This is not a cover of the John Coltrane classic in a traditional sense, but Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin of the Mahavishnu Orchestra bring out the heart of the great master’s work here beautifully.
Seek out this album, as it’s a masterpiece.
70s
[Video] Vagif Mustafa Zadeh – Jazz Compositions
Those who know me well, say, for at least 15 years, know that I have tried throughout my life to be a champion for Soviet Jazz. They had something exquisite that the world didn’t have full access to until the end of Communism. One of these treasures hailed from Azerbaijan.
With the passing of B. B. King a few days ago, I was reminded of a story when the legendary blues guitarist came to the Soviet Union to watch a jazz festival. After seeing Vagif Mustafa Zade play, he named the stunned pianist as the ‘true king of the blues’. Vagif would die at age 35 in 1979, suffering a heart attack while performing onstage at a concert in Uzbekistan.
May his memory be eternal.
Many thanks to Funked Up East for their incredible selection of Soviet music.
[Video] Joe Zawinul – The Soul of a Village
This was a thoroughly unexpected find, though I’m indebted to my dear Rididillo Theitalian, who finds treasures like this on a daily basis.
Joe Zawunil cut this odd piece well before his triumphant work with Miles Davis during his fusion period, and fronting his own band, the ever-amazing Weather Report.
[Video] Harry Nilsson – 1941
Few people could write a tune as beautifully as Harry Nilsson could. This is one of his forgotten gems.
[Video] It Flew Away – Pull Out All The Stops Mother
If any of my friends have any information on this Australian band (I found nothing but a Discogs entry for It Flew Away, surprisingly), I’d love to learn more. The music is somewhat Floydian, and very groove-oriented.
[Article] Duke Ellington and Conny Plank recording session discovered
Can you imagine a cooler collaboration? The true giant of the jazz world (yes, even bigger than Miles Davis, in my opinion) recording in conjunction with the top producer in the world of Krautrock. I can’t imagine a cooler union!
The Wire has more about this here.
[Video] Throbbing Gristle – Hot on The Heels of Love
Since when is Industrial Music supposed to be romantic? When it’s performed by it’s inventors. Here’s Throbbing Gristle in a sublime moment.
[Video] Can – You Doo Right
Sometimes, it’s absolutely pleasant to let one’s self go with a long, twenty-minute psychedelic jam. Krautrock-style, of course.
Here is Can during their peak.
[Video] Egberto Gismonti – Selva Amazônica (to Villa-Lobos)
Egberto Gismonti was my introduction to ECM Records, believe it or not. Never has his work disappointed me. It is particularly wonderful to see that he dedicates this piece to Brazilian countryman and composer Heitor Villa-Lobos.
[Video] Amanaz – Africa (Full Album)
Thanks to Oded Fried-Gaon and Oddrocker Orlando Greenhill, who posted this originally. Amanaz produce amazing psych-fuzz, and hail from Zambia.
A Miscellany Of Tasteful Music 