For an artist born behind the Iron Curtain to became a legend of Western music seemed nigh on impossible, but Jan Hammer proved that real talent knows no obstacle. Having found universal acclaim as integral part of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, he became an in-demand player whose ivories elevated such classics as Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” and Joni Mitchell’s “Mingus” to mention but two such albums, the master also had an enterprise of his own, JAN HAMMER GROUP, who recorded a few platters in the second half of the ’70s, most prominent of those being the ensemble’s only on-stage document, preserved for posterity in the company of Jeff Beck back in 1976. But recently concert tapes from a previous year were discovered to be issued on CD on January 31st.
Live In New York
Titled “Live In New York” and featuring, alongside the leader, Fernando Saunders on bass, Steve Kindler on violin and Tony Smith on drums, the set is comprised of pieces from Jan’s solo debut “The First Seven Days” as well as cuts from his collaborative efforts – “Like Children” with Jerry Goodman and “Timeless” with John Abercrombie and Jack De Johnette – plus a yet-to-be-out track which would see the light on Hammer’s group’s first longplay “Oh, Yeah?” in 1976. A fantastic find of great cultural importance.
1. Darkness (Earth In Search Of A Sun)
2. Red And Orange
3. Earth (Still Our Only Home)
4. Topeka
5. Twenty One
6. Sixth Day / Country And Eastern Music
7. I Remember Me
