Young warrior (Alun Davies) (LP 713)

Alun Davies  Daydo (Vinyl, CBS Records, 1972) *** 

Genre: Folk rock 

Places I remember: Second hand shop in Woodville

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Vale Of Tears

Gear costume: Market Place, Portobello Road

Active compensatory factors: I took a punt on this album because of the Cat Stevens connection and the arresting cover. Alun Davies has been Cat's guitarist foil from 1970 onwards (and he appeared on Cat's re-emergence in 2005 under his adopted name - Yusuf Islam).

At times you can imagine Cat Steven's voice in songs - Old Bourbon for instance. The man himself is on piano on the album, co-produces along with Paul Samwell-Smith and contributes the lovely Portobello Road (contains some excellent banjo on that one -  Mumford and Sons surely have a copy of this album!)

It's a cool sound that Davies creates and the six songs he contributes are good ones. Ultimately though he doesn't have that seventies Cat Stevens midas touch and so the album lives in the shadow of that charismatic character.  

Where do they all belong? A fine addition to the folk rock genre all the same.

Let me in (Gary Brooker) (LP 711 - 712)

Gary Brooker  No More Fear Of Flying (Vinyl, Chrysalis Records, 1979) *** 

Gary Brooker  Lead Me To The Water (Vinyl, Mercury Records, 1982) *** 

Genre: Prog rock (even though these albums are more mainstream rock in their approach, Gary's albums are housed in the prog section thanks to his association with prog giants Procol Harum). 

Places I remember: Slow Boat Records (Wellington)/ Real Groovy Records (Auckland)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Give Me Something To Remember You By

Gear costume: Say It Ain't So Joe 

Active compensatory factors: These are Gary Brooker's first two solo albums after Procol Harum went into hiatus after their Something Magic album in 1977 (they'd reform eventually in the 1990's).

Gary has one of those voices that is instantly recognisable. It's a blessing, as he can inflect even the most ordinary of lyrics with meaning and nuance.

First album - No More Fear Of Flying, maintains a high standard. Sidebar: Bruce Lynch is on bass - he's a Kiwi, known for his marriage to Suzanne and his session work in many arenas - notably Cat Stevens and Kate Bush among many others.

Lead Me To The Water has loads of famous friends lending a hand. Most notably George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Phil Collins. Unfortunately this bunch got together in 1982 for this album, so it's got that eighties production sound, complete with synths,  and it all sounds a little too comfortable. These guys, by this stage, had little to prove.

Gary's vocals remain fantastic however. Hard to muck them up!

Where do they all belong? I'm yet to get his third solo album - 1985's Echoes In The Night and the live album from 1996 - Within Our House

Govinda (The Radha Krsna Temple London) (LP 709 - 710)

 

The Radha Krsna Temple London  The Radha Krsna Temple (Vinyl, Apple Records, 1971) ****

The Radha Krsna Temple London  Goddess Of Fortune (Vinyl, Spiritual Sky Records, 1971) ****

Genre: Apple Records 

Places I remember: Noel Forth helped me find the US copy of the Apple Records version after I sent him a NZ Apple version that he'd tracked down. Goddess Of Fortune is exactly the same album but released on Spiritual Sky with a different album name - this one came from Chaldon Records and Books.

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Govinda Jaya Jaya

Gear costume: Hare Krishna mantra

Active compensatory factors: The Beatle connection is obviously why many of us needed to have a copy of this - George produces and it's on Apple Records, but after listening to it, many of us are thankful for the experience.

If your experience of Hari Krishna Mantra is some devotees creating a tambourine and bells driven chant in your down-town area, then you won't be prepared for the professionalism of the Radha Krsna Temple London members as produced by Hari Georgeson.

The trance like chants are excellent throughout the album and there is real variety. I love it! 

Where do they all belong? It's a real 4 star treat in the Apple Records collection.

Ouch! (The Rutles) (LP 708)

The Rutles  The Rutles (Vinyl, WEA Records, 1978) **** 

Genre: Beatles pop

Places I remember: Slow Boat Records (my original copy was lost in a house move a few years ago. This copy is more worn than my mint/pristine original but it's good to have it back in my collection)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Cheese And Onions

Gear costume: Number One 

Active compensatory factors: This is a kind of soundtrack album for The Rutles' film - All You Need Is Cash, and a pretty perfect parody album.

The film is the brainchild of Python's Eric Idle, but he doesn't perform on the Rutles' albums.

Neil Innes, the writer and arranger, knows Beatles' songs inside out and so his affectionate piss takes of all stages of the Fabs career is bang on target. And hilariously funny!

The packaging of the album is a thing of beauty in itself.  

Where do they all belong? Another Rutles album - Anthology, is waiting in the CD wings.

Our delight (Red Garland) (LP 705 - 707)

Red Garland Quintet  All Mornin' Long (CD, Avid Jazz, 1957) ***

Red Garland Trio  Groovy (CD, Avid Jazz, 1957) *****

Red Garland Trio  All Kinds Of Weather (CD, Avid Jazz, 1958) ***

Genre: Piano jazz 

Places I remember: Ray's Jazz Bar in Foyles (Covent Garden)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: C Jam Blues

Gear costume: What Can I Say (After I Say I'm Sorry?) 

Active compensatory factors: All Mornin' Long features John Coltrane and Donald Byrd on Trumpet. That trumpet can get a little strident at times and so, this isn't as easy on the ear as the trio albums.

Groovy is both well named, and the pick of this set - his third album as leader and it hits a peak in the effortless stakes. Rubbish cover though.

All Kinds Of Weather is okay but the song selection is pretty eclectic, and again, Red is poorly served by the art department.

Where do they all belong? It's been a while (too long), but it's back to the vinyl next!!

Fields of sun (Iron Butterfly) (LP 702 - 704)

Iron Butterfly  Heavy (CD, Atlantic  Records, 1968) ***

Iron Butterfly  In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (CD, Atlantic  Records, 1968) ****

Iron Butterfly  Live (CD, Atlantic  Records, 1970) ***

Genre: Psychedelic rock

Places I remember: FOPP (Covent Garden)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Live version)

Gear costume: Iron Butterfly Theme (Heavy) 

Active compensatory factors: I had the cassette tape of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida for years before getting this triple album collection with replica covers. I played the title track every once in a while and it's brilliance grew on me.

Their first album, Heavy, is a really good debut. Heavy playing in a 1968 kind of way is the order of the day on this and their follow up album.

Doug Ingle's vocals are a perfect addition to the organ heavy sonic attack that is the feature of these early albums. 

Live from 1970 features a great version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida!

Where do they all belong? Another live album is coming when we get back into the vinyl.

Hi de ho (Blood Sweat and Tears) (LP 701)

Blood Sweat and Tears  Live In New York 1977 (CD, Live Wire Productions, 2016) ** 

Genre: Jazz rock 

Places I remember: Vinyl Countdown (New Plymouth)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles/ Gear costume: You've Made Me So Very Happy

Active compensatory factors: This is a radio broadcast and it's not the greatest vehicle to enjoy the Blood Sweat and Tears experience.

While the musicianship is first rate (just ask them), this set often comes across as a desperate attempt to prove themselves a relevant form in 1977 and the between song patter from David Clayton-Thomas can be embarrassing at times. 

There are not too many highlights on offer, I've picked You've Made Me.. because it's a spirited version. It's also the last song in the set. Things may have been way different if they'd kicked off with this and gone on from there.

All up - beware!

Where do they all belong? If you are new to BS&T go to a greatest hits package and avoid anything they did live!

Get back my tomorrow (Joe Bonamassa) (LP 698 - 700)

Joe Bonamassa  Driving Towards The Daylight (CD, J&R Adventures, 2012) *** 

Joe Bonamassa  An Acoustic Evening At The Vienna Opera House (CD, J&R Adventures, 2013) *** 

Joe Bonamassa  Different Shades Of Blue (CD, J&R Adventures, 2014) *** 

Genre: Blues rock 

Places I remember: JB HiFi (Palmerston North)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Love Ain't A Love Song (DSOB)

Gear costume: Heavenly Soul (DTTD); High Water Everywhere (Acoustic)

Active compensatory factors: Although he appears to be a ubiquitous presence in blues rock circles, there is no doubting the guitar chops of Joe Bonamassa.

The acoustic live set is a different look, so it stands out from the other live sets he's released. Daylight and Shades of Blue are studio albums, his 10th and 11th.

Where do they all belong? My favourite album remains the live shakedown of the New Day Yesterday album. That song and Rory's Cradle Rock are the peak performances for me. 

He's very prolific - especially in concert recordings. I'm not fussed with the Beth Hart collaborations but if you want to see him cranking out classic rock with Jimmy Barnes, check this out!

Let the good times roll (Muddy Waters) (LP 694 - 697)

Muddy Waters The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album (CD, Chess Records, 1975) ****
Muddy Waters Live '76 (CD, Echoes, ?) *** 

Muddy Waters Hard Again (CD, CBS Records, 1977) ****

Muddy Waters I'm Ready (CD, CBS Records, 1978) ****

Genre: Blues

Places I remember: HMV (East Croydon); The Warehouse

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Going Down To Mainstreet (TMWWA)

Gear costume: The Blues Had A Baby And They Called It Rock And Roll (Hard Again), 33 Years (I'm Ready)

Active compensatory factors: The Woodstock Album is Muddy's final album for Chess and he ends things on a high thanks to Levon Helm and cronies, including Garth Hudson and Paul Butterfield on some blistering harmonica.

In between that and the late career albums with Johnny Winter, comes Live in '76 - a raw set of songs broadcast on the radio from Pall's Mall in Boston.

Of the trio of Johnny Winter curated albums I have the first two essential albums (must get King Bee sometime). The band is HOT and Muddy has full command of his extraordinary powers.

Where do they all belong? And that's it for Muddy on CD. Your best bet if new to Muddy remains a Chess compilation.

That's your business (Joe Cocker) (LP 693)

Joe Cocker  Joe Cocker! (CD, A&M Records, 1969) ***** 

Genre: Mixed genre artists 

Places I remember: Kings Recording (Abu Dhabi)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Hitchcock Railway

Gear costume: Delta Lady

Active compensatory factors: Difficult second album syndrome for John Robert Cocker?? Gerroffff!!

Joe plays a blinder on his second album with The Grease Band. The hits kept flowing with more amazing Beatles' covers (this time - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window, Something and Let It Be), Leon's Delta Lady and Dylan's Dear Landlord among others.

His interpretations are so good it's easy to forget the source!

Where do they all belong? I have him in the mixed genre section because he can do pop, rock, blues and soul with the best of them!

The sun whose rays (Keith Jarrett) (LP 691 - 692)

Keith Jarrett  The Köln Concert (CD, ECM Records, 1975) ***** 

Keith Jarrett  La Fernice (CD, ECM Records, 2018) ***

Genre: ECM Jazz 

Places I remember: Music shop in Paris - by the lower entrance to the Louvre (Köln Concert); HMV - Oxford St. (La Fernice)

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles/ Gear costume: All of Köln Concert. 

Active compensatory factors: I have mentioned Jarrett's legendary live concert in Cologne on Goo Goo before but not this live in Italy album from 2018 - La Fernice.

Although both concerts rank high on the amazing-o-meter, live in Cologne is particularly breathtaking.

It's really odd how a double album of solo piano playing can be so mesmerising, but it manages it. I never get tired of hearing it and it's never less than thrilling to chuck it on.

The comparative variety of approaches on La Fernice doesn't have that immediate impact for me, and I sense that I will need to come back to it quite a few times for it to seep into my consciousness.

Where do they all belong? It's in the ECM jazz section. These albums are sort of jazz and sort of not so grouping them together makes sense to me.

You're my thrill (Diana Krall) (LP 688 - 690)

Diana Krall  The Girl In the Other Room (CD, Verve Records, 2004) *** 

Diana Krall  Quiet Nights (CD, Verve Records, 2009) **

Diana Krall  Wallflower (CD, Verve Records, 2011) *** 

Genre: Jazz vocal 

Places I remember: My dad's music collection

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Love Me Like A Man (TGITOR)

Gear costume: Narrow Daylight (TGITOR); Alone Again, Naturally (Wallflower) with Michael Bublé.

Active compensatory factors: I'm hanging on to these CDs for my dad's sake. She was certainly his thrill, but she's not mine.

I like a few of her songs, usually in a small jazz combo setting, but generally the strings and hushed intimate vocals (at their peak on Quiet Nights) does little for me. 

The Girl In The Other Room hangs together pretty well as a collection of songs and Wallflower is notable for her covering of some singer/songwriters like Jim Croce, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Elton, Leon Russell and bands like The Eagles, The Beatles, and The Mamas And The Papas. Patchy is probably the verdict from me.

When it works it works (I Can't Tell You Why, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word) but when it doesn't, it doesn't (I'm Not In Love, California Dreamin', In My Life).

Where do they all belong? This brings to a close Canadian jazz pianist Diana Krall's collection that I inherited from my dad. Some live Frank Sinatra is next up in this sub-genre.

Bebop (Stan Getz) (LP 680 - 687)

Stan Getz  Stan Getz At Storyville 1 (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1951) **** 

Stan Getz  Stan Getz At Storyville 2 (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1951) **** 

Stan Getz  Chamber Music (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1953) *** 

Stan Getz  For Musicians Only (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1956) **

Stan Getz  Stan Getz And The Oscar Peterson Trio (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1957) ***** 

Stan Getz  Getz Meets Mulligan In Hi-Fi (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1957) **** 

Stan Getz  Stan Getz And Cal Tjader Sextet (CD, Real Gone Jazz, 1958) ****  

Genre: Cool Jazz 

Places I remember: The Warehouse

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: I Want To Be Happy (with Oscar Peterson Trio)

Gear costume: Tour's End (with Oscar Peterson Trio)

Active compensatory factors: These 7 albums are collected (along with Cool Velvet which has already appeared on Goo Goo) on Eight Classic Albums. 

These multi album collections are a great way to catch up on long forgotten gems.

The Storyville and Oscar Peterson hook up albums are the cream of this crop. 

For Musicians Only features Dizzy Gillespie on trademark piercing trumpet which kind of ruins the laid back vibe for me. Plus there is another alto saxophonist (Sonny Stitt) on the set which seems redundant when Stan is around.

Those Storyville sets and the Peterson album feature Stan in primo form. He lays it down like no one else in the cool jazz sub-genre.

Where do they all belong? More to come from Stan the man!

Baubles, bangles and beads (Deodato) (LP 679)

Deodato  Prelude (CD, CTI, 1973) **** 

Genre: Jazz Fusion

Places I remember: HMV Oxford St.

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Also Sprach Zarathustra

Gear costume: September 13

Active compensatory factors: I particularly love the Deodato of the CTI label. 

Driven by the link to the 2001 A Space Odyssey film and some brilliant musicians - this was a huge album for him.

The album features some great jazz musicians - John Tropea (guitar), Ron Carter and Stanley Clarke on bass and the one and only Billy Cobham on drums. 

Combine all that with Deodato's wonderfully lyrical piano playing and it's a great recipe for success.

It doesn't necessarily follow though that the album is going to be brilliant and commercially successful just because of the players involved. You need the chops yes, but you also need the leadership and vision of someone to make it work. Creed Taylor is the producer and he could obviously see the possibilities in Deodato.

Where do they all belong? And that's it for Deodato. Check him out!