Brian Auger, from the early 70s! Two LPs.

Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll And The Trinity

''Open''
( Marmalade, Polydor Records, 1967 )
Catalog # 607 002, 607 002

Note (by Lupo):
It's Brian Auger, from the early 70s, real gems.
You'll find a story written by Brian himself for the IAJO web site about how he came to the organ, on the IAJO web site. Follow "organist of the month" -> "see the past organists of the month" -> march 2007.

Tracklisting:
In And Out 2:56
Isola Natale 5:17
Black Cat 3:17
Lament For Miss Baker 2:31
Goodbye Jungle Telegraph 6:05
Tramp 4:01
Why (Am I Treated So Bad) 3:25
A Kind Of Love In 2:28
Break It Up 2:55
Season Of The Witch 7:40

Credits:
Arranged By - Brian Auger , Richard Hill
Engineer - John Timperly
Producer - Giorgio Gomelsky

Brian Auger & Julie Tippetts

''Encore''
( Warner Bros. Records, 1978 )
Catalog # K 56458

Tracklisting:
Spirit 4:06
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood 3:32
Git Up 3:46
Freedom Highway 2:49
Future Pilot 4:21
Rope Ladder To The Moon 3:01
No Time To Live 6:14
Nothing Will Be As It Was 3:44
Lock All The Gates 5:03

Credits:
Arranged By, Producer - Brian Auger

Notes:
A Nasty Production
Recorded October and November 1977 at Different Fur Studios, San Francisco

Links in comments

Courtesy of Lupo

Don Ellis ''Soaring''

Don Ellis

''Soaring''
( Cassette, MPS Records, 1973 )
Catalog # 15400

Tracklisting:
1. Whiplash
2. Sladka Pitka
3. Devil Made Me Write This Piece
4. Go Back Home
5. Invincible
6. Image Of Maria
7. Sidonie
8. Nicole

Review:
I have waited and waited for this reissue to come out. "Soaring" is one of my favorite Ellis albums competing with "Tears of Joy" as perhaps the best. I can only say that once I received this record, I immediately listened to it three times in a row. I would have gone for a fourth time, but it was getting late.
To me "Soaring" is the studio-recorded book-end to the "Tears of Joy" live album. It mostly has the same personnel, same type of compositions, same excellent musicianship. This album holds, I think, some of the best writing of all the Ellis discography. Not to judge a book by its cover, but the simple, elegant rendering of a seagull image in white, black and blue perfectly compliments the "Tears of Joy" cover. From the liner notes I learned that Maria Eckstein provided the graphic artwork for "Soaring" and, given the similarity in composition, I would think perhaps "Tears of Joy" as well.
"Soaring" opens with "Whiplash", a Hank Levy piece, a bracing opener that quickly finds its groove in the fashion that exhibits Hank Levy to be a master of composition in odd-metered tempos.
"Sladka Pitka" is a contribution from keyboardist Milcho Leviev of "Bulgarian Bulge" fame who again mines Hungarian folk music as an inspiration for a multi-faceted big band. This track, however, is a more straight ahead piece that builds to a stunning climax (think: good ending for a DCI show)
"The Devil Made Me Write This Piece" features Don on drums in (I learned from the liner notes) his last recording as a drummer. You can guess the meter, or read the liner notes and learn what was really going on.
"Go Back Home" is all Sam Falzone. Pounding, hard-hitting, straight ahead 4/4 with a tenor solo and a false ending guaranteed to bring a crowd to its feet in concert.
"Invincible" is, I think, one of the finest pieces written by Don. It starts as a haunting ballad, then builds and builds, and then concludes with a most satisfying statement. A beautiful piece with fine sectional playing among the saxes and an excellent alto solo by Vince Dedham who has a great tone and the ability to create a solo that meshes seamlessly with the orchestration behind him. Vince would later go on to back Loggins & Messina along with another Ellis alumnus, Jon Clarke, on the "Native Sons" album
"Images of Maria", a piece Don wrote for graphic designer Maria Eckstein (mentioned above) is a composition as beautiful as her artwork.
"Sidonie" is one of my all-time favorite Ellis pieces with a myriad of colors, textures, time signatures and some very tasteful soloing by Don again showing his masterful ability to blend soloing with orchestration. This piece is on a par with "Chain Reaction" from the "Connection" album.
"Nicole" is a haunting ballad that concludes the record very nicely.
Excellent liner notes by Nick Di Scala with information about the tracks that I did not know (for instance the inspiration for "Images of Maria" and the fact that "Nicole" is from an unused portion of "The French Connection" score.) I am most grateful to Nick and all who brought "Soaring" back to the light of day in digital format.
Like I said - Buy it, buy it now.

Andy's note:
Another off cassette tape on the BASF/MPS label.Again it sounds just fine (This 200 cassette tapes for $NZ 60 was a real bargain!).The review is from the web and I note that this has been re-released on the Jazz Club series,if you like the sound treat yourself to a copy of a fine album.

By Andy

Pat Metheny Group ''We Live Here''

Pat Metheny Group

''We Live Here''
( Geffen Records, 1994 )
Catalog # 24729

Tracklisting:
1. Here to Stay
2. And Then I Knew
3. The Girls Next Door
4. To the End of the World
5. We Live Here
6. Episode D' Azur
7. Something to Remind You
8. Red Sky
9. Stranger in Town

Note:
Another one off cassette tape and again this one doesn't appear to have been played.

Reviews:
This 1994 recording marks one of the closest collaborations of guitarist Pat Metheny and keyboardist Lyle Mays, with every composition co-composed by the two except Mays's "Episode d'Azur." It's a varied, engaging tapestry. Metheny's ever- shifting guitar sounds percolate and soar over the smooth backgrounds of Mays's piano and synthesized orchestrations, occasional background vocals by David Blamires and Mark Ledford, and a strong foundation provided by bassist Steve Rodby. The title song builds over a wall of rapid, insistent percussion from Paul Wertico and Luis Conte, while there's a brooding, luminous sweep that seethes, then explodes, in the 12-minute "To the End of the World." But it's Metheny's inventive guitar work that distinguishes this music, including the long, lyrical lines of the very pretty "And Then I Knew," the tunefully subdued funk of "The Girls Next Door," and the soaring, bubbling excitement of "Episode."
By Adam Rains

Principally recorded at The Hit Factory, New York, New York in 1994.
WE LIVE HERE won a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Performance.
The Pat Metheny Group have always been on the move. Previous album titles such as THE ROAD TO YOU, OFFRAMP and LETTER FROM HOME indicate a proclivity for motion, and on their latest production, WE LIVE HERE, they show that their home is a constant state of travel. Throughout these nine songs they challenge the listener to not go with them.
The Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays composition team works with hooky structures which provide foundations for thoughtful, and, at times, passionate improvisations. The rousing riff behind "Stranger In Town" serves as a jumping-off point for one of Pat's many stunning solos. With a full, warm sound, he masterfully develops his improvisations as if he were telling tales, weaving lines through carefully fabricated collages of harmonic color. Thematic and motivic development are standard in Metheny's playing, and he expresses his ideas with such conviction and craft that you may find yourself humming them later.
Another highlight of WE LIVE HERE is the propelling percussion of Luis Conte. From the hip-hoppish groove of "Here To Stay" to the fierce, tribal soundscape supporting the title track, Conte always adds the right juice to the mix.
The Pat Metheny Group are at home when they are playing with fire--sometimes smoldering, sometimes blazing, but always burning.
Pat Metheny Group: Pat Metheny (guitar, guitar synthesizer); David Blamires (vocals); Mark Ledford (vocals, whistles, flugelhorn, trumpet); Lyle Mays (piano, keyboards); Steve Rodby (acoustic & electric basses); Paul Wertico (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).
Additional personnel: Dave Samuels (cymbals); Sammy Merendino (drum programming).
Entertainment Weekly (1/20/95, p.53) - "...With a sure instinct for sleek grooves, Metheny travels a path between jazz, Latin-esque ideas, and, this time out, soft-core R&B--with winning musicality..." - Rating: A-

More info here.

Not available on the free blog edition

By Andy

Second Direction ''Four Corners''

Second Direction

''Four Corners''
( Spinning Wheel Records, Reissue, 2002 )
Original Record Trend Records, Germany, 1976
Catalog # TLP-004

Tracklisting:
01 Freeland
02 Storm Flute
03 Peace
04 Praeludium No.3
05 Steamer
06 Flying Carpet Ride
07 Blue Dilemma
08 Four Corners

Notes & Personnel Info:
Second Direction: Fritz Munzer (saxophone, flute)
Karl Heinz Merkel (electric piano, keyboards)
Gerhard Spirka (bass)
Val Hargreaves (drums).
Additional personnel: Jorg Gebhard (congas).
Recorded at Bauer Studios, Ludwigsburg, Germany in 1976.

Review:
A funky fusion classic! Second Direction are certainly not a household name -- but this well-grooving German combo has a great sound that mixes Latin rhythms with modal electric playing, very much in the mode of some of the best MPS work of the time, or of some of the jazzier groups on the Glucklich series of compilations. This album's their one real legacy -- and despite it's lost status, it's got a tight feel that's held up very well over the years! Drums are tight, keyboards are spacey and groovy, and there's some soulful solos on sax and flute that give the record an honest open finish. Ttiles include "Steamer", "Blue Dilemma", "Peace", "Storm Flute", and "Freeland".
© 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

By Pier

Dave Liebman "Lookout Farm"

Dave Liebman

"Lookout Farm"
( LP Ecm Records,1973 )
Catalog # Ecm 1039 ST

Tracklisting:
A1 - Pablo's Story 14:08
A2 - Sam's Float 8:47
B - M. D. / Lookout Farm 24:00

Personnel:
Dave Liebman : Soprano Saxophone,
Tenor Saxophone, Alto C Flute
Richard Beirach : Electric Piano, Acoustic Piano
Frank Tusa : Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass
Jeff Williams : Drums
Additional Musicians Is:
John Abercrombie : Electric Guiatr, Acoustic Guitar
Armen Halburian : Percussion
Don Alias : Congas, Bongos
Badal Roy : Tablas
Steve Sattan : Tamburine, Cowbell
Eleana Sternberg : Voice

Credits (Productions):
Produced By Manfred Eicher

Notes:
Recorded: October 10,11, 1973
Released: 1974, W.Germany
Re-Issued: Polydor K.K., Japan, Pocj-2232(Cd)
Released: June 1, 1992, Japan
Recorded On October 10 And 11, 1973 At Generation Sound Studios
Recording Engineer: Tony May; Mixing Engineer: Martin Wieland

Review:
For saxophonist/flutist David Liebman, the collective septet Lookout Farm earmarked him as an emergent band leader and conceptualist, not to mention top-of-the-heap unabashed improviser, especially on the soprano. With Richie Beirach on acoustic piano, identifying him as the post-Lennie Tristano disciple of the '70s, electric guitarist John Abercrombie, East Indian percussionists Badal Roy and Armen Halburian, drummer Jeff Williams, and underrated upright bassist Frank Tusa, Lookout Farm's sheer democracy in motion, for progressive modern jazz in a fusion era, defined how far artistically a group could go while retaining a distinct identity. Tack-on to that the stunning production values of ECM's Manfred Eicher, and you have a trend setting icon of a large ensemble for the ages. This one-of-a-kind band and recording set a high-water mark for far too few bands, even unto itself, to follow. This is worth searching for and savoring.
By Michael G. Nastos (AMG)

By Celo

Brecker Brothers "Blue Montreux"

Brecker Brothers

"Blue Montreux"
( LP Arista Records, 1978 )
Catalog # AL 4224

Tracklisting:
1 - Blue Montreux 8:47
2 - Rocks 7:54
3 - I'm Sorry 8:38
4 - A Funky Waltz 5:56
5 - Floating 7:53
6 - Uptown Ed 6:35
7 - Cloud Motion 9:27
8 - Love Play 10:52

Review:
A sweet session of 70s electric jazz recorded as a unique live all-star outing by a group of Arista's best jazz players at the time! The group's an octet, but plays together in differing formations throughout the record with Warren Bernhardt on keyboards, Michael Brecker on saxes, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Steve Jordan on drums, Steve Khan and Larry Coryell on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, and Mike Maineri on vibes the last of which really make for some of the best numbers on the album! Bernhardt's keyboards are pretty good too stepping out with a spacious, fluid feel that's never jamming and more in the open-ended Bob James side of the spectrum, although his overall sound is a lot different than Bob's! Titles include "Blue Montreux", "Rocks", "I'm Sorry", "Magic Carpet", "Buds", "Floating", and "The Virgin & The Gypsy".
From Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Review 2:
At the 1978 Montreux Jazz Festival, a variety of artists (including keyboardist Warren Bernhardt, tenor-saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarists Steve Khan and Larry Coryell, trumpeter Randy Brecker and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri) recorded a dozen funky selections which were originally released on two Arista LPs. This single set has the eight top performances from these important fusion stylists; Michael Brecker in particular is in good form. The results are not essential but offer listeners a time capsule of where R&B-oriented fusion was in 1978.
By Scott Yanow (AMG)

Note:
Also on Bluebird Rec., Cat.# Bluebird 6573-2-RB11

By Celo

Brecker Brothers "Don't Stop The Music"

Brecker Brothers

"Don't Stop The Music"
( LP Arista Records , 1977 )
Catalog # AL 4122

Tracklisting:
A1 - Finger Lickin' Good 3:58
A2 - Funky Sea, Funky Dew 6:13
A3 - As Long As I've Got Your Love 4:15
A4 - Squids 7:45
B1 - Don't Stop The Music 6:33
B2 - Petals 4:20
B3 - Tabula Rasa 8:19

Personnel & Credits:
Sanford Allen Violin
Beverly Billard Vocals (bckgr)
Doug Billard Vocals (bckgr)
Michael Brecker Flute, Sax (Tenor)
Randy Brecker Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Horn
Ariana Bronne Violin
Josh Brown Vocals (bckgr)
Hiram Bullock Guitar
Robin Clark Vocals (bckgr)
Louis del Gatto Sax (Baritone)
Peter Dimitriades Violin
Christine Faith Vocals (bckgr)
Sammy Figueroa Conga
Jerry Friedman Guitar, Piano (Electric)
Steve Gadd Drums
Paul Gershman Violin
Don Grolnick Keyboards
Steve Khan Guitar (Electric), Guitar (12 String)
Harold Kohon Violin
Will Lee Bass, Vocals (bckgr)
Jesse Levy Cello
Richard Locker Cello
Harry Lookofsky Violin
Guy Lumia Violin
Ralph MacDonald Percussion
Lou Marini Sax (Alto)
Chris Parker Drums
Matthew Raimondi Violin
Jack Richardson Producer
Doug Riley Keyboards
Barry Rogers Trombone
Aaron Rosand Violin
Alan Rubin Trumpet
David Taylor Trombone
Sandy Torano Guitar
Lenny White Drums

Review:
This 1977 effort continues their hitmaking streak of one of fusion and R&B's durable and respected units. While this album's predecessor, Back to Back, was credited to the Brecker Brothers Band and featured members including David Sanborn and Steve Khan, it came off as underdone and facile. Don't Stop the Music does present their gifts in a more cogent fashion, but not without a few odd detours. The title track and "Finger Licking Good" are pure disco efforts, with pushy rhythms and ingratiating backing vocals. Although they are both a little silly, they have great horn riffs and boast a potent production. Despite those danceable offerings, Don't Stop the Music also features some of the brothers' most challenging work. The funky and quirky "Squids" features Randy Brecker's customarily offbeat and singular electric trumpet work. Hiram Bullock's articulate guitar also shines on that track and he fit into the Breckers sound like no other player. "Funky Sea, Funky Dew" is a reflective, urbane mid-tempo offering that has great tenor solos from Michael Brecker. The just-as-strong "Petals" features a poignant trumpet work from Randy Brecker. Don't Stop the Music enlists rock producer Jack Richardson, and he and co-producer Steve Backer both capture the more powerful aspects of the duo. Recorded at Atlantic Studios and engineered by Gene Paul, Don't Stop the Music boasts an interesting sound, and is one of the Brecker Brothers' better efforts.
By Jason Elias (AMG)

By Celo

Brecker Brothers "Back To Back"

Brecker Brothers

"Back To Back"
( LP Arista Records, 1976 )
Catalog # AL 4061

Tracklisting:
A1 Keep It Steady (Brecker Bump) 6:20
A2 If You Wanna Boogie...Forget It 3:52
A3 Lovely Lady 6:11
A4 Night Flight 6:12
B1 Slick Stuff 4:44
B2 Dig A Little Deeper 3:57
B3 Grease Piece 5:41
B4 What Can A Miracle Do 4:10
B5 I Love Wastin' Time With You 6:27

Personnel & Credits:
Patti Austin Vocals
Steve Backer Executive Producer
The Brecker Brothers Producer
Michael Brecker Flute, Sax (Tenor)
Randy Brecker Piano, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals, Electric Trumpet
Robin Clark Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
Rafael Cruz Percussion
Lew DelGatto Sax (Baritone)
Louis del Gatto Saxophone, Sax (Baritone)
Godfrey Diamond Engineer
Jimmy Douglass Engineer
Sammy Figueroa Percussion
Benno Friedman Photography
David Friedman Marimba
Steve Gadd Drums
Nancy Greenberg Art Direction, Design
Don Grolnick Trombone, Keyboards
Bob Heimall Art Direction, Design
Steve Khan Guitar
Will Lee Bass, Bass (Electric), Vocals
Ralph MacDonald Percussion
Bob Mann Guitar
Chris Parker Drums
Christopher Parker Drums
David Sanborn Sax (Alto)
Diane Snyder Vocals (bckgr)
Jerry Solomon Assistant Engineer
Diane Sumler Vocals, Vocals (bckgr)
G. Diane Sumler Vocals
Luther Vandross Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Vocal Arrangement
Dave Whitman Synthesizer, Programming, Vocals (bckgr), Producer, Synthesizer Programming
Allee Willis Vocals

Review:
A great batch of soulful fusion tracks from The Brecker Brothers recorded back before they got too cheesy! The album features the twin horns of Randy & Michael Brecker, along with alto by David Sanborn, keyboards by Don Grolnick, and guitar by Steve Khan but one of the things that really makes the album great is the vocal arrangements, which were handled by Luther Vandross, who also sung on the album along with Patti Austin. The set’s got a great soulful feel with some wonderful mellow groovers that have a sweet 70s sound.
(Dusty Groove America)

By Celo

Brecker Brothers "Brecker Bros"

Brecker Brothers

"Brecker Bros"
( LP Arista Records, 1975 )
Catalog # AL 4037

Tracklisting:
A1 - Some Skunk Funk 5:50
A2 - Sponge 4:00
A3 - A Creature Of Many Faces 7:40
A4 - Twilight 6:32
B1 - Sneakin' Up Behind You 4:50
B2 - Rocks 4:37
B3 - Levitate 4:31
B4 - Oh My Stars 3:14
B5 - D.B.B. 4:45

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Art Direction] - Bob Heimall
Artwork By [Design] - Arton Associates
Bass [Electric] - Will Lee
Drums - Harvey Mason
Engineer [Assistant Remix] - David Stone , Leanne Unger
Engineer [Recording, Remix] - Gerald Block
Executive Producer - Steve Backer
Guitar - Bob Mann
Keyboards - Don Grolnick
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
Photography - John Paul Endress
Producer, Trumpet, Trumpet [Electric], Composed By,
Arranged By, Flugelhorn - Randy Brecker
Saxophone [Alto] - Dave Sanborn
Saxophone [Tenor] - Michael Brecker

Review:
In the ’70s, brothers Michael and Randy Brecker co-led a band of New York session big shots that included, at various times, David Sanborn, Don Grolnick, Will Lee, and George Duke, among others. When they chose, the Brecker Brothers Band could be one of the most intelligent and creative fusion outfits. Chief composer/trumpeter Randy’s best tunes were structurally unpredictable, melodically intricate, and harmonically complex, inside/out bop heads played in an impossibly precise manner over a bed of funk rhythms. Unlike the bulk of jazz-funk (then and now), the Breckers on their first record, at least kept the pandering to a minimum. Though it had a certain commercial appeal, 1975’s Back to Back was an artistic success as well. The Brothers’ music was a smart combination of extended pop forms, top-notch jazz improvisation, and sophisticated compositional techniques. On later albums, the temptation to sell lots of records apparently became too great to resist. Even the otherwise excellent first record bore some marks of disco, and with each subsequent album, the band’s creative IQ shrank by several points. Still, virtually every record had something of substance to recommend it. In the early ’90s, RCA issued a pair of compilation sets that combined the best of the band’s purely instrumental, jazz-based work. By 1982, the brothers had ceased working together, but did reunite for touring and recording in the early ’90s.
First date for brothers from 1975. Side one is solid jazz/funk/fusion.
(AMG)

By Celo

Mickey Hart "Planet Drum"

Mickey Hart

"Planet Drum"
( LP Rykodisc Records, 1991 )
Catalog # RLP 10206

Tracklisting:
1 - Udu Chant 3:40
Cowbell - Sikiru Adepoju
Drums, Tabla, Balafon - Zakir Hussain
Drums, Tambourine, Triangle, Vocals - Mickey Hart
Vocals, Chimes, Tamanco, Whistles - Airto Moreira
2 - Island Groove 5:44
Caxixi, Rattles, Cymbal, Voice - Airto Moreira
Djembe, Congas, Shekere, Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums - Mickey Hart
Dundun, Duggi Tarang - Sikiru Adepoju
Madal, Dholak - Zakir Hussain
3 - Light Over Shadow 3:51
Djembe, Ngoma, Ashiko - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums, Cowbell, Flute, Vocals - Airto Moreira
Vocals - Flora Purim
4 - Dance Of The Hunter's Fire 2:59
Bells - Sikiru Adepoju
Djembe - Babatunde Olatunji
Djembe, Shaker - Airto Moreira
Ghatam - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker - Caryl Ohrbach , Flora Purim
Shekere - Frank Colon
Shekere, Congas - Giovanni Hidalgo
5 - Jewe "You Are The One" 4:06
Vocals - Flora Purim
Vocals, Percussion - Babatunde Olatunji , Bruce Langhorne , Gordy Ryan , Mickey Hart
6 - The Hunt 3:51
Bells, Tabla, Naal - Zakir Hussain
Djembe, Ashiko, Ngoma - Babatunde Olatunji
Drums - Mickey Hart
Dundun - Sikiru Adepoju
Ghatam, Jew's Harp - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker - Airto Moreira
7 - Temple Caves 3:14
Djembe, Congas - Babatunde Olatunji
Gudugudu - Sikiru Adepoju
Percussion, Shaker, Tarang, Duggi, Rain Stick - Mickey Hart
Shaker, Voice, Conch Shell, Gongs - Airto Moreira
Tabla, Taya - Zakir Hussain
8 - The Dancing Sorcerer 2:57
Berimbau - Airto Moreira
Tabla, Madal - Zakir Hussain
9 - Bones 4:10
Balafon, Bones - Mickey Hart
Bata - Giovanni Hidalgo
Dundun, Shaker, Bells - Zakir Hussain
Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim
10 - Lost River 2:58
Cymbal, Shaker, Wood Blocks, Percussion - Airto Moreira
Djembe, Dundun - Sikiru Adepoju
Drums - Mickey Hart
Duggi Tarang, Conch Shell - Zakir Hussain
Vocals - Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim
11 - Evening Samba 4:30
Bells - Mickey Hart , Sikiru Adepoju , Zakir Hussain
Drums, Tambourine, Whistling, Wood Blocks, Cymbals, Bells - Airto Moreira
Ghatam - T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram
Shaker, Bells - Babatunde Olatunji
12 - Iyanu "Surprises" 2:02
Vocals - Flora Purim , Molonga Casquelord
Vocals, Bamboo - Airto Moreira
Vocals, Claps - Babatunde Olatunji
Vocals, Gourds - Mickey Hart
13 - Mysterious Island 5:49
Drums [Udu] - Jeff Sterling
Percussion, Dumbec - Mickey Hart
Percussion, Flute [Nose Flute], Tambourine - Airto Moreira
Wind Chimes, Vocals - Flora Purim

Personnel & Credits:
Co-producer - Airto Moreira , Babatunde Olatunji , Flora Purim , Sikiru Adepoju , T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakram , Zakir Hussain
Engineer - Jeff Sterling , Tom Flye
Mastered By - Paul Stubblebine
Producer - Mickey Hart

Review:
A dazzling all-percussion workout with plenty of muscle and deep grooves, it features many of the world musicians from At the Edge, and is loosely tied to Hart's book of the same name.
Bob Tarte (AMG)

By Celo

Laboratorium "Modern Pentathlon"

Laboratorium

"Modern Pentathlon"
( LP Polskie Nagrania - Muza , Poland, 1976 )
Catalog # SX 1418

Tracklisting:
A Pieciobój Nowoczesny 19:55
Aa Przebieg Niekontrolowany
Ab Mur 1234
Ac Kravhana
Ad Coyola
Ae Taniec "Bialego Karla"
B1 - Funki Dla Franki 4:43
Written By - Janusz Grzywacz
B2 - Szalony Baca 6:00
- Written By - Janusz Grzywacz , Marek Stryszowski
B3 - ABZ 4:50
Written By - Janusz Grzywacz
B4 - Grzymaszka 2:20
Written By - Janusz Grzywacz

Personnel & Credits:
Janusz Grzywacz - leader, p, Fender p, Roland 2000 Synth.
Marek Stryszowski - vocal, alto sxophone, bass clarinet
Krzysztof Scieranski - bass guitar
Pawel Scieranski - electric and acoustic guitars
Mieczyslaw Gorka - drums, percussion

Notes:
Recorded in Warsaw, July 1976
Polish Jazz vol.49

Review:
Rare jazz from the Polish scene of the 70s, one of the unsung hotbeds of modern rock jazz in the 20th Century. One of the most influential jazz-rock albums ever made behind the Iron Curtain. In spirit of Weather Report...just better

By Celo

Nucleus "We'll Talk About It Later"

Nucleus

" We'll Talk About It Later"
( LP Vertigo Records, 1970 )
Catalog # 6360027

Tracklisting:
1. Song For The Bearded Lady (7:25)
2. Sun Child (5:19)
3. Lullaby For A Lonely Child (4:21)
4. We'll Talk About It Later (6:19)
5. Oasis (9:49)
6. Ballad of Joe Pimp (3:48)
7. Easter 1916 (8:47)

Personnel & Credits:
Ian Carr - trumpet, flugelhorn
Karl Jenkins - electric piano, oboe, piano, baritone saxophone
Brian Smith - tenor & soprano saxes, flute
Chris Spedding - guitars
Jeff Clyne - bass, electric bass
John Marshall - drums, percussion

Review:
Although Nucleus made an acclaimed performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1970, the U.K. proto-fusionists never became particularly popular in the States, with much of their recorded output only available as import releases. In fact, in certain quarters Nucleus is known primarily as a source of musicians who joined the latter-day Soft Machine, itself a group that never moved too far beyond cult status. Composer/keyboardist/reedman Karl Jenkins, drummer John Marshall, bassist Roy Babbington, and guitarist Allan Holdsworth all played with Nucleus at one time or another, and all had moved over to the Soft Machine lineup by the time the Softs (with Mike Ratledge the only original remaining member of the band) issued Bundles in 1975. Nucleus' second album, 1970's We'll Talk About It Later, might be of particular interest to fans of Bundles-era Soft Machine given the presence of "Song for the Bearded Lady," a Jenkins composition that later appeared in altered form on Bundles as "Hazard Profile," a vehicle for one of Holdsworth's most stunningly fleet-fingered solos on record. "Song for the Bearded Lady" kicks off We'll Talk About It Later with a fanfare and funky unison and counterpoint riffing that segue into a spacious groove and Ian Carr trumpet solo echoing the influence of electric Miles from the same time period. Chris Spedding was the band's guitarist here, and one shouldn't expect Holdsworth-style pyrotechnics from him; Spedding was a blues-rocker more than a jazzer and generally took a back seat to the soloing skills of Carr, Jenkins, and New Zealand saxophonist Brian Smith (whose duet with drummer Marshall at the conclusion of "Easter 1916" -- inspired by the Yeats poem about the Irish nationalist uprising in Dublin -- approaches the wildness of some of the era's most incendiary free jazz).

The band is at its best when firing on all cylinders (the title track, for example), but the album's mood changes are for the most part effective; "Lullaby for a Lonely Child" is a lovely down-tempo ballad (who would've guessed from that title?) with an understated horn/sax line from Carr and Smith and atmospheric bouzouki from Spedding imparting a Mediterranean flavor. New millennial listeners might wish for a time machine to go back and tell this band to lose the occasional vocals, however. The uncredited singing in "Ballad of Joe Pimp" might seem laughably polite during the age of gangsta rap; this Joe Pimp sounds about as streetwise as Gilbert O'Sullivan of "Alone Again (Naturally)" fame. Still, the song seems prescient -- its tempo and instrumentation are akin to Pink Floyd's "Money," which appeared on the scene several years later. Given Carr's long trumpet and flügelhorn lines, Jenkins' probing oboe and funk-filled electric keyboards, Spedding's rockish wah-wah guitar, Smith's freewheeling sax work, and the powerful rhythmic foundation of drummer Marshall and bassist Jeff Clyne, this version of Nucleus should appeal to any fan of late-'60s/early-'70s fusion -- either the Soft Machine-esque Brit variety or the stateside explorations of the Miles Davis school. But We'll Talk About It Later shouldn't be viewed merely through the prism of other artists; Nucleus was an original band that deserves considerably more attention than it got for pioneering a form of jazz-rock that has, for the most part, aged quite well, and We'll Talk About It Later is a noteworthy release from a strong Nucleus incarnation. [In 1995, BGO Records re-released We'll Talk About It Later in a two-CD package that also included Nucleus' first album, Elastic Rock.]
By Dave Lynch (AMG)

By Celo

The Warriors ''Behind The Mask''

The Warriors

''Behind The Mask''
( LP Ensign Records, 1982 )
Catalog # ENVY6001

Tracklisting:
1. Hot Apple
2. The Warrior
3. Midnight Oil
4. Bustin' Loose
5. Warrior's Dream
6. Destination
7. Je Ne Sais Quoi
8. Drive
9. Unsung Heroes

Note:
Classic 1982 UK 9-track Jazz fusion LP

Also here.

By Andy

Various Artists ''Stargazer: Cosmic Fusion & Interstellar Jazz''

Various Artists

''Stargazer: Cosmic Fusion & Interstellar Jazz''
( 2xLP Harmless Records, 2002 )
Catalog # HURTLP047

Tracklisting:
1 Dexter Wansel - Theme From the Planets
2 Azymuth - A presa
3 Donald Byrd - Perpetual Love
4 Herbie Hancock - Hidden Shadows
5 Woody Shaw - Love: For the One You Can't Have
6 Miles Davis - Konda
7 Eddie Harris - Free Speech
8 Sun Ra - There Are Other Worlds (They Have Not Told You Of)
9 David Axelrod - A Divine Image

Credits:
Artwork By [Painting] - Chris Moore
Artwork By [Sleeve Design] - Think1
Compiled By - Sean Pennycook
Other [Liner Notes] - Sean Pennycook


Review:
An excellent compilation of long modal and spacey jazz tunes. Harmless have made a great effort to not just include predictable stuff, every thing on here really works. However, one tune seems an odd choice, David Axelrod's "A Divine Image". I love this tune, but I would not put it on a compilation of spacey jazz, that belongs on a obscuro comp, or something more along those lines. My high point on here is Miles Davis' "Konda", I'd never heard this tune before and I can't believe I've survived this long without it.
By MH1000 (Rate Your Music)

Covers here.

By Andy

Isotope “Isotope”

Isotope

“Isotope”
( LP Gull Records, UK, 1974 )
Catalog # GULP 1002

Tracklisting:
A1 – Then There Were Four
A2 – Do The Business
A3 – Oh Little Fat Man
A4 – Sunshine Park
A5 – Bite On This
B1 – Upward Curve
B2 – Retracing My Steps
B3 – Windmills And Waterfalls
B4 – Honkey Donkey

Personnel & Credits:
Bass – Jeff Clyne
Composed By – Brian Miller, Gary Boyle (tracks: B4)
Drums – Nigel Morris
Engineer – Gary Martin
Guitar – Gary Boyle
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Brian Miller
Producer – Isotope, Tim Sharman

Review:
Issued in 1974, Isotope’s debut album is very different from the other two that the band produced. For their first outing nearly the whole album was written by one person – keyboardist Brian Miller, with Gary Boyle contributing just the final track. Consequently Boyle’s guitar is not quite as evident as on their second album, and the funk of their third has yet to appear. This makes the music sound softer, although when the guitar kicks in that flies out the window – witness the superb solo on ‘Oh Little Fat Man’. ‘Sunshine Park’ is more or less a solo keyboards piece, but it is tracks like the Mahivishnu soundalike ‘Bite On This’ and the excellent ‘Upward Curve’ where the band excel. Miller has written some first-rate tunes for this album, and the playing is exemplary. Apparently Miller and bassist Jess Clyne had a jazz background, and after this album they returned to it, which was why ex-Soft Machine stalwart Hugh Hopper was drafted in for the second album. Miller and Clyne’s influence is certainly evident on some tracks where the music seems more jazz than jazz-rock on ‘Windmills And Waterfalls’ for example – but once Boyle’s guitar appears the fusion takes over.

By Celo

Isotope “Illusion”

Isotope

“Illusion”
( LP Gull Records, UK, 1975 )
Catalog # GU-402V 1

Tracklisting:
A1 – Illusion
A2 – Rangoon Creeper
A3 – Spanish Sun
A4 – E-Dorian
B1 – Frog
B2 – Sliding Dogs, Lion Sandwich
B3 – Golden Selection
B4 – Marin County Girl
B5 – Lily Kong
B6 – Temper Tantrum

Personnel & Credits:
Bass – Hugh Hopper
Drums – Nigel Morris
Guitar – Gary Boyle
Keyboards – Laurence Scott
Producer – Poli Palmer

Notes:
Recorded at Rockfield Studios, Monmouthshire
Stage Sound: Fran Caldwell
Engineer: Gary Martin

Review:
This is the second album by the jazz-rock british based quartet Isotope. Isotope is a strong fusion band with all the characteristics of a fusion band. While the recorded sound is a bit on the murky side, the performances more than compensate for it. Guitarist Gary Boyle really shines here, bringing together elements of Indian music (he was born in India originally), jazz, Hendrix and John McLaughlin with a tart, biting tone yet still having a unique warmth. Former Soft Machine bassist Hugh Hopper lends his distinct fuzz-bass sound to the proceedings and gives the songs a lot of extra bite and grit as well as being quite melodic in his own unique way. Drummer Nigel Morris seems to have found a precarious balance of technique and soul as he propels the tunes at a brisk pace, really LISTENING to the other musicians as opposed to just showing how fast he could play. Lawrence Scott provides understated keyboard support (mainly on Fender Rhodes) but doesn’t seem to feel comfortable going out on the edge as much as the other musicians do. If you enjoy a well balanced diet of melody, dense harmonies, fiery instrumental work and the FUZZIEST bassist in prog, give this a spin! Highly recommended for fans of jazz fusion.

By Celo

Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Diane Schuur, Dave Valentin ”GRP Live In Session”

Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Diane Schuur, Dave Valentin

”GRP Live In Session”
( LP GRP Records, 1985 )
Catalog # GRD-9532, GRP A 1023

Tracklisting:
Mountain Dance
Oasis
The Rit Variations
Reverend Lee
Dolphin Dreams
Rio Funk
St. Elsewhere

Personnel:
Andy Baltimore Design, Creative Director
Terry Bower Assistant
David Gibb Design
Dave Grusin Synthesizer, Piano, Performer, Executive Producer
Abraham Laboriel Bass
Peter Lopez Production Coordination
David Moore Photography
Don Murray Engineer, Mixing
Lee Ritenour Guitar (Electric), Producer, Guitar (Classical), Performer, Synthaxe
Larry Rosen Liner Notes, Executive Producer
Diane Schuur Vocals, Performer
Dan Serrano Design
Wally Traugott Mastering
Dave Valentin Flute, Performer
Carlos Vega Drums
Larry E. Williams Sax (Tenor), Emulator, DX-7, Jupiter

Review:
On this 1985 date, Diane Schur at least is interesting.
By Ron Wynn (AMG)

George Jazz Radio

By Andy

John Mayall ”Jazz Blues Fusion”

John Mayall

”Jazz Blues Fusion”
(Live)
( LP Polydor Records, 1972 )
Catalog # 5027

Tracklisting:
1. Country Road 7:16
2. Mess Around 2:51
3. Good Times Boogie 9:17
4. Change Your Ways 3:45
5. Dry Throat 6:39
6. Exercise In C 8:32
7. Got To Be This Way 6:54

Personnel & Credits:
Steve Katleman Photography
Eddie Kramer Engineer
John Mayall Guitar, Harmonica, Piano, Keyboards, Vocals, Producer, Design
Billy Mitchell Sax (Tenor)
Blue Mitchell Trumpet
Freddy Robinson Guitar, Vocals
Ron Selico Percussion, Drums
Clifford Solomon Saxophone
Larry Taylor Bass, Guitar (Bass)
Nancy Throckmorton Photography

Review:
Jazz Blues Fusion is a Live album by John Mayall, the first side is from a gig in Boston on 18th November 1971, and the second side was selected from two concerts at Hunter College, New York on 3rd and 4th December 1971.
From Wikipedia

By Andy