JEFF BECK - Original Album Classics (2008) 5xCD / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The 2008 box set Original Album Classics rounds up Jeff Beck's first five albums after the departure of Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood: Rough & Ready, Blow by Blow, Jeff Beck Group, Wired, Jeff Beck with the Jan Hammer Group Live. Each album is presented as a paper-sleeve mini-LP, making this a handsome, affordable way to get the bulk of Beck's '70s catalog.  by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Rough And Ready (1971)

1 Got The Feeling

Written-By – Jeff Beck

2 Situation

Written-By – Jeff Beck

3 Short Business

Written-By – Jeff Beck

4 Max's Tune

Written-By – M. Middleton

5 I've Been Used

Written-By – Jeff Beck

6 New Ways / Train Train

Written-By – Jeff Beck

7 Jody

Written-By – B. Short, J. Beck

Jeff Beck Group (1972)

1 Ice Cream Cakes

Written-By – J. Beck

2 Glad All Over

Written-By – A. Schroeder, J. Beck, R. Bennett, S. Tepper

3 Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You

Written-By – B. Dylan

4 Sugar Cane

Written-By – J. Beck, S. Cropper

5 I Can't Give Back The Love I Feel For You

Written-By – B. Holland, N. Ashford, V. Simpson

6 Going Down

Written-By – Don Nix

7 I Got To Have A Song

Written-By – D. Hunter, Lula Hardaway, Paul Riser, S. Wonder

8 Highways

Written-By – J. Beck

9 Definitely Maybe

Written-By – J. Beck

Blow By Blow (1975)

1 You Know What I Mean

2 She's A Woman

3 Constipated Duck

4 Air Blower

5 Scatterbrain

6 Cause We've Ended As Lovers

7 Thelonius

8 Freeway Jam

9 Diamond Dust

Wired (1976)

1 Led Boots

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Clavinet – Max Middleton

Drums – Narada Michael Walden

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Synthesizer – Jan Hammer

Written-By – Max Middleton

2 Come Dancing

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Clavinet – Max Middleton

Drums – Ed Green*, Narada Michael Walden

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Synthesizer – Jan Hammer

Written-By – Narada Michael Walden

3 Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Drums – Richard Bailey

Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Max Middleton

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Written-By – Charlie Mingus

4 Head For Backstage Pass

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Clavinet – Max Middleton

Drums – Richard Bailey

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Written-By – Andy Clark, Wilbur Bascomb

5 Blue Wind

Drums, Synthesizer – Jan Hammer

Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Jeff Beck

Written-By – Jan Hammer

6 Sophie

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Clavinet, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Max Middleton

Drums – Narada Michael Walden

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Written-By – Narada Michael Walden

7 Play With Me

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Clavinet – Max Middleton

Guitar – Jeff Beck

Synthesizer – Jan Hammer

Written-By – Narada Michael Walden

8 Love Is Green

Acoustic Guitar – Jeff Beck

Bass – Wilbur Bascomb

Piano – Narada Michael Walden

Written-By – Narada Michael Walden

Jeff Beck With The Jan Hammer Group Live (1977)

1 Freeway Jam

2 Earth (Still Our Only Home)

Lead Vocals – Jan Hammer

3 She's A Woman

Rhythm Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Fernando Saunders

4 Full Moon Boogie

Lead Vocals – Tony Smith 

5 Darkness / Earth In Search Of A Sun

Synthesizer [String] – Steve Kindler

6 Scatterbrain

7 Blue Wind

Rhythm Guitar – Steve Kindler

Credits:

Bass – Clive Chaman (tracks: CD1, CD2), Fernando Saunders (tracks: CD5), Phil Chen (tracks: CD3)

Drums – Cozy Powell (tracks: CD1, CD2), Tony Smith (tracks: CD5)

Drums, Percussion – Richard Bailey (tracks: CD3)

Guitar [Guitars] – Jeff Beck (tracks: CD2, CD3)

Guitar, Effects [Special] – Jeff Beck (tracks: CD5)

Keyboards – Max Middleton (tracks: CD3)

Piano – Max Middleton (tracks: CD1, CD2)

Synthesizer [Moog, Oberheim, Freeman], Electric Piano, Timbales – Jan Hammer (tracks: CD5)

Violin – Steve Kindler (tracks: CD5)

Vocals – Bobby Tench (tracks: CD1, CD2)

JEFF BECK - Original Album Classics (2010) 5xCD / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

There And Back (1980)
1 Star Cycle
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards, Drums – Jan Hammer
2 Too Much To Lose
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Jan Hammer
3 You Never Know
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Jan Hammer
4 The Pump
Bass – Mo Foster
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Tony Hymas
5 El Becko
Bass – Mo Foster
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Tony Hymas
6 The Golden Road
Bass – Mo Foster
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Tony Hymas
7 Space Boogie
Bass – Mo Foster
Drums – Simon Phillips
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Tony Hymas
8 The Final Peace
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards – Tony Hymas
Flash (1985)
1 Ambitious
Producer – Nile Rodgers
Vocals – Jimmy Hall
2 Gets Us All In The End
Producer – Arthur Baker
Vocals – Jimmy Hall
3 Escape
Producer – Jeff Beck, Nile Rodgers
Programmed By [Fairlight] – Jan Hammer
4 People Get Ready
Producer – Jeff Beck
Vocals – Rod Stewart
5 Stop, Look And Listen
Producer – Nile Rodgers
Vocals – Jimmy Hall
6 Get Workin'
Producer – Nile Rodgers
Vocals – Jeff Beck
7 Ecstasy
Producer – Arthur Baker
Vocals – Jimmy Hall
8 Night After Night
Producer – Nile Rodgers
Vocals – Jeff Beck
9 You Know, We Know
Producer – Jeff Beck, Tony Hymas
10 Nighthawks
11 Back On The Streets
Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop (1989)
1 Guitar Shop
2 Savoy
3 Behind The Veil
4 Big Block
5 Where Were You
6 Stand On It
7 A Day In The House
8 Two Rivers
9 Sling Shot
Who Else! (1999)
1 What Mama Said
2 Psycho Sam
3 Brush With The Blues
4 Blast From The East
5 Space For The Papa
6 Angel (Footsteps)
7 Thx138
8 Hip-Notica
9 Even Odds
10 Declan
11 Another Place
You Had It Coming (2001)
1 Earthquake
2 Roy's Toy
3 Dirty Mind
4 Rollin' And Tumblin'
5 Nadia
6 Loose Cannon
7 Rosebud
8 Left Hook
9 Blackbird
10 Suspension
Credits:
Backing Vocals – Curtis King (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), David Simms (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), David Spinner (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Frank Simms (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), George Simms (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Jimmy Hall (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Tina B (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11)
Drums, Percussion – Terry Bozzio (tracks: 3-1 to 3-9)
Guitar – Jeff Beck
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Tony Hymas (tracks: 3-1 to 3-9)
Musician – Arthur Baker (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Barry De Souza (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Carmine Appice (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Curly Smith (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Doug Wimbish (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Duane Hitchings (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Jan Hammer (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Jay Burnett (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Jimmy Bralower (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Nile Rodgers (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Richard Scher (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Rob Sabino (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11), Tony Hymas (tracks: 2-1 to 2-11)

ANDERSON / STOLT - Invention of Knowledge (2016) Mp3

In 2014, former Yes vocalist Jon Anderson and Flower Kings/Transatlantic guitarist Roine Stolt began a musical dialogue initiated by Inside Out Music boss Thomas Waber. Invention of Knowledge is their result. Co-produced by the artists, it features a prog dream team: Stolt's brother Michael and Jonas Reingold on basses, keyboardists Lalle Larsson and Tom Brislin, drummer Felix Lehrmann, and a five-voice chorus that includes Daniel Gildenlöw. Waber wanted them to extend the range of "Yes music." That happens, but there's way more to it. Anderson can still create in the mold of his former band, but he also brings his solo experience that explored a vast range of musical traditions. Stolt was deeply influenced by Yes, but he's a rugged individualist. His composing, playing, and modern production ideas are informed by jazz, fusion, electronic, rock, and world musics. He refracts everything through a third-wave prog prism.
The set commences with the "Invention" suite (also comprising "We Are Truth" and "Knowledge"). It is realized through the combination of shimmering folk (English and Swedish), sophisticated pop, jazz fusion, Indian modalism, rockist dynamics, and symphonic strings. Challenging guitar, percussion, and keyboard interplay create a frame for Anderson's contrapuntal vocals. His mytho-poetic lyrics continue to juxtapose physical and metaphysical realms, deep psychology, scientific investigation, and spiritual affirmation. His wide-eyed optimism is undiminished by time (neither is his voice). Second suite "Knowing"/"Chase and Harmony" weaves gorgeous piano and guitar counterpoint into spiraling musical feats. Anderson's melodic invention anchors this engaging mix and encourages flight. Stolt's weave of modern electronic soundscapes, instrumental savvy, and stacked backing vocals adds new colors and textures such as fat R&B horns, stinging bluesy guitar fills, processional percussion, and rhythmic string syncopations. The "Everybody Heals" suite embodies the segments "Better by Far" and "Golden Light." While Stolt's mercurial guitar playing and Reingold's roiling bassline are the instrumental hallmarks throughout, the work's harmonic architecture was erected on a chamber string progression. The interlocking pieces are brightly orchestrated and lushly illustrated with keyboards and choral vocals. Anderson's expressive delivery moves through labyrinthine pop, trad-inspired folk-rock, and elegant jazz, and even touches on Brit soul.
The gorgeous 11-minute closer, "Know," is a stand-alone track. Despite its length and changes in musical direction, it's a beautifully written, nearly hummable song. Its structure employs electric piano, organ, and vibes in jazzy, samba-tinged frames during the first third. Single-line synths (think Rick Wakeman), knotty guitars, and majestic drums append the second and uncover its third-wave prog persona, before a final section carries it out on a breezy wave of Caribbean rhythms and tender singing. On an already emotionally and spiritually affirmative album, this resonant finale is nearly transcendent. Invention of Knowledge displays the individualism of both men. They pursue grandeur, but leave out excess. They add to the depth, dimension, and legacy Yes established, but also make plain that the result is forward-thinking 21st century prog, free of overwrought nostalgia or self-indulgence. by Thom Jurek 

Al DI MEOLA - Land Of The Midnight Sun (1976-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the guitar heroes of fusion, Al di Meola was just 22-years-old at the time of his debut as a leader but already a veteran of Chick Corea's Return to Forever. The complex pieces (which include the three-part "Suite-Golden Dawn," an acoustic duet with Corea on "Short Tales of the Black Forest," and a brief Bach violin sonata show di Meola's range even at this early stage. With assistance from such top players as bassists Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke, keyboardist Barry Miles, and drummers Lenny White and Steve Gadd, this was a very impressive beginning to di Meola's solo career. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:

1.    The Wizard (James Mingo Lewis) – 6:46

        Al Di Meola - 6- and 12-string guitars

        Mingo Lewis - keyboards, percussion

        Anthony Jackson - bass

        Steve Gadd - drums

2.    Land of the Midnight Sun (Al Di Meola) – 9:10

        Al Di Meola - electric guitar

        Barry Miles - electric piano, Mini-Moog synthesizer

        Anthony Jackson - bass

        Lenny White - drums

        Mingo Lewis - percussion

3.    Sarabande from Violin Sonata in B Minor, (Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002) (Johann Sebastian Bach) – 1:20

        Al Di Meola - acoustic guitar

4.    Love Theme from Pictures of the Sea (Al Di Meola) – 2:25

        Al Di Meola - 6- and 12-string acoustic and 6-string electric guitars, vocals, synthesizer, chimes

        Patty Buyukas - vocals

        Stanley Clarke - bass, vocals

        Mingo Lewis - percussion

5.    Suite Golden Dawn - (Al Di Meola) – 9:49

        I. Morning Fire - 1:15

        II. Calmer of the Tempests - 1:11

        III. From Ocean to the Clouds - 8:38

    Al Di Meola - electric guitar

    Barry Miles - electric piano, Mini-Moog synthesizer

    Jaco Pastorius - bass

    Alphonse Mouzon - drums

    Mingo Lewis - percussion

6.    Short Tales of the Black Forest (Chick Corea) – 5:41

        Al Di Meola - 6-string acoustic guitar, gong

        Chick Corea - acoustic piano, marimba

AL DI MEOLA - Elegant Gypsy (1977-1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Guitarist Al di Meola's second record as a leader is generally an explosive affair, although it does have a fair amount of variety. With Jan Hammer or Barry Miles on keyboards, electric bassist Anthony Jackson, drummer Lenny White (Steve Gadd takes his place on the "Elegant Gypsy Suite"), and percussionist Mingo Lewis on most of the selections, di Meola shows off his speedy and rock-ish fusion style. He was still a member of Return to Forever at the time and was a stronger guitarist than composer, but di Meola did put a lot of thought into this music. The brief "Lady of Rome, Sister of Brazil" (an acoustic guitar solo) and "Mediterranean Sundance" (an acoustic duet with fellow guitarist Paco de Lucía) hints at di Meola's future directions. A near classic in the fusion vein. by Scott Yanow

Trackslist:

1. Flight Over Rio (7:16)

2. Midnight Tango (7:28)

3. Mediterranean Sundance (5:14)

4. Race With Devil On Spanish Highway (6:18)

5. Lady Of Rome, Sister Of Brazil (1:46)

6. Elegant Gypsy Suite (9:16)

Credits:

   Al Di Meola: Electric guitars, acoustic guitars, piano, synthesizer, percussion.

   Paco de Lucía: Acoustic guitar (track 3).

   Anthony Jackson: Bass guitar (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6).

   Jan Hammer: Keyboards, synthesizer (tracks 1, 6).

   Barry Miles: Piano, keyboards, synthesizer (tracks 2, 4).

   Steve Gadd: Drums (tracks 1, 6).

   Lenny White: Drums (tracks 2, 4).

   Mingo Lewis: Congas, synthesizers, organ, percussion (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6).

AL DI MEOLA - Casino (1978-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Following up the superb Elegant Gypsy was no mean feat, but Al di Meola gave it his best shot with the similarly styled Casino, released in 1978. Featuring a core band of Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, and Barry Miles (whom di Meola came up with before the guitarist was invited to join Return to Forever), the playing is sharp and fiery, matching the youthful intensity of the leader. Di Meola is a good composer in the fusion idiom, and the four original compositions on Casino, although clearly bearing the mark of Chick Corea's influence, are strong. His "Fantasia Suite for Two Guitars," featuring di Meola accompanying himself via multi-tracking, is beautiful and dramatic, and hints at the guitarist's later all-acoustic works such as Friday Night in San Francisco. "Dark Eye Tango" opens with a slow theme before turning into an uptempo vehicle for di Meola's darting Les Paul. In fact, it is the leader's solos that frequently prevent the Latin grooves and rhythms found on Casino from sounding stale and a bit dated. His trademark staccato phrasing and high-velocity improvisations are what is noticed upon first listen, but di Meola does have an excellent sense of phrasing that is undeniably present. Contrary to popular opinion, he knows how to use his technique to good effect. Casino is not as strong as either Elegant Gypsy or Romantic Warrior, but is nevertheless well worth picking up for fans either of di Meola himself or of the entire 1970s fusion scene. by Daniel Gioffre  
Tracklist:
1 Egyptian Danza 5:57
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic] – Barry Miles
2 Chasin' The Voodoo 5:05
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Piano [Acoustic], Organ, Marimba – Barry Miles
3 Dark Eye Tango 5:25
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
4 Señor Mouse 7:21
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Organ [Yamaha], Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Barry Miles
Fantasia Suite For Two Guitars (5:12)
Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Castanets, Handclaps, Congas, Bongos – Al Di Meola
5.1 Viva La Danzarina
5.2 Guitars Of The Exotic Isle
5.3 Rhapsody Italia
5.4 Bravoto Fantasia
6 Casino 9:29
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos, Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Guitar, Percussion – Al Di Meola
Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Marimba, Organ [Yamaha] – Barry Miles
Timbales, Percussion [Roto Toms] – Eddie Colon

AL DI MEOLA - Splendido Hotel (1980-1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Talk about ambitious. This two-LP set finds guitarist Al di Meola performing with his quintet of the time (featuring keyboardist Philippe Saisse), with studio musicians, solo, in a reunion with pianist Chick Corea, singing a love song, and welcoming veteran Les Paul for a version of "Spanish Eyes." Most of the music works quite well and it shows that di Meola (best-known for his speedy rock-oriented solos) is a surprisingly well-rounded and versatile musician.  by Scott Yanow
 Tracklist  
1 Alien Chase On Arabian Desert 8:55
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
2 Silent Story In Her Eyes 7:32
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Congas, Bongos – Mingo Lewis
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Piano [Solo] – Chick Corea
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
3 Roller Jubilee 4:44
Acoustic Guitar [6 & 12 String], Celesta – Al Di Meola
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electronic Drums [Syndrum], Percussion – Mingo Lewis
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Peter Cannarozzi
4 Two To Tango 4:13
Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Piano – Chick Corea
5 Al Di's Dream Theme 6:47
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Bass [String Snaps On Second Section] – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Electronic Drums [Syndrum Bomb] – Mingo Lewis
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Al Di Meola
Keyboards – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
Synthesizer [Moog Solo] – Jan Hammer
6 Dinner Music Of The Gods 8:33
Bass – Tim Landers
Drums – Robbie Gonzalez
Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [Fylde] – Al Di Meola
Keyboards, Marimba – Philippe Saisse
Percussion – Eddie Colon
7 Splendido Sundance 4:52
Acoustic Guitar [Ovation] – Al Di Meola
8 I Can Tell 3:58
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Moogbass], Backing Vocals – Philippe Saisse
Lead Vocals, Drums, Guitar – Al Di Meola
9 Spanish Eyes 5:10
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar [Left Channel] – Les Paul
Guitar [Right Channel], Acoustic Guitar [Fylde 6 & 12 String], Mandola [Mandocello], Percussion [Castanets] – Al Di Meola
10 Isfahan 11:34
Acoustic Guitar, Mandola [Mandocello] – Al Di Meola
Cello – Dennis Karmzyn*, Raymond J. Kelly*
Piano – Chick Corea
Viola – Carol Shive
Violin – David Campbell
Vocals – The Columbus Boychoir
11 Bianca's Midnight Lullaby 1:54
 Guitar [Fylde], Mandola [Fylde Mandocello] – Al Di Meola

GREG HOWE - Extraction (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless