Free Flow Archive Vinyl & CDs

Review: Fifty years into his career, Gary Bartz continues to produce powerful spiritual jazz. In 2020, he collaborated with London band Maisha for Night Dreamer Direct To Disc Sessions and in 2021 he teamed up with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge for Jazz Is Dead 6, both of which prove that. Now we get a special new pressing of his Live In Bremen 1975 album recorded during a European tour and capturing Bartz's groovy quartet with Chris Mims on keys, Curtis Robertson on bass and Howard King on sticks. The set revisits classics like 'Celestial Blues' and 'Uhuru Sasa' while showcasing Bartz's soulful sax and thoughtful compositions.

Review: A singular force in European jazz, Norwegian guitarist Terje Rypdal emerged from Oslo's late-60s underground, swapping out psychedelic rock theatrics for a more searching, cinematic mode of improvisation. This early work catches him mid-morph, just 21 and already pulling away from the fuzz of his band The Dream to chase a colder, more expressive language. 'Dead Man's Tale' sets the toneigritty, restless, stretched to its limitsiwhile 'Wes' offers a moment of reverence in its loose, lyrical swing. There's a quiet narrative elegance to 'Winter Serenade', its three-part structure marking snowfall, storm and thaw, and 'Bleak House' and 'Sonority' lean darker, flirting with the avant-garde. Closer 'A Feeling Of Harmony' tilts things back toward resolution, leaving behind a kind of luminous melancholy that points forward to his landmark ECM work.

Review: This audiophile reissue brings Tony Scott's iconic album back to life, offering a vibrant and immersive listening experience. Originally released in 1973, the album captures Scott's mastery of jazz, showcasing his versatility and inventiveness on the clarinet, baritone and even through his distinctive scat vocals. From the exhilarating energy of the title track to the reflective beauty of 'Round Midnight' and the soulful balladry of 'Lover Man', 'Manteca' is a testament to Scott's enduring artistry. Backed by an all-star lineup, including bassist Sture Nordin, drummer Ed Thigpen and percussionist Sabu Martinez, the album seamlessly blends vibrant uptempo tracks with introspective ballads. This meticulously remastered reissue is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast, offering a chance to rediscover a true landmark in jazz history.