Al Hal

Hal Galper - The Guerilla Band (1970) {2017 Japan Mainstream Records Master Collection Series CDSOL-45222}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 223 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 86 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1970, 2017 Time / Mainstream Records / Solid Records Japan | CDSOL-45222
Jazz / Soul Jazz / Post Bop / Groove / Electric Piano

While not one of the classics of the jazz fusion movement of the early '70s, The Guerilla Band does attempt to say something substantial and avoids the genre's commercial pitfalls. Leader Hal Galper, who went on to become an acoustic pianist of note, is heard here exclusively on electric piano. His highly electronically processed sound is unlike the playing of the Fender Rhodes' more representative players from this era, such as Joe Zawinul or George Duke. Galper's band includes brothers Mike (saxophone) and Randy Brecker (trumpet), who at this time were gaining critical acclaim with their band Dreams.

Hal Galper - Wild Bird (1972) {2017 Japan Mainstream Records Master Collection Series CDSOL-45240}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 241 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 92 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 13 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1972, 2017 Time / Mainstream Records / Solid Records Japan | CDSOL-45240
Jazz / Soul Jazz / Post Bop / Groove / Electric Piano

One of the greatest albums ever recorded by pianist Hal Galper – and that's saying a lot, given his huge legacy of records! This set has Hal working in a strongly electric mode – using an electric piano with the same sort of spacious qualities he could bring to acoustic – never jamming as hard as some of his more dynamic 70s contemporaries, but in a really great way that creates a special energy on the record – not just for Galper, but also for the groupmates, who really seem to bring out their best. The lineup includes Randy Brecker on trumpet and Michael Brecker on tenor and soprano sax – both playing in the darker edges of their sound – and the record also features guitar, bass, and drums. Some moments are funky, but the real stand out tracks have an even more special electric vibe – and titles include "This Moment", "Whatever", "Wild Bird", and "Change Up".