Say Good-bye to 2008 and all of the bleak BS that we have had to endure...
Say Hello to 2009: A New Year of Opportunities and A Chance to Make Things Right!

2009 begins with .....

What!?!? another Anthony Braxton Box Set! 4 from FMR: Trevor Watts' Amalgam, Simon H. Fell's Mancini Project, Jasper Van't Hof & Fredy Studer and The Circuit Electro-Acoustic Ensemble! Paul Dunmall & Tony Orrell DVD!

John Randall Quintet! Aki Takase And The Good Boys! Stan Tracey archival Octet recordings! Magma's Coltrane tribute: the Offering box set! Luc Ferrari! Art Of Field Recordings Box Vol 2! 2 Sonny Simmons Rarities!




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Downtown Music Gallery will being moving to 13 Monroe St. in Chinatown DURING January. There are no more in-store gigs
BUT the store at our current location WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN until we inform you otherwise in upcoming newsletters.

We could use volunteers to help us with our move. Any & all volunteers can send their e-mail & phone numbers, so we can contact you about the timing in the nearest future when our plans are absolutely definite.

Thanks to everyone who sent a contribution, and to those who sent their good vibes and support. The move will be difficult, but it is necessary for DMG to continue. A toast to a better future after a disastrous 2008.


Live long & prosper,

Bruce Lee Gallanter & MannyLunch [I've lived it UP and I'm perspiring!] Maris


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It seems 2008 was the YEAR OF BRAXTON box sets ..and Why Not? He's certainly the Musician of the Year - and many previous!

The Latest Box- just in on the last day of the 2008!

ANTHONY BRAXTON QUARTET - Standards (Brussels) 2008 [6 CD set] (Amirani 14; Italy) Packaged in an elegant cartboard box (a decca style) which includes a 26 page booklet with three little essays (Positions for listening, Real space and dislocation, A possible anthropogony) by Italian poet and writer Erika Dagnino. Featuring Anthony Braxton on alto sax, Alessandro Giachero on piano, Antonio Borghini on double bass and Cristiano Calcagnile on drums. Recorded live November 23-26 2006 at P P Cafe in Brussels, Belgium. Although I didn't initially recognize the names of the three Italian musicians that Mr. Braxton has chosen to play with, each comes from a diverse background of collaborations. Pianist Alessandro Giachero is a member of William Parker's Italian Qt with Hamid Drake. Bassist Antonio Borghini is a member of the Bassesfere collective, as well as working with David Murray, Butch Morris, Ab Baars and Mary Halvorson. Drummer, Cristiano Calcagnile, is also a member of Bassesfere and has played with Damo Suzuki, Daniee D'Agaro, Rova Sax Qt and Tristan Honsinger.
This fine quartet covers some 34 standards, as well as a couple of group improvisations. The selection of standards runs from Broadway show tunes like "I'm Old Fashioned", to "These Foolish Things" to "It's You or No One" to more modern gems by Monk, "Monk's Mood" and "Ruby My Dear", Wayne Shorter, "Night Dreamer" and "Virgo" and even Eric Dolphy "Out to Lunch". All composers that cast a long shadow of influence on modern jazz and certainly not east songs to cover. The first discs opens with Charles Lloyd's "Forest Flower" from perhaps the most popular of Charles Lloyd's sixties albums. It is a lovely song and Braxton makes it his own with a long, distinctive and spirited alto sax solo while Alessandro plays some exquisite piano. The rhythm team is consistently creative, swings hard and keeping a buoyant balance underneath each soloist. Alessandro Giachero is a fabulous pianist and takes one great solo after another on every one of these tunes he is featured on. I dig the way the rhythm team keeps Mr. Braxton on his toes by tightly supporting him wherever he goes. Even on the ballads, which Braxton often plays with in a straight forward fashion, he also injects subtle and sly twists to keeps things interesting. There are three group improvisations which are all great and show another, freer side to this amazing quartet. So far, I've listened to three of the six discs and will check out the last three tonight. Considering that this six disc box set is over six hours long, it is a most impressive excursion into Braxton's unique way of interpreting standards with a super quartet of well-selected collaborators. - BLG
6 CD box set $75


Other multiple-disc/specialty items from Mr. Braxton this year include:

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Quartet (GTM) 2006 [4 CD set] (Important 184; USA) 'Quartet (GTM) 2006' is Anthony Braxton's first release for Important Records. GTM stands for Ghost Trance Music and this four CD box set contains four Ghost Trance compositions recorded in quartet with Anthony Braxton playing reeds, Max Heath on piano, Carl Testa on bass and Aaron Siegal on percussion. This 4 CD box also contains a definitive essay by Braxton on his Ghost Trance compositions. "Happy trails for all of us righteous travelers!" - BLG
4 CD set for $44

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Solo Live At Gasthof Heidelberg Loppem 2005: Compositions 307, 308, 309 [4 CD Set] (Locusloppem; EEC) This four-disc set of live recordings from 2005, makes a more convincing case for Braxton's solo playing than any other document I've heard. - Marc Medwin, Dusted magazine
4 CD set for $65

ANTHONY BRAXTON & JOE MORRIS - 4 Improvisations (Duo) 2007 [4 CD set] (Clean Feed 100; Portugal) This historic edition - Clean Feed's one hundredth release - is a four-disc set that features two extraordinaire musicians who before this session had never played together: multi-reedist Anthony Braxton and guitarist Joe Morris.
4 CD set for $40

ANTHONY BRAXTON//GENEVIEVE FOCCROULLE - Piano Music 1968-2000 [9 CD Box Set] (Leo 901-909; UK) A monumental edition of 9 CDs by composer Anthony Braxton entitled "Piano music 1968 - 2000". The edition is a 9-CD box with notes by Stewart Broomer. The music has been performed by the Swiss piano player Genevieve Foccroulle and recorded in New York by Jon Rosenberg to complete satisfaction of Mr. Braxton himself.
Limited edition of 500 copies
9 CD set for $110

ANTHONY BRAXTON/KYLE BRENDERS - Toronto (Duets) 2007 [2 CD set] (Barnyard 308; Canada) Legendary saxophonist and composer Anthony Braxton releases the first saxophone duet recording of two Ghost Trance compositions. Braxton is joined by Toronto saxophonist Kyle Brenders in this amazing double-CD studio recording.
2 CD set for $24

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Nine Compositions (DVD) 2003 [DVD-Audio] (Rastascan 60; USA) This release includes 6.5 hours of music and features Taylor Ho Bynum, Greg Kelley, John Shiurba, Scott Rosenberg, Dan Plonsey, Gino Robair, Jay Rosen, Kyle Bruckmann, Liz Allbee, Justin Yang, ma++ Ingalls, and Sara Schoenbeck. The primary territories and ensembles are:
Composition No. 328 - Dedicated to master vocalist/actress Liza Minnelli (12tet)
Composition No. 190 - Dedicated to master instrumentalist/composer Johnny Cash (13tet)
Composition No. 292 - Dedicated to master instrumentalist/composer Steve Lacy (12tet)
Composition No. 322 - Dedicated to master writer/composer Oscar Brown Junior (Quartet)
Composition No. 327 - Dedicated to master composer/teacher Florence Price (12tet)
Compositions No. 23E, 72H, 74E, and 75 (Trio)
6.5 hour audio DVD for $30

and, of course, this legendary archival reissue

ANTHONY BRAXTON With KENNY WHEELER/GEORGE E LEWIS/MUHAL RICHARD ABRAMS/LEO SMITH/HENRY THREADGILL/ROSCOE MITCHELL/JOSEPH JARMAN/JULIUS HEMPHILL/OLIVER LAKE/DOUGLAS EWART/LEROY JENKINS/FREDERIC RZEWSKI/DAVE HOLLAND/BARRY ALTSCHUL et al - The Complete Arista Recordings Of Anthony Braxton: New York Fall 1974/Five Pieces 1975/The Montreux & Berlin Concerts 1976/Creative Orchestra Music 1976/Duets 1976/For Trio/For Four Orchestras [Composition 82]/Alto Saxophone Improvisations 1979 [Composition 95]/For Two Pianos [LTD ED 8 CD Box Set + Book] (Mosaic LTD ED 242; USA)
The 800 Lb. Gorilla no one should be without!
8 CD + book set for $165



New on FMR!

AMALGAM [TREVOR WATTS et al] - Mad (FMR 267; UK) Featuring Trevor Watts on saxes, Willem Kuhne on electric piano, Colin McKenzie on bass and Liam Genockey on drums. Recorded live in 1977. This is the 9th Amalgam disc released on FMR and each one has been a different and distinctive gem. Amalgam was saxist Trevor Watts' ever-evolving band both during and after he left the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. Amalgam had first an acoustic period with bassists Jeff Clyne or Barry Guy and guests like Keith Tippett. Their electric period featured the same rhythm team of Colin Mackenzie on electric bass and Liam Genockey on drums with different electric guitarists Dave Cole, Steve Layton and even Keith Rowe from AMM.
'Mad' seems to be the one Amalgam disc with an electric piano, Willem Kuhne, replacing the electric guitar. When Trevor left SME, he moved more into the (cosmic) groove. Hence, the electric version of Amalgam always had a great groove in the center of whatever they did. Although you can tell that this disc was taken from vinyl, the sound is still just right. The rhythm team has a consistent, joyous, somewhat funky vibe which is both in-the-pocket and mutating at the same time. Trevor does a fabulous job of riding the groove and soloing with infectious glee on top. "Jive" is fast and furious tune that approaches that over-the-top fusion intensity level. With the rhythm team slamming hard, Trevor spins cascading lines of notes as if he is running a race or being pursued some monster about to swallow him whole. Mr. Kuhne also takes a smokin' solo, giving Trevor a run for his money, as does bassist Colin Mackenzie. . The second side of the album, consists of the two-part "Berlin Wall" and "Mad". On "Berlin Wall," Trevor almost sounds like a horse as he solos (whinnies) on top of another slower yet still celebratory groove. Drummer, Liam Genockey, was also a member of Trevor's next band, the Moire Music Society which included African musicians as well. Listening to this creative groove wonder, I can hear the connection between Amalgam and MMS. I dig the way the sax and piano are always interconnected, soloing and working their way around one another seamlessly. Amalgam is/are a powerful quartet that must've really been a joy to witness live, too bad we can't just jump into a time machine and check them out live. In the meantime, this disc will have to do. - BLG
CD $16

MANCINI PROJECT [SIMON H FELL/PAT THOMAS/STEVE NOBLE/HAN BENNINK] - Views Of Mancini (FMR 263; UK) Featuring Simon H. Fell on double bass, prerecordings & direction, Pat Thomas on piano, Steve Noble on turntables & manipulations and Han Bennink on drums. I was a bit surprised to see Simon Fell, British bassist, composer and label head, do a tribute to the influential, sixties-based American film composer, Henry Mancini. Although, this strange quartet does actually cover seven of Mancini's themes, their versions are reconstructed and often mutated beyond recognition. The immensely corny, "Days of Wine & Roses" consists of layers of samples, recordings, piano and (brushes on) drums. I dig the way the quartet spins their web of sounds all over but I am not sure that the melody of the song actually appears anywhere in the mix. These pieces do have a cinematic vibe/sound. On "Charade" we hear the subtle melody played skeletally on piano, bass and drums, while Mr. Noble spins in soft layers of eerie samples like a web of wonders. On "Moon River" (an even cornier song), we hear the soundtrack music from a scratchy record in confused layers while Mr. Thomas adds another layer of piano as a connected dialogue to this strange dreamscape. "Peter Gunn" has many layers of warped sounds like falling in a vat of molasses. Han Bennink is often the central player hear, his drums providing the only anchor the real world. There are two mainly improvised pieces here that are free yet still focused but without a cinematic theme holding them together. Two of my and most folks favorite Mancini themes are found here as well, "The Pink Panther" and "A Shot in the Dark". Both are also turned inside out and often warped beyond recognition, yet still have a dramatic aura that makes them feel like a soundtrack to movie for your mind. I get the feeling that it take a bit of time to fully appreciate all of the (buried) references and engaging ideas that Simon H. Fell and his colleagues have sown into this bizarre treasure. - BLG
CD $16

CIRCUIT ELECTRO ACOUSTIC ENSEMBLE [TREVOR TAYLOR/GARY SMITH/PAT THOMAS/ROBERTO FILOSETA] - Kitaoka (FMR 218; UK) Featuring Gary Smith on guitar, Pat Thomas on keyboards, Roberto Filoseta on piano, Trevor Taylor on drums and everyone on electronics. What is interesting about this quartet is that each member comes from a different background, bringing something unique to what is a "group" sound here. Gary Smith plays heavy guitar with his trio Mass, yet here moves more into electronic/space sounds. Pat Thomas, who has played with quite a diverse cast of previous collaborators like Derek Bailey, Eugene Chadbourne, Lol Coxhill and Phil Minton, also seems to alter his approach depending on the situation at hand. FMR label-head, Trevor Taylor, can also go either way from subtle, modern composer-like acoustic percussion to strange electronic sounds. Pianist Roberto Filoseta only plays on three of the six tracks here, but I haven't heard of him before this and am glad to hear him in this unique quartet.
Each of the six pieces is named "Kitaoka" and then numbered 1-6. Somewhere in between kraut/rock space music and carefully improvised electronic sounds & samples is where we find find ourselves. I just finished reading a book, an oral history of Jerry Garcia and listened to quite a bit of live Grateful Dead music. From the mid-seventies until Garcia died in 1995, the Dead would have an improvised "space jam" section during each of their concerts. I almost always looked forward to this part of their ritual/concert, since they would take chances and often have weird results. Some of this disc reminds me of the better space jams that I've heard. There is a strong balance (between the soothing & the weird) and careful selection of sounds here, nothing too extreme, yet it does get further out as it evolves. While listening to this disc on my Mac at home, I decided to turn on the visualizer in my I-tunes. Wow! Perfect visuals to accompany this music. All I can say is far out! - BLG
CD $16

JASPER VAN'T HOF/FREDY STUDER - Pangramm (FMR 264; UK) Featuring Jasper Van't Hof on keyboards, synth & sound modules and Fredy Studer on drums, percussion & electronic devices. Here are two great musicians with long and diverse careers. Dutch keyboard wiz, Jasper Van't Hof, has played with two legendary European progressive bands, Association P.C. and Pork Pie, both with great albums on MPS that were reissued earlier this year. Swiss drummer, Fredy Studer, has also played in the equally legendary OM quartet with Christy Doran and still plays with the mighty trio, Koch/Schutz/Studer, who have nearly a dozen different and great discs out. Both of these fine musicians can also be heard in a variety of other situations, solos, duos, trios, etc.
When I first put this disc on the stereo at the store, Chuck and I were blown away by it, an unexpected and mysterious delight. The title track is first and is filled with layers of twisted samples, strange voices, odd percussion sounds and Zappa-like weirdness that reminded me of 'Uncle Meat' or 'Lumpy Gravy'. Both of these players have a knack for using a large variety of devices and selecting the right ones at the right time so that everything flows together and is somehow always connected. Even when Fredy uses a drum machine, he selects an odd groove and slowly twists into another shape while Jasper adds layers of fascinating keyboard textures and sounds. There is a strong balance and superb blend of sounds on each piece, as if the duo worked hard at combining sounds that flowed together superfluously. There are definitely a number of sounds (samples?) that are difficult to describe, but we were completely engaged by the entire journey that this disc provided. - BLG
CD $16


PAUL DUNMALL/TONY ORRELL - Etchings [DVD] (Duns DVD 01; UK) Limited Edition DVD-R. Featuring Paul Dunmall on saxello & tenor saxes and Tony Orrell on drums and tapes. Recorded on 16 August 2006. This is the first DVD from British sax giant, Paul Dunmall's own DUNS label, so this is a special occasion and a neat way to start a new year. I only know drummer Tony Orrell from one previous FMR disc with Paul Dunmall called 'Deep See'. This was mostly as an experiment when Tony found two video recorders in his studio and decided to film Paul & himself. Unfortunately, the camera on Tony didn't work so we only have the film of Mr. Dunmall to work with. Tony manipulates the image of Dunmall and does a fascinating job of adding many layers of images off Paul as he plays. Pretty psychedelic at times, yet it works quite well. In addition to drums, Tony also plays tapes and what sounds like tabla samples, sometimes looping certain sounds and adding a wonderful hypnotic undertow. Dunmall plays (Elton Dean's) saxello on the first section and he still retains that magic quality that always defined Elton's playing on that instrument. Tony Orrell is an amazing jazz drummer and sounds splendid throughout this entire disc. Strange that we haven't heard more from him, but then Dunmall always seems to find strong and often under-recognized collaborators. The many layers of manipulated images of Dunmall are consistently fascinating and fit the music perfectly as well. Considering how little preparation went into doing this session, the results are most often stunning from the beginning to the end. Happy New Year to Paul Dunmall and Tony Orrell, we have all been blessed with this great offering. - BLG
DVD $16


OLAF RUPP - Whiteout: Solo Electric Guitar (FMP 131; Germany) After a few discs of solo acoustic guitar (one on FMP), this is Olaf Rupp's first disc solo electric guitar. The picture of Mr. Rupp playing his guitar in the booklet, shows him to playing his Fender solid body almost vertically with a slight diagonal, using the tops of his fingers to tap or pluck the strings. Listening to the first piece on this disc, he sounds as if he is playing a harp, actually an electric harp like the one that Zeena Parkins plays. On each of the fourteen pieces, Olaf sounds as if he playing the guitar in a different and an unusual way. Little in the way of devices to alter his sound, it is his fingers, his approach to playing that is most unique. At times he sounds like Fred Frith, especially on the first 'Guitar Solos' album, specifically that last crazy track. Olaf's frenzied tapping technique also recalls Elliott Sharp at times. For those who dig the further explorations of free guitar madness, this is one of the most intense and focused solo electric guitar recitals that we've ever heard. - BLG
CD $20



New from Jazzwerkstat:

AKI TAKASE AND THE GOOD BOYS With RUDI MAHALL/TOBIAS DELIUS et al - Live At Willisau Jazz Festival (Jazzwerkstatt 49; Germany) Aki Takase piano, Rudi Mahall bass clarinet, Tobias Delius tenor sax and clarinet, Johannes Fink double bass, Heinrich Kobberling drums
CD $17

ABRASAZ - Biraminket (Jazzwerkstatt 45; Germany) Ravi Srinivasan (tabla, vocals, santoor, electronic percussion); Mustafa El Dino (saz, vocals, darabuka, bender) - Akira Ando (acoustic bass, bells); Paul Schwingenschlogl (trumpet, flugelhorn, piano)
CD $17

MARC SCHMOLLING TRIO With BASTIAN JUTTE/SAVA MEDAN - Siebenundsechzigzwei (Jazzwerkstatt 48; Germany) Marc Schmolling piano, Bastian Jutte bass, Sava Medan drums
CD $17

SHOOT THE MOON - Glory & Decay (Jazzwerkstatt 53; Germany) Almut Schlichting - sax, komp, Winnie Bruckner - voc, Sabine Ercklentz - trp, Tobias Dettbarn - bclar, Sven Hinse - bass, Rudi Fischerlehner - drums
CD $17

and back in stock

ERNST-LUDWIG PETROWSKY With HARRY MILLER/JOE SACHSE/TONY OXLEY et al - Ein Nachmittag in Peitz (Jazzwerkstatt 18; Germany) This disc was recorded live in April of 1981 and it features two different groups. There are two long (26 minutes) duos with Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky on clarinet, alto & bari saxes & flute with Brotherhood of Breath's Harry Miller on bass and cello. The other longer (41 minutes) session features Petrowsky's fine quintet with Heinz Becker on trumpet, Joe Sachse on guitar, Klaus Koch o bass and Tony Oxley on drums. We know German reeds wiz, Ernst Petrowsky, from his work with Globe Unity Orchestra, Ulrich Gumpert, Zentralquartett, as well as his own discs on FMP and Konnex. The duos with Harry Miller are especially noteworthy, since the late, great South African-born, British-based bassist, Harry Miller, was rarely heard with outside of his small circle of associates. This is a truly amazing duo and it is superbly recorded. Ideas flow back and forth at high speeds and Harry is often flabbergastingaly [sic] great. On "Relaxing with Harry" the duo do not sound like they are relaxing but rather burning together, rarely if ever letting up and giving them or us some time to breathe. An outstanding duo performance! There is one piece in which Petrowsky speaks in German and gets some laughs from the assembled crowd. Too bad I don't know German since the universal translater is currently off-line. The quintet with Petrowsky (reeds), Becker (trumpet), Sachse (guitar), Koch (bass) and Oxley (drums) is long, free and intense throughout. I know all of these names from a variety of different sessions, many on FMP, West Wind and/or Hat Art. At 41 minutes, this quintet is consistently crafty, spirited and engaging. - BLG
CD $17

CONNY [KONRAD] BAUER - Der Gelbe Klang (Jazzwerkstatt 38; Germany) Conny Bauer (trombone / Apple Powerbook / Motu Fire Wire 828 / Neumann Mikro TLM 170 / Behringer Pedal FCB 1010 / Software: CBL 1.6 by Arno Kraehahn) "Der gelbe Klang" ("The Yellow Sound") is my sixth solo album. Like my earlier recordings, it features improvised music. Now and then, however, I underlayed the solo trombone with composed motifs, recorded with digital equipment and played in a loop to provide scaffolding for improvisation. In order to transmit the flow and the energy of a live concert to the CD, I played without pause in my studio. We added the subtitles later, as the album was recorded in one long ride from beginning to end - and that's the way you should listen to it. - Conny Bauer, March 2008
Conny Bauer develops his work-in-progress in a stringent and captivating manner: surging hymns, buzzing bumblebees, alphorns, marches, folk dances - a cornucopia of ideas. One hour of music spent in a dense flow of thoughts, an outing full of action, not just brains. The pleasure of playing here and now spreads from Bauer to the listener as he rumbles, mumbles, squeals, rejoices, swings. The trombone has a reputation of being unwieldy, but Bauer has given it the light-heartedness of a saxophone. - Ulrich Steinmetzger, March 2008
CD $17



New from Stan, Clark, and Sylvia Tracey's TenToTen/Resteamed records!

JOHN RANDALL QUINTET With PHIL ROBSON - Insomnia (TenToTen 760; UK) "Featuring Mike Fletcher on alto sax & flute, Phil Robson or Chris Montague on guitar, George Fogel on Fender Rhodes electric piano, Tom Farmer on electric bass and John Randall on drums. The British TenToTen label is run by Clark Tracey, jazz drummer and son of the legendary jazz piano great Stan Tracey, and his wife Sylvia [the singer]. We have been carrying this label for the past few years and have been enjoying discs from Stan, Clark and a few other lesser known British jazz players. I hadn't heard of any of the members of the John Randall Quintet before this promo arrived in the mail, but I must admit that I was knocked out by this fine young quintet. Clark Tracey had discovered them at a jazz conservatoire or competition in Birmingham and he knew they were special.
The title track is first and it features that swell seventies style electric piano-led sound. The band plays a high-flying, superb-charged M-Base like, near-fusion groove tune with some tight, intricate work from the electric piano, guitar and alto sax. Their pianist has that old Jan Hammer-like, slightly distorted electric piano sound that many know of and love. In the mid-section the group plays freely yet they never lose sight of the structure before and after. This band remains super-tight even though the speed up and slow down throughout the first piece. "Blues for SJ" is a simmering, bluesy piece with some fine guitar and el. piano solos. Each piece here has a theme that is hypnotic, sly and well-constructed, allowing the guitar, alto sax and/or piano to solo over some intricate changes. These tight and often feisty pieces also keep the rhythm team on their toes as these songs often switch tempos mid-stream. There are a number of explosive solos by each of the front-line players, too many great ones to single out here. Fans of the jazzier side of Soft Machine or even Mahavishnu Orchestra should have blast with this extraordinary debut disc from the John Randall Quintet." - BLG
CD $18

STAN TRACEY OCTET With HARRY BECKETT/ART THEMEN/MALCOLM GRIFFITHS et al - The Early Works: The Bracknell Connection/Salisbury Suite [2 CD set] (Resteamed 107; UK) Featuring Peter King & Jeff Daly on alto saxes, Art Themen & Don Weller on tenor saxes, Harry Beckett on trumpet, Malcolm Griffiths on trombone, Stan Tracey on piano & compositions, Dave Green on bass and Bryan Spring on drums. This fine double disc set features two reissued albums, 'The Bracknell Connection,' recorded at the 100 Club in London in November of 1976 and 'Salisbury Suite' which was recorded at the Salisbury Arts Festival in February of 1978. Both of these All-Star Octets contain a number of UK's finest musicians like Harry Beckett, Peter King and Don Weller. 'The Bracknell Connection' also includes a nearly 20-minute unreleased bonus track recorded the same year. "Cuddly" opens the 'Bracknell Connection" with some hard swinging and strong solos from the tenor players, the trombone, Tracey on piano and in a fine duo with the tenor. One of the things that stands out here is the writing and arranging (of his small-big band) by Mr. Tracey, the colorful harmonies for the six horns on "Agitato-Sympatico" are especially charming and well-constructed. Mr. Tracey organized an outstanding octet that often burns and could go toe to toe with any other American modern jazz group of that period or any other period with no problem. There is a section for just the saxes on "Timespring" that is just amazing as all of he saxes swirl tightly around one another with fire-breathing intensity. The bonus track, "Chiffik" is another long-lost gem with some incredibly inspired swirling horns that must be heard to be believed.
2 CD set for $24

TUBBY HAYES With TERRY SHANNON/JEFF CLYNE/BENNY GOODMAN - Intensity: The 1965 Tapes (TenToTen 759; UK) Featuring Tubby Hayes on tenor sax & flute, Terry Shannaon on piano, Jeff Clyne on bass and Benny Goodman (no, NOT the American big band leader!) on drums. This unreleased gem was recorded live at Ronnie Scott's in Spring of 1965. Tubby Hayes was the first British jazz legend to win the respect of fellow US jazzmen as well as fans around the world. He was a larger than life figure with a reputation to push himself to the extreme: drugs, alcohol, food, you name it, he went all the way. Of course he lived hard and died young at 38 in 1973. He was an intense fellow and his playing was intense! Hence the name of this disc. Over the past decade, they have reissued and unearth some 16 CD's of his legendary playing.
'Intensity' features just three long standards, "Mini-Minor", "Alone Together" and "Sometime Ago", live and smokin' at Ronnie Scott's naturally, the most famous and long-lived of all British jazz clubs. Tubby's solo on the opening tune, "Mini-Minor" burns from the first note and he just keeps on going, reaching higher and higher. His tone is pretty Trane-like, as is his intense spirit. "Alone Together" is a sublime ballad with some fine lyrical, simmering solos from both Tubby and pianist Terry Shannon. The final epic is called "Sometime Ago" and it has one of the Miles-like melodies from the 'Kind of Blue' era, a kind of waltz with "My Favorite Things" like piano. Again both Terry Shannon and Tubby Hayes (on flute) take long flowing solos that can't be beat. 'Intensity' is one of those classic jazz treasures that can't be denied. Please, do check it out right now and make yourself smile. - BLG
CD $18

and, back in stock..

STAN TRACEY/KEITH TIPPETT - Supernova: At The ICA, 1977 (Resteamed 105; UK) Recorded at the ICA in 1977, this album captures 50-odd minutes of peerless improvising from two masters of the craft. Keith Tippett, of course, has continued playing mostly in this free vein, solo, in duos with the likes of Howard Riley, and in larger ensembles such as Mujician and the occasional big band, so it is no surprise to find him providing his trademark rich amalgam of thunderous power and filigree delicacy throughout the five pieces here; Stan Tracey, however, has subsequently concentrated mainly on more structured playing, so it is all the more intriguing to hear him applying his uniquely clangorous but deftly imaginative approach to spontaneously interactive music such as this. Always absorbing, often exhilarating, moving easily between rumbustious energy and touching lyricism, the two pianists strike sparks off each other, indulge in combined dazzling, driving runs, or muse quietly together - whatever the mood, though, as Clark Tracey's liner note suggests, 'intuition, respect, energy and romanticism are just some of the qualities to be found in abundance on this recording'. A rare and valuable issue. - Chris Parker, vortexjazz.co.uk
CD $18

STAN TRACEY BIG BAND With TUBBY HAYES/BOBBY WELLINS/KENNY WHEELER/JEFF CLYNE et al - Alice In Jazz Land (Resteamed 102; UK) Stan Tracey's acclaimed Big Band recording of "Alice In Jazz Land" from the Sixties, is the second release in the Collectors Series from ReSteamed records. With the stellar line-up of Tubby Hayes, Bobby Wellins, Kenny Wheeler, Kenny Baker, Alan Branscombe, Ronnie Baker, Harry Klein, Ian Hamer, Eddie Blair, Les Condon, Keith Christie, Chris Smith, Jeff Clyne, Wally Smith, Ronnie Stephenson!
Pianist and composer Stan Tracey is a legendary veteran on the British jazz scene, in his own quiet way, a master musician. Alice In Jazz Land originally released in 1966 is the follow up to Tracey's Under Milk Wood album, one of the best known British jazz albums. It's criminal that Alice has been unavailable for so long: it's a great record.
A crack team of legendary British players was put together for this session. But Stan himself sets the tone in the first thirty seconds of the title cut with an aggressive, audacious piano intro that makes you sit up and go 'Wow!'. This is an album that exemplifies the classic British big band sound: tart, bright, punchy. But it also pushes the envelope way out with its' confidence and wild musical invention. It's full of fantastic loud, huge, wide chords that are big enough to stick your whole head in.
This album is a much a product of its time as the Beatles' Revolver, and it's no coincidence that it was also recorded at Abbey Road (and beautifully recorded at that). British music and culture was at a zenith, and you can hear the sunshine and swagger in the likes of "Pig And Pepper" and "Summer Hallucinations". "Afro Charlie Meets The White Rabbit" has a psychedelic edge with outrageous discords and an off the wall arrangement which never meanders or loses focus. The lovely "Fantasies In Bloom", provides some breathing space. It seems dangerous to single out one player but I particularly love the trumpet section and Kenny Baker's trumpet feature on the intense "Murdering The Time".
Right up to the glorious conclusion of "Portrait of A Queen" there's not a precious second wasted in 38 brilliant minutes. They really don't make 'em like this anymore. Thankfully you can hear 'em again, thanks to Clark Tracey and his programme of reissues of his father's music: truly a labour of love in a very bad world. Great stuff! - Nick Reynolds
CD $18

STAN TRACEY ORCHESTRA With EVAN PARKER/HENRY LOWTHER et al - At The Appleby Jazz Festival: 2004 & 2006 (Resteamed 104; UK) This latest release from the Stan Tracey Orchestra captures their live performances at the prestigious Appleby Festival in both 2004 and 2006. Most of the music on this CD has not been recorded previously, including 3 pieces from Continental Shift, as well as 3 Monk tunes, a Duke Ellington number, and extracts form Tracey's Genesis Suite.
With Evan Parker, Henry Lowther, Guy Barker, Steve Waterman, Mark Armstrong, Andy Wood, Alan Barnes, Nigel Hitchcock et al.
CD $18

STAN TRACEY QUARTET - Jazz Suite Inspired By Dylan Thomas' Under Milkwood (Resteamed 101; UK) ""..the masterly interplay between Tracey's piano and the tenor saxophone of Bobby Wellins. Wellins is one of the very few British jazzmen with originality and the aspect of his style which comes across to so great effect is his restraint, his use of silence in the solo, his ability to create light and shade instead of endless rambling streams which so many modern musicians indulge in" - Benny Green, Broadcaster and journalist, 1965
"It is now 19 years since Stan Tracey first introduced his jazz suite Under Milk Wood. The record was an instant, if modest, success and one of the pieces on it, the haunting Starless and Bible Black remains probably the finest single recorded performance by a British jazz group. With the plaintive sound of Bobby Wellins' tenor saxophone floating above the subdued piano chords, it evokes to perfection the atmosphere of a soft spring night...it was one of the most enjoyable concerts I have attended for ages... everyone writes suites these days but none of them has lasted like this one" - Dave Gelly, The Observer, 1984
"Stan himself is, quite literally, brilliant... His compositions all have that classic modern jazz feel: the heads are glaringly apparent and the solos obviously placed, but that's what modern jazz should be about. Tracey has always been a progressive pianist with his self-created bounds and the rest of his band seem to share that ideology. Jazz for jazz lovers." - Rhythm Magazine 1993
CD $18

STAN TRACEY QUARTET - The Return Of: Captain Adventure - Expanded Edition [2 CD set] (Resteamed/TenToTen 753; UK) Stan Tracey Quartet's "Captain Adventure" from the Steam Catalogue [4 cuts] first released in 1975 now with SEVEN extra tracks from the live recording. Stan Tracey - piano / Art Themen - saxes / Dave Green - bass / Bryan Spring - drums
"Not only a return for Captain Adventure, but a return to the catalogue for one of Stan Tracey's most memorable groups. This is a double CD reissue of the session recorded live at the 100 Club in November 1975 by pianist Tracey with Art Themen on saxes, Dave Green on bass and drummer Bryan Spring.
It seems a long time ago, but this inspired music - sometimes tranquil, sometimes fierce - holds up wonderfully well, and is a vivid reminder of how each member of the quartet brought his own distinctive qualities to it. Everything from the original Steam recording is here, PLUS seven extra tracks which make up the whole of the evening's session. So those who have the old LP will need no further encouragement to buy the CD set, and new listeners can do no better than to start here." - Pete Martin, Jazz UK.
2 CD set for $24

STAN TRACEY With ROY BABBINGTON/ALAN SKIDMORE/HENRY LOWTHER/MALCOLM GRIFFITHS et al - We Still Love You Madly - For Edward Kennedy 'Duke' Ellington: Expanded Edition [2 CD set] (Resteamed/Tri Arts 04; UK) Disc 1 - The Orchestra: Trumpets: John Barclay, Steve Sidwell, Guy Barker, Henry Lowther - Trombones: Malcolm Griffiths, Chris Pyne, Geoff Perkins - Saxophones: Peter King, Jamie Talbot, Alan Skidmore, Art Themen, Phil Todd - Piano: Stan Tracey - Bass: Roy Babbington - Drums: Clark Tracey
Disc 2 - Stan Tracey/Rob Babbington duo
2 CD set for $24

STAN TRACEY/BOBBY WELLINS With ANDREW CLEYNDERT/CLARK TRACEY//THELONIOUS MONK - Play Monk: Live At The Bull's Head 2006 (Resteamed 103; UK) The collaboration between Tracey and Wellins, which began in the sixties, has produced some of the finest jazz the British Isles have ever heard, including the classics "Under Milkwood Suite" [ReSteamed CD 101] and "Alice In Jazzland", and a host of other recordings. In this latest release, recorded in 2006, they pay musical tribute to one of the greatest jazz pianist/composers, Thelonious Monk, performing an entire set of his musical compositions in the arrangements regularly played by this quartet! "Englishman Stan Tracey has long been influenced by Monk's pianistics and on Play Monk he presents - along with cohort saxophonist Bobby Wellins - a more conventional (that is, more like the classic Monk quartet recordings) but never less than compelling take on an evening's worth of the master. Recorded at London's renowned The Bull's Head, it plays up how much Monk's vocabulary has been absorbed by Tracey and Wellins. A familiar collection of tunes with their quirky ups and downs, the co-leaders play as if this music is in their blood - as indeed it must be. Tracey's son Clark plays drums and the bassist is Andy Cleyndert, a working quartet that never lets these tunes become old hat. The essence of the group and of Monk is immediately evident on "Bright Mississippi", the composer's stunning simplifying' of "Sweet Georgia Brown". The band digs in for a ride that finds Monk and his source in beautiful tandem. Tracey's solo calls up not just Monk and Duke (another hero) but also the stride roots from which both emerged. On "Monk's Mood", unaccompanied tenor and piano delve into this episodic composition but take paths that suggest other worlds. And none of these players ever loses the joy and spirit of the music from which they take off." - Donald Elfman, AAJ
CD $18

BEN WEBSTER/STAN TRACEY - Soho Nights Vol 1 (Resteamed 106; UK) Featuring Ben Webster - tenor saxophone with Stan Tracey - piano, Dave Green - bass and Tony Crombie - drums Quartet recorded live at Ronnie Scott's in 1968. Recorded live at Ronnie Scotts, this unreleased recording of the 'tenor giant' performing with Stan's 'in-house' trio of the time is now digitally remastered from the original reel tape. The album perfectly captures the atmosphere of the club in 1968 (including Ronnie Scott as MC). Along with Simon Spillett's superb liner notes putting the people and the era into context the cd is a must for fans of this classic period.
CD $18



The previous Magma offspring group OFFERING's individual CDs are out-of-print ..so here's the box set!

OFFERING [MAGMA PRESENTS: CHRISTIAN VANDER et al] - Part 1&2/Part 3/Part 4/A Fiieh [4 CD box set] (Seventh REX XXI; France) For more 30 years Christian Vander has followed his own path. Pleasing the crowd has not been his way. Since 1983, OFFERING has born witness to the importance of John Coltrane's music in the Vander universe. This fundamental creative inspiration is of course found in MAGMA.
But OFFERING, being improvised, and acoustic, has the character of an ongoing research and exploration into Christian's source of inspiration. Beyond form, it is the presence of the inner 'cry' which is the thing that counts. Moments of joy, of suffering, rising waves of hope, and beauty! Black magic, white magic - in short - just magic. The gift offered by OFFERING touches the hearts of all.
Disc 1: OFFERING Part 1/2
Disc 2: OFFERING Part 3 + 32mn bonus track "Out of this world"
Disc 3: OFFERING Part 4
Disc 4: OFFERING A Fiieh
4 CD set for $60

also, two copies left of last week's scarce item..

MAGMA [CHRISTIAN VANDER et al] - Magma Studio Zund: Kobia/1001 Degrees Centigrade/M.D.K. (Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh)/Wurdah Itah [sndtck]/Kohntarkosz/Udu Wudu/Attahk/Merci/K.A. (Kohntarkosz Anteria)/Archiw Vol I & II with '24 heures Seulement' [sndtck] [12 CD boxset] (Seventh/Le Chant Du Monde; France) All the '70s Studio albums PLUS two CDs of UNRELEASED archival studio recordings - at a price nearly half of getting the available ones individually!
12 CD Box Set for $135



Back in stock!

SONNY SIMMONS - Introducing Black Jack Pleasanton: The Kirk Heydt Tapes 1980-1982 [4 CD set] (Hello World 08/11; EEC) [2nd Limited Edition of 70 copies] This was recorded at home and in the bay area from 1980 to 1981. Featuring Sonny Simmons on alto sax, Kirk Heydt on cello, Steve Suhren on flute, Martin O'Connor on bass and Arnold Young or James Baker on drums, plus some unidentified musicians. The French-based Hello World label is also known as the Sonny Simmons Appreciation Society and they continue to release rare Sonny Simmons discs, a few per year. These four discs were recorded during the time when Sonny Simmon was "homeless and shipwrecked" according to the liner notes, a time when Sonny took various aliases like Black Jack Pleasanton. Many of the exact locations are unknown and the sound is good but rarely great. However, the music remains spirited and often powerful. The first disc features a quartet with Kirk Hyedt on cello, Martin O'Connor on bass and Arnold Young on drums. The quartet do a burning version of Eric Dolphy's "Red Planet" which sounds intense and spirited and features some strong but under-miked cello by Mr. Heydt. "Flight of the Wild Geese" from the second disc is nearly 37 minutes long and features a spiritual trio with Sonny on alto sax, Kirk Heydt on cello and Arnold Young on drums. Mr. Heydt provides a fine foil for Sonny as he bows long lines with Sonny simmering sax. Mr. Young's mallet work is also just right for this somber, prayer-like piece. This piece is actually a suite which includes "Hot House" by Tadd Dameron, "Victory Dance", "A Caribbean Cruise", "Dancing in the Dirt" and "Over the 9th Zone". "Over in the Beyond" has a hypnotic middle-eastern vibe with Sonny's snake charming sax and Kirk's cello swirling together into spiritual bliss. Each of these four disc is over an hour long, so there is a great deal to absorb here. Even if the sound is not so great, the spirited playing is consistently engaging throughout.
4 CD set for $65

SONNY SIMMONS/BOBBY FEW - True Wind [2 CD set] (Hello World 12/13; EEC) [Limited Edition of 100 copies]. Recorded live in at L'Atelier Tampon-Ramier in Paris in November of 2007. Featuring Sonny Simmons on alto sax & cor anglais (English horn) and Bobby Few on piano. Delightful duo session featuring mainly standards: "Night in Tunisia," " 'Round Midnight," "Body & Soul," "All the Things You Are" plus a few originals. Sonny Simmons and Bobby Few are both elderly statesmen jazz expatriates who live in France. This seasoned duo played a fine set at the Vision Fest earlier last summer of 2008. Dizzy Gillespie's "Night in Tunisia" is taken at slower pace than the bebop standard and still sounds great since the duo do a most spirited version. Bobby Few, who has played Steve Lacy, Noah Howard, Frank Wright, Kali Fasteau and Avram Feffer, is a master pianist who sounds as if he has the entire history of (piano) jazz at his fingertips. Bobby is a perfect collaborator for Sonny Simmons, another legendary jazz figure who has been playing and slaying for more than forty years, from sessions with Eric Dolphy and Prince Lasha to the mighty Cosmosamatics with Michael Marcus. 'True Wind' is indeed one of the best duo efforts that I've heard in the past year. Spectacular from the beginning to the very end. - BLG
2 CD set for $25


SEYMOUR WRIGHT & EDDIE PREVOST - Gamut (Matchless 72; UK) "Featuring Seymour Wright on alto sax and Eddie Prevost on Roto toms (only). If you didn't recognize the name of Eddie Prevost's partner here, that is because as he claims, he is language teacher and not a prfessional musician. Mr. Wright can only be found on one other previous Matchless disc with two other little known UK musicians, Yann Charaoi and John Lely. Like the current AMM disc (Trinity), this set was recorded at Trinity College in Greenwich, England in April of 2008. Since Mr. Prevost limits himself to Rototoms, which are tomtom heads without the shells on a precisely tunable spinning frame.
Strangely enough, it is till hard to figure out who is doing what here. Mr. Wight plays a great deal of eerie, extended sax sounds that sound nothing like a sax. Mr Prevost appears to be using assorted implements on his drums, although I swear I hear scraped cymbals and other non-drum sounds. I find this music to be occasionally disturbing and certainly most effective to evoking bizarre images with haunting sounds. I get the feeling that we are listening to the natural sounds like the rustling of leaves or the scraping of metals. It often doesn't sound like a concert, but something more dangerous or at least more serious like the soundtrack to a strange science fiction movie. I dig that each sound is well-placed within the landscape of silence. Overall I found this disc to be most rewarding since it made me question many things: what exactly are they doing? Is this actually music? Is this some form of entertainment or communication? Whatever the answers are, they continue to change as do my thoughts and reactions to these sounds. The more alert I was, the better the experience." - BLG
CD $19



LUC FERRARI - Presque Rien Avec Luc Ferrari [DVD] (Elica 4290; Italy) "The first DVD release on Elica is a beautiful 50-minute portrait of composer Luc Ferrari made by his friend Jacqueline Caux with Olivier Pascal, which is fully informative and acutely representative of Ferrari's spirit. Featuring Elise Caron, as Luc Ferrari and herself, and Luc Ferrari, as himself only, going through archive documentation, intriguing dialogues, invented autobiographies, music performances, evocative installations, sidewalk accidents, encounters with sound-sculptor Christof Schlager and electro musician eRikm, etc.. Documenting the work of one of the most groundbreaking and seductive composers of the 20th century, this film also shows Luc Ferrari's 'extremely libertarian personality: his spontaneity, his inclination towards hedonism and sensuality, his curious and open character, his rejection of all kind of power and of all stable position within institutions, his pronounced taste for games, his sense of self-derision and his ferocious refusal of all dogmatism.' Jacqueline Caux is a writer, film-maker and organizer of live events, who is the author of the essential interview book with Luc Ferrari (same title as the film) as well as books on Anne Halprin and Louise Bourgeois, and is the author of several experimental films and remarkable documentaries, which include the highly-acclaimed Detroit: The Cycle of The Mental Machine on Detroit techno and a brand new film on the performance of Ferrari's 'Symphonie Dechiree.' Olivier Pascal has collaborated, among others, with film-director Claude Duty. NTSC, region-free DVD in large format digipak cover with notes in French and English by Jacqueline Caux."
DVD $20

LUC FERRARI - Archives Genetiquement Modifiees/Societe II (Robot 39; UK) "Robot Records is honored and pleased to present two historic compositions for the first time on CD by the late, great Luc Ferrari. The programme opens with 'Archives Genetiquement Modifiees' (Genetically Modified Archives), a work for 'memorized sounds' from 2000. This composition (subtitled: 'Exploitation des Concepts No. 3') was the third in a series of later pieces in which Mr. Ferrari revisited aspects of his early concepts and compositional strategies to create wholly new works. The result here is a very bizarre, sensual, and beautifully-paced electroacoustic work of aural memories and (re)collections created by Mr. Ferrari utilizing sounds from his vast archive of musical activities. After a short intermission, the program continues with a true highlight of Mr. Ferrari's early instrumental work entitled 'Societe II' from 1967. Subtitled: 'Et Si Le Piano Etait Un Corps De Femme'/'And If The Piano Were The Body Of A Woman' (for 4 soloists and 16 instruments), this composition appeared opposite 'Presque Rien' on the legendary Deutsche Grammophon LP. 'Societe II' may be viewed as an erotically-charged piece of musical theatre where the soloists 'compete' for the attention of a woman (the piano). This concerto, with its gestures and a fantastic kaleidoscope of styles and color, shows the extravagant qualities of the piano in its 'harmony, imagination, and brutality.' Packaged in a full-color digipak with a 20-page bilingual (French/English) booklet featuring Mr. Ferrari's early artwork, notations, and program notes, along with an extensive commentary by Jim O'Rourke and Jay Sanders. Remastered sound with audio restoration by fellow INA GRM alumnus, Jean Schwarz. A wonderful glimpse into the world of one of the most legendary, unique, and inspiring musical figures of the 20th century."
CD $16


SCHLAGENSEMBLE H/F/M - Ceremonial (Cavalli 454; Germany) Featured pieces: Andre Jolivet: "Ceremonial, Hommage a Varese Pour Six Percussionists" (1968); Steve Reich: "Six Marimbas" (1986); Tan Dun: "Elegy: Snow In June, Concerto for Cello and Percussion" (1991); Babette Koblenz: "Salpetriere, Version B for 4 Percussionists" (1993). "The percussion ensemble H/F/M developed out of the percussion studio of the Wuppertal College of Music, and has concertized for severaI years independent of the college. For larger projects, the core formation of four percussionists is complemented by students from the college's percussion studio. Thus, the ensemble is in a position to take on the entire percussion repertoire. In doing so, a particular concern is the rediscovery of little-known works that have been pushed into the background by the hustle and bustle of the 'new music' scene (with its standardized process of premiere followed by oblivion). The ensemble's musical director Christian Roderburg has been a freelance percussionist for 30 years. Since 1991, Roderburg has taught a percussion studio at the Cologne College of Music, Wuppertal campus. Andre Jolivet wrote about his work: 'Ceremonial developed into a powerful and ardent procession in memory of Varese, whose friend and only pupil I was. In this work, all the sonorous resources of the Percussions de Strasbourg are employed for the first time. The wealth and the variety of possibilities allow different combinations of timbres, creating a distinctly symphonic impression. The rhythm of the piece is simultaneously based on ancient Greek (amphibrach, spondaic, anapest, choriamb), Turkic-Romanic (aksak), African, and -- also -- European rhythms.'"
CD $22


OBSCURE TAPE MUSIC: JOJI YUASA - Vol. 1: Aoi-no-Ue (Omega Point 01; Japan) Volume one of Omega Point's Obscure Tape Music of Japan series, featuring Joji Yuasa's "Aoi-no-Ue" (1961) and "My Blue Sky" (1975). Joji Yuasa (b.1929) is one of most important composers in Japan after World War II. "Aoi-no-Ue" was composed for experimental theater at Sogetsu Art Center. The sound of this work is made from the chants of Japanese traditional "Noh" theater. "The text is recomposed by me keeping the original words. And it was sung in the style of Noh-chant by three brothers ... This work is composed mainly based on the metamorphosed sound of Noh-chant. The other sound is concrete sound such as birds songs, water drops, glasses, the warped sound of a vibraphone, some generated electronic sound and others. These sound sources are diversely changed, metamorphosed through all the possible electronic techniques at that time, and finally mixed and reconstructed on stereophonic tape. This piece had taken almost half a year to complete, working with the excellent sound engineer Zyunosuke Okuyama at the Sogetsu Art Center." --Joji Yuasa. This package also includes his final electronic music piece "My Blue Sky No.1," made at NHK electronic music studio. This studio was the '60s and '70s mecca of Japanese electronic music. Yuasa explains: "In this work only clicks, pulses and the various kinds of beats induced from them, varying piches, width and their frequency of pulse are adopted. For example, I controlled successively occurring pulses of low frequency sine wave by means of triggering with the frequency of the square wave." This is the world premiere issue of both works, in a limited edition of 1000 copies.
CD $25

OBSCURE TAPE MUSIC: JOJI YUASA/KUNIHARU AKIYAMA - Vol. 2: Music For Puppet Theatre of Hitomi-Za (Omega Point 02; Japan) This is volume 2 of Omega Point's newly-reissued Obscure Tape Music of Japan series. Hitomi-Za is an experimental puppet theater group that still exists today in Japan. This recorded performance took place from February 13-17th in 1962 at Sogetsu Kaikan Hall. The program consisted of three parts, and Joji Yuasa, Kuniharu Akiyama and Naozumi Yamamoto composed background sound for each part. This CD consists of two works made from magnetic tape from among the performances. This is the world premiere release of both works. Music for "Moment Grand-Guignolesques": "...all the puppets were made of cutting out thin and filmy paper, which gave me an idea of using all kinds of sounds out of various kinds of paper for this composition musique concrete. The sound of tearing newspaper, of crushing brown paper and of shutting a thick telephone book, etc., were used as sound materials. --Joji Yuasa. "Noh-Miso" (A Brain) was composed by Kuniharu Akiyama (1929-1996), well known as a modern music critic, but also a composer of tape music (for example, soundtracks to experimental films and animation, tape music for John Cage's 75th birthday and more). "Noh-Miso" was the second part of this Hitomi-Za performance -- a combination of music concrete and the modulated sound of inside-played piano by Yuji Takahashi. Limited edition of 200 copies.
CD $25

OBSCURE TAPE MUSIC: MAKOTO MOROI + KOUBOU ABE - Vol. 3: Music Drama "Akai Mayu"(A Red Cocoon) (Omega Point 03; Japan) This is volume 3 in Omega Point's newly-reissued Obscure Tape Music of Japan series. Akai Mayu is a short work of fiction by Japanese writer Koubou Abe (aka Kobo Abe pseudonym of Kimifusa Abe, 1924-1993). This musical drama version was broadcast by the Japan Broadcasting System NHK in 1960 and composed by Makoto Moroi, a pioneer of Japanese electronic music. He composed the music with a chamber ensemble, mixed chorus and electronic sound. This piece was performed at Sogetsu Art Center as a part of a concert program of Moroi's works. This version included a pantomime by Mamako Yoneyama, an abstract image projection and stage-setting by Hiroshi Manabe, as well as a performance by Kuniharu Akiyama with his work "Arcana 19." This work consisted of text, object sounds, piano and pre-recorded tapes, and was also broadcast live by NHK in 1960. This CD includes only some tape parts because the original live recording source of this performance was lost. Limited edition of 300 copies.
CD $25

OBSCURE TAPE MUSIC: TOSHI ICHIYANAGI - Vol. 5: Music for Tinguely (Omega Point 05; Japan) This is volume 5 of Omega Point's newly-reissued Obscure Tape Music of Japan series, available in a limited edition of 1000 copies, also with an LP version in a limited edition of 300 copies. Toshi Ichiyanagi is a well-renowned Japanese avant-garde composer who made brilliant pieces of tape music. Most of his works have not been issued on CD, or have only been issued in very small editions. This CD consists of three of his obscure tape works. "Music for Tinguely" (1963) was made from the junk objects by kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely. "Appearance" (1967) is the artist's first live electronic performance, also featuring John Cage and David Tudor -- very noisy and hardcore! "Music For Living Space" (1969) was composed for the inner "Future Section" of the Sun Tower at the World Expo in Osaka. A computer-generated voice reads Sun Tower architect Kisyo Kurokawa's artistic manifesto. Strange!
CD $25



KIM DOO SOO - 10 Days Butterfly [2 LP] (PSF K 01/02; Japan) Small repressing of this instantly sold-out double LP version from 2007, still a very limited edition. Deluxe full-color gatefold with embossed printing, lyric booklet inserted, etc. First PSF vinyl release in 5+ years and an impressive artifact. "Kim Doo Soo is the deepest and most introspective of Korea's acid-folk singers. Many are the legends that cling to his songs -- political oppression, alcoholism, suicide, a ten-year period of mountain seclusion. Despite having been active since the mid-'80s and having released four acclaimed albums in Korea, most Western listeners only became aware of him through his tracks on the Damon & Naomi compilation, International Sad Hits. On 10 Days Butterfly, his fifth album, he mines productive veins of profound melancholy, animistic nature, and unfathomable, hermetic affection. The whole is couched in a veil of the most gorgeous, still melodicism, Kim's vocals and guitar shaded with subtle accordion, violin, piano, organ and harmonica. A reflective and unearthly beautiful masterpiece." --Alan Cummings
2 LP set for $65
Also available on CD for $20

KOUSOKUYA - Live At Shinjuku Jam, 2006 [DVD] (PSF DV 1001; Japan) "The sudden death of Jutok Kaneko in January 2007 robbed the Tokyo underground scene of one of its most startlingly original and emotionally devastating psychedelic free-thinkers. Kousokuya was the cold-space rock group that he led, on and off, since the late 1970s. This DVD documents two of the group's final concerts, in May and October 2006 at Shinjuku JAM in Tokyo. The group's unique sound was founded on the dark, staggered spaces set up by the jarring rhythms set up by bassist Mick and drummer Ikuro Takahashi (ex-Fushitsusha) over which Kaneko drapes some jaw-dropping guitar -- bleak, brutal power-riffing one minute, shading into deep-space feedback filigrees and baroque fuzz forms the next. Unbearably psychedelic, deeply affecting and a fitting memorial to one of the great rock groups of the last 30 years." 120 mins.; Color; NTSC region-free; Stereo Dolby Digital; 08:11:21.
DVD $24



Back in stock..

ESTHER LAMNECK/CLAUDIO LUGO - Genoa Sound Cards (Amirani 07; Italy) Featuring Esther Lamneck on taragato and Claudio Lugo on curved soprano sax. What I like most about this duo is that they sound as if they are speaking with each other, playing with similar sounds and answering each other much of the time. When both reeds play their together, they create magical organ-like harmonies that are often quite stunning. - BLG
CD $15

ESTHER LAMNECK/EUGENIO SANNA - Intentions: An Improvised Cycle (Amirani 09; Italy) Featuring Esther Lamneck on clarinet & taragato and Eugenio Sanna on amplified guitar & objects. 'Intentions" is, without a doubt, one of the exciting and creative improv sessions I've heard in recent memory. You've been warned, it is that good! - BLG
CD $15

BESPOKEN [LORENZO DAL RI/GIANNI MIMMO] - Bespoken (Amirani 03; Italy)
CD $15

GIANNI MIMMO - One Way Ticket (Amirani 01; Italy)
CD $15

GIANNI MIMMO/ANDREA SERRAPIGLIO/FRANCESCO CUSA - A Watched Pot (Never Boils) (Amirani 06; Italy)
CD $15

NOVOTONO [ADALBERTO FERRARI/ANDREA FERRARI] - Wanderung (Amirani 08; Italy)
CD $15



ENNIO MORRICONE - Butterfly [sndtck] (Dagored 186; Italy) "Dagored is proud to bring you maestro Ennio Morricone's soundtrack to the 1982 controversial cult thriller Butterfly, based on a novel by James M. Cain (The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity). The film is a sordid tale of father-daughter incest and murder involving Stacy Keach and renowned Hollywood sexpot Pia Zadora, as the temptress daughter, Kady. The film also represents the last screen performance of Orson Welles, who plays a judge attempting to convict Keach's character for incest. Welles was nominated for 'Best Supporting Actor' for his role here. Despite much criticism of the film itself and Zadora's relentless publicity campaign prior to the film's release, Zadora ultimately won a Golden Globe as 'Best New Actress' for her performance (and to commemorate this, she unbelievably went on to name one of her children 'Kady' after the character she played here!). The Morricone score itself is relatively quiet, compared to some of his more nail-biting works, but as always, Morricone is a master of transforming the psychology of the film's characters into music, which he does here with a subtle art that has made him THE undisputed maestro of film scores. The quality of his work was also recognized with the track 'It's Wrong For Me To Love You,' featuring vocals by Zadora, which were nominated for 'Best Original Song.' Thanks in no small part to Pia Zadora's steamy performance here, both the film and soundtrack have become cult classics, with fans all over the world clamouring for its re-release on DVD."
CD $22


ART OF FIELD RECORDING [V.A.] - Vol 2: 50 Years of Traditional Music Documented by Art Rosenbaum [4 CD set] (Dust To Digital 012; USA) This is volume 2 of Dust-to-Digital's robust and highly-acclaimed Art of Field Recording series, assembled by esteemed archivist Art Rosenbaum. This impressive 4CD set includes ballads, blues, spirituals, work songs and slave songs, religious singing and other traditional folk music from Georgia, Arkansas, Texas, Florida and elsewhere. Housed in a 10"x10"x10" color cardboard box containing a 96-page perfect-bound book with over 100 illustrations and photographs, and four CDs with a total of 107 tracks. Founded by Lance Ledbetter in 1999, Dust-to-Digital's mission is to produce high quality cultural artifacts which combine rare, essential recordings with historic images and detailed texts describing the artists and their works. Art is a painter, a muralist, and an illustrator, as well as a collector and performer of traditional American folk music. He has been collecting and studying traditional American music for over 50 years. His focus covers Appalachian banjo tunes and ballads, Southern and Midwestern fiddle tunes, blues and spirituals. Rosenbaum began seeking out traditional performers while in his teens, rediscovering and recording the great blues guitarist Scrapper Blackwell and fiddler John W. Summers, both in his then-home state of Indiana. His fieldwork has produced archival material in the Indiana University Folklore Archives, the University of Georgia Libraries and the Archives of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. His Art of Field Recording Vol. I was nominated for an Award for Excellence in Historical Recorded Sound Research from the Association for Recorded Sound Collections. "Rosenbaum is a folk revivalist of the old school. He believes that traditional ballads, blues, spirituals, and fiddle tunes are among the glories of American culture, and he wanted to help preserve and disseminate them. Ledbetter, forty years younger, was less interested in preservation than in inspiration -- the best he could do for folk music, Ledbetter seemed to feel, was to research, remaster, and repackage it as beautifully as possible to make the old songs seem new again." --The New Yorker, "The Last Verse: Is there any folk music still out there?"
4 CD set for $60

also available..

ART OF FIELD RECORDING [V.A.] - Vol 1: 50 Years of Traditional Music Documented by Art Rosenbaum [4 CD set] (Dust To Digital 008; USA) This is volume 1 of Dust-to-Digital's robust Art of Field Recording series assembled by esteemed archivists Art and Margo Rosenbaum. This impressive 4CD set includes ballads, blues, spirituals, work songs and slave songs, religious singing, such as the African-American ring-shout and other traditional folk music from Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan and New York performed with voices and stringed instruments such as banjo and fiddle. Comes housed in a 11"x11"x1" color cardboard box containing a 96-page 10"x10" perfect-bound book with over 100 illustrations and photographs, and four CDs with a total of 110 tracks. The diverse talents of both Art and Margo Rosenbaum have allowed them to document music traditions in a way few others could have done. Art is a painter, a muralist, and an illustrator, as well as a collector and performer of traditional American folk music. Margo is a photographer that has captured many of Art's field recording encounters. Art Rosenbaum of Athens, Georgia, has been collecting and studying traditional American music for over 50 years. His focus covers Appalachian banjo tunes and ballads, Southern and Midwestern fiddle tunes, blues and spirituals. Rosenbaum began seeking out traditional performers while in his teens, rediscovering and recording the great blues guitarist Scrapper Blackwell and fiddler John W. Summers, both in his then-home state of Indiana. His fieldwork has produced archival material in the Indiana University Folklore Archives, the University of Georgia Libraries and the Archives of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
4 CD set for $60


NU AFROBEAT EXPERIENCE [V.A.] - Nu Afrobeat Experience (Ekostar 04; UK) Warehouse find, limited stock; originally released in 2002. In the strict sense, Afrobeat, which means African beat, refers to all African-oriented musical forms. These idioms have been there for centuries. Even Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the highly celebrated Afrobeat icon who took his inspiration from this vast resource later realized the non-specificity but all-embracing nature of Afrobeat as a nomenclature. He renamed it classical African music upon his release of Beast Of No Nation in 1984. This CD is therefore unique in that aside from helping to vividly explain this intriguing point, it has also explored the depths, dimensions and possibilities of African music. As a showcase for various artists with different materials, performances are naturally varied. But the interesting thing about this variety is that within the ambit of African beat, various dimensions with different approaches have emerged. Some of them predate Fela's emergence while others parade fresh and invigorating styles that have opened up new fields for musicians to explore. Featuring artists Awa-KLaSH, Dele Sosimi, Seyi Sholagbagde, Jagunlabi, Duro Ikujenyo, Fatai Rolling Dollars, Ayetoro, Tamedun, Olufumi, Imo, Duro Ikujenyo and Kayode Olajide.
CD $17

JIMI SOLANKE - Storyteller: Highlife Soul & Rock N' Roll 1966-2003 (Ekostar 06; UK) Warehouse find, limited stock; originally release in 2003. In his lifetime, Jimi Solanke has been acclaimed as one of Nigeria's finest actors, a teacher, a poet, a TV favorite as a children's storyteller, a club owner and a fine composer, musician and spokesman. He is simply one of the greats of West Africa. This retrospective captures the best of this unique musician's long history. He had fallen in love with music during the golden age of highlife big bands in the '50s and early '60s and was writing songs by the age of 14. When Tunde Osofison, one of the vocalists for legendary highlife bandleader Roy Chicago, introduced a Solanke composition, "Onile-Gogoro," to the band's repertoire, Chicago recorded it and it became one of the most memorable Nigerian highlife hits of the '60s. Music began to feature heavily in his life in 1966, as the emerging sound of '60s Western pop began stamping its mark on West Africa. As Chubby Checker's twist fever gripped the country, Jimi penned the Yoruba-language twist track, "Eje Kajo" and called on the Junkers band to back him. In 1966, Checker came to Nigeria and Jimi and the Junkers toured with him. On his return to Lagos in 1969, Solanke helped to setup and host the infamous Batakoto Club alongside Cream drummer Ginger Baker, also becoming the singer and core member of the house band, IDEK, the most progressive rock group that ever existed in Nigeria. The band featured some of the most talented musicians of the time: saxophonist Isaac Olasubga, later with Fela's Koola Lobitos, guitarist Donald Amechi, who became an original member of Osibisa, percussionist Remi Kabaka and Baker on drums. Arriving in New York in1976, Jimi appeared on Ralph MacDonald's album The Path, formulating a Yoruba vocal chant in one take. Moving to Pasadena and West Hollywood, Jimi joined a group of musicians called the Hogsins, resulting in an album on his own Ase label, Canto De La Santos. "Why Storyteller? Because that is what Jimi is. A brilliant actor, talented and emotive singer, arranger and a respector of traditions. A passionate man, who cares about his roots, a gentle giant and a Nigerian icon." -- Kayode Samuel
CD $17


PANDIT PRAN NATH - Earth Groove: The Voice Of Cosmic India (Change 33; USA) Gray-area reissue of the first Western LP release from Indian vocalist Pandit Pran Nath. Originally issued on the Douglas label in the U.S., in 1968. "Classic, late '60s performance by the master of Indian vocal music. Two sidelong pieces grace this record. A morning raga and an evening raga. Vocals with sitar and tabla accompaniment. Not easy listening by any means, but rewarding in the end."
LP $15


GINGER - Live In Zurich (World In Sound 2603; Germany) "Live In Zurich is the second live album of the psychedelic blues rock band Ginger. After 2 years and 50 live shows back home as well as abroad, those four young people hailing from Zurich have clearly taken their position in the '60s/'70s scene. Ginger is a band mainly constipated for the stage, so it is only logical that this promising four piece -- following the tradition of the old blues rock and American jam bands -- offers its jammy and experimental live shows on record. The album Live in Zurich is an official bootleg, taped with a multitrack hard disc recorder on the occasion of a live concert in Zurich in May 2008. This record is being produced and distributed as a production in cooperation with the German label World in Sound. This 60-minute live record features warm blues, lively funk and impulsive guitar driven psychedelia. It mirrors well the stylistic spectrum of Ginger and gives a glimpse of what one can expect at one of their explosive live shows."
CD $19

SERPENTINA SATELITE - Nothing To Say (World In Sound 2505; Germany) "The quartet Serpentina Satelite was formed by the end of 2003 in Lima, Peru. Their music creates atmospheres and emotions throughout diverse musical influences; exploring space -- kraut-rock, avant garde stoner and psychedelia. In late 2004 the band produced independently their first EP named Long Play, featuring 5 long tunes -- only released in Peru. Now, four years later, Nothing To Say is their international debut, on Trip In Time/distributed by World in Sound! Serpentina Satelite with their 5 new cuts (49 mins.) present a raw, variative heavy spectrum plus effects and lots of spacefeeling; comparable to La Ira De Dios Archeopterix album, but also inspiration taken from the '70s Hawkwind, Amon Duul 2 and Ash Ra Temple. Mastering was done analog in Walldorf at Perplex Tonstudio (Guru Guru, Embryo, Kraan, Obskuria). The epic opener 'Nueva Ola' takes you right away on a mysterious trip to the satelite's new musical galaxy. And for the title track 'Nothing To Say,' better fasten your seatbelts -- this is high energy rock'n'roll freakout! 'The Last Drop' and 'Madripoor' establish their strong overdrive rock sound, before with 'Kommune I,' a final 23-minute journey to the roots of psychedelic rock begins. ('Nothing To Say' in a different version and 'Madripoor' can be heard on Trip In Time Vol 2 & 3). Another example of the high-energy Peruvian underground sound!"
CD $19

NAKED LUNCH - Naked Lunch (World In Sound 1040; Germany) "Four decades after Woodstock, these fabulous recording sessions see the light of day for the first time. This album contains 5 studio tracks from 1969, recorded at the popular 'Mu House' by the panhandle in San Francisco's Haight & Ashbury where the likes of Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, Paul Butterfield Blues Band with Michael Bloomfield frequently played music. Plus, 2 live tracks from 1970 during their 'Hight Time' best! An added bonus of 4 songs from Banda de Jesus, (a band which included 3 original Naked Lunch members), recorded by David Rubinson & Fred Catero at Pacific Recording in San Mateo, CA circa 1972. To put it in a genre ... it blends the best of Latin rock, with 'rare grooves, and tricky jazz/funk elements.' Highly addictive melodies, with emotional vocals, pulsating beats with floating conga rhythms, soaring electric guitar, whirling Hammond organ, and a punchy horn-duo, create powerful arrangements to set your home stereo ablaze. This release tells the story, musically, but also in extended liner notes, and rare photos (20-page booklet) the evolution of the band which was founded in the summer of '69. Led by 16 year-old Abel Zarate (guitar & vocals) to become one of SF's hottest live acts in 1970 -- a record deal with Bill Graham's Fillmore Records was in sight, but NL was too 'raw,' and energetic to be reigned in and 'commercialized.' But now you hear it, remastered to a fresh dynamic sound from the original session tapes. The trio from NL, Murray (trumpet), Spremich (drums), and Zarate took a huge part in helping to create the sound of Latin rock group Malo, on their 1972 debut record, and helped that band become one of the premier Latin rock groups of the era. Here are their roots! The sum of the music, and the intensity of these recordings can be compared to Santana's Woodstock performance, with a bit of Hendrix-vibe, and Blood, Sweat & Tears influence. Truly a highlight of an almost forgotten San Francisco original."
CD $22

COLD SUN - Dark Shadows (World In Sound 1038; Germany) "First time available on CD, Cold Sun from Austin, Texas was recorded in 1970 in the legendary Sonobeat studios, where the Mariani and Johnny Winter first LPs were produced. The Cold Sun band are considered contemporaries of Velvet Underground and The Fugs, often listed as being in a similar vein but inspirations for this unique piece actually go back to the desperate, haunted Joe Meek. All songs lyrically express dark, mystic poetry with the true '60s psychedelic floating/distorted fuzz spirit presented in short compact mini-epics along with several mind blowing long tunes, such as 'Ra-Ma' (11 min.), 'Here In The Year' (9 min.) and 'Fall' (7 min.). Discovered by Rockadelic Records of Dallas, Texas in 1991, the Dark Shadows album saw the light of day the next year as a limited LP version, to become today one of the most important and revered US psychedelic underground albums from the early '70s. Rockadelic heard it in the form of an old scratchy acetate that one of the Cold Sun band members had made in order to be able to play the recording at friends` parties on their turntables. The acetate only contained 2/3 of the songs but so greatly impressed them that Rockadelic managed together with bandleader Bill Miller to release the complete sessions from master tapes. Autoharp wizard Miller eventually spearheaded Roky Erickson's international debut as the Cold Sun band joined forces with Roky in 1974 and became BliebAlien, later evolved into The Aliens and backed Roky on his famous albums and historical concerts. Carefully remastered from the master tapes, this album will bring new rewarding listening experiences in expanded fidelity, plus 2 unreleased non-album songs, authentic Live/Concert recordings of 'Live Again' (10 min.) and 'Mind Aura' (7 min.). The fidelity of these reel to reel live recordings is also remarkable. The CD and Vinyl issues will both have an extended booklet/insert with liner notes by Jello Biafra plus rare photos and other surprises. According to Patrick (Lama) Lundborg from Lysergia.com: 'Best Rockadelic LP ever, and in my opinion the best Texas LP of the time.' Enjoy this ONE-HOUR psychedelic Happening, a 'must-have' '60s/'70s heavy uber-psych masterpiece!"
CD $22


By the way, we advertised this item for $16 two weeks ago, but it is actually $14 [and everyone who ordered it was charged $14, not $16]

GRAHAM BOND With JOHN McLAUGHLIN/JACK BRUCE/GINGER BAKER/ or DICK HECKSTALL-SMITH/JON HISEMAN et al - Solid Bond (Rhino; UK) First time on CD!
Originally a double LP isued in 1972, it contains a good assortment of '60s material that Bond did not put out during that decade, and which remains unavailable on any other release. The earliest three tracks are rare recordings of long, straight jazz pieces from the Graham Bond Group in 1962 with JOHN MCLAUGHLIN, JACK BRUCE, and GINGER BAKER and Bond on SAXOPHONE! [He is the blues-singing organist on the rest of the cuts with Graham Bond Organization.] Historically they're interesting, particularly in their documentation of early McLaughlin, who solos well, though his blistering Mahavishnu fusion style was a long way off in coming. [those tracks are the LAST three on this CD: Hi Ho Country Kicking Blues (Bruce), The Grass Is Greener (Bond-McLaughlin), and Doxy (Rollins) - you should note this, as the musicians credit info on this 'budget' reissue is non-existent!]
CD $14


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