New! Other Dimensions: Carter/Campbell/Parker/Drake 2 CD set! Herb Robertson NY Downtown AllStars! Anthony Braxton 2007 Trio! Dennis Gonzalez NY Qt! Brotzmann/Wilkinson Qt!

Harry Beckett/George Haslam Sextet plus 6 More New Discs from Slam! Steve Jansen w/ David Sylvian! 4 Discs from Weasel Walter's Ug-Explode label! 3 from Australia's Barney McAll w/ Billy Harper, Joey Baron, Josh Roseman & Badal Roy!

Daunik Lazro & Joe McPhee! Nobu Stowe & Perry Robinson! Ghidra w/ Wally Shoup & Bill Horist! ESP Disk: Billie Holiday box, Lester Young, and Burton Greene!

Plus Historic Discs & Reissues from Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Wolfgang Dauner Quintet, Taj Mahal Travelers, Fela Kuti 3 CD Set, Erik Satie//Poulenc, 3 by Morricone, 4 from Welsh Rockers: Man and An Eccentric Soul Compilation!




*******************


Downtown Music Gallery (that's us) is currently auctioning some of our Rare Jazz Vinyl on eBay. The current auctions end this Sunday. Click this link to see the list:

http://music.search.ebay.com/_Records_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfrppZ200QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQrdZ0QQsacatZ306QQsassZdtmgallery


***********************


Just added to the Downtown Music Gallery In-Store Music Series:

Very Rare Tuesday Performance, December 11th at 7pm:

FRODE GJERSTAD / STEVE SWELL / OYVIND STORESUND / PAAL NILSSEN-LOVE! Alto Sax & clarinet / trombone / bass / drums!


***********************



ANTHONY BRAXTON DIAMOND CURTAIN WALL TRIO With MARY HALVORSON /TAYLOR HO BYNUM - Trio (Victoriaville) 2007 (Victo 108; Canada) The Diamond Curtain Wall Trio is more like a quartet with an almost invisible fourth member, Braxton's Super-Collider (software for his) computer. This new trio features Mary Halvorson on guitar, Taylor Ho Bynum on cornet, trumpets & odd horns and Mr. Braxton on alto sax, sopranino sax, concert bass & bass sax, etc. Braxton's computer was interactive but only heard on occasion, as the real interaction took place between these three master musicians. As Taylor switched between a half dozen horns, the next section of the piece would take place. Mary does not play guitar like anyone else and seems to come up with new ideas and sounds all the time. Although she has that jazz guitar-like tone, she is always finding ways to break expectations. She will turn her pick-ups down sound as is she is playing an acoustic guitar, playing chords in her own weird way and then work with some more restrained feedback that sounds completely original and unexpected. What is truly amazing about this trio is the way they work together, weaving fragments of notes into new combinations at every turn. Braxton has been bringing back his concert bass sax, that ridiculous looking 6-foot tall sax that remains in a stand and is wheeled into place. It is a joy to watch him play that gargantuan sax and get more sounds out of it that one would think possible. Besides being an incredible composer, teacher and philosopher, Mr. Braxton is a master reeds player/explorer. In this trio he has found two other kindred spirits who can match wits with him that is no small feat. The electronics were the least interesting member of this group, just providing occasional shadows and ghost-like sounds that were difficult to notice. This was alien communication at its best, like three planets circling one another in measured orbits and more like the best modern classical sounds, than modern jazz. - BLG
CD $15


OTHER DIMENSIONS IN MUSIC [DANIEL CARTER/WILLIAM PARKER/ROY CAMPBELL Jr/HAMID DRAKE] - In Paris: Live at the Sunset 2006 [2 CD set] (Futura/Marge 38; France) Featuring Roy Campbell on trumpets, flugelhorn, flute & recorder, Daniel Carter on alto sax, flute & trumpet, William Parker on bass & musette and Hamid Drake on drumset & frame drum. Considering that downtown all-star quartet (ODIM) have been together for more than 25 years, this is only their fourth disc. This disc is very special in a few different ways: it features the incredible Hamid Drake on drums (instead of their regular drummer Rashid Bakr, it was recorded at the Sunset in Paris in October of 2006 and it is a double CD. Another great thing about this disc is that each of the four members contributes illuminating words (English & French) to explain what Other Dimensions in Music is really about. The recording is also superb, warm and perfectly balanced. Bravo to the great Jean-Marc Foussat who has also worked with Joelle Leandre on many of her discs.
Other Dimensions plays freely, yet remain consistently connected to each other. As William and Hamid swirl, spin and swing together, Roy and Daniel toss fireworks back and forth. Roy plays the first fine solo on trumpet with Daniel soon joining him on tenor, the flow from one solo to the next is a continuous stream. When both horns finally lay out, the bass & drums play a magical inter-connected duo, increasing and decreasing the tempo together, keeping things exciting throughout. I love they get into a great funky groove on "Hip Bop", subtle yet greasy and right on the money. You can tell that William and Hamid have played on many a date together, as they consistently flow together in one stream. Often their tight groove will inspire Daniel and Roy to join them in playing a joyous melody inspired by that groove. There are a number of inspired solos throughout the two-disc set, with Roy on muted trumpet & Daniel on flute, "Blues for Baghdad" is especially haunting. Hamid's frame drum & voice, William's musette and the two flutes of Roy & Daniel add the cosmic touch to the aptly titled "Desert Dance". This is a consistently strong date and double disc, perfectly captured on various levels. - BLG
2 CD Set $26


PETER BROTZMANN/ALAN WILKINSON QUARTET - One Night At Burmantofts (Bo Weavel Recordings 027; UK) "A long overdue meeting of two of the titans of the saxophone today. Alan Wilkinson (alto, baritone & voice) and Peter Brštzmann (clarinet, tarogato & tenor) together with Simon H. Fell (bass) and Willi Kellers (drums). They blow up one hell of a storm. The individuals on this recording consciously commit, putting themselves 'out there,' over the edge. The energy, the electricity, generated by saxophonists Wilkinson and Brštzmann, is a result of their fearless approach to the precipice and their willingness to stare, unblinking, into the abyss. And yet while this music, free jazz, improv, call it what you will, exists at the boundary of our cultural existence, it echoes the sounds first identified as jazz, back at the birth pangs of the modern age. It is the commitment to a collective sound devoid of ego with the fearless individual, that makes this music extraordinary, that provides the moments of almost spiritual communion."
CD $17


Three Wonderful New Discs from the Clean Feed label:

HERB ROBERTSON NY DOWNTOWN ALLSTARS With TIM BERNE/SYLVIE COURVOISIER/MARK DRESSER/TOM RAINEY - Real Aberration [2 CD set] (Clean Feed 96; Portugal) Just mentioning the members of the Herb Robertson NY All-stars makes you want to hear this new double album. The project is, as you might guess from the name, under the leadership of the trumpeter known for using the mutes as complementary instruments and megaphones as electronic processors: Herb Robertson. His collaborators - Tim Berne, Sylvie Courvoisier, Mark Dresser and Tom Rainey - are among the best in the New York avant jazz scene. Add a title like Real Aberration and the cover mage of a little dog showing his bizarre teeth, and you are bound to be intrigued. Recorded live in Porto, Portugal, in the beautiful and monumental Casa da Musica, only one thing is expected: the music unexpected. And certainly it's not an aberration, unless you're a jazz purist who condemns liberties taken with mainstream norms. His music can boil in intensity and turn on a dime to dreamy-like atmospheres. It can morph to chamber jazz (listen to the magnificent bow work by bassist extraordinaire Dresser) or to the most radical fire music. It can be slow or frenzied, cerebral or visceral, through solo interludes and collective interactions, complex structures and free-flowing improvisations. You couldn't wish for more from any two discs.
2 CD set for $26

still available
HERB ROBERTSON NY DOWNTOWN ALLSTARS With TIM BERNE/SYLVIE COURVOISIER/MARK DRESSER/TOM RAINEY - Elaboration (Clean Feed 42; Portugal) Excellent! Check out BLG's review on the DMG website
CD $17

DENNIS GONZALEZ NY QUARTET With ELLERY ESKELIN/MARK HELIAS/MIKE THOMPSON - Dance of the Soothsayer's Tongue (Live at Tonic) (clean feed 94; Portugal) Aside from this new release, the Dennis Gonzalez NY Quartet is also featured on an earlier Clean Feed release, NY Midnight Suite, which was recorded shortly after a 2003 concert at the now defunct club Tonic. The live Tonic concert was recorded as well, but only partially. Because of technical problems, only 34 minutes of that fantastic performance survived. This new release includes those 34 precious minutes plus new pieces played in he studio with the same spirit. Here it is, finally, revealed to Gonzalez fans who weren't present at the gig in question as well as to those who were there and want to relive the experience. Working closely with the regular members of the quartet - Ellery Eskelin on tenor sax, Mark Helias on contrabass, and the 'sound-rhythm percussionist' Michael T.A. Thompson - the Dallas trumpeter is in full possession of his skills. At times Gonzalez is astonishing, demonstrating that being economical in the use of sounds, rather than falling back on show-off techniques, and using the mind in spontaneous music situations can result in a bang. Whoever said that improvisation is necessarily intuitive will change that opinion after hearing his deductive reasoning! Somehow Gonzalez can be as loud as Don Ayler's solos in his brother Albert's band, but with a quarter of its volume.
CD $17

Still available
DENNIS GONZALEZ NY QUARTET With ELLERY ESKELIN/MARK HELIAS/MIKE THOMPSON - NY Midnight Suite (clean feed 20; Portugal)
CD $17

JULIO RESENDE - Da Alma (From the Soul) (clean feed 95; Portugal) One of the most significant forces in the new generation of jazz musicians in Portugal, pianist Julio Resende was initially taught by one of the leading Portuguese jazz pedagogues, Ze Eduardo, and then followed by Rodrigo Goncalves and Pedro Moreira. Resende had a classical background, but soon he found out he was not satisfied to play compositions he could not improvise over. He decided to study and work with the best masters from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, the Berklee College of Music, and the Bill Evans Academy, in between spending time at the Universite de St. Denis in Paris. Da Alma (From the Soul) is the first title he has recorded under his name and it is a promising debut. Rooted in the bop tradition, but with a creative, open, and modern approach, the music is bright, full of color, seductive, and sometimes exquisite. Resende has a strong flair for melody. Here we have two configurations of his quartet: Joao Custodio (double bass) a constant member, Alexandra Grimal and Ze Pedro Coelho alternating on the tenor saxophone (both on Jinha), and Joao Lobo and Joao Rijo taking shifts on the drum set. Like Resende, all of them are young and talented improvisers. The future of jazz in Portugal will come from here.
CD $17


STEVE JANSEN With DAVID SYLVIAN & THEO TRAVIS - Slope (Samadhi Sound 012; USA) "Founder of the group Japan along with brother David Sylvian, Steve Jansen releases his astonishing solo album on Samadhisound this Autumn. On Slope, tension underlies the crisp rhythms and intricate programming, while a collection of distinctive vocalists draw out the sentiment and expression in his songwriting. As Jansen explains, 'with this album I approached composition attempting to avoid chord and song structures and the usual familiar building blocks. Instead I wanted to piece together unrelated sounds, music samples, rhythms and 'events' in an attempt to deviate from my own trappings as a musician.' The album features guest contributions from Sweet Billy Pilgrim, Thomas Feiner, Anja Garbarek, Nina Kinert, David Sylvian, Theo Travis and Joan Wasser (Joan As Policewoman). Presented as ever in a beautiful digipak featuring exquisite artwork from Australian artist Dan McPharlin and designed by Chris Bigg."
CD $16


Eight Recent releases from George Haslam's Great SLAM label:

HARRY BECKETT/GEORGE HASLAM/STEFANO PASTOR/RICHARD LEIGH HARRIS/STEVE KERSHAW - Holywell Session (Slam 324; UK) Over 25 years after Beckett and Haslam first appeared on stage together we finally have the possibility to hear the two musicians on CD. In addition, this live recording also includes the master Italian violinist Stefano Pastor; the quintet is completed by Richard Leigh Harris exploiting the depth of the Holywell Room's grand piano and the resounding and inventive double bass of Steve Kershaw. To quote the sleevenotes: "Harry Beckett is one of those special musicians whose presence is marked not only by his musical contribution but also by the influence and inspiration he imparts to his fellows." The concert was in the 'Oxford Jazz Masters Series' that featured leading avant-garde/contemporary jazz musicians from Britain and other countries.
CD $16

GEORGE HASLAM - September Spring: Haslam & Friends In Argentina (Slam 322; UK) Recorded in Buenos Aires in September of 2006 and featuring two different ensembles: George Haslam on bass clarinet, bari sax & tarogato with (1) Daniel Harari on tenor sax, Mono Hurtado on double bass & Horacio Straijer on drums and (2) George with Ruben Ferrero on piano, kalimba, melodica & percussion and Hill Greene on double-bass. British bari saxist and Slam label leader, George Haslam, has been collaborating with musicians from Argentina for more than a decade, with a half dozen discs on Slam. These two sessions were recorded on two days, September 6 & 7th of 2006. The only other player I know of here is downtown bass great Hill Greene, yet all of the other four musicians are equally fine. The first half of this disc features a quartet with two reeds, bass & drums. Opening with "Bajo Profundo", the stark contrabass, bass clarinet and tenor sax play some haunting, somber low-end sounds. Mr. Hurtado's bowed bass is especially solemn and well used on "Baile Con Las Pulgas" along with George contemplative bass clarinet. Bassist Mono sounds as if he is playing a cello at times with his rich, warm tone. Although all but one of these pieces was improvised in the studio, each piece a different strategy or plan. Horacio's percussion on "La Diana" provides a series of different textures while George plays somber tarogato (a large Eastern European clarinet) on top. Commencing with a duo of bari and tenor sax, both reedsmen start slowly and build in tempo and intensity to a joyous conclusion.
The second session starts with some exquisite, eerie bass clarinet from George and Hill's deep, expressive acoustic bass. "Tranquilo" features some delicate kalimba, hushed bari sax and odd whispered vocal sounds. All of these pieces have an evocative yet restrained quality, often with Hill's deep, resonant bass at the center. Hill plays a rather hypnotic repeating bass line on "A Green Riff' while Ruben plays some dark, Latin-like piano with a great slow-burning bari solo from George to top things off. The trio does a touching version of the traditional song, "Wade in the Water", for stunning bowed bass, majestic piano and haunting tarogato. It is a stunning conclusion to a righteous, laid-back and sublime delight. - BLG
CD $16

GEORGE HASLAM'S CUBAN MELTDOWN With BOBBY CARCASSES - Cuban Meltdown (Slam 515; UK) British bari saxist and label head, George Haslam, launched his Meltdown Project in the early '90's as a way of bringing together musicians from various cultures and genres and then inviting composers like Mal Waldron, Graham Collier and Steve Waterman to write for the combined ensemble. For this disc George organized a mixed ensemble with Cuban and British musicians and it was recorded in England and in Havana, Cuba. The musicians featured on five of the nine tracks are: Bobby Carcasses on flugelhorn & vocals, Maria Ceciia Colon on vocals, George Haslam on bari sax, Paul Rutherford on trombone, Richard Leigh Harris on piano, Steve Kershaw on bass and Robin Jones & Andre Leigh-Howarth on percussion.
This music has a joyous, uplifting Cuban groove that makes me want to dance and smile. Even Bobby Carcasses' scat singing makes me feel good and sounds like the late, great Eddie Jefferson. Mr. Haslam's "A Perfect Love" features some robust bari sax and trombone (from the recently deceased Paul Rutherford) playing some great harmonies together. The blend of the bari sax, trombone, piano and Bobby's swell scatting is infectious and enchanting. Even the subtle percussion by itself, which opens "Oye Mi Guanguanco," sounds wonderful. There are also two tracks by Bobby Carcasses' own Cuban ensemble recorded in Havana, which sound more traditional and have great groove and vibe glowing. On "Here Comes the King," Bobby's band sound especially inspired playing that Cuban groove/vibe with passion and power. Their pianist, Roberto Carcasses, Jr. and alto saxist, Roberto Martinez, are both monster musicians and I hope this band gets a chance to record their own disc. The ever ambitious George Haslam is a great cultural ambassador who does a fine job of combining cultures and musicians that would rarely get a chance to work together. Let's hear it for George, we need more musicians like him! - BLG
CD $16

AARON STANDON/PETE BRANDT/STEVE HARRIS - Red Dispersion (Slam 272; UK) Red Dispersion is a breathtaking new take on harmolodics. This is the trio that picks up the potential of Ulmer and Coleman and runs with it. Alto sax, electric guitar, bass and drums all working right up at the very sharp thin edge of improv. Aaron Standon has been around and back again, he currently plays in the Bird Architects and has also been featured on a new Leo Records CD, Conspiracy of Equals. Drummer Steve Harris comes from Pinski Zoo and ZAUM (their last disc was highly praised by The Wire) whilst Pete Brandt has been everywhere from Rough Trade to improvising orchestras. In a sense the past is nowhere near where these musicians reside. Red Dispersion is a coming together of a new, New Thing. This is one of those rare recordings where everything suddenly jumps into the right place at the right time. Potentially Red Dispersion could go down as THE release of 2007. The evidence is in the ears.
CD $16

ESMOND SELWYN - The Axe: Solo Jazz Guitar (Slam 265; UK) Inspired by legendary jazz guitars like Joe Pass, Tal Farlow and George Van Eps, Esmond Selwyn is one of the best jazz guitarists to emerge from England. A favored collaborator of Don Rendell in the 80's, Esmond has also worked with George Haslam more recently. For this extraordinary tour-de-force, Mr. Selwyn performs 22 standards on solo hollow-body electric guitar recorded in the studio in 2005 and live at the Wirral Guitar Festival in 2004. Esmond does a wonderful job performing chestnuts like "Lover Man," "Tenderly," " 'Round Midnight," and "All the Things You Are." Selwyn does a beautiful job of embracing the lyrical melodies of each of these tunes and embellishing them with astonishing flourishes of exquisite taste and an elegant touch. From the sublime to the astonishing, he quite literally does it all. - BLG
CD $16

SHaK [ESMOND SELWYN/GEORGE HASLAM/STEVE KERSHAW] - SHaK (Slam 321; UK) Featuring Esmond Selwyn on guitar, George Haslam on baritone sax and Steve Kershaw on acoustic bass. Esmond Selwyn is considered to be one of the greatest jazz guitarists to come from the UK. To be honest, I hadn't heard of him before hearing his two new discs on George Haslam's Slam label, one solo and one trio. For this, the trio offering, ShaK play mostly well-worn standards like "Over the Rainbow," "Stella by Starlight," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," as well as Bird's "Yardbird Suite" and "Blue Monk." This is a fine trio that use their instrumentation, hollow-body electric guitar, bari sax and acoustic bass, just right. Mr. Selwyn has a warm, round tone similar to the tone of Pat Martino. Bassist Steve Kershaw does a great job of slapping that bass to provide the rhythm section role. I dig the way he strums his bass rhythmically on "El Manicero", creating an exotic, hypnotic groove and then adding a lush bowed bass line below. "Yardbird Suite" is taken at a brisk pace and both Esmond and George take great solos. Mr. Selwyn occasionally reminds me of Joe Pass with the way he embellishes these standards with elegance and consistently creative but restrained sparks. This disc might be a bit too straight ahead for some of the DMG listeners who like things further out, but the playing is superb and tasty throughout. - BLG
CD $16

ERIKA DAGNINO/STEFANO PASTOR - Cycles (Slam 514; UK) Featuring the violin, viola, percussion & piano of Stefano Pastor with the printed poems of Erika Dagnino. Both Erika and Stefano are Italian, while Stefano can also be heard on a recent Harry Beckett/George Haslam disc also on the Slam label, I hadn't heard of Ms. Dagnino before this. The title track opens with some quietly twisted microtonal violin and stark drums from their guest Maurizio Borgia. Pastor reminds me of Mat Maneri, playing his violin or viola with those unique bent notes. It is a strong, well-balanced duo. On "From the Beginning After ForgettingÉ", Stefano's strange spinning strings are joined by odd, eerie, breath-like vocal sounds and percussion that is used more for its suspenseful sound than for any rhythmic spice. Erika Dagnino's poetry is printed in the liner booklet in English and Italian and it is supposed to be read while listening to this disc. The poetry is often fascinating and somewhat difficult to comprehend, but I find it fits well with the equally fascinating/difficult music on this disc. On "While Your Ear Was LeaningÉ", Stefano's mesmerizing viola is accompanied by an undertow of mutated strings that rise and fall and become harrowing at times. The blend of Stefano's disturbing strings and sustained piano chords on the final piece, "Epilogue," seems like a perfect ending to this overwhelming and provocative disc. Erika Dagnino provides two short quotes from Samuel Beckett at the beginning of the booklet, I can think of no better inspiration for things to come from this disc and the following words. - BLG
CD $16

ALLESANDRO GARAU/GIANLUCA CORONA/SEBASTIAN DESSANAY - Rebis (Slam 513; UK) Featuring Alessandro Garau on drums & all compositions, Gianluca Corona on electric guitar and Sebastian Dessanay on acoustic bass. It is always great to hear some new musicians from points unknown, this time from Italy and on a British label. This is a fine jazz trio playing the drummer's compositions, written over a long period of time. Interesting that the drummer writes pieces that often feature the guitarist and bassist so much, both getting quite a bit of solo space. However it is often the intricate nature of these pieces that make them so interesting. What this trio does best is create atmospheric songs that seem to glide over Alessandro's subtle and spacious drums. - BLG
CD $16


GIACINTO SCELSI//ROBERT BLACK et al - Vol. 7: The Works For Double Bass (mode 188; USA) This disc contains the first complete recordings of Scelsi's music for doublebass, with three premier recordings. Scelsi's infamous "KO-THA I, II, III" - for string instrument played lying on its back in a percussive manner - is presented for the first time in an adaptation from the original for guitar by legendary bassist Fernando Grillo. Robert Black, internationally known as one of the leading bassist of our time, has also collaborated or performed with a diverse number of musicians from D.J. Spooky to Meredith Monk to Cecil Taylor, and is a regular member of the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Pieces include "Okanagon" (1967) for double bass, harp and tam-tam; Duos: "Dharana" (1975) - for cello & double bass - First Recording; "Et Mainternant C'est a vous..." (1974) for cello & double bass; "Kshara" (1975) - for 2 double basses - First Recording; Solos: "KO-THA I, II, III" (1967) First Recorded version for double bass; "Mantram" (undated, ca.1970s); "Maknongan" (1976); "Nuits" (1972) : "C'est bien la nuit and Le Reveil Profond".
CD $15


Four Fabulous Discs from Weasel Walter's Ug-Explode Label:

WEASEL WALTER QUARTET AND DOUBLE TRIO With MARSHALL ALLEN /MARCO ENEIDI/MARC EDWARDS - Firestorm (ugExplode 22; USA) This colossal offering was recorded at three gigs in New York (Tonic & The Stone) and in Philly (Danger House) in February of this year (2007). All three groups feature Weasel Walter on drums and Damon Smith on acoustic bass. The four saxists feature Elliott Levin (tenor on all but 1 track), Marshall Allen (alto on 3 tracks), Marco Eneidi (alto on 4 tracks) and Mario Rechtern (alto, sopranino & zurna on 2 tracks) plus bass great Lisle Ellis & powerhouse drummer Marc Edwards, both on two tracks. I caught the Tonic show and was completely blown away by the incredibly powerful hurricane force of this mighty double trio. This captures these imposing daredevil improvisers in all of the brutal glory. For those of us who still worship at the free/jazz totem of overwhelming power, this disc does capture that sound, that force incredibly well. All three groups sound as if they are on the verge of exploding into hyper-space. All we can do is stand back and marvel. Holy sh*t! This is the real thing! Watch out for the avalanche! Too much is quite enough! - BLG
CD $14

FLYING LUTTENBACHERS [WEASEL WALTER] - Incarceration By Abstraction (ugExplode 23; USA) The Flying Luttenbachers has been long led by Weasel Walter and has had a long and thorny history. Members have included Hal Russell, Ken Vandermark, Mick Barr and loads of other musicians from varied paths. Originally planned to be performed by Mick Barr and/or Ed Rodriguez, Weasel Walter ended up playing almost everything: guitars, basses, mellotron, organ, clarinet, electronics and drums, with guests Jonathan Joe and Aurora Josephson (from Henry Kaiser's recent Ayler project disc) on vocals. The Flying Luttenbachers have more than a dozen discs and each one is different in sound and personnel. Their direction in recent years has been a unique blend of progressive, math rock and free noise that is astonishingly tight, well-played and complex. It is hard to believe that Weasel Walter played jut about every instrument here, but this is the amazing truth. "Assault on Apathy" is an explosive post-Beefheartian, bent-rock masterwork. I dig the way Weasel sets a few layers of interlocking rhythms and complex parts together, while both guitars play their intricate riffs together, the keyboard and drums answer with more layers of complex lines. What is most amazing is how much work must have gone into both the writing and playing of these super complex pieces. Some of this reminds me of The Ruins with their over-the-top complex Magma -like assault. This sounds closer to prog/metal than any sort of jazz influence consistently astonishing throughout. - BLG
CD $14

GIANNI GEBBIA/DAMON SMITH/WEASEL WALTER - Lichens [Limited Edition CD-R] (ugExplode 24; USA) Recorded live at the 1510 Performance Space in Oakland and featuring Gianni Gebbia on alto sax, flute & crackle box, Damon Smith on contrabass and Weasel Walter on drums. Italian saxist Gianni Gebbia has always been a favorite of mine, since catching him up at Victo and having play here at DMG. Each of his half dozen+ discs, solos & otherwise, are consistently inventive and diverse. I dig that he tours the US from time to time and plays with a variety of improvisers wherever he goes. 'Lichens' is a particularly strong improvised trio effort with two of Bay Area's best - Damon Smith and Weasel Walter, two restless musicians who seem to play with just about everyone, both are close with guitar wiz Henry Kaiser.
What I've always loved about Gianni is that he fits so well into a variety of diverse situations from subtle to extreme. The opening track here is explosive with Gianni play some twisted Zorn-like sax weirdness along with Damon's powerful bowed bass and Weasel's focused percussion. The sound and production is most impressive and studio-like. Damon Smith runs the great Balance Point Acoustics label and remains one of the best (kept secrets) bassists on the West Coast. The same goes for Weasel Walter another giant of the drums who often doesn't get the recognition he rightly deserves. Due to some of Weasel's more extreme playing and projects, you wouldn't think that he is also a gifted improvising percussionist at a more subtle level. You would be wrong in that assumption since he is perfectly matched for the quieter moments of this discs as well. "Morphology" sounds like a great Zornish free/jazz trio excursion with all three players perfectly matched and swirling around one another with a magical connection. A couple of issues back of Signal to Noise, they featured their lead review with a full-page pic & review of a couple of disc by Weasel Walter & the Flying Luttenbachers. I was very glad to see this as it is about time a serious music magazine give respect to one of the best drummers & composers around. Three great and three highly diverse discs all released at the same time. Long live Weasel Walter and his creative comrades! - BLG
CD $14

Still available

WEASEL WALTER QUARTET - Revolt Music (ugExplode 20; USA) Featuring Weasel Walter on drums, John Gruntfest & Aram Shelton on alto saxes, Josh Allen on tenor sax, Damon Smith on 6-string & amplified contrabass, Randy Hunt on bass and Henry Kaiser on guitar. Formerly Chicago-based drum wiz, Weasel Walter, has been running the great Flying Luttenbachers since 1992, with more than a dozen discs to their name. The Luttenbachers blend free/jazz insanity with punk/rock intensity. Weasel moved to Oakland in 2003 and has become involved with a number of the Bay Area's best and most far out players. Contrabass great Damon Smith runs the consistently strong Balance Point Acoustics label, which brings together Bay Area greats with their European brethren. John Gruntfest is one of the best Bay Area saxists and can be heard on an early Henry Kaiser record, as well as playing for the Eddie Gale Now Band.
'Revolt Music' blasts open with a rich, cathartic explosion howling reeds, bowed bass and full throttle drumming, This disc is a torrent of screaming sax(es), bowed bass eruptions and some of the most focused and over-the-top drums ever. It is all too much and just enough for brave souls who love these types of free/jazz insanity. A symphony of cacophony, ready to kick your butt inside out! Weasel's massive drums are at the center of the cyclone, pushing everyone higher and higher. Although the mighty John Gruntfest is only on two tracks, there is someone named Josh Allen playing some immense free tenor sax on four cuts who is most impressive. There is an amazing five-minute drums solo about halfway through this disc that must be heard to be believed, it is a short tour-de-force. Although our man Henry Kaiser is on only one track here, it is one of the highlights as it both over-the-top and quite focused. Kaiser matches Weasel's explosive drumming with some immense shredding noise. This is without a doubt the most extreme free/jazz excursion we've heard in a long while. It is only for the brave of heart. - BLG
CD $14


NONDOR NEVAI - The Wooden Machine Music / 2001 (ugExplode 5; USA) When I read Weasel Walter's description of Nondor Nevai's music for player piano, I was definitely intrigued. "Like Conlon Nancarrow on crack" or so the description goes. Hmmm. Turns out that Mr. Nevai is a member of To Live and Shave in LA, the Restaurants, and his own trio _ (pronounced "underscore"). The music itself is quite wonderful and not as difficult as Nancarrow's. It has a sort of breathtaking mechanical beauty. The notes cascade, shimmer and spin in focused waves. Even when things speed up to faster than humans can play levels, there is always a solid clarity of ideas. I like the way Nondor balances different fragments or sections, sometimes one rhythmic phrase will be repeated and slowly altered, sped up, slowed down and turned inside out as another section collides with it. Why a player piano? Most likely, since certain sections would be impossible for any human to play. Also, it gives the composer free reign to explore any different of difficult change of genre or structure. Track 4 is different in that it is slower and more contemplative with moments of haunting solemnity. The final piece is longer and more classical sounding with some stark and somber sections. There is still a mechanical quality to this, since the player piano doesn't change the way it strikes the keys of the piano. This makes the music itself more important to hear than the way it is performed. It does sound as if there is no improvisation involved, yet the music remains both fascinating and somewhat detached from human nature's physical ability. - BLG
CD $14


MICHAEL HARRISON - Revelation (Cantaloupe 21043; USA) 'Revelation' is an amazing work for piano tuned in what composer Michael Harrison calls Pure Tuning (a/k/a Just Intonation, intervals from the harmonic series). Melodic sections...unfolding over rippling, repeating chords, vast canyons of textureÉcontrasting with blocks of harmony, clouds of sound where Harrison plays the piano like a big harp in the sky.
There's a bit of evolution to this pieceÉ. Harrison was a student of Hindustani Raga master vocalist Pandit Pran Nath, working with pure tuning on his piano. PPN mentioned another student - minimalist composer La Monte Young - was doing a similar thing with piano. Harrison later came to New York and became the primary tuner for Youngs Well Tuned Piano. Later, using these experiences and influences like the improvisational journeys of Keith Jarrett, Harrison performed and recorded his own masterpiece 'From Ancient Worlds For Harmonic Piano' (New Albion, 1992). Revelation is the latest chapter in this journey...- David Beardsley / DMG guest reviewer
You can read more about Michael Harrison's pure tuning here:
http://michaelharrison.com/web/pure_intonation.htm CD $15


Three Recent Discs from Australian Pianist Barney McAll's Jazzhead label:

BARNEY McALL/BADAL ROY/RUFUS CAPPADOCIA - Vivid (Jazzhead 65; Australia) You wouldn't know it from looking at the cover, but this disc features a larger cast of characters: Barney McAll on electric piano, kalimba & other keyboards, Mark Sim on saxes, Peck Almond & Fred Wesley on brass, Rufus Cappadocia on 5-string cello, Matt Darriau on kaval, Badal Roy on tablas, plus a balafon, sarangi, clarinet and voices. Our distributor recently got in some ten different discs by Mr, McAll, all with different personnel. I picked three discs to start with due to the listed personnel. Each one is very different from the others. 'Vivid' is the stunning, collaborative trio CD from one of Australia's most admired jazz pianists, Barney McAll, someone who I had not heard of before this. 'Vivid' is more of an exotic and enchanting world music blend. Starting with "Ali Gordon Taksim," a sublime, desert-like work for kaval, some keyboard drone, tablas and cello. Rufus' cello solo is most breathtaking on this piece. Mr. Cappadocia co-produced this disc and co-wrote many of the songs here as well. "Painless" has an amazing, funky Afrobeat groove with a fine horn section and great trombone solo by Fred Wesley. Each piece involves a different infectious groove and righteous melody. Mr McAll plays a number of swell electric piano solos throughout, but most often it is the music itself that is so compelling, refreshing and fun-filled. This has to be the best world-music blend I've heard this year! - BLG
CD $17

BARNEY McALL With BILLY HARPER/JOSH ROSEMAN/JEFF BALLARD/BEN MONDER - Widening Circles (Jazzhead 62; Australia) This one features Barney McAll on piano, Billy Harper on tenor sax, Ben Monder on guitar (1 track only), Vincent Herring on alto sax, Josh Roseman on trombone, Ben Street on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums. This disc was recorded in New York in 1998, but not released until 2005. Australian pianist Barney McAll seems to have come from nowhere and recently released some ten discs with varying personnel, many of who come from New York. 'Widening Circles' opens with a fine, elegant, laid-back theme with some strong yet sublime piano and guitar (the ubiquitous Ben Monder) interplay. This piece is very deceptive, what sounds carefree and lyrical turns into some more complex yet dream-like escalations. This seems to be the overall game plan for most of these tunes: sunny melodies with some more surprising twists and inspired solos. Billy Harper is known as an intense fire-breathing Trane-like tenor man, but here he lays back a bit and still plays some great slow-burning solos. Barney McAll wrote all but one of the songs here. He chose the traditional song "Don't Be Weary Traveler" and it has a touching, gospelish melody that is played eloquently be Barney's superb ensemble. I like that this entire disc is laid back yet quietly engaging thoughout. This is no small feat I assure you. Here's hoping that it won't be ignored by "jazz radio" like WBGO. - BLG
CD $17

BARNEY McALL With TONY SCHERR/GARY BARTZ/KURT ROSENWINKEL/ JOEY BARON - Release The Day (Jazzhead 64; Australia) This is another all-star downtown affair organized by Australian pianist and composer Barney McAll. The personnel features: Peter Apfelbaum on tenor sax, Gary Bartz on alto sax, Kurt Rosenwinkel on guitar, Clark Gayton on trombone, Fabio Morgera on trumpet, Jay Rodriguez on flutes, Tony Scherr & Johannes Wiedenmuller on basses, Eddie Bobe on percussion and Joey Baron & Kenny Wollesen on drums. Barney McAll plays piano, Wurlitzer electric piano and Hammond B3 organ and wrote all of the songs on this disc.
This fine disc starts with a long, simmering piece called "Thirty Three", it has a slow, hypnotic repeating acoustic bassline. Peter Apfelbaum's soulful tenor sax sounds especially warm and enticing. This piece has that early Pharoah-like spiritual vibe and Peter's sax does sound somewhat Pharaoh-like, without resorting to any screams. Barney takes an exquisite, quietly soulful piano solo that is done most tastefully. This and another piece here was inspired by the sacred rhythms of the Orishas and Obatala cultures. They do have some sort of spiritual vibe. Latin percussionist, Eddie Bobe, shines throughout and is often the secret ingredient that makes these tunes so special by adding his own rhythmic spice. Although Barney, Kurt Rosenwinkel and both saxists take a number of short inspired solos, it is most often the overall sublime sound and exquisite melodies that make this so memorable. - BLG
CD $17


MARC BARON/BERTRAND DENZLER/JEAN-LUC GUIONNET/STEPHANE RIVES - Propagations (Potlatch 107; EEC) I suppose one of the more daring things you can do nowadays is to form a saxophone quartet. Do you deal with the weight of history inherent in your horn or try to shrug it off? Or do you simply see what four saxophonists with a thorough understanding of what has transpired in the last decade or so of contemporary improvisation can do these days?
It sounds like the latter was the approach here. There's no indication of how the pieces were put together, though it sounds as if at least the basic attack was agreed upon beforehand (if not, all the more impressive). But whatever the case, it by and large works. The musicians (Marc Baron, alto; Bertrand Denzler, tenor; Jean-Luc Guionnet, alto; Stephane Rives, soprano) concoct three works ranging between about ten and seventeen minutes in length, allowing the ideas plenty of time to flourish. The first limns territory that one might have expected coming in: soft, grainy and generally high-pitched, long tones edged with spittle. That it's not so surprising doesn't at all mean it's in any way unenjoyable and this one is fine, very delicate in its balance of tones and the succession in and out of the sound field. The first portion of second track gives me a bit of a problem, essentially because a large proportion of the sounds are key pops and other plosives, elements that carry a wee bit too much of that baggage from prior generations of free reedists. Still, the mini-explosions are arrayed with care over fainter flutterings and breaths and when it splays out into its last half, the saxophones coming to resemble nothing so much as a wheezing harmonium, it's rather nice.
But the payoff is the final piece. Here, after several minutes of sour, whistling squeakiness, the quartet summons forth all the inherent richness in their axes; the harmonium is cast aside and the pipe organ appears and raises the roof. Massive slabs of pure reeditude - we're still talking drones, no screaming and screeching, just hugeness. The effect is liberating. Not so much in a cathartic manner as found in the finest of free jazz squalls, but more in the sense of a recognition that this capability, too, is in the saxophone and it's been too often ignored in recent years. Diving into their lower registers, the metal begins to vibrate and thrum. They split back out into various pitch levels, one (Denzler, I would guess), maintaining the stuttering bottom, perhaps Rives scratching the ceiling. It's a beautifully full performance, excellently structured. Good to hear that a format one might have guessed to be played out, isn't. - Brian Olewnick, AMG
CD $19


DAUNIK LAZRO QUINTET With JOE McPHEE & PAUL ROGERS - Dourou (Bleu Regard 1954; EEC) Featuring Daunik Lazro on alto & baritone sax, Joe McPhee on pocket trumpet and soprano & tenor saxes, Paul Rogers & Didier Levallet on basses and Christian Rollet on drums. Although French saxist, Daunik Lazro, has worked with a diverse list of international improvisers like Evan Parker, George Lewis, Joelle Leandre, Jac Berrocal, Michel Doneda and the Fonda / Stevens group. I've caught him up at the Victo Fest, but I can't recall him ever coming to NY. His group features two folks we know well, the ubiquitous Joe McPhee and contrabassist extraordinaire, Paul Rogers, who is Paul Dunmall's most constant collaborator. Daunik composed four of the six pieces here with one by Joe McPhee and one by Didier Levallet. "Pat." Opens with both bassist playing separate spinning lines, while Daunik (alto) and Joe (pocket trumpet) both take fine solos, as does the amazing Paul Rogers on bowed contrabass. Both Daunik and Joe McPhee have strong, warm affectionate tones on their respective instruments. This music is adventurous without being really free. Both bassists make things special by playing different parts and working so well together. On "Africa Lab", the quintet work their way through a series of traditional African melodies, which this an organic flow and sound. There is one section midway that explodes with intense dynamic explorations, while Joe (?) takes an intense tenor solo, both bassists spins immense webs of notes around one another. A number of the African melodies they play are joyous and perfect for taking further out yet are still heartfelt. What makes this disc special is that writing and arranging uses everyone's abilities diversely and keeps the quintet on their toes as each piece explores different structural terrain. The pieces are often episodic, with some fascinating twists and combinations of players and ideas. Pretty incredible considering I know so little about Didier Levallet (worked with Charles Tyler, Gunter Sommer & Yoch'ko Seffer) and Christian Rollet. This is an excellent and thoroughly engaging quintet offering that should not be ignored. - BLG
CD $20


NOBU STOWE/LEE PEMBLETON PROJECT With PERRY ROBINSON/BLAISE SIWULA - Hommage Au Klaus Kinski (Soul Note 121337; Italy) Featuring Nobu Stowe on Yamaha G-III piano, Lee Pembleton - sound design, Perry Robinson on clarinet & micro-ocarina, Blaise Siwula on tenor sax & alto clarinet, Ross Bonadonna on bass clarinet, alto sax & guitar and John McLellan on drums. I had not heard of Japanese pianist Nobu Stowe before last year when I received two great promos from Blaise Siwula on the Konnex label with Nobu on board. Earlier this year I reviewed an amazing trio disc with Nobu, Perry Robinson & Andrea Centazzo on Ictus. As a longtime devotee of director Werner Herzog and actor Klaus Kinski, Nobu dedicated this disc to Popol Vuh's Florian Fricke, who passed away in 2001. Progressive band, Popol Vuh, did most of the soundtracks for the films of Werner Herzog and was an influence on Nobu Stowe. Mr. Stowe has been collaborating with electronic sound manipulator and visual artist Lee Pamberton for more than a decade, performing live and touring together on occasion.
This long and sprawling disc features a series of improvised duos, trios, quartet and quintet pieces, plus a cover of Monk's " 'Round Midnight." Nobu and Lee are involved in each piece with the others added to the trio (w/ Bonadonna), quartet & quintet pieces. The duo of Nobu on piano and Lee on electronics & manipulation play what sounds like spooky/spiritual music. Nobu sounds like he is classically trained and plays majestically at times with Lee adding strange yet effective electronic spice. The trios with Nobu, Lee and Ross Bonadonna on bass clarinet, alto sax & guitar, are more stark, dark and spacious. While the piano and reeds play somber ruminations, Lee adds distant electronic waves. The quartet features Perry Robinson & Blaise Siwula in the frontline and it sounds like Nobu's more melodic playing inspires these guys to stay more inside and play dreamy melodies. The two long quintet pieces add local drummer John McLellan to the same two reeds frontline and are quietly unnerving. Nobu does a good job throughout of keeping things from getting too dark being adding fleeting melodies to the proceedings. Perry Robinson often stands central with one foot in the past (his older school clarinet tone) and one foot in the future (his free yet connected way of playing). The quintet pieces are long yet most riveting, an edge-of-your-seat type of improv. The title piece, "Hommage to Klaus Kinski," features some stunning guitar and piano swirls, while " 'Round Midnight" closes this disc with dream-like soft snoring and a haunting, restrained version of Monk's classic tune. - BLG
CD $16


GHIDRA [BILL HORIST/WALLY SHOUP/MIKE PETERSON] - The Sound Of Speed (Sol Disk 5703; USA) Featuring Bill Horist on guitar, Wally Shoup on alto sax and Mike Peterson on drums. This is dynamic power/improv trio where each member comes from a different background. Bill Horist is an amazing, creative free/noise electric guitarist who doesn't sound like anyone else. He has worked with Eyvind Kang & William Hooker, KK Null and the Secret Chiefs folks. Wally Shoup is one of the best alto saxists from the Pacific North West and has worked with Thurston Moore, Paul Flaherty and Nels Cline. Mike Peterson has played with The Accused and is considered to be one of Seattle's best drummers. This disc is highly creative and mostly intense free/noise fest. What I dig about Horist is that he often makes sounds that are completely twisted and not that guitar-like. Both he and Wally Shoup work quite well together at blending their bent tones together into one great sonic fragment. Their drummer is also an appropriate choice as he is equally diverse and creative. Although much of this is "free", this trio is tight and spin their fury together extremely well. Horist seems to come from a free/rock background and often creates some great bent/rock melodies that help this trio to connect and play something like a song. On a few of these pieces the trio lay back and play some restrained noise/rock/jazz whatever. The guitar and drums often play incredibly well together, as if they have been doing it for years, and perhaps they have. Wally Shoup's strong alto sax always seems to fit in just right in the stormier sections as well as the more restrained sections. This music is successful since it is its own unique hybrid of different connected streams and each member gives it direction at different times. Rock/jazz/free/noise, it doesn't really matter what you call it, it does work and it is consistently engaging and powerfully performed. - BLG
CD $14


3 Important Releases from the Original ESP Disk label

BURTON GREENE With MARION BROWN/HENRY GRIMES - Bloom In The Commune [aka Burton Green Quartet] (ESP Disk 4038; USA) The original ESP recording from 12/18/65 [originally mystifyingly titled Burton Greene Quartet although there were six players], digitally re-mastered, now including 20 minutes of bonus interviews with Burton conducted by ESP founder Bernard Stollman. Featuring Burton Greene: piano, piano harp, percussion; Marion Brown: alto saxophone; Henry Grimes: bass; Dave Grant: percussion; Frank Smith: tenor; Tom Price: percussion
CD $14

BILLIE HOLIDAY - Rare Live Recordings 1934-1959 [5 CD set] (ESP Disk 4039; USA) In 1972, thirteen years after her death, Congress extended copyright protections to include recorded musical performances. Holiday would have benefited greatly from such protection: During the more than twenty-five years of her career Holiday gave an unknown number of live performances on TV and radio and in clubs and concert halls, many of which were recorded both officially and unofficially by sound engineers, fellow musicians, and fans. Today ESP-Disk Records, which for many years has been assembling unofficial recordings of several artists from before 1972, has released one of the most comprehensive collections of live Billie Holiday recordings to date, some previously available but most not. These Holiday recordings, laid out in chronological order, not only demonstrate the arc of Holiday's development as a vocalist but give a rare behind-the-scenes look into how the singer approached her musicians and her audience.
The first disc of this compilation opens with a twenty-year-old Billie Holiday performing with Duke Ellington in 1935, followed by a radio broadcast from the Savoy Hotel in New York City two years later in which Holiday fronts the Count Basie Orchestra, with which she toured during the late 1930s. By the time of these live recordings Holiday had already been singing professionally for several years in Harlem clubs and working with the best musicians on the vanguard of the nascent jazz scene - specifically horn players like Lester Young and Benny Goodman. Holiday had learned her craft from listening to Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith records in her hometown of Baltimore, but no one taught her how to pace her phrases, to alter the melody in such a simple yet unerring way, to charge each word with emotional urgency - these musical gifts were hers.
The next four discs cover Holiday's career from 1949 to her death in 1959. During those ten years, by which time jazz had taken firm hold in the public consciousness as the language of modernity, advances in radio and TV technology changed the way Americans consumed entertainment, and the mass proliferation of recorded media from that time leaves us with dozens of examples of Holiday's live performances. Set in the context of other early recorded media presentations it is easy to imagine how revolutionary Holiday's singing sounded to mainstream American audiences, with her plaintive voice and blues inflections and uncensored delivery.
Included is a portfolio of photographs and performance data detailing a historical timeline of rare radio and television broadcasts, and concert performances, and the events and situations that lead to these powerful performances; along with explanations some of her most popular material, such as Strange Fruit. The set also includes a rare and private recording of Billie and friends in an impromptu setting with Billie singing, get this, "My Yiddisha Mamma."
5 CD Set for $80

LESTER YOUNG - Live At Birdland 1953 & 1956 (ESP Disk 4040; USA) Lester Young is one of the most influential tenor saxophonists of the bebop era. ESP-Disk is now releasing previously unavailable 1950's broadcasts recorded at Birdland, with an array of stellar side-performers. It is our pleasure to pay homage to Prez (Lester Young) with this disc. Lester Young: tenor saxophone; Jesse Drakes: trumpet; Earl Knight: piano; Aaron Bell: bass; Lee Abrahams: Percussion; and either the Steve Allen House Band or the Count Basie Orchestra.
CD $14



MARCUS SCHMICKLER - "Altars Of Science" [CD/DVD DualDisc] (Editions Mego 82; EEC) Expanding the horizons of electronic music, yet keeping a modest profile, Marcus Schmickler has been very busy composing some compelling tunes. On "Altars Of Science" we hear him take cues from Ligeti and Xenakis, with spacious long tones that eventually become a mist of complicated etheral sonic clusters. These clusters loop and overlap, clawing at your mind, freeing you from this reality and beckoning you into an alter reality. Made me feel like I was watching Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece "2001" on fast forward. Schmickler utilizes synths (digital?) in such an original way that tickles the brain with delight. His immersive panning techniques, which gyrates and drunkenly swaggers, encourages attentive listening (those with a 5.1 surround sound systems are in for a huge treat!). In my humble opinion, one of the best things Editions Mego has put out in awhile. - Chuck Bettis, DMG
CD/DVD $17 (Dual Disc)


H.E.R. [Yvette Perez/Peter Zummo/Danny Tunick] - "Songs About the Mysteries of Housework and Nature" (Persian Cardinal 02; USA) Yvette Perez's group Birdbrain is one of my favorite local ensembles, their voice & horns combo leaving a fresh mark on the scene with a mix of tense avant-honk and off-kilter song structures. Sometime last year, Yvette put Birdbrain on hold and began working on this album, with a new set of songs and an entirely different sound palette. The lineup here is Yvette singing and playing a multitude of synths, organs, and electric keyboards with her Birdbrain cohort (and downtown heavyweight) Peter Zummo sounding his quality-as-usual arsenal of trombone sounds (with additional, though occasional effects processing) through Yvette's dense aural fogs like a maritime ship at sea. Half of this record is taken from one of the duo's earliest gigs (at Tonic, RIP), while the rest is culled from studio sessions recorded last year with the addition of Danny Tunick on vibes and percussion. Where the songs of Birdbrain were filled with jittery anxiety and perpetual nervousness, H*E*R is perhaps its looking-glass reflection - I was at first taken aback by the seemingly bleak, dark soundscapes here. The results come off reminding me as a hybrid of the sparse, ponderous landscapes of Laurie Anderson's Big Science album with the more sensuous soundscapes of Annette Peacock's I Have No Feelings or Sky Skating - Yvette and Zummo sound almost like ghosts throughout, and while the effect can be a tad drowsy at times, overall the duo-slash/trio can count this new exploration as a triumph. -Mikey IQ Jones.
CD $14



This is the first time we've listed discs by local sensation The Zs:

Zs - "Arms" (Planaria 29; USA) For a group that is growing a decade old, Zs remains one of NY's best-kept secrets. Although New York is known for our esoteric nature, we also are known for our in your face attitudes, telling you exactly how we feel. This being said, Zs kicks ass! How they have managed to stay under the radar is mystery to me. Although their extensive touring and their strong recorded output should help change that. Although slimmed down from a septet to a quintet on this recording, Z's presents "Arms" with the same ferocity and intense concentration. "B Is For Burning" starts off with web of locking horns and guitar with sporadic percussion. "Woodworking" welcomes disjointed melodies that beautifully stumbles into one another. "Balk" creates a mutated African hi-life meets Morricone (see the Japanese children show "Gimme Gimme Octopus" for a reference). "I Can't Concentrate" is compositionally opposite of its ironic title. "Except When You Don't Because Sometimes You Won't" introduces an intimate moment that resembles a typewriter. "Nobody Wants To Be Had" will be a favorite for fans of early RER releases, with its carefully planned vocals punctuated with horn, guitars, and drums. "Z Is For Zone" will creep you out with its hushed vocals and bell arrangements. If that is not enough to make you want it and you need an extra kick in the butt; they are featured on the Earle Brown CD on Tzadik and Howard Stern hates their music! What more do you need to know? Buy this already! Bring these guys to your town and have your mind blown! - Chuck Bettis / DMG
CD $10
Also available on LP for $10

Zs - Karate Bump (Planaria 24; USA) A mostly instrumental very very very prog band not unlike a chamber-rock version of Orthrelm, with a lineup of two drummers, two guitarists and two saxophone players! Total herkyjerky, typewritery, stop-start stuff, with that 'cartoon mouse tip-toeing around' kinda feel to it. All the more impressive considering how together six musicians have to be to do this. Math for math's sake. Can't call it math-rock, even, 'cause there's not a lot of rockin' going on. Guaranteed to drive certain people insane, whilst simultaneously provoking twisted delight in others (you know who you are). - Aquarius Records
CD ep $10

Zs - Four Systems [CD-R] (Sockets 32; USA) This is a full-length realization of "Four Systems" - a cover of Earle Brown's "Folio and Four Systems". An edited version of this is to be found on a Tzadik compilation. Very limited quantity of these left since Zs just took them on tour!
CD $10

Zs - Buck / Live (Gilgongo 13; USA) Taken from gigs in New York and Pittsburgh between the 2000-2005,"Buck" is a live recording of Zs as a septet, compiling mainly previously released material. Not necessarily a best of, but more of a compelling document giving you a glimpse of how it is to be on tour with Zs. One of my favorite Zs recordings, perhaps one of my favorite live recordings ever! High energy and fun! - Chuck Bettis / DMG
CD $10


AXA HOUR OF DORA BLEU - Clones of Eros (Fire Museum 13; USA) "Axa Hour of Dora Bleu is the re-crystallizing of the sound of Dorothy Geller, formerly of From Quagmire (VHF Records) and Laconic Chamber (Camera Obscura.) Dorothy (voice, guitar and songwriting) is joined here by Brooke Crouser (Jackie-O Motherfucker) on piano, electric guitar and vibes; Alex Ste-Onge (Feu Therese, Et Sans, Shalabi Effect) on upright bass; Justin Evans (Rivers and Mountains, Et Sans, Shalabi Effect) on Rhodes and electronics and Francis Amirault (Le Sentier Lumineeux, Cian Ethrie) on percussion. On Clones of Eros, a sound is forged from the natural evolution of the sonic path of Dorothy Geller, with a strong impression made by her Montreal-based collaborators. This is living, breathing music - a melding of a singular vision into a collective process resulting in a music with few easy reference points, music that demands to be heard on its own terms outside of any scenes or movements that may be in vogue momentarily. To attempt a more concrete analysis: the music can be considered 'of folk' while not referencing traditional folk forms, anchored in very particularized voice and guitar with accompaniment that is alternatively unified song form or seemingly improvised, depending on what is required in the moment."
CD $13

UTON & VALERIO COSI - Kaarmeenkaantopiiri (Fire Museum 14; USA) "Perhaps this collaboration was destined to happen, and we're overjoyed that it is happening here! Tampere, Finland's Uton (Jani Hirvonen) and Taranto, Italy's Valerio Cosi (who is ? of Pulga) are two of the most creative and most prolific musicians working in experimental music at the moment, and on Kaarmeenkaantopiiri, Uton and Valerio have mastered a sound that combines elements of psychedelia, free jazz, Krautrock, environmental sounds, drones and more for an ecstatic listening experience. A melange of electronic and acoustic instrumentation join together as naturally as the coming of the tides. By turns meditative and forceful, introspective and extroverted, all the while commanding undivided attention from the listener. This is experimentation that remains inviting even in its darker passages. 2007 has been a banner year for both of these musicians, and this release finds them in top form, creating a work that shows exactly why they are in such high demand. Kaarmeenkaantopiiri will leave you hoping this is the beginning of many more collaborations between these two."
CD $13.


TORU TAKEMITSU//DOMINIQUE VISSE/FRANCOIS COUTURIER - Songs (Hannsler; Germany) Throughout his highly creative life, Takemitsu composed numerous concert works, 93 film scores, many incidental scores for radio, TV and theater, a detective novel and critical works on music, film and literature. He was a leading intellectual, and had an insatiable appetite for popular culture (especially film), and had an encyclopedic knowledge of Western popular music. It is this very same stylistic versatility and knowledge of popular song idioms that is on display in the present recital. While Takemitsu's reputation as one of the 20th century's greatest modernists is recognized around the world, his accomplishments as a song writer are largely unknown outside Japan. The songs on this program come from all stages of Takemitsu's creative life, from the 1950s to the year of his death, and are primarily drawn from his music for radio and film - but each is a superbly crafted miniature, by turns tuneful, elegant and fragile.
CD $17


ERIK SATIE//FRANCIS POULENC - Socrate/Mass For The Poor/Piano Pieces (Cherry Red/El 130; UK) "These recordings of Erik Satie's symphonic drama Socrate (1916) and the beautiful Mass for the Poor are both very rare. They have been out of print for five decades and here are restored and released digitally for the first time. Erik Satie's compositions have been recorded by such diverse musicians as John Cage, Gary Numan, Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett and one of his greatest admirers was Frank Zappa! Erik Satie has an international fan-base amongst whom he has attained god-like status. These completists alone will deliver good sales. Satie's sumptuous melodies (what he described as 'Furniture Music') remain attractive to the modern ear; compositions such as 'Gymnopedies' (included here in a performance by Francis Poulenc from 1956) are amongst the most famous of the 20th century. Classical, avant-garde and independent outlets the world over, should all do well with this little beauty."
CD $17

ENRICO SIMONETTI With GOBLIN - Gamma [sndtck] (Cherry Red/Bella Casa 10; UK) Re-issue of Enrico Simonetti & Goblin's impossibly rare score for the cult Italian early seventies TV drama "Gamma". The title track was to Italy what 'Eye Level' was to England, reaching number 1 in the national singles chart and ironically at the same time knocking Goblin's 'Profundo Rosso' from top of the perch (thus the first example of a teen pop star - Claudio Simonetti, being knocked off number one by his own father!) Enrico Simonetti was born in Brazil and the Latin influence is apparent in this impressive score, blending remarkably well with Goblin's inevitably far darker 'drug's theme'. One of the last Goblin collectables; its restoration for the first time in over three decades should ensure healthy sales among completists and indeed the many students of the Italian film genre.
CD $17

NINO ROTA - Fellini Masterpieces: La Strada/Nights Of Cabiria [sndtck s] (Cherry Red/El 123; UK) The artistic partnership between film director Federico Fellini and composer Nino Rota was one of the most productive and enduring in cinema history. "La Strada" and "Nights of Cabiria" announced their arrival on the scene to an awestruck Italian and international public. Both movies won academy awards for "the best foreign language film"; establishing the style that would soon reach full expression with the renowned "La Dolce Vita". These are the original mono soundtracks recorded in 1952 and 1956 respectively: the same recordings that are used on the films and both are long out of print in any format.
CD $17


Still more Rare Italian Soundtracks reissued on DagoRed

ENNIO MORRICONE - I Crudeli [aka The Hellbinders; sndtck] (Dagored 176; Italy) "Morricone is at his best here in this 1967 spaghetti western (aka The Hellbenders), directed by Sergio Corbucci, the lesser-known father of the spaghetti western, and director of the genre-defining Django, released later that same year. Here some ex-Confederate soldiers, with a dream to see the South rise again, steal a million dollars from the Union army and hide it in a coffin to make it past the Union patrols. Will they succeed in getting the money back to their Confederate stronghold or will a femme fatale foil their plans?"
CD $17

ENNIO MORRICONE - Trio Infernale [aka The Infernal Trio; sndtck] (Dagored 177; Italy) "This French production, directed by Francis Girod, and originally released in 1974 (in the USA and UK with the title The Infernal Trio) is set in post-WWI France. A successful attorney and war hero, along with two of his lovers, (two German sisters) Philomene and Catherine, defraud life insurance companies by signing policies for dying people. Given their success, they become bolder and bolder and even resort to the murder of a rich pawnbroker Noemie and her lover, Chambon. They get rid of the bodies by melting them down with sulfuric acid. Their final heist, however, has a fatal ending for Catherine, but Philomene and George are now filthy rich after cashing in five life insurance policies on Catherine's death."
CD $17

ENNIO MORRICONE - L'Alibi [sndtck] (Dagored 178; Italy) "Morricone works his magic again in this 1969 Italian production directed by Luciano Lucignani, Vittorio Gassman, and Adolfo Celi. Vittorio, Adolfo and Luciano (this film is based loosely on the lives of the directors of the film) were great friends during their days at the Academy for Dramatic Arts, which they attended in the years just after the Second World War, but they lose touch soon after. Adolfo goes to Brazil where he becomes a very successful actor; Vittorio remains in Italy and he also becomes a stage and movie star; and Luciano becomes a director, playwright, film critic, scholar and ardent Communist. Adolfo, after many years away, begins to miss home and sends a telegram to Vittorio and Luciano to inform them of his return to Italy. During the trip, Adolfo thinks fondly of his school days and dreams of a happy reunion with his friends, but both Vittorio and Luciano have changed."
CD $17

ENNIO MORRICONE - Corleone [sndtck] (Dagored 172; Italy) "1977 movie directed by Pasquale Squitieri and set in Corleone, Sicily during the 1950s, two childhood friends, Michele Labruzzo and Vito Gargano, have chosen opposite roads in life. Michele is now a leader of the farmers' movement and its quest to free the land from the iron fist of the nobility and the mafia (represented by Baron Miceli and local mafia boss Don Giusto Provenzano), while Vito is the trusted 'yes-man' of Don Provenzano, and eventually vows to kill Michele in exchange for control over the Baron's lands. While this may not be one of Morricone's better-known soundtracks, it is nonetheless top-drawer Morricone who does not waste a note in turning this film into an epic tale of good vs. evil. By now already more than a decade into his career, the Maestro had already written dozens of soundtracks and established himself as one of the best-known and most talented film composers in the world, a title he maintains to this day."
CD $17

PIERO PICCIONI - L'imprevisto [aka The Unexpected; sndtck] (Dagored 174; Italy) "Released in 1961, Alberto Lattuada's L'imprevisto ('The Unexpected') is a gripping drama involving the kidnapping of the baby of a wealthy businessman. Piccioni -- composer of some 200 soundtracks for Italian cinema -- creates an impeccable soundtrack with the necessary pathos for a dramatic and existentialist plot."
CD $17


Further Historic & Archival Recordings, Restocks & Reissues:

THAD JONES/MEL LEWIS ORCHESTRA - In Europe: Warsaw & Berlin 1978 [2 CD set] (ITM 920004; Germany) Featuring Thad Jones - composer, arranger, co-leader & cornet, Dick Oatts, Steve Coleman, Robert Blackwell, Richard Perry & Charles Davis on reeds; Irvin Stokes, Larry Moses, Ron Tooley & Simo Salminen on trumpets & flugels; John Mosca, Doug Purviance, Lee Robertson & Lolly Bienenfeld on trombones, Jim McNeely on piano, Jesper Lundgaard on bass and co-leader, Mel Lewis on drums. I was fortunate to have witnessed the splendor of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band at the Vanguard some half dozen times during the seventies. I won a few of their records, but seeing them live in that intimate space was always special for me. This disc comes from their final tour in October of 1978, before Thad Jones left to relocate to Denmark. The band sounds marvelous through playing songs by Thad, as well as Cole Porter, Frank Foster, Hank Jones and Billy Strayhorn. Bob Brookmeyer's "Samba Con Get Chu" opens with a burning rhythmic groove and layers of percussion. There a number of inspired solos from Thad on cornet, Bob Blackwell on tenor, Dick Oatts on soprano, Jim McNeely on piano and Mel Lewis on drums. Both of these hour+ long discs are filled with outstanding ensemble playing, inspired solos, superb arrangements and anything else we need from this historic American institution. And they swing like hell! - BLG
2 CD Set $20


WOLFGANG DAUNER QUINTET - The Oimels (Long Hair 059; EEC) Featuring Siegfried Schwab (guitar, sitar), Pierre Cavalli (guitar), Eberhard Weber (bass, cello, vocals), Wolfgang Dauner (organ, flute, vocals, keyboards, piano) and Roland Wittich (drums, vocals). "Originally released in 1969 on the famous German MPS label The Oimels presented Dauner & co. in a very different setting, namely as a psychedelic pop band. Full of surprises, this collection even included a version of The Beatles' 'A Day In The Life' alongside twisted pop, beat and ethnic music. Over-the-top fuzz guitars, one primal punky stomper and sitar-drenched lounge freakouts are the order of the day. Truly superior stuff, especially the great guitar work from Siggi Schwab, who appears on Vampyros Lesbos, Roland Kovac Set and numerous MPS label releases. An outstanding album!"
CD $21


THE GIST - Embrace The Herd (Cherry Red 339; UK) "Welcome reissue of long deleted 1983 album from the Gist, featuring Stuart Moxham, half of the creative force behind the much beloved Young Marble Giants, who still boast a huge international cult following (YMG's seminal album Colossal Youth has just been reissued as an expanded edition from Domino). Features a series of sonic sketches recalling 'a bedsit Brian Eno' Produced by Phil Legg (Terence Trent D'Arby, Pasadenas, etc). 'An intriguing debut?I keep returning to "The Herd"... great ideas and a welcome spirit' (Melody Maker). 'Strange yet human' (Sounds). Also profiled in Mojo Magazine's Great Lost Albums series in 1997, eulogized by Johnny Black. As well as the original studio album, the CD is also packaged with four bonus tracks, which were incorrectly sequenced/titled on the original CD reissue. Sleevenotes by Stuart Moxham himself, with photographs and quotes."
CD $16



Rare Man recordings reissued on Esoteric:

MAN [DEKE LEONARD et al] - Man (Esoteric 2012; UK) Man's first classic album for Liberty / UA - now 24-bit re-mastered from the original master tapes with previously unreleased bonus track. Man's importance in the history of welsh rock music cannot be understated. Fusing the worlds of Psychedelia, Blues, Rock and Roll and west coast inspired Rock. They were simply one of Britain's most original groups of the 1970's. Recording a series of classic albums for Liberty / United Artists, Man, along with label-mates Hawkwind, were true champions of the "underground" spirit. Esoteric recordings are proud to undertake the reissuing of man's entire legacy for united artists beginning with their debut for the label released in March 1971. The reissue features a previously unreleased 17 minute bonus track, plus and unreleased version of an album track, and liner notes exclusively penned by man guitarist and raconteur Deke Leonard.
CD $20

MAN [DEKE LEONARD et al] - Live At The Padget Rooms, Penarth: Expanded Edition [2 CD set] (Esoteric 2014; UK) Man's debut live album for Liberty / UA - now remixed from the original 8- track tapes & expanded to include the entire concert. "Alongside Christmas at the Patti, Live at the Padget Rooms, Penarth ranks among the all-time greatest Man concert recordings, the sound of the band at the peak of its game in 1972. The recording's genesis lay in Man's contributions to the Greasy Truckers benefit album, recorded and released a little earlier in the year. Though Man was granted little more than one side of vinyl, the marathon (22-minute) version of "Spunk Rock" that ensued has since been described by Deke Leonard as one of the best things the band ever released -- and that despite the vinyl version fading in some ten minutes into the actual performance! For this latest release, there would be no such shortcomings. With a raw sound that seems to spill straight out of the amps, just three songs devour the album, including a remarkable rendition of the so evocative "Daughter of the Fireplace" and a positively yowling take on "Many Are Called, But Few Are Raised," a live staple that had long since outgrown its studio incarnation. "H Samuel," titled for a once-thriving chain of British jewelry stores, completes the set with further dynamic improvisation, leaving the album hovering closer to the brink of a massive stoner rock-jazz fusion hybrid than any other Man album ever dared to go. One needed to move astonishingly quickly to hear this remarkable treasure, however. As with the Greasy Truckers and Christmas at the Patti albums, Live at the Padget Rooms, Penarth was a budget-priced limited edition of just 8,000 copies and, though it entered the mid-priced LP chart at number one, the album then disappeared completely seven days later. It would be another three decades before it returned to the stores." - Dave Thompson, AMG
2 CD set for $22

MAN - Be Good To Yourself At Least Once A Day (Esoteric 2019; UK) The only Man album recorded without Deke Leonard is something of a curiosity, a view of the band without the frontman who wrote most of their material. As might be expected, the vocals on this album are less accomplished and further back in the mix, but that is actually an asset in this case. Lacking their lead singer, Man proceeded to assemble their best instrumental set ever, and then to add sparing vocals more for texture than communication. The group interplay here is remarkable, with musical themes and ideas tossed from instrument to instrument with considerable creativity. The side with "C'mon" and "Keep on Crinting" is one long and intricate jam, and unlike most progressive marathons from the period, one doesn't wish for it to end even a second earlier than it does. The first cut on the next side, "Bananas," became a concert favorite for obvious reasons: it consists of four lines of silly poetry followed by nine minutes of inspired playing, then a repetition of the four lines of poetry. Tracks like that might almost be taken as a sneer at the idea that this band needed a singer at all, though the relationship with Deke Leonard was obviously cordial. After all, he contributed a "family jungle" of the band to the liner notes and was back for their next album.
CD $20

MAN [DEKE LEONARD et al] - Rhinos, Winos & Lunatics: Expanded Edition [2 CD set] (Esoteric 2020; UK) "Esoteric Recordings are proud to undertake the reissuing of Man's entire legacy for United Artists continuing with their 1974 Top 30 album hailed by many as their defining moment, released in May 1974. An excellent set of material energized by the return of the pleasingly abrasive vocals of Deke Leonard; it charted nearly as well as Back Into the Future, and its tighter composition means that in many ways it's held up better over the years. The second half may be the band's artistic high point -- bookended by the pomp-wah instrumentals, "Intro" and "Exit," it contains the unusually sultry "Kerosene" and the epic "Scotch Corner," which builds up from rattling snare and picked guitar verses to beautiful choruses of harmonized vocals. - Paul Collins, AMG
The reissue is expanded with an extra previously unreleased CD recorded in Los Angeles in 1974 featuring 'American Mother' never recorded by Man. The booklet includes liner notes exclusively penned by Man guitarist and raconteur Deke Leonard. The time is right to re-experience the musical ages of Man!
2 CD Set $22


THE TEA COMPANY - Come and Have Some Tea WithÉ (World in Sound 1037; Germany) "From New York City, The Tea Company was one of the early birds from the U.S. psychedelic underground scene, with an LP on the market, originally released on Smash Records, in '68. This album stands for the evolution of the 45-rpm psych-garage bands to the upcoming LP-generation with extended improvisation parts. The Tea Company evolved from The Naturals, which were founded in 1963 and played the big ballroom supporting The Mamas and the Papas, The Lovin' Spoonful, Bob Dylan, Ritchie Havens, and many others. The band describes themselves as 'an assemblage of possessed rock performers; retinue preparing the unusual; alternating with the roots of soul... whose purpose is to cause sensation, due to stimulation of the auditory centers of the brain!' They became famous in the U.S. for spectacular live shows and lyrical hippie statements. The music is inspired by The Beatles, using exactly the same equipment as them. The Tea Company played with lots of freaked out echo organ/guitar noises on a 12 string Rickenbacker and various stereo madness, reminding strongly of Syd Barrett's spirit but more driven by hard hittin' drums. Being buddies with Vanilla Fudge and inspired by them, The Tea Company also did an outrageous 9 min. version of 'You Keep Me Hangin On,' which is celebrated amongst '60s collectors as a true milestone. The album is a mind-blowing, intense production (CD includes 4 bonus tracks by The Naturals). Remastered for this CD-release the sound is experimental, intense and fresh, the 8-page booklet contains a nice bio, photos and memorabilia. A must for those who wanna feed their minds with unusual early heavy psychedelic rock!"
CD $19


MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL - Afraid OfÉ (Long Hair 060; Germany) "Amazingly underrated French neo-psychedelic band. Arisen from the ashes of The Heretic Dreams, Murder in the Cathedral was founded in the beginning of the '90s by brothers Stephane (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Pascal Moru (bass, keyboards) and drummer Gilles Lepron. Influenced by new groups like Plasticland, Prisoners, and in the tradition of 13th Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband or Plastic Cloud, the boys tried to create their own sound. Their first eponymous album (included as a bonus album on this CD), released in 1996, shows a mixture of guitar-oriented neo-psych in the vein of Plastic Cloud, Morgen and Grateful Dead. It consists of 8 titles, instrumental pieces alternating with vocal ones (sung in English). It was very positively received in the neo-psychedelic underground and the limited edition of 500 was sold out within a few months. 2nd album Afraid Of... saw the light of day in 1999. Now the music is much more structured and contains less jam-like passages. According to the reviewers, the crucial sound influences range from The Byrds to Bevis Frond, combining the San Francisco acid sound of the '60s with Oriental sounds. Again the album (limited edition of 500) was sold out within a few months. Although Long Hair is specialized in psychedelic/progressive music of the '60s and early '70s, we would like to present all lovers of psychedelic music this outstanding band. All titles are digitally re-mastered from original tapes. Booklet comes with extensive personal liner notes by guitar player and singer Stephane Moru including rare and unseen photos."
CD $21


CIRCULAR GROOVES [V.A.] - Decca Mod Masters Volume 1: A Collection of Ultra Rare 45s from the UK Mod Scene 1964-67 [6x7" Box Set] (Acme BOX7; UK) "For Mod fans, DJs and collectors everywhere, this first volume compiles some of the best and most sought-after mod rarities on 45 from the Decca archives. Including the likes of Marc Bolan's L400+ rated 'The Wizard.' The Graham Gouldman (later 10cc) L150+ rated floor-filler 'Stop Stop Stop,' and Sandra Barry's L200+ rated 'Really Gonna Shake.' To have a set of these 45s would set you back L1000+, that is, if you could even find any for sale in the first place! Sandra Barry & The Boys - 'Really Gonna Shake' c/w 'When We Get Married.' Graham Gouldman - 'Stop! Stop! Stop!' (Or 'Honey I'll Be Gone') c/w 'Better To Have Loved Than Lost.' St. Louis Union - 'East Side Story' c/w 'Think About Me.' Marc Bolan - 'The Third Degree' c/w 'San Francisco Poet.' Eyes Of Blue - 'Supermarket Full of Cans' c/w 'Don't Ask Me To Mend Your Broken Heart.' Wards of Court - 'All Night Girl' c/w 'How Could You Say One Thing.' Each mod 45 is taken directly from the analog masters and pressed on high quality DMM virgin vinyl ensuring maximum sound quality throughout, and will come with original facsimile Decca or Deram labels. Comes complete with insert booklet housed in full color box. Very limited edition of just 500 copies."
BOX SET of SIX 7" 45rpm SINGLES $54

PSYCHEDELIC DAYS [V.A.] - Decca Psych Masters Volume 1: A Collection of Ultra Rare 45s from the UK Psych Scene 1966-69 [6x7" Box Set] (Acme BOX8; UK) "Launching our new psych series from the Decca archives, this first killer volume contains the likes of Al Stewart's L150+ rated first and only 45 for Decca, The Plague's killer L100+ rated psych 45. Plus Bill Fay's only psych 45 for Deram. Once again, to get a mint set of these 45s would set you back an arm and a leg. For collectors, DJs and fans of psych music, this set is for you. Al Stewart - 'The Elf' c/w 'Turn To Earth.' Bill Fay - 'Some Good Advice' c/w 'Scream In The Ears.' 23rd Turnoff - 'Michaelangelo' c/w 'Leave Me Here.' Fairytale - 'Guess I Was Dreaming' c/w 'Run & Hide.' Russell Morris - 'The Real Thing (parts 1 & 2)' c/w 'Only A Matter of Time.' The Plague - 'Looking For The Sun' c/w 'Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.' Each psych 45 is taken directly from the analog masters and pressed on high quality DMM virgin vinyl ensuring maximum sound quality throughout, and will come with original facsimile Decca or Deram labels. Comes complete with insert booklet housed in full color box. Very limited edition of just 500 copies."
BOX SET of SIX 7" 45rpm SINGLES $54

WILD N' RAVIN' [DECCA R&B V.A.] - Decca R&B Freakbeat Masters Volume 1: Ultra Rare 45s from the UK R&B Freakbeat Scene 1964-66 [6x7" Box Set] (Acme BOX6; UK) "First volume of this exciting official new Acme box set series from the Decca/Universal archives reissuing SIX classic and rare 45s from the '60s. Each single has been hand-picked for maximum listening pleasure and rarity value. This set features mega-rare and killer 45s by the likes of The Birds, featuring later Rolling Stone Ron Wood, Pre-Creation band, The Mark Four, plus the first single by The Fairies, later to become The Pink Fairies with Twink. The Birds - 'No Good Without You Baby' c/w 'How Can It Be?' Cops & Robbers - 'St James Infirmary' c/w 'There's Gotta Be A Reason.' Mark Four - 'Hurt Me If You Will' c/w 'I'm Leaving.' The Fairies - 'Don't Think Twice, It's Alright' c/w 'Anytime At All.' Shel Naylor - 'One Fine Day' c/w 'It's Gonna Happen Soon.' The Game - 'Gonna Get Me Someone' c/w 'Gotta Wait.' Each R&B/Freakbeat 45 is taken directly from the analog masters and pressed on high quality DMM virgin vinyl ensuring maximum sound quality throughout, and will come with original facsimile Decca labels, Comes complete with insert booklet housed in full color box. Very limited edition of just 500 copies."
BOX SET of SIX 7" 45rpm SINGLES $54


Repressed and Back In Stock!

THE TAJ MAHAL TRAVELLERS - August 1974 [2 CD set] (P-Vine 1463/64; Japan) Double CD reissue of the 2nd Taj Mahal Travellers album, originally issued by Japanese Columbia in 1974 as a 2LP set. Along with their debut album July 15th, 1972 (released by Japanese CBS in '72), these are some of the most hallowed and whispered about documents of the avant-garde artifact-era (a set of these on original LP would set you back $1000+ even 10-15 years ago & have very rarely been offered anywhere). Legendary higher-key improv-drone extravaganzas that more than live up to their reputation, this reissue is going to make a certain sector of underground society very happy. The group was led by the infamous Fluxus member Takehisa Kosugi (electric violin, harmonica, voice, etc.), with: Kyo Koike (electric double bass), suntool, voice, etc.), Yukio Tsuchiya (bass-tuba, percussion), Beiji Nagai (trumpet, synthesizer Mini-Korg, timpani), Tokio Hasegaw (voice, percussion), Kinji Hayashi (electronic technique), Hirokeszu Sato (percussion, voice). Recorded live at Nippon Columbia Studio #1, Tokyo, August 19, 1974. Four side-long improvisations."Places and times of the trip: coffee houses, small galleries of Tokyo. They perform also on lonely beaches at dawn or on deserted hills in the afternoon. Also in Sweden, India, Iran, and England. Wherever a power supply is available. 'This music is not rehearsed, it happens. Without written notes or oral instructions; without an ensemble leader, each one having his own discourse immediately integrated into a slow, irregular throbbing of complex sound waves. Sound waves surfing.' Verfremdung: instruments are amplified with delay through echo machines. Previously produced sounds delivered by distant loudspeakers have already become something beyond reach when heard. This feedback -- actually a time-space lag -- is the basis of their music. The instrument arsenal: a violin played with glissandi in the same manner as the Indian sitar, string bass, guitar, drums, harmonica, small synthesizers, santurs (Iranian dulcimer played with two spoon-shaped mallets), a shahnal (Indian oboe), voices (Japanese Buddhist chanting, harmonic singing such as LaMonte Young does or as heard in Stockhausen's 'Stimmung'). Amplifiers: a heterodyne (voltage controlled filters connected to infrasonic wave sources) which changes tone colors back and forth very slowly. Also, other rather primitive hand-made electronic devices. All these contribute to the everchanging diversity of the ensemble. Close your eyes, relax and musically receive passing clouds, breezes, surging waves. This music is slow as a Japanese tea ceremony and as peacefully full of cheer as ancient scroll paintings." --Yuji Takahashi.
2 CD set for $38

FELA RANSOME-KUTI AND HIS KOOLA LOBITOS - Highlife-Jazz and Afro-Soul (1963-1969) [3 CD set] (P-Vine 18511/3; Japan) Long awaited 3CD collection (39 tracks) of Fela's earliest material to be released. Nice 48-page booklet of photos and notes (Japanese/English). A bit of overlap with the '69 Los Angeles Sessions CD, but mostly previously unreleased and super rare tracks.
"An absolute ass-kicker of a collection by Fela's pre-Afrika 70 highlife band Koola Lobitos, covering the years 1963-1968. Disc One comprises the earliest releases (1963-65) by Koola Lobitos, namely 7" 45 RPM singles originally released on the RK, Phillips, and Parlophone labels - none of which have previously been released on CD to my knowledge. Disc 2 is a full reissue of the 1st Koola Lobitos EMI Nigeria LP, which was partially reissued on Barclay France with 4 cuts missing. This is the entire LP in all of its glory in a worthy transfer - finally! Disc 3 is the real killer for me, though - a reissue of the 1966 Phillips/Polydor 10" live LP "Afro Beat Onstage - Live at the Afro Spot" with 8 additional Phillips West Africa 7" cuts also previously unreleased on CD - meaning there's NO overlap with Barclay's "1969 LA Sessions" disc AT ALL. Also included is a nice thick booklet with discographical info and plently of photos, as well as liner notes in both English and Japanese. Must I even say the words "recommended"? An absolute must-buy for Fela & highlife fans!! HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!" - Mikey IQ Jones.
3 CD set for $50


ECCENTRIC SOUL [V.A.] - The Outskirts of Deep City (Numero 17; USA) "After a box of thought-to-be-lost Deep City master tapes turned up in Miami in January of 2007, an idea both fascinating and ugly reared its head: sequel. Disgusted by the thought of merely making on record to capitalize on the success of the first, we sought to turn the idea on its head. Instead of rehashing and expanding upon an already established story, The Outskirts of Deep City serves to color in the spaces left open by its predecessor. In addition to seven previously unissued tracks, we've added thirteen other related gems from the Solid Soul, Sun Cut, Reedsville, Lloyd, and Concho labels, and four LP-only bonus cuts. Old style tip-on gatefold sleeve for the vinyl, 32-page booklet housed in a Numero slipcase for the CD, with both featuring a wealth of unpublished photographs, an appendix, bibliography, and discography. Featuring unheard cuts by Clarence Reid, Helene Smith, Betty Wright, Frank Williams & the Rocketeers, Johnny K Killens & the Dynamites, James Knight & the Butlers, Deep City Band, The Rising Sun, The Rollers, Perk Badger, Snoopy Dean, Nasty Dog Catchers, and Lynn Williams."
CD $18


NATURAL FOOD - Natural Food (Porter 1501; USA) First time on CD! Originally a private pressing released out of Boston in the early 70s, this record has it all, from funky soul jazz to inside and outside jazz. A truly amazing and unique recording that defies any easy categorization. A wide range of great guitar styles from the likes of Lance Gunderson, Paul Lenart and John Abercrombie. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.
CD $15



Vinyl Only Reissues:

NICK DRAKE - Family Tree [#'d 2 LP set] (Sunbeam 5041; UK) Comprising recordings made at Nick Drake's family home and in France before his 1969 debut, Family Tree offers a unique insight into a nascent songwriting genius. Spread over four sides of 180 gram virgin vinyl, its 29 songs range from folk standards and compositions by his mother Molly to early versions of future classics taped by his Cambridge friend and arranger Robert Kirby at Cambridge in 1968. Mastered at Abbey Road and featuring 29 rare tracks (one previously only available on iTunes), as well as a deluxe gatefold sleeve, rare photographs and a lavish insert including lengthy sleeve notes, this lovingly assembled set is sure to become a prized item amongst lovers of Nick Drake. First pressing is a numbered edition of 1000 copies and so limited and oversold, you may have to trade us a body part to obtain a copy. Non-numbered repress edition coming when these are gone...?
2 LP set for $32


New vinyl reissues on Lilith:

ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM - Wave (Lilith 143; Russia) "By the time this album was released, Antonio Carlos Jobim was already an international superstar. Having recently won a Grammy (1965) for 'The Girl From Ipanema,' by 1967 all the big name stars from up north were breaking down his door to work with the new 'Gershwin of Brazil.' In fact, Jobim had just finished working on an album with Frank Sinatra when he went into the studio to record this album. Recorded in 1967, Wave is actually one of the lesser known masterpieces of Brazilian music, and undoubtedly one of Jobim's greatest. Here Jobim and the great Claus Ogerman lead a top-flight cast on hidden classics like 'Batidinha,' 'Triste' and 'Wave.'"
LP $23

OS MUTANTES - Os Mutantes (Lilith 141; Russia) "With the release of their debut LP in 1968, Os Mutantes cracked the already red hot Tropicalia scene wide open. Fusing traditional Brazilian music, psychedelia, rock and a good dose of pure experimentalism, they quickly became giants both in Brazil and in the outer fringes of pop music, where they have managed to reign supreme for the past four decades. Not an easy task in such a crowded arena. Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Jorge Ben, Tom Ze, AND Os Mutantes? What do these people put in their drinking water? The band went on to release several more albums, but this one was their magnum opus."
LP $23

CAETANO VELOSO - Irene (Lilith 144; Russia) "Although Veloso had already been thrown in jail once for his criticism of Brazil's military regime, he continued to speak out against it on his second album (1969), with tracks like 'Irene,' (about a machine gun-toting outlaw celebrated by the left). No wonder he would soon find himself in political exile in the UK. The general tone of the album is in keeping with its dire message and actually, Veloso felt it was important for his voice of protest to be heard around the world. If he was a high profile public figure, he felt that he would be safer. All this (or perhaps because of all this) and the man still managed to make excellent records!"
LP $23

CANNED HEAT - Vintage (Lilith 139; Russia) "Canned Heat was formed in 1965 by Alan 'Blind Owl' Wilson (guitar/harmonica/vocals), and Bob 'The Bear' Hite (vocals). Before hitting the charts in 1968 with their version of Jim Oden's 'On The Road Again' (#20 in the USA, #10 in the UK), here is how they sounded in 1966 when R&B pioneer Johnny Otis produced their first recordings. A perfect match, considering that Wilson and Hite were avid record collectors and blues aficionados, choosing to stay close to the originals on their versions of classics by Muddy Waters' 'Got My Mojo Working,' Willie Dixon's 'Spoonful' and 'Pretty Thing,' John Lee Hooker's 'Louise' and 'Dimples,' and Elmore James' 'Rollin' and Tumblin.' Features bonus track 'Going Up The Country.'"
LP $23



*****************


October 2007:

New improved Superfast 'Advanced Search Engine' at our site. More choices of parameters for winnowing down to what you're really looking for! Go to

http://search2.downtownmusicgallery.com/first.cgi


*****************


IF YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO OUR NEWSLETTER, BUT SOMEHOW YOU'RE NOT RECEIVING THEM IN YOUR INBOX..

Many of your incoming emails are being blocked and you don't know it! Many emails like our newsletter are frequently blocked by aggressive spam filters being used by nearly all email services.

To help avoid this problem and get our newsletter:

Hotmail Users: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your Safe List, so that you can receive our emails. The safe list can be accessed via the "Options" link next to the main menu tabs. Also place the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com in your address book.

AOL: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " in your Address Book. Also add the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Yahoo! Mail: If one of our e-newsletters is filtered to your 'bulk' folder, open the message and click on the "this is not Spam" link next to the "From" field. The same goes for any other e-mail you receive that doesn't belong there. Add the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Other email services [Earthlink, GMail et al]: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your email filter's whitelist. You may need to search your email help menu for details on how to do this. Depending on software/version, they may call it a "whitelist," a "good list" or similar name. Adding the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book will help too.