This is a really great recording!
Opening with the Salsa flavoured "Fields of Flowers" with Barbara's echo laden flute, it's a playful and ebullient track to be followed by the growling "The Coconut Hurling Game" - huge bass on this from Dave Ball; absolutely stunning! It's supported by rasping synths and Thompson's mellifluous sax with the amazing Jon Hiseman backing it all up with some "suppressed" drumming.
Then we get the sonorous opening to the gentler "Dusk"; a moody and atmospheric track with wonderful sax lead and some lovely fretless bass. Joining in is Rod Dorothy's complimentary violin.
"Nighwatch" is a little more upbeat but still one of the softer offerings; very smooth and "glass of wine", with all constituents gelling together wonderfully - sax, bass, violin, keys and modest but effective drumming - until Hiseman let's fly!
"Kafferinya" - joyful and uplifting with a violin lead and lots of recorder fills; but it's Hisemans drumming that steals the show as he underpins the whole shebang with some stunning fills. This track is a real pleasure to listen and great fun! I remember seeing them do this one live and was a show stealer. In fact they played most of this album!
"Chapter and Verse" has a more "classical" feel, with a smooth jazz tone; a delightful and accomplished piece of music with lovely flute, fretless bass, and violin blending together seamlessly.
Opening with the Salsa flavoured "Fields of Flowers" with Barbara's echo laden flute, it's a playful and ebullient track to be followed by the growling "The Coconut Hurling Game" - huge bass on this from Dave Ball; absolutely stunning! It's supported by rasping synths and Thompson's mellifluous sax with the amazing Jon Hiseman backing it all up with some "suppressed" drumming.
Then we get the sonorous opening to the gentler "Dusk"; a moody and atmospheric track with wonderful sax lead and some lovely fretless bass. Joining in is Rod Dorothy's complimentary violin.
"Nighwatch" is a little more upbeat but still one of the softer offerings; very smooth and "glass of wine", with all constituents gelling together wonderfully - sax, bass, violin, keys and modest but effective drumming - until Hiseman let's fly!
"Kafferinya" - joyful and uplifting with a violin lead and lots of recorder fills; but it's Hisemans drumming that steals the show as he underpins the whole shebang with some stunning fills. This track is a real pleasure to listen and great fun! I remember seeing them do this one live and was a show stealer. In fact they played most of this album!
"Chapter and Verse" has a more "classical" feel, with a smooth jazz tone; a delightful and accomplished piece of music with lovely flute, fretless bass, and violin blending together seamlessly.
"To
Ceres" is a lesson in a really good fretless bass playing - what became
of Dave Ball? His playing here is just beautiful and is comparable to
Pastorius at his best!
"Listen to the Plants" is another fast-paced track with recorder/whistles, bass, drum, violin, keyboards and drums all vying for pole position - it is Celtic/Jazz/Rock; this is so full of energy and - yet again - fun!
"Pure Fantasy" - back to a smoother edge, with lovely saxophone lines and gorgeous supporting bass fills. The subtle keyboards and lilting violin carry it off beautifully.
"Firefly" take us to a close with this version, with a mid-paced number wherein the band blend so beautifully; it is a great closer and a very satisfying one.
A great album that has endured over the years; till today, it sounds as fresh as ever! (by Ben Bottle)
"Listen to the Plants" is another fast-paced track with recorder/whistles, bass, drum, violin, keyboards and drums all vying for pole position - it is Celtic/Jazz/Rock; this is so full of energy and - yet again - fun!
"Pure Fantasy" - back to a smoother edge, with lovely saxophone lines and gorgeous supporting bass fills. The subtle keyboards and lilting violin carry it off beautifully.
"Firefly" take us to a close with this version, with a mid-paced number wherein the band blend so beautifully; it is a great closer and a very satisfying one.
A great album that has endured over the years; till today, it sounds as fresh as ever! (by Ben Bottle)
Personnel:
Dave Ball (bass)
Rod Dorothy (violin)
Jon Hiseman (drums, percussion)
Barbara Thompson (saxophone, flute)
Bill Worall (keyboards)
Original frontcover from 1983 (Pure Fantasy)
Tracklist:
01. Fields Of Flowers (Thompson) 4.51
02. The Coconut Hurling Game (Thompson) 5.21
03. Dusk (Thompson) 2.45
04. Nightwatch (Thompson) 4.25
05. Kafferinya (Thompson) 3.31
06. Chapter And Verse (Thompson) 6.20
07. To Ceres (Thompson) 2.01
08. Listen To The Plants (Thompson) 4.34
09. Pure Fantasy (Thompson) 3.22
10. Firefly (Thompson) 4.31
Great! Big thanks for this one
ReplyDeleteYou´re welcome ! Barbara Thompson is one of my favourite jazz musicians from UK !
ReplyDelete