Cain And Mabel (1936)

Acclaimed concert artist and laureate of numerous awards, Mabel Millán brings her stunning technique and remarkable musical expressiveness to this programme of some of the most spectacular and best-loved repertoire ever composed for the guitar. From the Andalusian rhythms and atmosphere of Turina and Malats, the Romantic expressiveness and national colours of Ponce and Mertz, to the lyrical beauty and dramatic virtuosity of Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Capriccio diabolico, every aspect of the guitar’s refined delicacy and explosive dynamism is explored here to the full.

Michael Cain, Ralph Alessi, Peter Epstein - Circa (1997) {ECM 1622}
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© 1997 ECM Records | ECM 1622
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Post Bop / Piano / Trumpet / Saxophone

Pianist Michael Cain teams up with trumpeter Ralph Alessi and soprano saxophonist Peter Epstein for some unusual trio performances on this ECM CD. The 11 group originals (by Cain and/or Alessi) alternate complex written-out sections with fairly free group improvising. Epstein's soprano and Alessi's trumpet blend together almost as if they were one person playing two horns simultaneously, while Cain's rumbling keeps the music from ever getting too tonal or comfortable. Ranging from what sounds like chamber music (it is often difficult to determine when the musicians are improvising) to stretched-out long tones and heated sections, this episodic and continually intriguing music is never predictable and rewards repeated listenings.

British sextet released in 1971 their sole album (a live recording) only in Germany and Netherlands. A heavy psych blues rock with jazz and progressive touch, from excellent musicians like Mike Connell on guitar, Allan Spriggs on vocals and Geoff Leigh (form Henry Cow fame) on saxes and flute.

Tané Cain's self-titled debut album is a perfect example of a release that should have been a big hit, but for whatever reason, did very little commercially. Cain has an impressive voice, and the material – most of it sleek, commercial pop/rock that was co-produced and co-written by Jonathan Cain and has a Pat Benatar-ish quality – is generally excellent. Though Cain denied sounding anything like Benatar, the fact is that she is somewhat Benatar-ish on melodic jewels such as "Crazy Eyes," "Vertigo," and the haunting "My Time to Fly." Nonetheless, Cain is her own person, and she has a smoother, more restrained approach than Benatar – you won't find anything as gritty, metallic, and guitar-crunching as "Hell Is for Children" or "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" on this vinyl LP. Regrettably, Tané Cain went out of print after the singer was dropped by RCA and is unlikely to ever be reissued on CD, but the LP is well worth obtaining if you're able to find a copy.