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70's pearls
- Thread starter pavuol
- Start date
FYI, doin' a retrospective on jazz albums from 50 years ago, or 1973, on Fridays, in the Jazz Thread. Here's yesterday's post, and the link to it in the Jazz Thread. 
Here’s the 4th post for ‘Friday 50’, albums from 50 years ago, or 1973. Previous recommendations were (title links to post upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again For The First Time; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin Jones Mr. Jones.
Trumpeter Donald Byrd’s Black Byrd was Blue Note’s biggest selling album for a while . Allmusic: “Sure, maybe the electric piano, sound effects, and Roger Glenn's ubiquitous flute date the music somewhat, but that's really part of its charm. Black Byrd was state-of-the-art for its time, and it set a new standard for all future jazz/R&B/funk fusions… Black Byrd stands as his groundbreaking signature statement.”
The album certainly kick-started the electric phase of his career. He released ~50 albums from 1955 to 1991, this was his ~35th release. Turn up the volume, to properly feel that funk bass groove -- which seems buried a bit in the mix.
Donald Byrd, Black Byrd, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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Allmusic: “Jazz-rock combo Sea Level was formed in 1976 by keyboardist Chuck Leavell, bassist Lamar Williams, and drummer Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson following their exit from the Allman Brothers Band; guitarist Jimmy Nalls completed the original lineup. The band issued their self-titled debut LP in 1977 on the Capricorn label.” They released 5 albums through 1980.
Sea Level, Sea Level, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Sea Level, Sea Level, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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The artists that created these '70s Pearls' are, sadly, dropping like flies now. I posted a few RIPs in the Celebrity RIP thread, recently. I'll repost them here, because I referenced a 70s Pearl. Here's one about the band Brand X, who have been referenced upthread. Less maudlin 70s Pearl albums to follow...
Robin Lumley, keyboardist for 1970-80s jazz-fusion band Brand X, passed. Begun as a Phil Collins (Genesis) side-project, also included bassist Percy Jones and guitarist John Goodsall (RIP). The albums Unorthodox Behavior (1976) and Moroccan Roll (1977) are fusion classics. I saw them twice in a shoe box called The Golden Bear, in Huntington Beach, California. Jones and Goodsall were quite an under-known pair. RIP Robin.
Percy Jones statement re: Lumley death.
Brand X website.
Robin Lumley Wikipedia entry.
Brand X, Unorthodox Behavior, full album: YouTube link. Spotify link.
Brand X, Moroccan Roll, full album: YouTube link. Spotify link.
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Posted a new 'Friday 50', albums from 50 years ago, or 1973, in the Jazz Music Thread. Dave Liebman's First Visit:
Here’s another post for ‘Friday 50’, albums from 50 years ago, or 1973. Previously (link to upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin Jones Mr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd.
Saxophonist/flutist Dave Liebman has over 250 albums in a lead role. 1973 gave us his 2nd release, First Visit, with pianist Richard Breibach, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Goes a bit free at times, but what Holland/DeJohnette, and, well, Liebman release doesn’t? Dave also played on Mr. Jones, above. Please enjoy a solid, early release, from a prolific jazz master.
Dave Liebman, First Visit, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
A few upthread posts suggested guitarist Daevid Allen’s psychedelic ‘Gong’, here’s an album by drummer Pierre Moerlen’s jazz-rock-fusion ‘Gong’.
Allmusic: “Expresso was the first in a successful line of strictly jazz-rock sessions… This 1976 recording, also released under the title Gazeuse!, was the band's first completely instrumental album… To say Expresso is percussive is an understatement. Drummer Moerlen is accompanied by brother Benoit and Mireille Bauer on vibraphones with Mino Cinelu playing other assorted percussion. Allan Holdsworth is the guitarist on the album and contributes two of his own compositions… Longtime Gong member Didier Malherbe adds spice to the proceedings with jazzy flute and sax on 2 tunes.”
Moerlen did 5 albums with Allen's Gong, then 10 with his Gong, and 7 with Mike Oldfield, plus quite a bit of session work. He passed in 2005, at 52.
Gong, Expresso/Gazeuse!, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Allmusic: “Expresso was the first in a successful line of strictly jazz-rock sessions… This 1976 recording, also released under the title Gazeuse!, was the band's first completely instrumental album… To say Expresso is percussive is an understatement. Drummer Moerlen is accompanied by brother Benoit and Mireille Bauer on vibraphones with Mino Cinelu playing other assorted percussion. Allan Holdsworth is the guitarist on the album and contributes two of his own compositions… Longtime Gong member Didier Malherbe adds spice to the proceedings with jazzy flute and sax on 2 tunes.”
Moerlen did 5 albums with Allen's Gong, then 10 with his Gong, and 7 with Mike Oldfield, plus quite a bit of session work. He passed in 2005, at 52.
Gong, Expresso/Gazeuse!, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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Gonna repost a Celebrity RIP thread obituary, because it recommended a '70s Pearl' Gentle Giant album I don't think has been mentioned. Here's a link to the original post for a nice video of the band rockin' the song 'Free Hand'. RIP Ray.
Ray Shulman, bassist and multi-instrumentalist for the 1970s prog-rock band Gentle Giant passed recently. Nice obituary from LoudWire with nice videos. Free Hand was their first album I heard, so I always liked their rockier stuff, but it was all quintessential prog-rock.
LoudWire Ray Shulman obituary.
Ray Shulman Wikipedia page.
Gentle Giant, Free Hand, full album: YouTube link. Spotify link.
Captain Beefheart released 2 albums in 1972, the 2nd was Clear Spot. Is ‘twisted blues rock proto-punk’ a genre?
Allmusic: “The sound is great throughout, and the feeling is of the coolest bar-band in town, not to mention one that could eat all the patrons for breakfast if it felt like it. Consequently, fans of the fully all-out side of Beefheart might find the end result not up to snuff, but those less concerned with pushing back all borders all the time will enjoy his unexpected blend of everything tempered with a new accessibility.”
Personal side note: Captain Beefheart made me an audiophile. My house was burglarized while at a CB show. Through judicious use of insurance, I went from a mid-fi Pioneer/JVC world to Luxman/M&K high fidelity. Thank you, Captain Beefheart. The concert absolutely ripped, btw. Jeff Morris Tepper is an under-appreciated guitarist.
Captain Beefheart made ~12 albums between ‘67-’82.
Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band, Clear Spot, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Allmusic: “The sound is great throughout, and the feeling is of the coolest bar-band in town, not to mention one that could eat all the patrons for breakfast if it felt like it. Consequently, fans of the fully all-out side of Beefheart might find the end result not up to snuff, but those less concerned with pushing back all borders all the time will enjoy his unexpected blend of everything tempered with a new accessibility.”
Personal side note: Captain Beefheart made me an audiophile. My house was burglarized while at a CB show. Through judicious use of insurance, I went from a mid-fi Pioneer/JVC world to Luxman/M&K high fidelity. Thank you, Captain Beefheart. The concert absolutely ripped, btw. Jeff Morris Tepper is an under-appreciated guitarist.
Captain Beefheart made ~12 albums between ‘67-’82.
Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band, Clear Spot, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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Weekly blatant re-post of Friday 50, jazz albums from a half-century ago, or 1973. This week, Don Ellis Soaring, with the link to the Jazz Music thread.
Here’s Friday 50, albums from 50 years ago, or 1973. Time for some big band. Trumpeter Don Ellis released ~35 albums from 1960 to 1978, many of them big band and film scores, e.g. the 1971 Oscar Best Film ‘French Connection’, which earned him a Grammy.
Allmusic: “Ellis' Soaring orchestra has 7 brass (& tuba), 4 strong woodwind players, a string quartet, and an enlarged six-piece rhythm section that includes keyboardist Milcho Leviev. Ellis composed 4 of the 8 tunes." The album earned a Grammy nomination.
Sadly, this was the last album before a heart attack curtailed his career, and eventually his life in 1978. This is good big band, by a composer/arranger at the top of his game.
Previously (links to upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin Jones Mr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd; Dave Liebman First Visit.
Don Ellis, Soaring, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Captain Beefheart released 2 albums in 1972, the 2nd was Clear Spot. Is ‘twisted blues rock proto-punk’ a genre?
Allmusic: “The sound is great throughout, and the feeling is of the coolest bar-band in town, not to mention one that could eat all the patrons for breakfast if it felt like it. Consequently, fans of the fully all-out side of Beefheart might find the end result not up to snuff, but those less concerned with pushing back all borders all the time will enjoy his unexpected blend of everything tempered with a new accessibility.”
Captain Beefheart made ~12 albums between ‘67-’82.
Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band, Clear Spot, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
View attachment 294665
I was never a fan of Trout mask Replica. But Clearspot, Safe as Milk and Spotlight kid I quite enjoyed. Clearspot seemed to be a h fi mag favourite test disk back in the 80s,
Drummer Bill Bruford, of Yes & King Crimson, released his 1st solo album in 1978.
Allmusic: “Feels Good to Me goes far beyond the usual prog rock conceits of its time, and enters fully into the compositional structures and improvisational dynamics of jazz. Here he surrounds himself with mates: guitarists Allan Holdsworth and John Goodsall (Brand X); bassist Jeff Berlin; keyboardist Dave Stewart; ECM flügelhorn stalwart Kenny Wheeler; vocalist Annette Peacock… Bruford has yet to issue a solo recording as powerful as Feels Good to Me.”
Bruford released >30 albums in various collaborations, with plentiful session work, until 2009. This is most definitely prog, and not jazz, yet. Bruford went much jazzier after this. His ‘Earthworks’ album, All Heaven Broke Loose, was recommended in the Jazz Music Thread.
Bill Bruford, Feels Good To Me, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Allmusic: “Feels Good to Me goes far beyond the usual prog rock conceits of its time, and enters fully into the compositional structures and improvisational dynamics of jazz. Here he surrounds himself with mates: guitarists Allan Holdsworth and John Goodsall (Brand X); bassist Jeff Berlin; keyboardist Dave Stewart; ECM flügelhorn stalwart Kenny Wheeler; vocalist Annette Peacock… Bruford has yet to issue a solo recording as powerful as Feels Good to Me.”
Bruford released >30 albums in various collaborations, with plentiful session work, until 2009. This is most definitely prog, and not jazz, yet. Bruford went much jazzier after this. His ‘Earthworks’ album, All Heaven Broke Loose, was recommended in the Jazz Music Thread.
Bill Bruford, Feels Good To Me, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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Weekly blatant re-post of Friday 50, jazz albums from a half-century ago, or 1973. This week, Grover Washington, Jr. with Soul Box, with the link to the Jazz Music thread. This album is definitely one of the 'pearls' of '70s jazz.
Here’s another post for Friday 50, albums from 50 years ago, or 1973.
Allmusic: “The early work of alto saxophonist and composer Grover Washington, Jr. is a rare and beautiful thing to behold… Soul Box has Creed Taylor's production enhanced by a symphony orchestra and full-blown jazz band arranged and conducted by Bob James. Some of the session men include bassist Ron Carter, drummer Billy Cobham, guitarist Eric Gale, drummer Idris Muhammad, percussionist Airto, and keyboardist Richard Tee… Soul Box is a modern classic for its instrumental and arrangement invention and for its deeply emotional bounty.”
This was the 3rd of his 25 albums, from 1972-99. This was a double-album, over an hour of Grover’s finest. His 1988 album Then And Now was recommended upthread.
Grover Washington, Jr., Soul Box, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Previously (links to upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin Jones Mr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd; Dave Liebman First Visit; Don Ellis Soaring.
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Allmusic: “Ian Hunter's songs are a set of road tales fraught with exhaustion, disillusionment, and dashed dreams. Mott doesn't sound that way, though -- it's as winning and infectious as rock & roll gets. Even with the undercurrents of ironic despair and restrained hostility, this is a fun record.” A British glam rock classic from the height of the genre, 1973.
Mott The Hoople made ~9 albums, from ‘69-’76. Guitarist Mick Ralphs left after Mott, to found ‘Bad Company,’ with ‘Free’ singer Paul Rodgers, to huge success.
Hunter has released ~25 solo albums, with a new album this year, at age 84, Defiance Part 1. Louder: “This may be Hunter’s 25th or so album, but in its speed, its swing, its songs and its attitude it's more like a debut.” With guests Ringo Starr, Todd Rundgren, Slash and more.
Mott The Hoople, Mott, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Ian Hunter, Defiance Part 1, full album: Spotify link ; YouTube link
Mott The Hoople made ~9 albums, from ‘69-’76. Guitarist Mick Ralphs left after Mott, to found ‘Bad Company,’ with ‘Free’ singer Paul Rodgers, to huge success.
Hunter has released ~25 solo albums, with a new album this year, at age 84, Defiance Part 1. Louder: “This may be Hunter’s 25th or so album, but in its speed, its swing, its songs and its attitude it's more like a debut.” With guests Ringo Starr, Todd Rundgren, Slash and more.
Mott The Hoople, Mott, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Ian Hunter, Defiance Part 1, full album: Spotify link ; YouTube link
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My 2 favorite Genesis albums, the tweeners, both from 1976. Between vocalist Peter Gabriel’s departure and massive success. After these albums, guitarist Steve Hackett left, they simplified their sound, and they became the ~ biggest band in the world.
First was A Trick Of The Tail (ATOT) Allmusic: “After Peter Gabriel departed for a solo career, Genesis found a replacement in their drummer, Phil Collins… This album returns the group to the fanciful fairy tale nature of its earlier records… Genesis were… returning to elastic numbers that showcased their instrumental prowess, and they sounded more forceful and unified as a band.”
Genesis, A Trick Of The Tail, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
This is the official album video of the title tune. Just to prove weird music videos existed before MTV, Steve Hackett's hand morphs into a claw. Why?
Allmusic: “Wind & Wuthering (W&W) followed quickly on the heels of ATOT and they're very much cut from the same cloth… A standard Genesis record, but quite a good one in that regard.” When 'quite good' is the standard...
Genesis, Wind & Wuthering, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
The video is from the Mike Douglas Show, a USA afternoon TV talk show of the time, where Mike interviews Phil between 2 songs from W&W, with low-def vid but decent sound. 'Afterglow' was in their last show. For the uninitiated, the vids are mellower tunes, and there is punchier stuff on the albums.
Guitarist Steve Hackett’s new album, Live in Gyor, was recommended in the Jazz Music thread, with a video of Genesis covers. Hackett covers many songs from this era in his live shows, with wonderful performances on YT.
Genesis’ 2020-21 ‘The Last Domino?’ concert tour is the 18th highest grossing of the 2020s, with over a half-million tickets sold. 44 years after these albums...
First was A Trick Of The Tail (ATOT) Allmusic: “After Peter Gabriel departed for a solo career, Genesis found a replacement in their drummer, Phil Collins… This album returns the group to the fanciful fairy tale nature of its earlier records… Genesis were… returning to elastic numbers that showcased their instrumental prowess, and they sounded more forceful and unified as a band.”
Genesis, A Trick Of The Tail, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
This is the official album video of the title tune. Just to prove weird music videos existed before MTV, Steve Hackett's hand morphs into a claw. Why?
Allmusic: “Wind & Wuthering (W&W) followed quickly on the heels of ATOT and they're very much cut from the same cloth… A standard Genesis record, but quite a good one in that regard.” When 'quite good' is the standard...
Genesis, Wind & Wuthering, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
The video is from the Mike Douglas Show, a USA afternoon TV talk show of the time, where Mike interviews Phil between 2 songs from W&W, with low-def vid but decent sound. 'Afterglow' was in their last show. For the uninitiated, the vids are mellower tunes, and there is punchier stuff on the albums.
Guitarist Steve Hackett’s new album, Live in Gyor, was recommended in the Jazz Music thread, with a video of Genesis covers. Hackett covers many songs from this era in his live shows, with wonderful performances on YT.
Genesis’ 2020-21 ‘The Last Domino?’ concert tour is the 18th highest grossing of the 2020s, with over a half-million tickets sold. 44 years after these albums...
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Allmusic: “Bill Nelson finally found a balance between his virtuoso guitar playing and the demands of pop songwriting. The humor of Nelson's music was on display as never before, and the songs were catchy.” From 1976.
Be-Bop Deluxe released 6 albums between ‘74-’78. Sunburst Finish was their 3rd album, and most successful. Nelson went on to a prolific solo career; his last studio album was ~2007.
Personal side note. Be-Bop Deluxe was the middle band at my 1st rock show, at the Fabulous Forum, Inglewood, California. Hard-rockers Angel opened, followed by an excellent set by Be-Bop, and then Blue Oyster Cult showed why they headlined.
Be-Bop Deluxe, Sunburst Finish, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Be-Bop Deluxe released 6 albums between ‘74-’78. Sunburst Finish was their 3rd album, and most successful. Nelson went on to a prolific solo career; his last studio album was ~2007.
Personal side note. Be-Bop Deluxe was the middle band at my 1st rock show, at the Fabulous Forum, Inglewood, California. Hard-rockers Angel opened, followed by an excellent set by Be-Bop, and then Blue Oyster Cult showed why they headlined.
Be-Bop Deluxe, Sunburst Finish, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
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Al Stewart
Year of the Cat
1976
Year of the Cat
1976
mhardy6647
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From 1975. Allmusic: “Yes-like in every possible aspect, bassist Chris Squire's Fish Out Of Water is an album that's typical of his band's progressive formula: softened keyboard extensions à la Patrick Moraz, steady yet atmospheric percussion work from Bill Bruford, and a smattering of flute and saxophone that accompanies a small orchestra, which includes effective horn and harp work… Even though there are few surprises laid out on the album's five tracks, the elemental composition of pure '70s progressive rock is strewn across each song from start to finish.”
Squire plays bass and guitars (and, well, vocals), Mel Collins of King Crimson plays tenor sax. Squire only released one other solo album, and did just a few albums as a member of other ensembles. He was the only Yes member to appear on all their studio albums thru 2014.
Bill Bruford’s album, Feels Good To Me, was recommended upthread.
Chris Squire, Fish Out Of Water, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
Squire plays bass and guitars (and, well, vocals), Mel Collins of King Crimson plays tenor sax. Squire only released one other solo album, and did just a few albums as a member of other ensembles. He was the only Yes member to appear on all their studio albums thru 2014.
Bill Bruford’s album, Feels Good To Me, was recommended upthread.
Chris Squire, Fish Out Of Water, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link
