Nucleus / Ian Carr - Solar Plexus / Belladonna 2 x CDs
SKU
28-BGO566.2
This is Nucleus' 3rd and 4th albums. These are transitional albums in terms of the band going from being a collective to being more of Ian Carr's band. That's not a bad thing, as Ian was a good composer and trumpeter, as well as a bandleader. But it did change the sound somewhat. On Solar Plexus, the original band all appear (Ian, Brian Smith, Karl Jenkins, Jeff Clyne, Chris Spedding and John Marshall), but the pieces are all composed by Ian, and many guests appear, including some heavyweights of the UK jazz scene: Kenny Wheeler, Harry Beckett, Tony Roberts, Ron Matthewson, Chris Karan and Keith Winter. By 1972's Belladonna, the lineup is Ian Carr, Brian Smith, Roy Babbington-bass, Dave MacRae-electric piano (right in the middle of his tenure with Matching Mole), Clive Thacker-drums and Allan Holdsworth-guitar, who doesn't have a huge string of solos, but who does contribute a few great ones! Also appearing are second electric pianist Gordon Beck and percussionist Trevor Tomkins. [BGO]