing instrumental music, usually at neck-breaking speed. These young musicians seem to have mastered their instruments from the cradle, otherwise it's quite impossible to explain the virtuosity displayed here. The compositions are equally strong, which makes this album a particularly enjoyable experience. Stylistically the band borrows some of their elements from Uzeb, Allan Holdsworth and many other (mostly European) Fusion masters, but they definitely have enough originality to be considered masters on their own. If you like fiery Fusion like Mahavishnu Orchestra and beyond, you will enjoy this album immensely. Highly recommended!

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102263

=====================================

ARS NOVA ~ BIOGENESIS PROJECT
MUSEA 4532 (Barcode: 3426300045324) ~ JAPAN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2002 - 2003 Released: 2003
4th album by Japanese Prog trio Ars Nova, which plays a modern version of music first created by groups like Nice, Trace or Refugee. So far nothing extraordinary, but considering the fact that all three players are female changes the picture a bit. Since I'm a big admirer of female musicians, who are not intimidated by the male-dominated world of Prog (in particular) and Music (in general). Of course the fact that they are female isn't enough to make Ars Nova the superb group it is - but their talents as composers and instrumentalists. The band's albums are mostly extensive and complex concept works, based on literary or mythical themes. This one is no exception with a story line based on a Science Fiction futuristic idea. On this one the band gets a huge cast of supporting / guest artist (many of them Prog legends), who are members of groups like Balletto Di Bronzo, PFM, Gerard, Ayeron and others. The music is bombastic and dramatic, but all in good taste, making it an ideal meal for Symphonic Prog lovers. Definitely worth checking out.

https://www.jazzis.com/shop/default.asp?item=102264

=====================================

Although I promised no re-stocking, some orders were still on their way, so today a massive Cuneiform and South American (Brazil, Chile) shipments arrived. Check out your waiting lists and with the Sale going on you can get the stuff you have been waiting for at a discount price.

=====================================

The Stock Clearing Sale continues! A substantial 15 % discount on ALL items will apply until the stock reaches the target level. This is a unique opportunity to get great music at a fantastic price. BIG thanks to all the people of good will who already ordered - thank you for your support.

=====================================

Have Fun!