Vangelis, Herbie Mann, Little Feat and more!

Brief commentary of vinyl releases from Speakers Corner

New from this quality German audiophile outfit (www.speakerscornerrecords.com) is Lee Konitz With Warne Marsh (1955), playing alto and tenor saxes accompanied by Kenny Clarke and Oscar Pettiford. Both saxes merge easily with independent, perceptive styles that tweak the ear.

Herbie Mann’s At the Village Gate (1962) draws upon his hard bop-type Afro-Cuban and Brazilian music with Bossa vibes featuring brilliant interpretations of classic songs.

On Johnny and Edgar Winter Together Live (1976) blues rock energy dominates. Features Sam and Dave’s Soul Man and Little Richard’s Tutti Frutti. Belt up, strap in and brace yourself. 

Little Feat’s Time Loves A Hero featured a case of civil war. Between band leader, Lowell George (increasingly overtaken by drugs and more) and…everyone else (who were frustrated by that situation). Not the band’s best but there’s enough high points to retain interest.

Heaven and Hell (1975) features Vangelis guest vocals from Jon Anderson. The LP includes the theme for the American television documentary series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage by Carl Sagan. Strong and significant. 

Easy Living was Paul Desmond and Jim Hall’s 1965 release, their last for RCA Victor, comprising remainders of past sessions. That’s not to denigrate the LP, though, which is packed with quality and top solo sequences that are lively and full of vivacity.

The impressive jazz fusion guitar of Al di Meola can be heard in all its glory on Casino (1978) including Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson and Barry Miles. The great man’s hands fly across his guitars, elevating the music to new heights. A brilliant LP.

Also look out for Brubeck Time (1955) Dave Brubeck’s cool jazz outing…

The J. Geils Band blues rock band’s debut featuring cuts from Otis Rush and John Lee Hooker plus…

Dr John’s classic ‘Gris-Gris’ (1968) blends psychedelic, funk and New Orleans’ voodoo and is all the better for it.

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