David Axelrod - Song of Innocence [1968]

What started out as a jazz/rock experiment throw-away, decades later reveals itself as a lost classic. Along with Miles' work at the time, this was a very early example of the sound that would later become Jazz Fusion. Producer, arranger, and engineer David Axelrod made his mark with Cannonball Adderley, Lou Rawls, and the Electric Prunes. Song of Innocence made critics turn their heads in its day, regarding it as a visionary curiosity piece; today it's simply a great, timeless work of pop art that continues to inspire over four decades after its initial release.

After forming a band with a couple of yer typical garage-rockers of the time, Axelrod signed with Capitol and this masterpiece was his very first release. An instrumental concerto based on the works of William Blake, 'Song of Innocence' is entirely unique: neither Rock, Jazz, Classical, nor Easy Listening, the album blends elements of all four into a richly layered whole. While this may sound like a potentially pretentious train-wreck waiting to happen, nothing could be further from the truth. This is simply one of the most unique musical efforts of the last several decades. Distorted guitars, funky bass lines and drums that were shockingly loud for 1968, blend with churchy organ and symphony-size orchestras on songs like 'Holy Thursday' and the epic closer 'The Mental Traveler.'

"Imagine if Brian Wilson had suddenly decided to turn SMILE into a prototype for Isaac Hayes's soundtrack to SHAFT, and you're halfway there."

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Richard Wright - Wet Dream [1978]

At this point obviously Richard needs no introduction, we're coming up to 1 year since his passing. Thinking on that got me listening to this amazing album again recently. I'm not usually one for over-comparisons but 'Wet Dream' certainly ranks high amongst the other solo member's own albums. Out of all of them it probably demonstrates the most accurate display of that good old "Floydian style", if there is such a thing.

The album is richly laden in deep textures of prog and jazz, and it's all spaced out so beautifully. Kind of a strange thing to say, but i think some of the direction that went into creating the score for the video game Super Mario Galaxy was based on Rick's playing, and perhaps some stuff from this record. Just a feelin', ya know! Besides Rick and his amazing-as-ever performance here, Mel Collins is on fire! Some of his best work i've heard. Snowy White chips in on both acoustic and electric guitars (the man behind the rare Pigs On The Wing solo) and does a fantastic job.

If you're a fan of the band or 'Dark Side' in particular, you should already have this. It's really amazing to learn just how much of Rick's style and direction contributed to the Floyd sound we all love. This record, trunk-filled with emotions is very telling of this. R.I.P.

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Dave Liebman - Lookout Farm [1973]

John Abercrombie is quickly becoming one of my favourite guitarists. Thus, i have been interested in hearing some of his other work splattered throughout the ECM catalogue. While on my hunt, i stumbled apon this little gem. Liebman himself, being new to me, blew me away with his beautiful saxa-ma-phone playing. On these three extended tribal themed jams, his playing is sparse, but very melodic. The tribal percussion is absolutely incredible. We got congas, bongos, tablas, tambourines and cowbells belting along into a wild fury! Particularly in the second track where they kick it into one hell of a funky jam, as Abercrombie takes the front and opens right up.

This is a wonderful record, another ECM gem.

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