Jack DeJohnette - Inflation Blues (1983)

Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition - Inflation Blues (ECM vinyl)

  Inflation Blues was the second album released under the title of Special Edition and remains a fusion jazz go-to-album for me.   A bit of that Miles Davis inspired Fusion, yet always in control with some epic moments......this band were extra special!   

  For those less familiar with Jack and his special edition what you can expect is some fantastic drumming and percussion along with some fantatsic flute, sax, bass, trumpet, clarinet, piccolo and piano.   This music is highly energetic and inspired with a nice range in mood and tempo changes.  The music is challenging and ever changing but remians very accessible and easy to follow.    And i guess there lies the key reason why I adore this album so much....it is creative, bold yet universal!

Nash The Slash - American Bandages (1984)

Nash The Slash - American Bandages

  We just lost this icon of Canadian music.....Nash The Slash and there is a hole in my heart.    I had the pleasure of seeing Nash perform many times both with FM and as a solo act including knowing him a but outside of his guise.   I would just like to say that as a fan , I will miss the aura, mystique and music of Nash The Slash.
  To help celebrate Nash I pulled off the shelf my vinyl copy of American Bandages which is my personal favourite of all the Nash solo era albums.  I remember all the guys in my highschool class loving this album for Nash's version of Psychotic Reaction.  I was working in a book store/ comic store/used record store at the time and was able to listen and pick up all of Nash's solo albums.   
   But enough history and lets get to the album........

American Bandages is a wild US pop-driven album featuring a nice collection of tribute songs including "Born To Be Wild", "American Band", Hey Joe" and "Psychotic Reaction".  And in true form to the 80's , Nash included both a regular version and dance version of "1984".   Helping Nash out are his old friends from FM (drummer Martin Deller and synth master Cameron Hawkins).  Nash handles all the lead vocals adding his electric violins, mandolins, synths and sound effects.   Every song is an excellent interpretation  with some cool vibes.  Both side A and side B open with a short famous American bandstand ditty which maintains the theme of the album.

  I will miss you Nash !

Coldplay - Ghost Stories (2014)

Coldplay - Ghost Stories (180g vinyl)

   I am sure many are not as excited about this album vs their earlier more pop-driven dance centric albums.   Ghost Stories is a sombre yet highly emotional album of slower paced but deep symphonic glory.   Chris Martin's vocals are magical and his falsetto is in full gear on this whole album.  

 This is Coldplay's most symphonic album and an album that you have to sit and listen to.   I love the song "Midnight" with its astral voyage atmospheres and almost Brian Eno samples.  The whole album is just beautiful and IMHO a very mature sounding album and a nice departure from their previous albums.   

  The 180g vinyl sounds fantastic too with nice deep bass grooves full rich sound.



   

Trudy Richards - Crazy In Love (1957)

Trudy Richards - Crazy In Love (mono)

OMG I love this album!   Trudy Richards swooning and crooning supported by Billy Mays and his orchestra"..what else could you aks for !

     So likely your question is who is Trudy Richard eh ?

  .....that is a good question..........

Trudy Richards was a bit of an experiment by Capitol Records back in 1957 bringing this smokey voiced crooner and Billy Mays together for the first and what would be the last time!

 Richards sings and swings performing her interpretation of many old favs of the time.  If you love crooners and big band sound then this is your album!

As luring as Richards is here it is Billy May and his orchestra that steal the show !   I think you could almost honestly put anyone up on vocals and they would sound good with this band behind them!  

Groove Holmes & Jimmy Witherspoon - GROOVIN' & SPOONIN' (1973)

Groove Holmes & Jimmy Witherspoon  -Groovin' & Spoonin'

Beck - Sea Change (2002)

Beck - Sea Change (Mofi)

  Beck is an acquired taste but is the true definition of an artist without doubt.  In 2002 I fell in love with the seductive lush vibes on "Sea Change".   This "un-rushed" album breathes from start to end and sparkles with the morning dew!     For those who are not all that familiar this is the artist Beck Hanson who simply goes by his first name.  His albums cover a wide range and each one is unique in many ways with him continuously reinventing new boundaries.

   Sea Change is a moody album with rich tones and great song writing.   The music on this album is breathtaking at times ...spirtual ........astral......progressive......unexpecting and slowly revealing.

  Rob LoVerde did an awesome job in re-representing this album in all its demanding glory without any brickwalling or sound manipulation.   Purists will love the lush colors and richness in this mix which have been lovingly restored in this version.   The bass tones stand out with huge clarity and the orchestration and lush strings seem to envelope you as you listen.      This version blows away the Standard redbook CD mix by about 20,000 miles!

   In 2014 Beck revisited the companion album to "Sea Change" with his stunning "Morning Phase" and both are essential albums.

The Black Keys - Turn Blue (2014)

The Black Keys -  Turn Blue  180g vinyl

  "Turn Blue" is another fantastic album in the discography of the Black Keys.  On this album the Keys move away from their traditional Black Keys elements like big hooks and Carney’s stomping drums and enter more of a psychedelic arena with great results.  In Lieu of the harder blues edges this album gets its main sound from synth riffs and bass lines with guitar to accent.

  "True Blue" is the eighth album and the group's fourth collaboration with producer Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton.  No question guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney have pushed all boundaries again with "True Blue".

      My favourtie song is the Pink Floyd infused stunning track “Weight of Love”  with its somber and eclectic vibes and nicely sets the tone and flows for the rest of the album

The Amazing Blondel - Blondel (1973)

The Amazing Blondel - Blondel (1973)

  In their lifetime England's "The Amazing Blondel" released some pretty lovely songs and albums.  Blondel (1973) was their 6th album and were a band by then of two featuring the song writing of Eddie Baird and Terry Wincott.     With antique-like musical virtues and a certain English charm, "Blondel" glistens and remains IMHO one of their finest albums.  "Young Man's Fancy" is one of the finest Amazing Blondel songs which hits spiritual levels for me!  

 " Enough..........tuck velvet trousers into buccaneer boots, pull on a suede jerkin, light the tallow-lamp, prepare a platter of spiced chicken and pulses, pour copious glasses of mead, pull up a throne to a blazing fire and listen........."

  Musically this album departs from the Baroque-Renaissance vibes and instead follows a vocal folk path with top results.  Wincott and Baird sing in harmony throughout this album and deliver a delicate bit of beauty for your ears!

  

The Buddy Miles Band - Chapter VII (1973)

The Buddy Miles Band - Chapter VII 

Most noteably known as the drummer in Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys, and The Electric Flag Buddy Miles also had a lengthy solo career that spanned 20 years and drew on rock, blues, soul, and funk influences.  Along the way he released over 10 solo albums and contributed to many others.    Miles' pinnacle album is of course "Them Changes" which was the album that hooked me to this guys music many years ago.

  "Chapter VII" is a delicious funk soul album featuring the psychedelic funk classic "Life Is What You Make It".   The whole album is solid with lots of funky grooves, horns, acid guitar, soulful vocals and stunning drumming!  

  

Buddy Miles Express - Bogger Bear (1973)

Buddy Miles Express - Bogger Bear

Buddy Miles - We Got To Live Together (1970)

Buddy Miles - We Got To Live Together 

Donald Byrd - and 125th Street, NYC (1979)

Donald Byrd - and 125th Street, NYC

   Now here is a total groove fest with some crazy soul to warm your heart.   Donald Byrd hooks up with a funky bunch including the amazing bass of Ronnie Garrett, organ of Claire Fischer, drums of Victor Azevedo, e guitar work of William Duckett, flute of Ernie Watts and sax of Peter Christlieb.  Together this band are simply jaw dropping amazing!

  Lots of vocals too on this album which with the funky backdrop reminds me a lot of the band War!   Of course the album is trumped by the amazing trumpet of Donald Byrd.  

  

Doug Dillard - you dont need a reason to sing (1974)

Doug Dillard - you don't need a reason to sing

 Kind of a cheesie album cover but this is one of those "dont judge a book by its cover".   Doug Dillard was of course a member of the famous bluesgrass family band The Dillards.

  "you don't need a reason to sing" was Doug's 1974 solo album featuring lead vocals, bass and outstanding banjo.  Doug is supported by brother Rodney (guitar, dobro) and a huge cast of superb musicians that include:, Andy Belling (keys), Colin Cameron (bass), Vassar Clements (fiddle), Buddy Emmons (steel guitar), John Hartford (fiddle), Dave Jackson (bass), Billy Ray Lathum (guitar), Joe Osborne (bass), Herb Pederson( guitar), John Raines(drums), Dick Rosmini (guitar),  Sneeky Pete (steel guitar), Ron Starr (sax), Dean Webb (mandolin), Paul York (drums), Mark Dawson (harmonica).    Bakcground vocals include Linda Dillard, Donna Washburn, Pepper Watkins, Herb Pederson and Rodney Dillard.

  Musically this album is rich with tone and vitality obviosuly deeply rooted in the  bluegrass tradition.  Vocals play a big role in this album with a few instrumental songs along the way.  Each song is excellent with some great toe tapping moments in there too!    I think Doug Dillard wanted to take a stab at a more pop song based album with bluegrass mixed in along the way.

  Caught on this old vinyl record is a treasure of songs with one killer pop song "Ninety Miles" which is one of the best songs I have heard from Dillard ever!   The song is like something that would have made John Denver even more popular!!!!

  Overall an excellent album from an artist that should be much better known and referenced!

Oho - Rocktronics (1984)

Oho - Rocktronics 

 Oho were a 70's eclectic rock band from Baltimore that reformed back in early 80's and released this great prog-pop album called "Rocktronics".      

  Musically fans of Canada's "FM" and "Saga" will love this album with their catchy pop melodies and their art rock touches.  

   Line up on this album includes originating members Jay Gabroski (guitars, keyboards, vocals) and  David Reeve (drums, keyboards, vocals)  with the new introduction of Gyro (Lead Vocals), Mark O'Connor (keys) and Mike Kearney (bass) .    

 Musically this album blends 80's production with power pop and art rock tendencies......The Knack meets Blondie (minus Debbie Harry) meets The Cars meets Fleetwood Mac meets Saga!.....all in one album.

I first heard OHO back in 1998 when Progression Magazine included a free OHO CD called "Ecce OHO" containing rare and unreleased music from their early years.

Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays - As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls (1981)

Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays - As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls 

Dillards - Roots and Branches (1972)

Dillards - Roots and Branches

Lou Donaldson - Alligator Bogaloo (1967)

Lou Donaldson - Alligator Bogaloo

  Killer rare groove LP from a very funky Lou Donaldson!   This album has it all going for it........great sax work of Lou and some crazy organ from Lonnie Smith (who I adore).   Rounding out the lot is Melvin Lastie on the cornet, George Benson (the legend) on guitar and Leo Morris on the drums. 

  Super groovy stuff going on and every song is just fantastic....they dont make em like this anymore!    Once the groove hits the pace these guys just keep it grovin' and movin'.......that is until the last track on the album"I Want A Little Girl" which slows everything down to a snails pace and delivers a fantatsic moody number that feels more blue than jazz.

 Overall a superb album that must be heard !

George Benson - White Rabbit (1973)

George Benson - White Rabbit

   70's era George Benson is the man !   

"White Rabbit" was the second  CTI project, produced by  Creed Taylor and arranger Don Sebesky.   On this album Benson explores Spanish-flavored themes and musical ideas bubbling over with brass fanfares, moody woodwinds and great keyboard and percussive moments.

Two very notable songs are featured with an ode to The Mamas and the Papas with "California Dreaming" and Jefferson Airplane's "white rabbit".   Assisting Benson are some pretty heavyweights .......Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Airto and Billy Cobham.  Together these musicians perform some simply killer bits and pieces.   Of course the guitar work of George Benson is in the forefront with his deep fret work.

The Mills Brothers - the early years ( )

The Mills Brothers - the early years 

 Dorothy Gallardi (my grandma) played this quartet all the time and it seemed to put her in a different world.   My Grammie would laugh and smile as she listened to these guys.  I used to think she was old and out of touch, until I actually listened to them!  OMG 20 years later I finally get why she loved them so much!  

   The Mills brothers were amazing......beautiful voices and great arrangements.

  This MCA Record release was compiled by Steve Hoffman and mastered by Kevin Gray at MCA Studios and the sound is fantastic!
 

Drive-By Truckers - English Ocean (2014)

Drive-By Truckers - English Ocean (180g Vinyl)

  The one thing you can never get enough of is the Southern drunk blues of the Drive-By Truckers.  "English Ocean" is the 12th release and contains over 50% Mike Cooley penned songs including him singing on a Patterson Hood number.  

This is another meaty album by this very talented Alabama rock band and once again Cooley and hood trade songs.  This album is both heavy and soft...relaxed and yet uptight but never boring. 

  

John Patton - Oh Baby! (1965)

John Patton - Oh Baby! (180g Vinyl)

   Ever since I first heard John Patton I have been hooked on organ grooves jazz and his 1965 effort "Oh Baby!" is simply killer !

  Patton of course is an organ jazz legend and on this fourth album on Blue Note he joins forces with legendary guitarist Grant Green, trumpeter Blue Mitchell with Harold Vick on the sac and Ben Dixon on the drums.   Their overall sound is pretty happenin'  and continues Patton's exploration into the blending of brass and organ.

  I am a huge fan of Patton's albums and I was thrilled to pick up this Blue Note vinyl reissue which nicely presents the album in its original form.  Sound is amazing as well with a wonderfully warm mix and huge clarity.  

  

Living In The Streets 3 - Busting Out Of The Ghetto

Living In The Streets 3 - Busting Out Of The Ghetto

Electric Psychedelic Sitar Headswirlers Vol 1

Electric Psychedelic Sitar Headswirlers Vol 1 (2 LP)

  This compilation was on my wishlist ever since it was released but always seemed to be priced like it was in orbit.  Luckily I was able to find a reasonably priced LP edition of this gem.   

  All I can say is that it was well worth the wait.......the songs picked are just fantastic and all fit on this compilation.  Of course the one thing they all share is the presence of sitar and an affinity towards rock and psych genres!

 I do have a number of the songs featured on this compilation but there are plenty still that I had never heard. The packaging and sound is amazing on these 180g vinyl records.  There is a nice write up with photos of each artist in the inner sleeve which is very cool.  

Artists included in this compilation are The Pretty Things, July, West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, C.O.B., Blonde On Blonde, Lord Sitar, Fraternity of Man, Darius, Abacus, The Basement Wall, Broselmaschine, The Flames, Ray Brown and Moonstone, JK & CO., Gualberto, Linn County, Omega, The Vampires' sound incorporation and the Misty Wizards.

   

Monarch Trail - Skye (2014)

Monarch Trail - Skye (2014)

  Monarch Trail is the latest album from one of Canada's most hidden talents Ken Baird.  This time Baird teams up with musical pals Dino Verginella ( bass)  and Chris Lamont (drums) .  Guitars were handled by John Mamone, Kelly Kereliuk and The amazing classical fret work of Steve Cochrane.

 Right from the opening moment of the first track "Luminescence" we recognize the keybaord and progressive drum work of Lamont and Baird who take us back perhaps to the ending of "Further Out"....a great place to start......the end......  This may be the very best song Ken Baird has ever done with its huge wall of symphonia and pure energy pouring out.  At 7:00 mins into "Luminescence" the song takes a wee twist and a huge breath orchestrated with the polysynth sounds that only Baird can do.
  Next up is another wonderfully symphonic track penned "Silent World" which offers some excellent soaring picturesque musical moments.  I love the guitar work on this song which actually reminds me of pieces of British prog band IQ and Manfred Mann and his Electric Band.

  The third track is "East of Fifty" which is a six minute catchy prog-fusion tune which nicely contrasts the symphonic prog of the first two tracks and helps usher in the final and hugely ambitious epic track "Sky Above The Sun".   This song is huge!....both in composition and length!   A true work of art with deep conviction and stunning musicianship.  Musically this song is quite varied and impossible to categorize with its wide range of tones and colors and multi-moods.     There are lush and delicate parts, then darker more aggressive bits all culminating into a spiritual and inspirational conclusion that will make you wonder about the "sky above the sun".

Overall this is another fantastic addition into the discography of Ken Baird

"When will the sun sing for you"

John Abercrombie - Timeless (1974)

John Abercrombie - Timeless 

  John Abercrombie's Timeless is a jazz prog fusion masterpiece that must be heard!   Timeless combines the guitar wizardry of Abercrombie with the organ/synth/piano of Jan Hammer (remember Miami Vice?) and the incredible drumming of John De Johnette.   

  Typical of all ECM recordings the sound is amazing under the careful production of Manfred Eicher.

The end result is a machination of Jazz, Prog rock and Fusion genres.

The Dillards - vs the Incredible L.A. Time Machine (1977)

The Dillards - vs the Incredible L.A. Time Machine 

  By 1977 the Dillards were a lot more folk and  rock based than bluegrass but still remained magical!

 Leader Rodney Dillard (lead vocals, guitar) is joined with Dean Webb (mandolin , backing vocals), Paul York (drums) , Billy Ray Latham (banjo, guitar) and new comer Jeff Gilkinson (bass, cello).       

Beck - Morning Phase (2014)

Beck - Morning Phase (180g Vinyl)

  After a few year hiatus Beck Hansen returns with a stunning album of holographic beauty!   "Morning Phase" is a lush sonic exploration into some pretty deep space.  This is his first album on Capitol Records and marks a definite high point in his discography.  Musically this is a pretty slow moving album with lush attitude and symphonic sweeps.

  Beck calls this album the companion to his 2002 album "Sea Change" with his dark yet thoughtful lyrics and symphonia.  

  I saw Beck perform the song "Walking Light" live on Jimmy Fallon and thought it was an amazing song and still remains one of my favs on the album.

  I know this may sound crazy but I get a bit of a Pink Floyd dreamscape every time I listen to this album....   

Pretty hard to peg this album into any one genre but I guess "alternative rock" or "AOR" would work but really this sits as a very unique piece of music.

  

Brother Jack McDuff - Tobacco Road (1967)

Brother Jack McDuff - Tobacco Road (180g vinyl)

  Re-issued 180g vinyl replica of the classic 1967 organ funked out materpiece featuring the stirring Hammond keyboard master of Brother Jack McDuff and his gang of funky funks!  

    Assisting McDuff is Robert Guthrie (drums), Roland Faulkner (guitars), Loyal J. Gresham (e bass), Red Holloway (sax), Bobby Christian (percussion and vibes), Lonnie Simmons (sax), John Watson (trombone), Fred Berry & King Kolax (trumpet).

  This is a super rare groove album for sure......fans of exciting hammond twirls and runs will love this album! Excellent toe tapping grooves and non stop hammond work going on with that psychy -jazz feeling throughout.   

Billy Preston - That's The Way God Planned It (1969)

Billy Preston - That's The Way God Planned It  

    Billy Preston started off in the 1960s working as a studio musician, playing with the likes of Little Richard and Ray Charles and then met The Beatles.   "Thats The Way God Planned It" was Preston's first album released on Apple Records .  

Assisting Preston on the album is George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Ginger Baker. 

 The album covers a wide spectrum of music with soul, rock, gospel, jazz and R&B . Preston covers Dylan's ("She Belongs to Me") and a funky ode to Jimi's "Hey Joe" titled "Hey Brother".   

The whole album is groovy and soulful with some great vocals and harmonies. 

Merry Clayton (1971)

Merry Clayton (W. Germany pressing LP)

  Merry Clayton is likely best known for her work with The Rolling Stones but her first solo album is a simply delicious morsel of soul.

   Born in Gert Town New Orleans to a Baptist revered father where Merry conditioned her voice to the soul gospel power that is captured on this debut album.

  Lou Adler produced this gem with a fine song selection including songs by Carole King, Neil Young, Bill Withers, Leon Russell, James Taylor and Billy Preston.  The standout track on this album is her version of  Young's "Southern Man" which showcases the power and soul of her voice.

Clayton brought along a few musician friends as well with guest appearances by Billy Preston and Carole King.

 The life of Clayton is also featured in the movie "20 feet from stardom" which chronicles the life of the backup singers.

  ...and of course Clayton has a superb back up singing group to support her of Jerry Peters, Abigail Haness, Carole King, Patrice Holloway and the James Cleveland Choir (not to mention herself too)

An excellent album full of soul!!!

...cant get 'nough

Temples - Sun Structures (2014)

Temples - Sun Structures 

  When Crispian Mills and Kula-Shaker dis-banded I was so bummed out.........they were the perfect mix of psychedelic and rock that I had heard in such a long time.   "Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts" I think was one of the best indie rock albums of the 90's and now we have the Temples debut album taking off where Kula had ended!

  Temples are a relatively new Brit Indie rock band that have it !    Great vocals , great songs and that 60's psych flare that is so sadly missing from todays music.  My fav song on the album is the holographic tune "the golden throne" which resonates with trippy frills and rock elements to perfection.

  Temples are a four piece band led by the inventive guitars and vocals of James Bagshaw

  Dreamy.......spacey........as if you were looking thru a kaleidoscope with your ears!

I absolutely love this album ............and so will you.....

Buy it on vinyl for an even more authentic sound!