Herbie Hancock - Mwandishi. 2000 Warner Bros. (CD) (1971). Collection revisit (Dec). I recently revisited the follow up Crossings and my view there applies here as well. This is an album I want to like but I just don't feel it. And since it's more about spirituality than tactics, then it's imperative I do connect with it. I've tried for some 20 years, but this music isn't where I exist. Doesn't diminish my appreciation one iota, but have to be realistic to what I enjoy.
*The Platina - The Girl With the Flaxen Hair. 2003 Mio (CD) (1976 archival). Collection revisit (Nov). My notes from 2005 stated: "Interesting archive album that mixes flute based rock with more avant saxophone jazz. First half of the album and latter tracks are fantastic, recalling a European sound found in bands such as the French group Triode. The wheezing jazz bits are a bit wearing for me, but probably not for those who normally enjoy that sound." That's pretty much it really. It's definitely more of a jazz album than rock. Plenty of interesting moments but not really any highlights. I'll keep for now as unsold original new stock has reemerged into the marketplace for dirt cheap.
Miles Davis - Sorcerer. 2005 Columbia Legacy (CD) (1967). Collection revisit (Nov). Yea this one is sort of middle-of-the-road Miles jazz. See Seven Steps review below from what I like from Davis. I pretty much have a full shelf of albums by him, so some of these have to go. The Legacy reissue is excellent of course.
*Buckner Funken Jazz - Demo. private (MC). I pulled this out of my friend's garage sale a couple of months ago. One sided demo tape. Pretty much what it says on the label. This is stage band styled jazz. There's no data on the tape, except for a business card that says Rod Buckner is the leader. The phone number area code indicates he's from nearby Denver. Solos from trombone, trumpet, and saxophone. Electric bass and drums round out the primary sound. The first tune I recognize as a standard, but couldn't tell you what it is. Alright, now let's see if they're on the internet. Yep! They call themselves an old school funk band. Hmm. This isn't the JB's that's for sure. There is rhythm guitar which helps with that angle. Sparse vocals. OK, I recognize the Average White Band on one cover tune. Some really good electric guitar jamming on this track but buried in the mix. The music improves as it goes into more of a jazz rock direction (still not much funk). Looks like they're still playing as of 2024. I'm going to contact Buckner to get more info about this tape (I did - and no response, oh well). (Nov)
*Miles Davis - Seven Steps to Heaven. 2005 Columbia Legacy (CD) (1963). Collection revisit (Nov). Unfortunately I have way more Miles than I need (or perhaps want is the better word). I've already shed a few of his albums, and now comes the next round of cuts. Not to worry, I have every intention of keeping my favorites till the end. Kind of Blue is Mrs. UMR's all-time favorite album and something we listen together quite a bit. Get Up With It remains my favorite electric period album, a strange choice I realize. And many more keepers including Agharta which is where it began with me and Miles. I find myself drawn to Davis' polars, either that of the lounge relaxers like Kind of Blue or the intense ragers that define the Bitches Brew era. Anything in the middle sort of flies by without notice. The opener 'Basin Street Blues' gave me that mellow buzz I crave from Davis. Same with 3 and 5 and... Yea, I have to keep this one too. Yet another great Legacy reissue.
*Freddie Hubbard - Sky Dive. 1973 CTI (LP). Collection revisit (Oct). It's only been a year since I found this in the waning days of Independent Records. But I didn't write anything down and every album has to have a reference point for me to keep. This one passed easily. I really enjoy this period of friendly-to-the-ear jazz, that of melodic compositions and fine soloing. Sky Dive album brings together a slew of jazz A-listers, and the results bring me back to a musical era that needed to last longer. Yet another brilliant thick gatefold cover with intriguing art brought to us by Creed Taylor. In reading his biography, that was no accident. He firmly believed a great package would lead to more sales, and he was proven correct. Too bad not everyone saw that value.
* - Keeping for the collection
No comments:
Post a Comment