Hi, folks:

The latest Artist Shop Newsletter is out and you'll find it in its entirety
at <http://www.artist-shop.com/news.htm>. Here are some excerpts of
interest to Fusion fans:

Available now from Buckyball Music <http://www.artist-shop.com/buckyball>
Sarah Pillow/Nuove Musiche
This album (which means 'new music') is named after a songbook written in
1602 by the Italian composer Giulio Caccini. Inspired by his and other
composer' songs from 17th century Europe, Sarah Pillow mixes beautiful
melodies and lyrics with funk, rock and jazz from the 21st to create her
version of "Nuove Musiche." She is joined by guitarist John Goodsall (who
also wrote half of the arrangements) and bassist extraordinaire Percy Jones,
both of whom are founding members of the pioneering fusion group Brand X.
Sarah coheseively ties it all together with her unique voice and
knowledgeable rendering of present and past musical genres. The original
songs were composed by Baroque masters Monteverdi, Purcell, Sances, Rossi,
Dowland and Caccini and are sung in English, Spanish, French, Italian and
Latin. This album, moving in a fresh new direction, illustrates that on
the topic of the human condition not much has changed in 400 years; but
great music lasts forever. Sarah Pillow is known for both her her jazz and
early music recordings, but "Nuove Musiche" is the first CD of its kind
where the crossover is equal and without compromise, creating a captivating
concept album. Joining Pillow, Goodsall and Jones on this recording are
drummer Frank Katz and vibist/percussionist Marc Wagnon. Think Baroque
meets Brand X and you might have an idea as to what this is all about.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/buckyball/nuove.ram>

Available now from Clearlight Music <http://www.artist-shop.com/clearlight>
Clearlight Symphony/Forever Blowing Bubbles
This album followed the heady success of Symphony by charting into new
territory. Forever Blowing Bubbles is also based on keyboardist Cyrille
Verdeaux's piano and synthesizers but incorporates a more cohesive group
sound featuring bassist/vocalist Joel Duregenot (ex-Zao), violinist David
Cross (King Crimson) & guitarist/flutist Jean Claude d'Agostini (Magic
Circus). Shorter songs with more variety are featured with pronounced
synthesizer textures and a strong symphonic/psychedelic ambiance. Long a
favorite of certain Clearlight fans, Bubbles was remastered to provide the
best sound quality possible. In addition to the original tracks, this CD
also boasts the presence of three bonus tracks remixed in 2000 from the
original 16 track master tape. "Sweet Absinthe" was recorded for the
original sessions but left off the LP because of its length. Featuring the
triple tracked guitar artistry of Christian Boule along with Verdeaux's
inventive keyboards and tuned drums with Gilbert Artman, this track
transports the listener straight into the next level. The song "Without
Words" was remixed to bring out the symphonic qualties of the keyboards, in
particular the multliple layers of Mellotron that were obscured on the
original mix. "Flute Aquatique" is a remix of "Jungle Bubbles" but with
Francois Jeanneau's flute and percussion taking center stage creating a
piece that would not be out of place at any world music festival.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/clearlight/bubbles.ram>

Coming soon from Cuneiform <http://www.artist-shop.com/cuniform>
National Health/Playtime
Although the lineup of Alan Gowen, John Greaves, Phil Miller and Pip Pyle
were together longer than any other version of National Health, there has
been no recorded evidence until now. Recorded at two concerts in 1979 -
including one show that features the addition of guest guitarist Alain
Eckert (Art Zoyd) - the majority of this CD freatures compositions never
before heard from National Health. With previously unpublished photos and
a history of this final period of the band, written by noted 'Canterbury'
expert Aymeric Leroy.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/cuniform/playtime.ram>

Robert Creely, Chris Massey, Steve Swallow, David CasT, David Torn/Have We
Told You All You'd Thought To Know?
One of America's greatest living poets, Robert Creeley, edited the Black
Mountain Review and was the link between the Beat poets of Greenwich
Village, the poets of the San Francisco Renaissance and those of Black
Mountain College. Creeley has long acknowledged the influence of jazz on
his poetry. In this collaboraton of music and poetry, recorded live in
September 1998 in Buffalo, NY, Creeley reads his texts while guitarist David
Torn, bassist Steve Swallow, reed player David CasT and drummer Chris Massey
provide a lively mesh of improvised music that supports and augments the
reading. Torn, CasT and Massey also make up the ensemble Forever Sharp and
Vivid.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/cuniform/toldyou.ram>

Elton Dean/Moorsong
This British jazz saxophone legend first came to prominence as a member of
Soft Machine. A unique voice on alto sax and saxello, he is a pioneer in
the 'Brit-jazz' realm and has appeared as a leader or featured side man on
dozens of albums. Joining him on this introspective and melodic venture
are his fellow In Cahoots member bassist Fred Baker, drummer Liam Genockey,
guitarist Mark Hewins, Alex Maguire on Hammond organ, and percussionist Mark
Sanders.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/cuniform/moorsong.ram>

Hamster Theatre/Carnival Detournement
The Hamster Theatre is a place where reggae rhythms collide with Rock In
Opposition-style musical trickery, and where the only thing you can expect
is the unexpected. This is the third release by an instrumental ensemble
who are influenced by a wide variety of sources including early 20th century
French composers such as Satie and Ravel, Lars Hollmer, and Easter European
"sidewalk cafe music" stylings. Instrumentation includes accordions,
piano, harmonium, clarinets, saxophones, flutes, guitars, bass, drums and
much more. Three of the musicians who perform are also members of Thinking
Plague. "There is joy and life, tears and sorrow in this music which defies
any genre barrier...intricate layered ditties with a sense of fun." - Exposé
You'll find Hamster Theatre's two previous releases here.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/cuniform/carnival.ram>

Coming soon from Musea <http://www.artist-shop.com/musea>
Noetra/Definitivement Bleus
The band : Two other albums by this french band were released by Musea in
the nineties, "Neuf Songes" and "Haut Plateaux". Led by the guitarist and
composer Jean Lapouge, Noetra existed as a band from the mid-seventies to
the mid-eighties. The music: These ten instrumental pieces were composed
around the same time as those of "Neuf Songes" and are in the same vein: a
chamber music inspired by the "Canterbury" movement - Hatfield and the
North, Soft Machine - but also by jazz rock ala Weather Report. Including
oboe, violin, sax, cello, trumpet, flutes this impressionist music,
original, full of feeling and sensibility, is a masterpiece of inspiration
and talent. Just brilliant!
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/musea/bleus.ram>

Six North/I'm Here In My Heart
A big Japanese band focussed around bassist Hideyuki Shima, Six North
practices a mixture of jazz fusion, Progressive rock and experimentations in
many directions. "I'm Here In My Heart" reveals itself unclassifiable,
therefore Progressive by excellence. Fans of fusion have compared their
adventurous fusion to the likes of THE MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, and their
sophistication to UK or KING CRIMSON.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/musea/heart.ram>

Now available from Musea <http://www.artist-shop.com/musea>
Faton/La Fievre Monte
This is an incredible live performance from Francois Faton Cahen, well known
keyboardist for Magma and Zao, with his acoustic ensemble known collectively
as Faton. With Cahen on piano, the rest of the ensemble includes Olivier
Bonny on drums, Thierry Colson on contrabass, Charly Doll on percussion and
Nicolas Krassik on violin. This recording was taken from the band's 1999 tour.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/musea/fievre.ram>

New releases from Voiceprint and associated labels
Dick Walter Jazzcraft Ensemble/Secret Moves
Dick Walter's album Secret Moves features some of the finest musicians in
British Jazz. Derek Watkins, Henry Lowther, Richard Bissill, Peter Beachill,
Oren Marshall, Chris Laurence (bass). Phil Todd, Steve Buckley, Iain Dixon
(saxes) and Nikki Illes (piano). Paul Clarvis ,(drums), Norma Winstone
(vocals), Stan Sulzmann (flute), Alan Barnes (baritone sax), Anthony Kerr
(vibes) and John Parricelli (guitar). This hugely impressive set features
genuinely original scoring with 15 tracks, which include 5 originals plus
arrangements of Zawinul, Parker, Towner, Lennon and McCartney.
soundbite - <http://www.artist-shop.com/voiceprt/secret.ram>

Future releases from Voiceprint and associated labels (pre-order now)

Hugh Hopper/Parabolic Versions
Hugh Hopper is a legendary figure within the "Canterbury Scene," as bassist
with the mark 2 line up of Soft Machine. The Softs were one of the most
innovative acts to emerge from the late 60's Underground Scene. They were
regulars at Middle Earth and UFO clubs, played and hung out with Hendrix,
were supported regularly by Pink Floyd and employed Damon Albarn's father!
This record reflects the work Hugh has achieved with various creative
singers and lyricists, from 1983 through to 1999. Featured musicians
include Lisa S Klossner, Richard Sinclair, Rick Biddulph and Robert Wyatt.
Features the original and unreleased version of "Was A Friend" with Robert
Wyatt on vocals and Hugh on keyboards and bass. Wyatt included a new
version of this cut on his most recent album "Shleep."

Elton Dean/Q E D
Elton Dean, Canterbury legend and Soft Machine horn allegory is back better
than ever with a stunning new album!! The CD has brilliant artwork and the
sleeve notes are personally written by Elton. Voiceprint is pleased to
announce Elton's latest studio opus which is the result of over three
decades of producing the most interesting and unique music. Elton's music
has matured with age and the quality and delivery is better than ever.
Musicians featured on QED are Alex Maguire (piano, Hammond organ), Tony
Bianco (drums), Roberto Bellatalla(bass), Mark Sanders (drums), Paul Dunmall
(tenor sax), Simon Picard (tenor sax), Jason Yarde (alto sax), Paul Rogers
(bass), Nick Evans (trombone) and Jim Dvorak.(trumpet/pocket trumpet).
'Sax. Com ', 'Sheepdogs' and 'Deep Crease' were recorded as part of the
Wireless Festival at the Red Rose Club.

Annie Whitehead/Naked
Annie Whitehead needs no introduction . . . but for those of you who really
should know better . . . ..she has her own band, has played in the Penguin
Café Orchestra and has been dubbed the first lady of British Jazz. Naked
was Annie's first studio album and this was issued by FCZ and received
stunning reviews at the time. Due to the record company disappearing Naked
was lost until now. This brilliant album has been re-issued with stunning
new deluxe full colour artwork. There is a huge surge in Annie's profile
due to her touring with both Soupsongs (Robert Wyatt project) and her own
band. She has also just released a new solo record The Gathering on the
Provocateur label.

Keith and Julie Tippets/Couple in Spirit 2
Keith and Julie Tippets, are the first couple of improvised music. Prior to
her marriage to Keith, Julie was a well known performer in her own right. As
Julie Driscol she performed with many top artists including Brian Auger.
Couple in Spirit is recorded live and captures the whole unique interplay
which transcends the the written musical page. Their ethereal bond works not
just as husband and wife, but also as they become one to create the most
harmonious music. This is an excellent follow up to the very popular Couple
In Spirit on the EG label. This recording has been specially mastered for
CD with artwork by Inca Tippet the talented daughter of this husband and
wife team. Both Julie and Keith tour extensively which keeps their profile
high, and Julie is also involved in the Soupsongs tour which is the Robert
Wyatt project.

Keith Tippett/Friday 13th
Anybody who knows anything about the UK Jazz scene will have heard of the
uniquely talented Mr. Tippett. However Keith's talents haven't just been
hidden in the tight knit community of the jazz scene. He has crossed over
into the rock arena by working extensively with King Crimson, during what
has been described arguably as their finest hour. Friday the 13th captures
Keith at his best at the height of his most recent Japanese tour. A
breathtaking performance by one of Britains finest musicians! This
recording has been specially mastered for CD and it is the first time it has
been issued outside Japan. The album comes complete with deluxe sleeve
artwork which is both interesting and striking. A must for all Keith
Tippet's fans and for those who enjoy interesting and stunning music.

Barns Weller Band/Cannonball
Cannonball Adderley was a bestseller and twenty five years after his death,
this fitting tribute recorded live in downtown Wakefield will be welcomed by
many of Cannonball's fans. Alan Barnes (alto & Baritone Sax), is an
unfailingly tasteful musician and Bobby Timmons's neatly structured Dat Dere
conjures up memories of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. This superb set of new
arrangements by Barnes and Weller is British Jazz at its best. This is the
second in the Wakefield Jazz Series, instigated in 1998 with the
Newton/Tracey Band recording "Bootleg Eric" also featuring Alan Barnes and
Don Weller.

And now let's move along to the latest news about forthcoming import
releases which you'll find at
<http://www.artist-shop.com/catalog/imports/preorder.htm>.

Master Sound Jazz Series
Japanese reissues, remastered using DSD mastering. Packaged in miniature LP
sleeves limited to the first pressing
DAVIS,MILES-AT NEWPORT 1958
DAVIS,MILES-COOKIN AT THE PLUGGED NICKEL
DAVIS,MILES-IN PERSON,FRIDAY NIGHTS VOL.1
DAVIS,MILES-IN PERSON,FRIDAY NIGHTS VOL.2
DAVIS,MILES-JAZZ AT THE PLAZA
DAVIS,MILES-MILESTONES
DAVIS,MILES-PARIS FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL
DAVIS,MILES-ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT

And now to recently released imports which you'll find at
<http://www.artist-shop.com/catalog/imports/new.htm>.

DAVIS,MILES-BEST OF MILES
2 CD compilation featuring material recorded between 1954 and 1991. Among
the tracks are posthumous releases and a Bill Laswell remix from 1998. A
cool career overview of one of the greatest artists in the history of jazz.
CD1 features the cool standards of the 50s and 60s. CD2 focuses on Davis'
groundbreaking new directions of the 80s. Artists include John Coltrane,
Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans and Ron Carter.

Gong Reissues
Japanese reissues of the progressive rock act's catalog. Digitally
remastered using 20 bit K2 Super Coding. Packaged in miniature LP sleeves.

GONG-ANGELS EGG
Originally released in 1973.
GONG-CAMEMBERT ELECTRIQUE
Originally released in 1971.
GONG-FLYING TEAPOT
Originally released in 1973.
GONG-MAGICK BROTHER
Originally released in 1969.
GONG-YOU
Originally released in 1974.
GONG (NEW YORK GONG)-ABOUT TIME
Originally released in 1980.
GONG (PLANET GONG)-LIVE FLOATING ANARCHY 1977
Originally released in 1990.

GONG-LIVE TO INFINITEA
12 tracks of jazz, rock and r & b mingling effortlessly with Arabic, Indian
and European folk influences.

GRAPPELLI,STEPHANE-I HEAR MUSIC
French reissue and remastered 1970 album. 11 tracks in all. RCA Victor Gold
Series. Digipak.

TIPPETS,KEITH & JULIE-COUPLE IN SPIRIT
Remastered reissue of 1975 album for the talented duo. Eight tracks
including, 'Daybreak', 'Morning Psalm' and 'Brimstone Spring Lullaby'.

Gary

**************************************************************
Gary Davis
The Artist Shop The Other Road
http://www.artist-shop.com artshop@...
phone: 877-856-1158, 330-929-2056 fax:330-945-4923
INDEPENDENT PROGRESSIVE MUSIC!!!
**************************************************************
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Check out the latest Artist Shop newsletter at
http://www.artist-shop.com/news.htm