Al Haig Trio, The - Al Haig Trio

Advantages: Great guitars, high level of musicianship
Disadvantages: A little self indulgent

...’s too prog rock but more than that he’s too blokey and in a guitarhead kind of way. When you see him live, guitar nuts are there drooling over his techniques. Still, I like him and the new album, while still heavy on virtuoso guitar work is not as edgy as other ones and the envi-ronment is less to the fore: Butler is in love and happy, and as a result the songs are softer and the single “Funky tonight” shows a fun side of Butler. California-born Butler has lived in Oz nearly all his life and started off busking in Fremantle. His self-titled debut album is largely acoustic. Then came “Three”, a more electric offering, and then the phenomenal “Sunrise over sea” which went five times platinum in Oz and won him awards for best independent release, best blues and roots al-bum, best male artist and song of the year. This new album is his first... 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: a beautiful album
Disadvantages: sounds very 80 's

...Thanks to the people who helped me get the courage to write with my own words.LTM , the excellent label run by James Nice , that re-issue lots of lost records from almost unknoww artist like Paul Haig or Isabelle Antena , is doing a great job. The album here sounds better than the original copy , has a nicer cover with lots of information and the cd is full of bonus , including 12" versions and B sides. Produced by Martin Hayles (light house family , Orange juice) , recorded by Alan Moulder (Curve , Jesusand themarychain) , it has the sound of the eighties for sure but more like the first Sade or early Everything but the girl. Definitely a good way to dicover Isabelle Antena. Don't overlook the american re-issue of Camino del sol , the first record Isabelle did under the name Antena.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful