1970s

Richard Thompson – (guitar, vocal): A Collection of Unreleased and Rare Material 1967-1976

This eclectic compilation features Richard’s work with Fairport Convention, Linda Thompson, and solo. The first LP has a few great tracks (“A Heart Needs a Home”, “Poor Will and Jolly Hangman”, “The Ballad of Easy Rider”), but also a lot of unoriginal and dated filler that were “unreleased” with Fairport Convention for a reason (especially the Chuck Berry cover). The real magic happens on the second LP, where each side comprises a short solo instrumental paired with extended live renditions of passionate classics with Linda (Calvary Cross, Night Comes In).

Richard Thompson – (guitar, vocal): A Collection of Unreleased and Rare Material 1967-1976 Read More »

Batsumi – Batsumi

Style: Cape Jazz, Afro-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz

Vibes: Warm, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Sunny, Warm, Uplifting

Instrumentation: Group Vocals, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Flute, Multiple Drummers, Jaw Harp, Upright Bass, Organ, Bongos, Guitar

Batsumi – Batsumi Read More »

Gary Higgins – Red Hash

Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Acid Folk

Vibes: Autumnal, Alienation, Reflective, Warm, Melancholy, Stoned, Rural, Lonely, Mellow, Psychedelic, Loner

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Cello, Flute, Mandolin, Organ, Piano, Electric Bass

Gary Higgins – Red Hash Read More »

Bröselmaschine

Style: Acid Folk, Kosmische Folk, Progressive Folk

Vibes: Pastoral, Flowing, Surreal, Dreamy, Warm, Psychedelic, Sunny, Fantasy, Mellow

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Lush, Raga-Influenced

Bröselmaschine Read More »

Embryo’s Reise

Recorded September 1978 – May 1979 in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, & Germany

Style: Free-Psych, Krautrock, Prog, Jazz-Rock, Raga Rock, Arabic Folk

Vibes: Adventure, Communal, Triumphant, Exploratory, Warm, Psychedelic, Bluesy, Playful, Energetic, Spiritual

Embryo’s Reise Read More »

Third Ear Band

Style: Psychedelic Chamber Music, Free Folk, Neo-Medieval Folk, Dhrupad

Vibes: Mystical, Medieval, Nature, Alchemical, Flowing, Meditative, Ritualistic, Mysterious, Earthy, Occult

Instrumentation: Cello, Oboe, Percussion, Violin/Viola

Third Ear Band Read More »

Dorothy Carter – Troubadour

LP, Celeste Recording, 1976 Style: Neo-Medieval Folk, Progressive Folk, Traditional [Appalachian, Celtic, European, Hymns] Vibes: Hypnotic, Flowing, Rootsy, Medieval, Passionate, Meditative, Peaceful Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Suite, Pulse Instrumentation: Voice, Hammered Dulcimer, Psalteries, Flute Tamboura, Ch’in

Dorothy Carter – Troubadour Read More »

Alan Silva and the Celestrial Communication Orchestra – Seasons

Lineup: Alan Silva, Roscoe Mitchell, Robin Kenyatta, Don Moye, Steve Lacy, Jerome Cooper, Dave Burrell, Bernard Vitet, Alan Shorter, Joseph Jarman, Ronnie Beer, Michel Portal, Dieter Gewissler, Jouk Minor, Kent Carter, Irene Aebi, Oliver Johnson, Joachim Kuhn

Style: Cosmic Big-Band, Creative Music, Free Jazz

Vibes: Apocalyptic, Cosmic, Cathartic, Communal, Intense, Ritualistic, Entropic, Meditative, Spiritual, Mysterious, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Conducted Improvisation, Dense, Acoustic, Instrumental, Atonal, Orchestral, Active Listening, Complex, Noisy, Heavy, Progressive

Alan Silva and the Celestrial Communication Orchestra – Seasons Read More »

Yes – Relayer

Style: Progressive Rock, Symphonic Prog

Vibes: Triumphant, Epic, Uplifting, Fantasy, Bombastic, Complex, War, Spiritual, Ethereal

Musical Qualities: Virtuosic, Suite, Uncommon Time Signatures, Dense, Lush, Progressive

Yes – Relayer Read More »

Ilhan Mimaroglu – Sing Me a Song of Songmy

Style: Avant-Garde Classical, Electro-Acoustic, Tape Music, Creative Music, Third Stream

Vibes: Ominous, Sombre, Anxious, Cinematic, Dystopian, Surreal, Poetic, Chaotic, Cold, Complex, Eclectic, Exploratory

Themes: Political, Colonialism, War, Death, Liberation, History

Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Collage, Polyphonic, Dynamic, Spoken Word, Dense, Progressive, Sampling, Choral, Improvisation

Ilhan Mimaroglu – Sing Me a Song of Songmy Read More »

Marion Brown – Duets

Compilation of two duo records:
“Creative Improvisation Ensemble” recorded with Wadada Leo Smith in 1970
“Soundways” recorded with Elliott Schwartz in 1973

Style: Creative Music, Free Improvisation, Avant-Garde Jazz

Vibes: Open, Suspenseful, Abstract, Deconstructed, Intertwined, Restrained, Searching, Spontaneous

Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Poly-Free Improvisation, Atonal, Percussive, Slow, Sparse, Instrumental

Marion Brown – Duets Read More »

Jack DeJohnette – Sorcery

with Dave Holland, Bennie Maupin, John Abercrombie, Michael Fellerman, & Mick Goodrick

Style: Psychedelic Jazz-Rock, Prog, Jazz Fusion

Vibe: Exploratory, Mysterious, Driving, Groovy, Psychedelic, Bluesy, Eclectic

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dub, Shred, Technical, Rhythmic. Progressive

Jack DeJohnette – Sorcery Read More »

Osamu Kitajima – Osamu

Style: Fusion, Neoclassical New Age, Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock, Mystical Folk

Vibes: Ethereal, Groovy, Exploratory, Dreamy, Cosmic, Meditative, Playful, Psychedelic, Smooth, Soothing, Spiritual

Instrumentation: Koto, Biwa, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Shakuhachi, Nohkan, Strings, Rhodes, Organ, Clavinet, Synthesizers, Chamberlin, Drums, Electric & Acoustic Bass

Osamu Kitajima – Osamu Read More »

Abdul Wadud – By Myself

Style: Free-Improvisation, Chamber-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz

Vibes: Contemplative, Searching, Autumnal, Intimate, Elegant, Free, Spiritual, Meditative, Bittersweet, Mysterious, Hypnotic, Passionate, Pastoral

Instrumentation: Cello

Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Solo, Instrumental, Sparse

Abdul Wadud – By Myself Read More »

Art Bears – Winter Songs

Fred Frith, Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause

Style: Rock in Opposition, Avant-Prog, Tape Music, Chamber Rock

Vibes: Dystopian, Sombre, Winter, Ominous, Anxious, Cold, Disturbing, Knotty, Suspenseful, Theatric, Eccentric

Musical Qualities: Dissonant, Complex, Uncommon Time Signatures, Extended Technique, Loops, Technical, Progressive, Studio-as-an-Instrument

Art Bears – Winter Songs Read More »

Arthur Russell – Iowa Dream

Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk Pop, Americana

Vibe: Warm, Tender, Romantic, Reflective, Playful, Love, Compassionate, Rustic, Bittersweet, Intimate, Mellow

Musical Qualities: Catchy, Lyrical, Lush, Home Recording, Acoustic, Melodic

Instrumentation: Vocals, Cello, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Drums, Keyboards, Organ, Vibraphone, Tabla, Violin, Bongos, Horns, Flute, Bass

Arthur Russell – Iowa Dream Read More »

Henry Flynt – Graduation

LPx2, Archival, Superior Viaduct, 2001 / 2013 Recorded 1975-1979 Style: Weird Americana, “Cowboy Raga”, Old-Time, Celestial Boogie, Back-porch Minimalism Vibes: Hypnotic, Warm, Rural, Summer, Energetic, Groovy, Playful, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Ecstatic Instrumentation: Fiddle, Tapes, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Saxophone, Drums Musical Qualities: Droney, Instrumental, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Modal, Repetitive Graduation by Henry Flynt

Henry Flynt – Graduation Read More »

Oregon – Music of Another Present Era

LP, Vanguard, 1972 featuring Collin Walcott, Ralph Towner, Glen Moore, and Paul McCandless Style: Ecstatic Chamber-Music, Raga-Jazz Vibe: Flowing, Ethereal, Searching, Bright, Airy, Intertwined, Soothing, Spiritual, Spring, Elegant Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Virtuosic, Raga, Lush, Thematic Improvisation, Progressive, Melodic Instrumentation: Classical Guitar, Tabla, Oboe, Sitar, Upright Bass, Piano, English Horn, Mridangam, Violin, Flute, Percussion, 12-String Guitar,

Oregon – Music of Another Present Era Read More »

Stephen Micus – Koan

Style: Mystical Folk, New Age, Fourth World

Vibe: Ethereal, Meditative, Introspective, Airy, Searching, Healing, Mysterious, Soothing

Musical Qualities: Soft, Acoustic, Reverb-Heavy, Minimalistic, Instrumental

Instrumentation: Shakuhachi, Zither, Gender, Sarangi, Rabab, Bodhran, Angklung, Kyeezee, Bells, Acoustic Guitar

Stephen Micus – Koan Read More »

Ornette Coleman – Of Human Feelings

tyle: Free-Funk, Jazz Fission, Mutant Disco, No Wave, Abstract Groove

Vibe: Surreal, Kinetic, Angular, Knotted, Playful, Manic, Groovy, Energetic

Musical Qualities: Harmolodic, Polyphonic, Rhythmic, Dissonant, Dense, Instrumental, Collective Improvisation, Technical

Prime Time Band: Jamaaladeen Tacuma (Electric Bass); Denardo Coleman (Drums); Bern Nix (Guitar); Charlie Ellerbee (Guitar); Calvin Weston (Drums)

Ornette Coleman – Of Human Feelings Read More »

Matching Mole

Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop

Moods: Plaintive, Playful, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Dreamy, Eccentric, Tender, Sentimental

Instrumentation: Mellotron, Piano, Drums, Organ, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Drums, Voice

Matching Mole Read More »

Henry Cow – Unrest

On their second LP, Henry Cow weaves together elements of eerie chamber music, free improvisation, and deconstructed prog to create something that seems like the missing link between the Canterbury jazz-rock of Soft Machine and Gong and the dissonant avant-rock of This Heat.

Henry Cow – Unrest Read More »

J.J. Cale – 5

Style: Roots Rock, Blues Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Moods: Confident, Laid Back, Sensual, Romantic, Mellow Swagger, Road Trip, Warm, Sunny, Bluesy, Sexual, Rootsy

Musical Qualities: Lush, Groovy, Melodic, Sleek

J.J. Cale – 5 Read More »

Billy Hart – Enchance

featuring Buster Williams, Dewey Redman, Dave Holland, Oliver Lake, Eddie Henderson, Don Pullen & Thabo Michael Carvin

Style: Jazz-Fission, Spiritual Jazz, Post-Bop

Moods: Exploratory, Forest, Spiritual, Nocturnal, Triumphant, Communal, Energetic, Free, Knotty, Intertwined, Mysterious, Spontaneous

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Collective Improvisation, Ostinato, Acoustic, Complex, Dense, Progressive, Technical

Billy Hart – Enchance Read More »

Bobby Brown: Live

Style: Mystical Folk, Outsider Songwriter, New Age

Moods: Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Beach, Mystical, Nature, Summer

Musical Qualities: Homemade Instruments, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Live Recording

Bobby Brown: Live Read More »

Tom Rapp – Stardancer

Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced

Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm

Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells

Tom Rapp – Stardancer Read More »

Gilli Smyth – Mother

Style: Cosmic Folk, Psychedelic Rock, Jazz Poetry

Moods: Cosmic, Feminist, Conscious, Poetic, Eccentric, Witchy, Flowing, Eclectic, Mystical, Psychedelic, Storytelling, Messy

Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Collage, Improvisation

Gilli Smyth – Mother Read More »

Bola Sete – Ocean

Style: Guitar Soli, Brazilian Classical Music, Folk

Musical Qualities: Aquatic, Soothing, Meditative, Intricate, Mellow, Searching, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Instrumental, Soft, Technical, Solo

Instrumentation: Nylon String Guitar

Bola Sete – Ocean Read More »

Mandingo Griot Society

Styles: Griot Music, Mande Music, Afro-Jazz

Moods: Uplifting, Earthy, Sunny, Communal, Dance, Joyful, Passionate, Peaceful, Playful, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Warm, Tribal, Utopian

Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Melodic, Technical

Mandingo Griot Society Read More »

The Cecil Taylor Unit

featuring Jimmy Lyons, Sirone, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Ramsey Ameen & Raphé Malik

Style: Free Jazz, Modern Creative

Moods: Ecstatic, Abstract, Cathartic, Kinetic, Energetic, Joyful, Intense, Powerful, Bombastic, Chaotic, Free

Musical Qualities: Dense, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Atonal, Dynamic, Acoustic, Thematic, Instrumental

The Cecil Taylor Unit Read More »

Albert Ayler – Revelations

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz

Moods: Ecstatic, Uplifting, Anthemic, Passionate, Energetic, Bittersweet, Cathartic, Chaotic, Cosmic, Flowing, Free, Heartfelt, Joyful, Kinetic, Love, Spiritual, Tender

Musical Qualities: Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Extended Technique, Live Performance

Albert Ayler – Revelations Read More »

Miles Davis – On the Corner

featuring Billy Hart, Bennie Maupin, Badal Roy, Mtume, Michael Henderson, Jack DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Paul Buckmaster, John McLaughlin, Dave Liebman, Don Alias, Carlos Garnett, Collin Walcott, Khalil Balakrishna, Lonnie Liston Smith, Chick Corea

Style: Abstract Groove, Jazz Fission, Avant-Funk

Moods: Surreal, Urban, Hypnotic, Communal, Groovy, Colorful, Playful, Circular, Futuristic

Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Repetitive, Dense, Improvisation, Instrumental, Studio-as-an-instrument

Miles Davis – On the Corner Read More »

Horace Tapscott with the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra – Live at I.U.C.C.

Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Garde Big Band

Moods: Triumphant, Communal, Spiritual, Uplifting, Epic, Warm

Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Progressive, Uncommon Time Signatures, Live, Dense, Acoustic, Complex, Rhythmic, Thematic, Collective Improvisation, Orchestral

Instrumentation: Piano, Horns, Drums, Percussion, Upright Bass, Drums, Woodwinds, Cello

Horace Tapscott with the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra – Live at I.U.C.C. Read More »

Eddie Henderson – Inside Out

Style: Jazz Fission, Abstract Groove, Cosmic Jazz, Free-Fusion

Moods: Cosmic, Propulsive, Exploratory, Adventurous, Spiritual, abstract groove, communal, cosmic, driving, epic, exploratory, improvisation, instrumental, mysterious, rhythmic, thematic, psychedelic,

Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Ostinato, Dub Fx, Thematic

Eddie Henderson – Inside Out Read More »