To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cadillac Music & Publishing weâ??re delighted to announce this special reissue of Cadillacâ??s very first release, Live from 1972. With additional tracks, mastered by Jon Hiseman of Colosseum, and released with the blessing of Mike Westbrook, Live 1972 stands out as a document of the Westbrook project in transition, and as a bloody great slab of music in its own right played by a brilliant collection of musicians - CADILLAC 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
"Live 1972" is a captivating CD that documents an important concert phase in the career of British jazz composer, pianist and bandleader Mike Westbrook. Recorded live at the height of the early-1970s creative surge in European jazz, the album captures Westbrook's characteristic blend of carefully structured composition and open improvisation. Expect expansive, suite-like pieces, powerful ensemble passages and intimate solo spots that unfold organically over longer forms - the sound of a band stretching out in front of an audience, with all the immediacy and risk that only a live recording can offer. The production preserves the raw energy and atmosphere of the venue, letting the dynamics, interplay and spontaneous directions of the music speak for themselves.
Mike Westbrook is one of the most distinctive figures in modern British jazz, known for his large-scale works, innovative arrangements and the way he brings jazz, modern classical and popular music influences together. Over the decades he has led numerous ensembles, from small groups to big bands, and has become especially respected for his ambitious projects and long-form compositions performed across Europe. His work has earned him a reputation as a creative bandleader with a strong personal voice.
The CD is released by CADILLAC, a label with a long-standing commitment to jazz and improvised music. CADILLAC is known for supporting artistically independent projects and documenting important stages in musicians' careers, particularly in the British and European jazz scenes. With "Live 1972", the label presents a historically significant live session that will appeal to collectors, long-time followers of Mike Westbrook and anyone interested in the adventurous spirit of 1970s jazz. The carefully prepared edition and focus on musical authenticity make this CD a notable catalogue item for both fans and connoisseurs.