Abiding Variations - Charles Gayle Trio

Advantages: Much invention, skillful mixing, limited edition videos
Disadvantages: None

.... "Out there and back" is for me the seminal work of trance today. The patterns start taking shape from the outset. "Vega" has a strong bass groove underlying synth like the wash of waves on an idyllic beach, with the drum providing the best variations; then there's a smooth transition into "Pikes" with its more traditional thudding bassline and keyboards to warm-up for the awesome power trio of "Another Way", "Travelling" and "Avenue" that will have you reaching for the volume control and seriously thinking about upgrading your system. From there, the album moves into a short vocal phase, with the huge chart success "Tell Me Why (The Riddle)" featuring Sarah Cracknell of St. Etienne, followed by a contribution from van Dyk's wife Natasha for the uplifting "Together We Will Conquer". There's just time for a breather with the slower "Face... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: a true avant garde jazz trio
Disadvantages: maybe too avant garde in some instances

...When we talk about modern jazz piano trios names like brad mehldau and esbjorn svensson quickly emerge to our minds. But no matter how good the former musicians and their trios are, nevertheless they still have a strong influence by artists like bill evans, keith jarrett and even Chick Corea. In the case of the Bad plus however, we can talk about a new powerful almost punk attitude towards piano trios. Imagine the virtuosity of jazz musicians combined with avant grade innovation and high volumed tunes, all combind in one. The original compositions sound so fresh, with all the rhythmic and harmonic complexity combined in a unique way. Trashy beats and excellent piano unisons create a some kind of trancedental atmosphere. And how about a cover of Nirvana's "smells like teen spirit" for jazz trio? Really interesting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Inventive ideas, strong songs, and a great mix of pop'n'progressive
Disadvantages: None

...of a classical motif - variations of a theme of Purcell on acid, methinks - complement the album overall without overshadowing it. Augmented by a 40-piece orchestra and choir, the group pulled off some fine songs. With "Can't Get...Head", you can see why John Lennon commented at the time that if the Beatles hadn't disbanded, they would have sounded like ELO by that time. "Mister Kingdom" is another masterful ballad; "Nobody's Child" swings like something Ray Charles would have recorded in his early days; and "Illusions in G Major" has them firing on all six with one of those rock'n'roll belters that adds a couple of extra twists to the Chuck Berry structure. ELO went on to enjoy massive success with most of their subsequent albums, but they rarely bettered this.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful