Word: albums
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...good news is that Joe Jackson has, by this time, developed into a nearly flawless songwriter. His 1979 debut album Look Sharp had few bad cuts, and since then Jackson has consistently experimented with standard pop forms and non-pop genres--among them big-band swing, cool jazz, salsa and orchestral music. Eleven albums later he presents us with pop music that almost guarantees an eclectic, hookladen album--which Jackson does deliver...
...bitter confrontations with police and schoolteachers, Brigada S (or the S Brigade, christened by lead singer Igor Sukachev because he liked the letter S) has become one of the most popular of the new generation of rock bands. Although the four-year-old group has yet to produce an album, the self-described "Proletarian Jazz Orchestra" enjoys a tremendous following. Teens from Tallinn to Vladivostok spray-paint the band's name, with the Russian equivalent of S drawn like a Communist hammer and sickle, on walls of public buildings...
...dominant instruments on Switchback are piano, played by Cossu, himself, and both acoustic and electric guitar, played by Van Manakas. The first piece on the album, "Desert Lightning," gives a good show of the talents of both musicians. The piece is an upbeat mix of piano, acoustic guitar, bass, flute and percussion instruments. Its tones are high and non-jarring, and the piano and guitar, while usually mixing in or keeping the rhythm in the background, are strong...
...title track brings a Latin beat and jazz tempo to the album. It is similar to "Desert Lightning" in its harmonies and upbeat manner; however, the solos, particularly the flute solo, are more original and effective. Flutist Dave Valentin follows the piano solo and repeats its initial phrases; when he begins to improvise he creates a jazz sound that is not just relaxing background noise--it makes one want to listen to the musical combinations...
Despite the medly of musical styles evident in Switchback's rock, blues, jazz and classical influences, the album flows remarkably well. Cossu has worked hard to create an ablum that is relaxing yet memorable, and with the presence of such talented musicians as Van Manakas and Eugene Friesen, his Switchback has a lot to offer...