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CD/DVD Releases: MoonJune Announces Two (Very Different) New Releases

Posted on Saturday, December 17 @ 16:05:00 UTC by nightowl

At the end of November, MoonJune shared news on the following two new releases:

Boris Savoldelli - Insanology: This is the reissue of Boris' breakthrough first solo release, originally distributed only in Italy in 2007. "An arresting mix of painstakingly overdubbed vocals, human beatbox effects, African-inspired choral music, plus the odd visit to the world of Jimi Hendrix (an extraordinary version of 'Crosstown Traffic'), Insanology is a largely solo album (although two tracks feature tasty contributions from guitarist Marc Ribot) featuring the quite remarkable Italian vocalist Boris Savoldelli.

"A quick (although lazily inaccurate) way of describing some of this music would be to suggest that it sounds as if Ladysmith Black Mambazo had adopted the techniques utilised by Bobby McFerrin in his solo live performances, but Savoldelli is a genuine original, wholly in command both of his material (self-penned, save for the aforementioned Hendrix piece and 'In The Seventh Year' by Mark Murphy and Uli Rennert) and of the various electronic gizmos (the back cover shows Savoldelli's foot pressing an FX pedal) with which he creates his 'choirs.'" - Chris Parker, Vortex Jazz, UK

Copernicus - Live In Prague! Live (DVD/NTSC - all regions): In 1989, after the release of the album Deeper, Copernicus received many requests to appear live in cities in Europe -- including Moscow, Sopot, Prague, Vilnius and Berlin. It had received a lot of attention from the press and got tremendous radio airplay. This was a time of heightened tension in many countries, separated from the rest of the world by their mostly totalitarian regimes. This concert footage documents the entire experience at Prague's Slavia Stadium. For the nine thousand fans, it was a rewarding experience. Copernicus and the audience interacted in an extraordinary manner. The effects of Copernicus' songs such as "The Authorities" and "White From Black" and others were visibly a big blow to the audience eager to absorb more of Copernicus' lyrics and the gripping original music performed by those musicians -- which included Larry Kirwan of Black 47 on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Mike Fazio on guitar, Thomas Hamlin on drums, and Dave Conrad on bass. The use of split screen technology with footage from separate sources heightens the experience that one almost feels that he is right there at the mixing board watching every move from the stage and from the audience's point of view. This video certainly is a document from the time when bands would go out and venture into these far away places. It is worth its price in gold.

Plus, back in stock is Arti & Mestieri - First Live In Japan (2005). A superb outing from the renowned seven-piece Italian progressive music legends. Captured live in Kawasaki /Tokyo, during the Japan tour in June of 2005, this lengthy 76-minute epic release features most of the material from their two highly-regarded cult albums, Tilt (1974) and Giro Di Valzer Per Domani (1975), with several more recent compositions included, also. Driven by the spectacular insane drumming of Furio Chirico (whose style has been often compared to Billy Cobham) and magnificent analog keyboards of maestro Beppe Crovella, this album abounds with beautiful violin passages, killer sax lines, wonderful guitar work, robust bass and challenging vocals. In the vein of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever, Mothers Of Invention, PFM, mid '70s Soft Machine and Caravan, this release will please their many longtime fans and serve to win over new ones.

"Make no mistake about it, First Live in Japan is a monumental live recording, showing that this veteran band has not lost a step whatsoever. Highest Recommendations here folks!“ -Peter Pardo, Sea Of Tranquillity

"... a brilliant collection of live numbers, eighteen musical messages from a really huge band, most of which are delivered off the reel, with genuine passion and fire. Jazz-Fusion lovers shouldn't miss this CD ..."-Vitaly Menshikov, Progressor

"Despite revisiting old material, what makes First Live In Japan so strong is that the music doesn't feel retro at all. The more complex, idiosyncratic and episodic '2000' may signal where the group is heading, but the suites from its first two classic albums sound no less contemporary. Some bands reform to cash in on a revival of interest, but the vibrant Arti & Mestieri is clearly back to do more than merely regurgitate past successes." -John Kelman, All About Jazz

[Source: MoonJune]

Posted in Album Release News