Thursday, August 26, 2010

They've Left the Window Open Again . . .



Czech jazz keyboardist Emil Viklický assembled a tightly knit crew for this outing. Bill Frisell on electric guitar and Kermit Driscoll on electric bass (Frisell and Driscoll have a long history together) and rounding off the rhythm section is drummer Vinton Johnson. The band nailed the jazz funk sound with this one. Viklický's synths and clavinet lines bounce well with Driscoll's bass workouts. We also get a preview of Frisell's future sound as a leader with this recording. Okno turned 30 this year. Still sounds fresh . . .

Okno

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

"Cadavre Exquis" By Ronny & Renzo



Le cadavre exquis boira le vin nouveau.

We're unbelievably happy to have a superb mix by the "Kings of Downtempo" - Ronny & Renzo in the growing bin. If you belong to the four persons on the globe who don't know these guys and their label King Kung Foo yet, just buy their records (they're amazing - Broken Fingers incl. a Sombrero Galaxy remix came out a few weeks ago : ) and check out their interview (and of course the mix) at Cosmic Disco. But first listen to this mix. It's different from most of the mixes I've yet heard. They are precisely cutting vocal samples from german TV, overlaying laid back Ronny & Renzo originals and pearls from the vast collection. Next level ; )
Dear listener, I know you love it gloomy, spiritiual and a tad surreal -
so may I present Cadavre Exquis

your pocket grows seafood on the moon




















Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Good Vibes . . .



Here is a later edition of the Volker Kriegel sound (1981). Volker is pushing the envelope as usual with his sitar-guitar and vibraphone heavy arrangements, courtesy of Wolfgang Schlüter. Journal features top talent from the experimental jazz world and the tracks cover a wide range of moods. This is a solid keeper, and currently my favorite Kriegel.

Journal

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Jazz in the Clouds . . .



This lp represents the first of many collaborations between Karin Krog and John Surman. The two musicians had in common a love of the poetry of Paul Rowlands and decided to base this music on his works. Karin chose her favorites and she and John went into the studio and laid down these tracks. The music was recorded in 1976 with the help of Stu Martin on drums and Janet Cooke on piano and string ensemble. John is playing synthesizers, which are very prominent on this recording, bari and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, piano and guitar, and of course Karin is the vocalist singing these poems. The release of this music was delayed 3 years by lack of funds. The mix-down finally occurred in 1979 and the music was released on the Polydor label in the West and on Poljazz in Eastern Europe. The Poljazz release is different from the Polydor issue in that only Karin's name appeared on the cover.

An acquaintance recently observed that "women are not particularly fond of listening to this album". So, if you happen to be a woman and are turned off by this music please leave a comment. I would like to know what it is about this recording that is offensive to women. Conversely, if you like this music, feel free to comment on that as well. This is experimental jazz, so an acquired taste. I am curious to know why 'women' in particular would be offended by this music which is the work of 2 WOMEN and 2 men . . .

Cloud Line Blue

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Strings Attached . . .



Strings? All over this record. Heinz Fröhling's guitars are very prominent in this late release which dropped in 1979. Gerd Führs is covering drums and synths per usual. 3 drummers on this release and yet another string player. Credits. A few of the tracks have a symphonic edge, but all the tracks have a cosmic shimmer; loads of synths. Well worth adding to your collection.


Strings

More music to sit back and relax



Music to read books by, Part III

on Deepfrequency's Cosmic Connections
Thanks Chidi

PS. you'll find Part2 at NOISEINMYHEAD

and heeeeere's the tracklist:

Zero 7 - Futures
Jeff Liberman - Transformation
1. Futurologischer Kongress - Fair Light
Christian Darré - Perceneige
Craig Leon - One Hundred Steps
Earforce Band - Spaceflight II
Ralph Lundsten - Cosmo Nova
Irmin Schmidt - Im Herzen des Hurrikan
Giovanni Cristiani - Violence Love
Rüdiger Oppermann - Nebelreiter
Dutch Treats - San Sebastian
James Vincent - Etüde 20
Li Garratoni - Child of Venus/Orbital Star
Giovanni Cristiani - Dancing For Diletta
Müller, Ludin, Höfler - Tage des Friedens
Geoff Bastow - Tomorrow's City
Eroc - Von der Insel
Toti Soler - all