Author Archives: Vinyl Connection
1974 COUNTDOWN | A JAZZ EXCURSION
Although there are a few jazz-rock albums in the main 74 FROM ’74 list, I limited the jazz component to make the selection process more manageable. But here are ten (from the eighty or so) from the VC collection, albums I enjoy greatly. Plenty of variety, both in terms of style and relative fame of […]
1974 COUNTDOWN | #74—#70
#74 MACKENZIE THEORY — BON VOYAGE How fitting to begin another COUNTDOWN voyage with an album called Bon Voyage. How ironic saying “Hello” to another epic trek through more than six dozen albums (selected from a pool of around three hundred) with a ritual phrase of farewell. How ambivalent was your correspondent about attempting this […]
KALEIDOSCOPIC GLORY
Transatlantic are a genuine progressive rock supergroup, albeit a part-time one. Comprising members of Spock’s Beard (Neal Morse) Dream Theatre (Mike Portnoy) Marillion (Pete Trewavas) and the Flower Kings (Roine Stolt), the band released its first album, SMPT:e in 2000. In February 2014 Kaleidoscope, their fourth studio album, appeared. Another huge opus blending symphonic prog […]
BROUGHT THEIR ZZ GAME
Through the 1970s, Texan trio ZZ Top played music blending the boogie of Canned Heat with elements of Southern rock to produce an infectious style of blues rock. With hits like the irresistible “La Grange” they became a popular live attraction as well as selling plenty of albums. But that was nothing compared to the […]
10 SUPER CTI ALBUM COVERS
Creed Taylor’s CTI record label was founded in 1967, separating from parent company A&M in 1970. Specialising in a style of jazz that boasted instrumental excellence while keeping an eye on the pop and rock scenes, the label used staff arrangers such as Don Sebesky and Bob James to add orchestral silkiness to the jazz-based […]
PRELUDE
It was on the airwaves during the Summer of ’73 and sounded like nothing else. A mysterious, beatless opening full of space buzzes and cosmic bird calls that built thrillingly into an infectious jazz-funk epic. No words but a riveting groove. That piano! At the time I had no idea what a Fender Rhodes was, […]
ALBUM COVERS | JADE WARRIOR
Tony Duhig and Jon Field created art rock band Jade Warrior at the birth of the 1970s. After three albums on Vertigo, they shifted to the Island record label and produced a fascinating quartet of albums between and 1974 and 1978. Characterised by an eclectic range of influences and instrumentation, their albums presaged ‘Fourth World’ […]
DESTINATION: PARIS
Saint Germain. A Parisian boulevard where Jean-Paul Satre strolled, or a football team from the same city. Perhaps the French liqueur made with elderflowers. Those of a theosophical persuasion will want to bend your ear with tales of Saint Germain, an eighteenth century mystic, philosopher and ascended master. Whatever that is. While all the above […]
ALBUM COVERS | THE BLUES
Anthology Of The Blues was a twelve LP series that first appeared in 1969. Some of the albums feature a single artist (often a notable one) whilst others compile regional sides from lesser known performers. All feature portraits on the covers, giving the series a visual cohesion along side the genre focus. Vinyl Connection only […]
VALE MAYALL
John Mayall was known as the ‘Father of the British Blues’. In this case the epithet was no exaggeration. Alongside Alexis Corner, Graham Bond and a few others, Mayall pioneered R&B in Blighty. An extraordinary number of important musicians passed through his bands, most captured on vinyl in a massive discography. Here is a selection […]
BRYTER WITH CLOUDS
Nick Drake had precious little success during his brief lifetime. None of his three albums reached the wider audience he hoped for and his descent into depression made isolation his preferred state. Drake did not perform his music live, had acquaintances rather than friends, made little conversation and had no intimacy other than a tortured […]
SUN + MOON + HERBS
From the golden art deco inspired cover through the fascinating story of a planned three LP magnum opus, The Sun Moon and Herbs is a highlight in the long career of the New Orleans legend ‘Mac’ Rebennack, aka Dr John, The Night Tripper. Blending the good Doctor’s various styles and influences into an ecstatic musical […]
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