C.& e European Legal Mater. Sup.2 Rel.4

Martial Solal - Big Band (1984) {Dreyfus Jazz FDM 36512-2 rel 1991}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 244 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 104 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 21 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1984, 1991 Dreyfus Jazz | FDM 36512-2
Jazz / Modern Big Band / Post Bop / Modern Creative / Piano

It's patently obvious for everyone that Martial SOLAL is virtuosity itself. Even with an unlimited technical skill he never lets himself be content with this utmost proficiency. Because music can never confine itself to such a necessary mastery, he set himself other goals. Throughout the constant clinch with the piano, forever trying to progress - even beyond what is possible - towards that horizon of the ideal where the improviser, free from any technical concern, can at least reach the unbelievable. With such a degree of perfection, even improvisation becomes obvious.

Art Blakey - Theory of Art (1957) {RCA–BMG 09026-68730-2 rel 1997}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 273 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 128 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 19 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1957, 1997 RCA Victor / BMG Music | 09026-68730-2
Jazz / Hard Bop

This CD contains two unique sessions in the history of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Five numbers feature a sextet that includes both altoist Jackie McLean, who had recently left the band, and his replacement, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin along with trumpeter Bill Hardman; "A Night in Tunisia" best shows off this short-lived group. The remaining two numbers were unissued until this CD came out and feature Blakey heading a nonet that included future Messenger Lee Morgan, trombonist Melba Liston and Griffin. The music is consistently excellent and also succeeds as a historical curiosity that should greatly interest Blakey collectors.

The Soul Children - Genesis & Friction (1971-1974) {Stax SCD-88038-2 rel 1999}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 482 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 187 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 38 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1971-74, 1999 Stax / Fantasy | SCD-88038-2
R&B / Soul / Funk / Memphis Soul

This two-for-one reissue combines the Genesis (1972) and Friction (1974) LPs onto one CD. Genesis is a respectable record that, even more than many Stax albums from the late '60s and the early '70s, has a substantial gospel influence. Gospel was an influence in just about every soul record, of course, but you really hear it with this quartet, especially in the opening eight-minute cut, "I Want to Be Loved." The mood is funky but a bit more low-key and subdued than was the case on many such LPs of the time, which is a plus; it makes it stand out from the crowd a little.

Ram - Where, In Conclusion (1972) {Polydor–Lizard Records LR0710-2 rel 1999}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 252 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 98 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 53 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1972, 1999 Polydor / Lizard Records | LR 0710-2
Rock / Progressive Rock / Hard Rock

A total obscurity that truly blew me away. I don't know what's up with Polydor, but that label seemed to let just about anything on their label, because you can get some truly godawful stuff or some truly mindblowing stuff. After all, this is the same label that gave us James Last, which we all avoid like the plague, all the way to Ram, a totally obscure New York heavy prog band. They only released one album in 1972 called Where? (In Conclusion) (I saw some catalog state this album was released in 1969, but it sounds just too '70s, 1972 is about right to my ears anyways.