Based on the theory that if you don’t have anything nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all, I’m happy to report the following about this release of a recording originally made in 1975:
1. It’s produced and engineered very nicely.
2. It’s based on the book by L. Sprague de Camp.
3. It uses some African percussion, Andean music, Zen bells, and Caribbean calypso, and has sections not only in 12/8 but in 13/8.
4. Andy Narell was and is a very good percussionist, especially on steel drums, but everybody on the recording, synthesist Krause, Narell, Chris Michie, Mel Martin, Peter Maunu, George Marsh, et al. can play pretty well.
5. It probably wouldn’t have sounded nearly so dated if it were being used for an old "Hawaii Five-0" episode or some 1970’s movie involving seagulls, horses, and Katherine Ross.
6. The arrangements are more than competent, ultra-professional even.
7. The notes credit Krause with involvement in the music for Apocalypse Now, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Rosemary’s Baby (as well as one that’s much easier to believe: Love Story).
7. There’s some stuff that sounds like it was lifted from Shaft.
8. It won’t sell too many copies, unless it can make it onto some smooth jazz radio stations in which case it might just...take off!
9. There’s some African vocals on one tune that must have sounded very forward-thinking and cool back in 1975, before Paul Simon started scrounging around for exotic material.
10. Most music is "of its time."
Walter Horn
Cardinal Humors, indeed. (Isn't there a "u" missing? Are u there, Clint?)
I like reviews like this. I should write some myself. Last time I did one was on Peter Greenaway.
Well kiddies must dash, have a plane to Lisbon to catch. Will give yr regards to George Lewis.
Back in action in a week. cheeribye, cogs.
Dan -- I hope you can get some information from Mr. Lewis re: when we can expect to see his history of the AACM in print.
So, Walt, this record is defintely a step down in quality from the Beaver and Krause WB recordings (GANDHARVA, IN A WILD SANCTUARY)?
Posted by: Joe Milazzo at August 3, 2004 6:42 AMSorry, I don't know those, Joe.
I felt kind of bad writing such a snarky review, but I really didn't have much else to say. Some of it sounds like a McGiver chase scene, some like the theme to TV's "The Odd Couple". Then there's some washed out, derivative Afro-Cuban stuff with a little Jan Hammer thrown in. The sound is really good, though, and I have a soft spot for Narell. I think a couple of the tunes aren't terrible, but even there it's mostly the production values and arranging skills that carry the water.
Posted by: walto at August 3, 2004 7:09 AM"Humors, indeed. (Isn't there a "u" missing?"
"Are u there, Clint?"
ay, sir --
u? -- reported missing en route somewhere between Paris and the Transatlantic -- date: 1776 --
T. . . . . . . . . . . . u....P
am i hearing right? bagatellen's gone from JOED (joe@dallas) to OED? what's next? littre PED (Paris edition)? c'est charmant
clint
.................................................. © 2003 - 2006 bagatellen ..................................................