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Pop
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Johnny
Cash - Cash
American C69691 Reviewed
by RG
The elder statesman of American country proves conclusively that he's
still got it. The stylish sleeve (Cash as icon?) provides the perfect
visual metaphor for the musical content: stark, pared away and isolated.
This isn't the schmaltzy story telling Cash of prime time TV. This is
all about pain and longing, injustice and loss. Throw in covers from U2
and Nick Cave and this becomes a voyage of renewed musical discovery,
the old-stager ranging the musical landscape, confident and comfortable
with what he sees. Standout tracks are wonderful covers of 'I Won't Back
Down' (backed by writer Tom Petty) and Neil Diamond's 'Solitary Man',
and Cash's own contributions 'Before My Time' and 'Country Trash'. The
recording quality has an appealing rawness and honesty, leaving players
and songs with nowhere to hide, placing a premium on experience and musical
understanding. The result is a powerful testament to Cash's enduring quality
and chequered past, a past he has never forgotten or swept from view.
Here it's present and correct, providing the continuity with his earlier
work. If Johnny Cash has passed you by, now's the time to climb aboard.
And if you've got the option, take the album over the CD. That cover needs
to be at least 12" square.
Supplied by Vivante
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Thea
Gilmore - Rules For Jokers
Flying Sparks TDBCDO56Reviewed
by RG
How age mellows us. Three albums and 21 years old, Thea Gilmore adopts
the more reflective, acoustic presentation of her spiritual fore bears.
Gone are the dense, clashing chords of abrasive guitar, leaving her voice
front and centre, secure in her developing lyrical maturity. Still intact
is the innate balance of word and sense, the seriousness, the socio-political
content and the occasional need to shock. That and the odd forced rhyme
or metre are the last indicators of her tender years amidst a welter of
songs that ooze an unlikely maturity. Musically this treads further the
path first taken with her recent EP. The album shares the track 'This
Girl Is Taking Bets' but the other 12 offerings are all new. Despite the
mellower style, make no mistake, there's edge a plenty and this is a disc
that responds to enthusiastic application of the volume control, taking
on a directness and sense of purpose which brings out its passion. Whether
it's the appropriately edgy drive of 'Benzadrine' or the sparse arrangement
of 'Holding Your Hand' there's a security and confidence to the delivery
that adds substance to the sentiment. If there's a weakness it's that
there are too many ideas, some of which she could-carry even further.
But all that and patience too? Buy, play loud and marvel at a prodigious
talent as it blossoms in full view.
Artistes website: www.theagilmore.com
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Six
By Seven - The Things We Make
Mantra Recordings MNTCD1011 Reviewed
by MC
Six
By Seven - The Closer You Get
Mantra Recordings MNTCD1017 Reviewed
by JH
Six by seven are to music what German engineering is to the car industry.
Their precision and clarity of purpose leaves the rest of the competition
standing. With only two albums to date they may not yet have changed the
face of music as we know it, but they represent probably the best and
most influential band in the underground world of quality guitar music.
Their first, landmark, album The Things We Make surfaced in the UK to
critical acclaim in 1998, a dark year for independent music. Recorded
over nine months the album was a labour of love for the band; they speak
of re-recording tracks until their fingers bleed, and then of binding
them to record yet again. The album is gripped by a sense of tension and
instability, summed up when their singer Chris Olley declared "we play
like men about to die'. The production reflects the attitude of the perfectionist
producer; the sound is tight and clipped, each song a chant that builds
slowly, drawing out the tension. Many bands since have tried to emulate
Six by Seven's sound, but none quite capture the dark oppressive, industrial
drone, or the breathtaking way they can explode out of a song in an instant.
The obvious highlights of the album are the instantly gratifying 'A Beautiful
Shape', 'Candlelight' and 'Oh! Dear but it's the less mainstream tracks
that grow more slowly that make this album impossible to tire of. Last
year's follow up, The Closer You Get, swapped the saxophone drones for
a Hammond organ, kicked over the amps and got seriously angry where before
they merely smouldered. An album entirely focussed on how uncaring and
dirty our society has become, it's the sound of Six By Seven coming of
age and realising they have something to say. The Closer You Get opens
with their tribute to Britney Spears, 'Eat Junk Become Junk' a colossal
riot of bass and drums, before stuttering through several more tracks
in a quick succession of violence and distaste. The album is faultless,
recorded by wunderkind John Leckie, he avoids stamping his mark on it,
settling instead for simply pushing the band to new heights of excellence.
Clearly recorded with vinyl in mind, the disc appears to end half way
through, before starting up again with renewed vigour and bile with the
aptly named 'Don't Wanna Stop'. The Closer You Get has introduced an entirely
new set of sounds for Six By Seven, from the seriously epic 'New Year'
to some uncharacteristic acoustic tracks. Six By Seven are easily the
best band around at the moment, and these albums rate as all time classics:
Huge, dark and confused, they make great bedtime listening.
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Laura
Cantrell - Not The Tremblin' Kind
Spit & Polish SPITCD001 Reviewed
by RG
Face of an angel and voice to match is an over used aphorism, but not
since the young Nanci Griffith has an artist managed to combine such a
wholesome appearance, and such a wholesome sound, with songs that despite
their apparent simplicity conceal that hard kernel of uncomfortable truth.
Think about these lyrics and they bite. Originally out of Nashville, Laura
Cantrell now hails from New York where as well as playing live she hosts
a regular radio show on WFMU on which she features historical, roots and
folk music, drawing out their links to contemporary genres. It's a background
that has stood her in good stead as far as her own career goes. Here she
runs the gamut of country influences with a collection of covers and original
compositions, all delivered in her flawlessly beautiful voice. These are
straightforward recordings that do nothing to obscure the maturity of
the delivery or the hidden barbs in the lyrics. Here you'll find the stories
of others lives that run awkward parallels with your own. You'll also
find the outrageously catchy Tex/Mex confection that makes up 'Do You
Ever Think Of Me?' With everything from bluegrass picking to folk blues,
unerringly selected to suit the material, this is a high quality roller
coaster ride through the best of American country/folk. Absolutely not
to be missed!
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The
White Stripes - White Blood Cells
Peppermint Stripe Music SFTRI 660 Reviewed
by MC
Anyone flicking through a music magazine in the last three months cannot
have failed to notice something interesting going on in New York. Current
favourites, The Strokes, seem to be courting critical acclaim with their
formula of old fashioned rock-and-roll combined with vocals recorded down
a phone with the singers head in a bucket. However, from the same movement
comes the lesser known The White Stripes. Brother and sister combo, they
play all the instruments between them, and don't consider the fact that
neither can play bass guitar a problem. White Blood Cells has the dubious
honour of sounding even rougher than the Strokes, with most songs played
at least partly live. Then there is the terrible guitar sound, which cannot
have come out of anything larger than a battery powered practice amp,
and the curiously deadened drums. In fact you can never quite get away
from the conclusion that they sound like The Faces in their earliest recordings,
which might be a compliment. It's an interesting record. There's no doubt
it's exciting; it feels natural and live, with all the rough edges left
in. Unfortunately it lacks the real, solid songwriting that could make
it great. White Blood Cells is like the demo album produced by a band
before they get signed to something major. But judging by this, it will
definitely be worth looking out for their "real" debut album.
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Stewboss
- Wanted A Girl
Flying Sparks IDBCDO55 Reviewed
by RG
People keep trying to liken Stewboss frontman Greg Sarfaty to Bob Dylan.
Me, I just can't see it. Now Springsteen... Songs of love and loss, the
wrenching pain of the chance encounter with the one who broke your heart;
these are familiar themes for the (often female) singer songwriter, the
more angst ridden, mainly acoustic performer. What then are they doing,
belted out in tandem with a sub-Stones rock sound track? It's not quite
that simple of course, and musically it's much cleverer and more varied
than that, but it's the powerful poetry of Sarfaty's lyrics that hold
centre stage and bore into your consciousness. The folly of love, its
joy and pain and inconvenience, that it never arrives when it should and
too often leaves by the back door, these are the themes, and if they sound
familiar then indulge yourself in Sarfaty's vision. It's a world that
spans the breadth from the gentle Irish lilt of 'Heaven Of Mine' to the
fuel fumed rock of 'Let's Go For A Ride' via the lyrical mastery of 'I
Think She Wants Me Dead' - and that's just in the first three tracks!
If this album doesn't affect you then you are either very lucky or very
dead. Hear it and enjoy, in all its raw, untamed passion. American trailer
park philosophy at its powerful best.
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Robbie
McIntosh Band - Widescreen
Compass Records - 43092 Reviewed
by AH
Robbie McIntosh has had a glittering career, guitar sideman to some of
the biggest names in pop and rock music, including Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton,
Mark Knopfler, Little Feat and Jackson Browne. He was also a member of
the Paul McCartney touring band for 6 years and one of the members for
Chrissie Hynde's band the Pretenders, so his musical pedigree is exceptionally
high. What he is less well known for is his song writing and singing,
both skills being well to the fore on his new album Widescreen. Like it's
predecessor Emotional Bends, Widescreen blends the many musical styles
which Robbie has no doubt been exposed to throughout his long career.
Opener 'Rat in the hole' is a straight ahead poprocker with some rock
solid drumming from Paul Beavis and a chorus hook that'll float around
your head for day's. 'My Secret' has a John Martyn feel and features a
lovely acoustic slide solo while 'Fire and Flame' finds McIntosh reunited
with old boss Chrissie Hynde on harmony vocals. The band flex their muscles
on solid rocker 'Gravity' before slipping into a jump jive groove on the
Jaunty 'No Feeling For The Blues', McIntosh blending a sweet jazzy solo
with Mark Feltham's stunning harmonica work. Widescreen is a thoroughly
enjoyable album, well recorded with first class performances from an excellent
bunch of musicians who clearly enjoy playing together.
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Nanci
Griffith - Clock Without Hands
ELEKTRA 7559-62660-2 Reviewed
by RP
Songs of memory and conscience. Some are sweet recollections of family:
'Shaking Out The Snow' and 'Last Song For Mother: Others share broader
anecdotal moments like the first steps on the moon: 'Armstrong: Unexpectedly
there are also those that draw out images of an event which still, decades
later, haunts the American psyche. Vietnam. These songs: 'Travelling Through
This part Of You', 'Pearl's Eye View', 'Roses On The 4th Of July' and
'Truly Something Fine', heartfelt and intelligently crafted, have pertinent
lessons to impart. Nanci poignantly engages us through her unique ability
to develop intimate, closely observed images that here deal with both
the metaphorical minefields of the mind as well as engaging literally
in the landmine debate. Perhaps the most telling track is 'Pearl's Eye
View', which is subtitled 'The Life of Dickey Chapelle'. She was the photojournalist
who in 1962 first revealed to the world that American troops were actually
engaged in combat in Vietnam. In 1965, near the village of Chu Lai, Chapelle
stepped on a landmine and was killed. The song title alludes to her legendary
pearl earrings. This is definitely quite a different side of Nanci Griffith.
One which is reflected in the serious vocal delivery of these songs, less
twang and more body. A thoughtful and thought provoking album.
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Eric
Bibb - Painting Signs
Hatman 2005 Reviewed
by SG
After his last album, Just Like Love, this latest release is a disappointment,
and is summed up by an inappropriate, live rendition of Don't Ever Let
Your Spirit Down; being over-produced and lacking sentiment. There are
a number of nice songs on the album, including I Heard the Angels Singin',
but most are over-elaborate rather than the simple, yet expressively vibrant
performances that Eric is best at. Even on the Hendrix penned Angel, Eric's
voice is drowned out by Janne Petersson's piano, with the track mixed
for impact, rather than natural sound. The more I listened, the more I
thought of this CD as an album representing the production team, just
fronted by Eric. The sound is obviously from a multi-channelled, too closely
mica, digital recording, making it sound too bright and hard, and lacking
the raw passion and relaxed sensitivity of Eric's previous albums. If
this rather unremarkable CD and his latest, over-amplified tour are evidence,
it sounds like Eric has come to a musical fork in the road. I just hope
that he is not being influenced to take the wrong path. Remember Eric,
"Keep your feet on the ground, an' hold on to your soul".
Artists Website: www.ericbibb.com
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Delbert
McClinton - Nothing Personal
New West NW6024 Reviewed
by AH
Loved and admired by his fellow musicians but not always receiving the
recognition of the record buying public, Delbert McClinton's fortunes
changed dramatically with a cover of Bobby Womack's 'Goodman, good woman,
a duet he performed with Bonnie Raitt on her Grammy award winning album
Luck of the Draw. 'Good Man..: deservedly raised his profile and also
features on his own disc Never Been Rocked Enough, an album of considerable
brilliance which also featured a fine version of Bob Marley's 'Stir It
Up'. His last album, One Of The Fortunate Few was a star-laden affair
featuring greats like B.B. King, Lyle Lovett, John Prine and Mavis Staples.
Most of the album's tracks were written by McClinton and his long-time
collaborator Gary Nicholson, and the pair have combined admirably again
on Nothing Personal, probably his most rootsy and complete work to date.
McClinton has crossed musical boundaries throughout his 40 years in the
business and Nothing Personal continues that tradition with a gumbo stew
of blues, country, rock 'n' roll and southern soul that continually hits
all the high spots, leaving the listener desperate for more long after
the brilliant closer 'Watching the Rain' has faded from the speakers.
Some 40 years after teaching an unknown John Lennon how to play harmonica,
Delbert McClinton is still at the top of his profession, which speaks
volumes for the man's talent.
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Lloyd
Cole - The Negatives
BIS RECORDS 155482 mu 792 Reviewed
by RP
Having spent five years reminiscing about the powerfully literate songwriting
of Lloyd Cole, I am glad to say that he has at last returned from the
wilderness with a sardonic release which reaffirms his mastery of introspection.
The Negatives, shorn of those overt allusions to film, philosophy, art
and literature which typified his early work with the Commotions, instead
picks up the threads from his previous album, the 1995 Love Story. Opening
in an autobiographical vein, 'Past Imperfect', recalls those heady days
back in 1984 when his critically acclaimed debut LP, Rattlesnakes, heralded
a career which has never quite commercially capitalised on a rare talent.
Much of this album, though, is concerned with relationships. However,
its clear from the lyrics of a track like, 'Man on the Verge', that the
".... single melancholy male" is more than a hesitant lover. But then
Cole has always possessed a wry, often self-deprecating, sense of humour
and healthy fondness for masquerade. Musically, all this metaphorical
manoeuvring is held together by a guitar based band - David Derby (bass),
Michael Kotch and Jill Soubule (guitars), Rafa Maciejak (drums). While,
in addition to his soulful vocals, Cole exercises his own guitar and synth
skills. Very Commotion-esque.
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Bob
Harris Presents - Volume II
Assembly Records ASEMCD 002 Reviewed
by RG
The second broadside in Whispering Bob's personal war on inane pop music
hits home with all the accuracy and force of his opening salvo (reviewed
in Issue 10). Understandably dismayed at
the quality of modern mainstream music offerings, this is his personal
selection of the best alternatives from artists who aren't going to get
the airplay they deserve. If thinking man's pop, often as not blended
with an acoustic country influence sounds like your bag, then this disc
is a must have purchase. 15 of the best, it contains hidden gems alongside
the better known performers. Volume I led me to the fabulous Dolly Varden,
an on-going love affair that shows no sign of weakening. This time round,
alongside the likes of Slaid Cleaves, Thea Gilmore and Calexico, all of
whom have received enthusiastic reviews in these pages, it's Stewboss
and the hauntingly beautiful voice of Laura Cantrell that are the standouts.
Well, at least as far as fm concerned. With the variety and quality on
offer here there's going to be something to raise the heart rate of anybody
with a musical pulse. Buy this and I can guarantee future beneficial visits
to your local purveyor of musical software.
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Joni
Mitchell - Misses
REPRISE 9362-46358-2 Reviewed
by RP
A tongue-in-cheek companion disc to the 1996 Hits album reviewed in issue
10, Misses confirms an artistic depth and lyrical consistency to be found
in those songs which have perhaps received less airplay than they merited.
A selection of tracks from releases as diverse as the chintzy Ladies of
the Canyon ('The Arrangement'), to a gritty Turbulent Indigo ('Sex Kills'
and 'The Magdalene Laundries'), chronicle a songwriter's craft through
the natural innocence of the Sixties to the social depravity of the mid-nineties
- where Mitchell's lower and huskier voice engages images of incest, drugs,
prostitution, religious abuse and environmentalism. With these moments
of insight it's possible to map the shifting emotional undercurrents of
a generation - from youthful idealism to an often traumatic and weary
sense of adult responsibility. Solid HDCD processing does justice to these
sentiments. It also reveals in far better detail than before what an accomplished
musician Joni Mitchell is in her own right. Because she is accompanied
by players of the highest calibre we tend to take Joni's fine guitar work
and keyboard skills for granted. This, like her lesser known compositions,
deserves generous applause.
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Hopper
- English and French
Factory too FACD2.10 Reviewed
by MC
Once upon a time there were independent record labels, and greatest of
these was "Factory Records". Then Factory Records produced a daughter
label, "Factory too", the even-more-independent offshoot of the most fiercely
independent label in Britain. And from this label came Hopper, a female
fronted, indie power-pop outfit, whose one album English and French was
produced by none other than indie god, and one time Suede guitarist Bernard
Butler. So just how indie are Hopper? More than you could ever imagine.
English and French is great fun. It's all guitars and bad drum rolls,
mixed with the formidable, and quite unique, vocal talent of their bespectacled
lead singer. With the addition of some pretty intelligent lyrical material,
they squeeze new life out of the slightly tired four-piece format. In
terms of recording, it's certainly not hi-fi, but it is what the material
demands. Half the album sounds like it's been recorded in my shed, but
is all the more energetic for it, whilst the other half is more delicately
produced, with the singers perfectly naive vocals right in the front of
the mix. It's a mixed bag then, a historical oddball, which deserves a
listen. Whilst it may seem like a straight power pop excursion, the depth
of emotion in a few of these songs will genuinely surprise. Rare when
released, there are still some good quality vinyl pressings available
for the persistent. If you like 90's indie, this could be for you.
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Mary
Chapin Carpenter - Time. Sex. Love
COLUMBIA 502354-2 Reviewed
by RP
Mary Chapin Carpenter possesses a considerable musical appetite for a
girl 'n' her guitar singer songwriter who is well known to suffer bouts
of depression. Quality and quantity rarely go hand-in-hand but as a performer
she is an exception to that rule. Unsurprisingly the focus of her subject
matter has tended to be alcoholism, fractured relationships and isolation.
This album is no different in that respect. Thematically all the old uncertainties
are present with songs like, 'Slave to Beauty', 'in the name of Love',
'What was it Like' and 'Maybe World', raking over the autobiographical
ashes. But there is a steeliness too, as the tracks, 'This is me Leaving
You', 'Simple Life' and 'Alone But Not Lonely', show a willingness to
overcome these hurdles and determine one's own life for the better. Though
Carpenter shares much in common with folk rock musicians like Shawn Colvin,
she still enjoys the continuing loyalty of country fans. This has not
stopped her from gradually divesting herself of country's more obvious
robes. Here, the highly polished production values iron out a few more
remaining wrinkles to reveal an impressively smooth and rocking modern
folk crossover album that brings fresh melodies to what is otherwise a
frequently predictable and threadbare genre.
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Jazz
Music |
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Clark
Tracey - Stability
Linn AKD 159 Reviewed
by DD
Son of the renowned pianist, composer and arranger Stan Tracey, Clark
began playing regularly with his father's bands as far back as 1978, and
over the years has developed to become on of the UK's most experienced
drummers. This HDCD recording sees him joined by a wealth of talent. The
album opens with a paired down for 6 players, not the full 'big band'
- Gil Evans arrangement of Gershwin's 'Gone' from Porgy and Bess. This
works well, the number driving even harder than its full band ancestor
and with players of the calibre of Andy Shepherd and Iain Ballamy on hand,
it's little surprise that it works so well. 'Lounge Blues' highlights
some superb piano work from Gareth Williams, also some great bass playing
from Arnie Somogyi. Thelonius Monk's 'Ugly Beauty' sees Symogyi and Guy
Barker on trumpet joined by the Locrian String Quartet. Fine atmospheric
stuff. And so on: throughout the album Tracey has featured different soloists
to take the lead on each track, assigned according to the mood of each
piece. Good clean recording, sounding just fine on my HDCD equipped player.
This is a well recorded, well judged CD.
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Eberhard
Weber - Endless Days
ECM 1748 013420-2 Reviewed
by DD
Regarded as something of a lightweight album when it was released (rather
like Ella's Cole Porter Song Book reviewed in the audiophile
section), this marked something of a departure for Holliday, and if
it's not exactly upbeat, then neither does it plumb the depths of despair
so often associated with this singer. Of course, since those days the
notion of what constitutes "jazz singing" has broadened considerably (in
no small part because of albums exactly like this), and songs like 'Violets
for Your Furs' and 'I Get Along Without You Very Well' are now considered
standards. So whilst this isn't a classic Holiday album, it's more accessible
than most and constitutes an excellent starting point if you're new to
this most distinctive of voices. The pressing is up to Classic's normal
excellent standards, and if the recording doesn't match the warmth, detail
and presence of Verve's best, then it's not too tar behind. Her familiar
gravely rasp is slightly smoothed and distant, stepped back into a coherent
soundstage, along with the orchestra. I like the arrangements, and the
slightly contrived instrumental solos actually work rather well. Not strictly
an album for purists then, but if you're so much of a purist that it prevents
you enjoying this, then you need to lay off the scourge and ice-cold showers.
Me, I'm perfectly happy thanks.
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Duke
Ellington / Boston Pops / Arthur Fiedler - The Duke at Tanglewood
Classic Records/RCA LSC 2857 Reviewed
by DD
If asked to name my top few jazz musicians Ellington would be right up
there with Parker, Miles, and Monk. A genuine innovator, he's contributed
some of the greatest music of the 20th century: The ground-breaking 30's
and 40's sides, Black, Brown and Beige, At Newport, just about every one
of the Suites, fine later albums like Blues in Orbit and Jazz Party in
Stereo, the list goes on. I love the man. It was therefore with no small
excitement that I spotted the title of this album as it appeared from
the Ed's case. Then I spotted the small print the Duke was merely guesting
with Fiedler and the Boston Pops. Why? Why? Why? The gig was for charitable
purposes of a sort I suppose - it raised some $48,000 for the orchestra's
pension fund - but it just hurts to read the sleeve notes and see quotes
like 'the original soloist was Johnny Hodges' as yet more treacly strings
ooze forth from the speakers. Unsurprisingly the Duke seems half-asleep
throughout and only Louis Bellson's drums add some snap to the proceedings.
A beautifully recorded syrupy disaster. Available in this months magazine
Supplier: Vivante - www.vivante.co.uk
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Charles
Mingus - The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Speakers Corner/Impulse AS-35 Reviewed
by DD
Much as I love Mingus Ah Um, this is my favourite of his albums. It contains
his greatest long form piece, an extended suite that takes in multiple
influences from Ellington (in both it's extended suite form and in some
of the horn work), to classical composers like Debussy, 'though the overriding
influence is of course Mingus himself. Mingus even re-named his band for
this release to the Charles Mingus New Folk Band, prompting Impulse to
change their usual slogan to 'The New Wave of Folk is on Impulse' and
to classify the album as 'Ethnic Folk-Dance Music: However it's classified
this is very fine music indeed. There's a focus and intensity throughout,
whether in the faster paced sections or the lyrical piano led sections.
The 11-piece band is so together that it's difficult to single anyone
out for favour, but Charles Mariano's alto playing is superb, as is Dannie
Richmond's drumming. This is an absolute classic, very well produced and
engineered by Bob Thiele and Bob Simpson, with real 'you are there' presence
and weight. If you don't own it already shame on you, rush out and buy
it immediately!
Supplier: Vivante - www.vivante.co.uk
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Misha
Alperin - At Home
ECM 1766 549670-2 Reviewed
by DD
Recorded in February '98 at his home in 'a little wooden house on the
coast of the Oslo Fjord in Norway nine metres of working space proved
sufficient for me to feel alone and content. It is this quality of stillness
and quiet contemplation that helps to set this solo piano recording apart.
The CD comprises 12 short - some as short as 29 seconds -improvised pieces.
Aside from the title track, 'Emptiness', 'Nostalgia', 'Nightfall' and
'Shadows' give a pretty good impression of the overall theme. Fortunately,
despite the sombre, reflective themes the quality of the playing and overall
lightness of touch prevent this from becoming the Nordic gloomfest it
could so easily be. It may be released on ECM, but I wouldn't call it
jazz. There are faint echoes of Satie throughout and if I had to categorise
I'd file it under contemporary classical. An involving recording for all
that.
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Ramon
Ruiz, Anita La Maltesa - Flamenco Havana
Naim CD055 Reviewed
by DD
Now here's an interesting world music stew... Ramon Ruiz and his partner
of 10 years, Anita La Maltesa were seen in concert during last years Salisbury
Festival by Paul Stephenson of Naim. This concert and meeting were the
genesis of this album recorded by Naim in Seville. Ranging from all-out
traditional flamenco pieces to much more Latin influenced pieces like
the first track 'Ese Mal Amigo'. The pair are joined by a heady mix of
Spanish and Cuban musicians. The preponderant feel is very much Flamenco,
but the Cuban influence is never too far away. On paper it shouldn't work
- two distinctive musical idioms should be too much - but thankfully the
skill of Ruiz, his mastery of the guitar in both Flamenco and Latin styles
makes it all hang together and whether you can see the 'join' or not,
it simply doesn't matter. This is simply joyous music making born of three
days and nights of intensive recording. A good clear, weighty recording
with a real sense of fingers on strings and sliding across the fretboard.
Thankfully too, the instruments are properly scaled - no eight foot wide
guitars here - which does nothing but aid the 'you are there' feel of
the fine recording.
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