Mirch Masala 1987

Pianist Bud Powell's two recording sessions for Victor during 1956-57 resulted in 22 selections; this CD contains 18 of them. Powell was not in the best of shape during this period and he is erratic in these trio outings with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Art Taylor. Quite frequently a brilliant chorus is followed by one in which Powell gets lost, making the performances very interesting, to say the least.

Pianist Bud Powell's two recording sessions for Victor during 1956-57 resulted in 22 selections; this CD contains 18 of them. Powell was not in the best of shape during this period and he is erratic in these trio outings with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Art Taylor. Quite frequently a brilliant chorus is followed by one in which Powell gets lost, making the performances very interesting, to say the least.

While he makes his fame and fortune cutting blues-rock, guitarist Duke Robillard periodically issues albums of stylish, restrained, subtly swinging jazzy material. This date includes guest appearances from swing-influenced contemporary instrumentalists such as tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and guitarist Chris Flory, who teams with Robillard on "Glide On" for some excellent twin guitar fireworks. Otherwise, it's Jim Kelly who matches licks with Robillard on "Jim Jam" and "What's Your Story, Morning Glory." It's relaxed, elegant music, with just enough grit to keep things interesting.

The CD + Blu-ray Box contains Clutching At Straws (2018 Andy Bradfield & Avril Mackintosh Re-mix), Live at the Edinburgh Playhouse 1987 (2018 Michael Hunter Mix) and Clutching At Straws (1999 Remaster Demos + Previously unreleased Demos) on the CDs and on the BluRay ‘Clutching At Straws (2018 Andy Bradfield & Avril Mackintosh Re-mix)’ 48/24 PCM Stereo Remix,48/24 LPCM Master Audio 5.1 Mix and 48/24 DTS Master Audio 5.1 Mix, “The Last Straw” Clutching At Straws Documentary, Promo films 3 tracks, Clutching At Straws (Original 1987 Album Mix) plus 3 Bonus audio tracks.

With hype building behind a clutch of successful singles, London quartet Then Jerico made its full-length debut in 1987 with the grandiosely titled First (The Sound of Music). The album, mostly produced by Owen Davies, actually featured a sound common in the mid- to late '80s: massive backbeats married to the big guitars that had come back into vogue. Atop it all sat the impassioned, warbling vocals of Mark Shaw, whose haircut and cheekbones made him a strong contender for the U.K.'s leading pinup of the moment. But the group wanted to be seen as a band – and taken seriously – and First wasn't about to turn into any crass chart cash in.