{"title":"Nucleus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePioneering jazz-rock, progressive, psychedelic, funk \u0026amp; pop band from Britain. Led by Ian Carr, Nucleus existed from 1969 to 1989 and had one-off reformations in 2005, 2007, and 2009.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"under-the-sun","title":"Under The Sun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eUnder The Sun\u003c\/i\u003e is the follow-up to the astonishing \u003ci\u003eRoots\u003c\/i\u003e and contains yet more absolutely essential Nucleus material. Originally released on Vertigo in 1974, \u003ci\u003eUnder The Sun\u003c\/i\u003e was never re-pressed and of course those original copies are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press. Genius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP.","offer_id":50395545993547,"sku":"1149314","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50395546157387,"sku":"2146381","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/82ecd4c4-26bc-4d5d-8cd4-306cc1c8f060_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726467313"},{"product_id":"snakehips-etcetera-3","title":"Snakehips Etcetera","description":"\u003cp\u003eLegendary 1975 release - originally released on Vertigo - makes a welcome return on CD to the racks via MUSEA Records\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Musea","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50400619561291,"sku":"2182643","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_051261e9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726514392"},{"product_id":"roots-15","title":"Roots","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom 1973 - Roots - one of the most sought after Nucleus releases, deep progressive jazz rock fusion\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Musea","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50400621199691,"sku":"2182642","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_4e2f324c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726514417"},{"product_id":"alleycat-3","title":"Alleycat","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the best from Nucleus - back on CD, a jazz funk rock masterpiece\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Musea","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50400623952203,"sku":"2182641","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_342253b3_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726514439"},{"product_id":"live-in-europe-1970-1971","title":"Live In Europe 1970-1971","description":"\u003cp\u003eHereby the eclectic british jazz-rock band - led by trumpet player and Miles Davis biographer Ian Carr - at the absolute peak of its powers in a series of European live performances. They capture the group in arguably its finest incarnation right at the start of its long career, exhibiting a staggeringly high level of musical discipline matched by an equally impressive ability to improvise and solo.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNucleus began its long jazz-rock journey in 1969, they attracted a following after a successful performance at the Montreux International Festival in 1970, which led to the offer of a recording contract with Vertigo, and the release of several acclaimed albums. Ultimately Elastic Rock had elements more in common with Brit avant-garde rockers like the Soft Machine and the Pink Floyd than it did with jazz, even if rock remained the less dominant force in the band's overall approach.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vinyl Lovers","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50405033935179,"sku":"2097657","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot_2023-10-04_at_10.46.08_a6019ff8_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1726573249"},{"product_id":"nucleus-10","title":"Nucleus","description":"\u003cp\u003eInterwoven Hammond organ riffs, heavy electric guitar and melodic bass lines give Nucleus an edge - their odd time signatures make it an aural lobotomy! Pressed on white vinyl!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The origins of Nucleus lay in late '60s Toronto combo The Lords Of London. They were a popular live attraction and appeared at the Canadian National Exhibition alongside The Guess Who and Kensington Market, as well as US bands like Moby Grape. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Though they had minor Canadian hits, a US breakthrough never came, and by September 1968 they were evolving into a different sort of act. Having changed their name to Nucleus and adopted a jazzier, more improvisational approach in daylong rehearsals, they recorded their sole LP with all original songs. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Their sound ranges from the deranged \"Jenny Wakes Up\" to the intense \"Communication.\" Issued in April 1969 (its release having been briefly delayed by what Billboard described as 'a technical complication'), the album attracted considerable cult interest, with the single version of \"Communication\" receiving heavy underground airplay.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sundazed","offers":[{"title":"White LP","offer_id":50415579103563,"sku":"2189483","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_495500bb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726691357"},{"product_id":"torrid-zone-the-vertigo-recordings-1970-75","title":"Torrid Zone - The Vertigo Recordings 1970 - 75","description":"\u003cp\u003eEsoteric Recordings release of a newly re-mastered 6CD clamshell boxed set anthology featuring all the recordings released by Vertigo Records by the legendary jazz-rock group \u003cstrong\u003eNucleus\u003c\/strong\u003e and their founder \u003cstrong\u003eIan Carr\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cem\u003eTorrid Zone - The Vertigo Recordings 1970 - 1975\u003c\/em\u003e features every track from the highly celebrated albums \u003cem\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eWe'll Talk About It Later\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSolar Plexus\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBelladonna\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eLabyrinth\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRoots\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eUnder The Sun\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSnakehips Etcetera\u003c\/em\u003e \u0026amp; \u003cem\u003eAlleycat\u003c\/em\u003e, all newly re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe trumpeter and flugelhorn player \u003cstrong\u003eIan Carr\u003c\/strong\u003e was one of the most respected musicians of his era, a true pioneer who saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with some of rock music's sensibilities. Tiring of the current forms in British jazz, Carr formed \u003cstrong\u003eNucleus\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1969, around the same time as \u003cstrong\u003eTony Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e was pursuing new paths with his band Lifetime and \u003cstrong\u003eMiles Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e was experimenting on the album \u003cem\u003eIn a Silent Way\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith saxophonist and keyboard player \u003cstrong\u003eKarl Jenkins\u003c\/strong\u003e, drummer \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Marshall\u003c\/strong\u003e, saxophonist \u003cstrong\u003eBrian Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e, bassist \u003cstrong\u003eJeff Clyne\u003c\/strong\u003e and guitarist \u003cstrong\u003eChris Spedding\u003c\/strong\u003e, the first line-up of \u003cstrong\u003eNucleus\u003c\/strong\u003e signed to Vertigo records in late 1969 and recorded the ground-breaking album \u003cem\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/em\u003e in January 1970. The original album liner note stated the aims of the band thus; 'Nucleus is just what the word implies - a small, tightly knit group of musicians.'\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esoteric Recordings","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50440762753355,"sku":"1059854","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/df410733-d79c-4a82-919d-ff056f2cc529_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726966825"},{"product_id":"snakehips-etcetera","title":"Snakehips Etcetera","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive rolling grooves, growling basslines and blasting horns of Snakehips Etcetera combined to present Nucleus's most energetic record. First released on Vertigo in 1975, original copies of \u003ci\u003eSnakehips Etcetera\u003c\/i\u003e are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith all restraint out the window, 1975's pimped-up \u003ci\u003eSnakehips Etcetera\u003c\/i\u003e is the outrageous - in both cover art and sound - follow-up to the brooding Under The Sun. It's perhaps not one for the jazz purists! It finds Nucleus pared down to a core group of six, with Carr, Bob Bertles (sax), Ken Shaw (guitar), Geoff Castle (keys), Roger Sutton (bass) and Roger Sellers (drums) comprising the collective. Snakehips Etcetera reflects a period where the compositions start to become a little more direct and less-cerebral in comparison to some of Nucleus' previous releases. And why would we begrudge them some fun? This one rocks, swings and funks with no little soul. And more than a little jazzy sleaze. Clearly, they were having a good time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe album has a real live, jamming feel to it, no surprise given the extent to which they were touring at the time. The band is tight and grooving throughout, none more so than on Bob Bertles's effervescent opener, \"Rat’s Bag\". So darn funky it stings, it's an infectious gem full of punchy clean lines over a killer bassline from Sutton. The thick, driving jazz-rock of \"Alive And Kicking\" is exactly that. It has a very improvisational feel, but an inspired one at that and features a wailing guitar solo from Ken Shaw that simply slays. The funky \"Rachel’s Tune\" is amazing, bringing you back to Canterbury days with its fuzzed-out organ solos to close out Side A.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOpening up Side B, the cool psychedelic title track unfolds slowly and sensually over its ten-plus minutes. A stoned soul stew of sorts, each member of the crew gets their chance to shine over Sellers's steady drums. The melodic funk fusion of \"Pussyfoot\" pairs Carr with Bertles on ace solo flute for a bright, springy melody. This one really gleams over shuffling drums. Changing the pace to close out this memorable set, the particularly cool \"Heyday\" is a reflective, sober tune which reinforces the sumptuous Nucleus palette, the acoustic guitar and bass high in the mix to make the neck snap, the horns elegantly blasting to help you swoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Be With edition of Snakehips Etcetera has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Cicely Balston's cut at AIR Studios to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The striking, lascivious sleeve has been restored in all its seductive \/ ridiculous beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50485712617803,"sku":"2016149","price":25.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Snakehips_Etcetera_f387c9c0_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727602306"},{"product_id":"elastic-rock-2","title":"Elastic Rock","description":"\u003cp\u003eNucleus's \u003ci\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/i\u003e is undisputedly a milestone in Jazz-Rock. A beautiful and vital debut album, it was first released on Vertigo in 1970. Original copies are now very tricky to score and, like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well. This Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe very title\u003ci\u003e Elastic Rock \u003c\/i\u003ecould be regarded as the group's MO, describing a melting point between their rock and jazz impulses. Indeed, housed in a memorable gatefold jacket designed by Roger Dean, the die cut molten teardrop shape on the front sleeve opens to reveal a fiery volcanic crater. On the back, Dean's drawing has Carr with saxophonist Brian Smith, guitarist Chris Spedding, drummer John Marshall, bassist Jeff Clyne and sax, oboe and pianist Karl Jenkins in a circle, the central core of a movement and the basis for its activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Recorded over four days in January 1970, \u003ci\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/i\u003e didn't sound like any other British jazz album. Exploding out the gate, \"1916\" opens with Marshall's frantic pounding before melancholic horns enter. The smooth title track, \"Elastic Rock\" is just a gorgeous electric blues track. Light drums, gentle melodic horns, piano and a solid bassline serve as the perfect bed for Spedding's graceful bluesy guitar melodies. The serene \"Striation\", a Clyne and Spedding collaboration, is led by bowed bass and is the epitome of calm before the late night laid back vibe of \"Taranaki\" breezes along sweetly and smoothly with great trumpet and tenor. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe truly emotional \"Twisted Track\" is elegant with horns, while guitar is gently played with drums and bass. Initially deeply soothing, it gradually builds with various solos and duets. \"Crude Blues (Part 1)\" features an excellent oboe part by Jenkins with laconic guitar helping out. \"Part 2\" is livelier, with a heavy backbeat and great wind parts. \"1916 (Battle Of Boogaloo)\" features a steady bassline and great call and response parts from the horn section.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The highly-charged centrepiece of the record, the mesmeric epic \"Torrid Zone\" features an hypnotic bassline and hi-hat with some of the ensemble's best soloing. Brilliantly encapsulating the jazz fusion aesthetic so desired by the group, the rhythm section is rock-influenced but magically retains a laid-back jazz vibe. Just perfection. Spacey jazz in the style of In a Silent Way, the semi-ambient \"Stonescape\" features smooth, muted brass, warm, smokey keys and a barely-there rhythm section. Heavenly. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe bubbling, fragile restraint of \"Earth Mother\" partially utilises the \"Torrid Zone\" bassline but takes the energy in a different direction with Marshall's frenetic drumming and Spedding's unpredictable riffing. Next comes the very idiosyncratic drum solo track by Marshall in the appropriately-titled \"Speaking for Myself, Personally, in My Own Opinion, I Think.\" The album closes with the raucous \"Persephones Jive\", a track that ends the album frantically, riotously, just as it began. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e This Be With edition of \u003ci\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/i\u003e has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Cicely Balston's cut at AIR Studios to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The stunning die-cut gatefold sleeve has been restored in all its molten glory.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50485729263947,"sku":"2016146","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Elastic_Rock_3f0561df_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727602448"},{"product_id":"well-talk-about-it-later","title":"Well Talk About It Later","description":"\u003cp\u003eTheir masterpiece? With breaks for dayyyyyys and an almost ambient, heavy jazz atmosphere throughout, *this* is the apex of British jazz-rock fusion. \u003ci\u003eWe'll Talk About It Later\u003c\/i\u003e was first released on Vertigo in 1971 and original copies are now very tricky to score. Like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well and this Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”. \u003ci\u003eWe'll Talk About It Later \u003c\/i\u003eis arguably Nucleus's best album. Not only that, it's in the top 5 of all fusion albums. By the time Nucleus entered Trident Studios in September 1970 to record \u003ci\u003eElastic Rock's\u003c\/i\u003e successor, they had already won a best group award at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Once again presented in a Roger Dean designed die-cut gatefold sleeve it continued to demonstrate the chemistry and interplay that worked so brilliantly on Elastic Rock; Carr's sumptuous trumpet and flügelhorn lines, Karl Jenkins's funk-filled electric keyboards, Chris Spedding's wah-wah guitar, Brian Smith's sax and the rhythmic foundation of drummer John Marshall and bassist Jeff Clyne. The group work and insane musicianship Nucleus were famed for is in evidence from the off. The intensely funky 'Song for the Bearded Lady' is absolute FIRE, blasting out the speakers to leave listeners floored. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Counterpoint riffing segues into a spacious groove and a Carr trumpet solo demonstrating the influence of electric Miles from the period. The stop-start funk of 'Sun Child'; would appeal to Soft Machine devotees whilst the genuinely touching 'Lullaby for a Lonely Child' is a lovely downtempo ballad. Featuring an understated, reflective horn line from Carr and Smith and atmospheric, shimmering bouzouki from Spedding, there's an exotic flavour which contributes to the bliss. The ominous, sleazy title track retains a swaggering menace and is not the only track to lend a sort of heavy stoner rock atmosphere. The guitars and bass are deep and low throughout, conjuring heavy psych moments to go with the actual jazz and even funk. To say this album was in conversation with Bitches Brew would not be overstating the sheer brain-frying brilliance. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Weather Report-adjacent 'Oasis' opens Side B, a colossal track featuring nearly 10 minutes of steadily building melodic horns, keys and choppy guitar riffs. So ace, it could easily go on for another 10. Mesmeric. Spedding adds unique vocals to the undeniable groove of 'Ballad of Joe Pimp' whilst saxophonist Smith's duet with drummer Marshall at the conclusion of 'Easter 1916' - inspired by the Yeats poem about the Irish nationalist uprising in Dublin - adopts the wildness of the most incendiary free jazz. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Be With edition of \u003ci\u003eWe'll Talk About It Later\u003c\/i\u003e has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Cicely Balston's cut at AIR Studios to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The stunning die-cut sleeve has been restored with the original gatefold window pane depicting the Irish uprising in 1916. Incredible, timeless, guaranteed spine-chills.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50486822764875,"sku":"2016124","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Well_Talk_About_It_Later_d96d300f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727616110"},{"product_id":"solar-plexus","title":"Solar Plexus","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat a record! The outstanding \u003ci\u003eSolar Plexus\u003c\/i\u003e, the much-loved third album from Ian Carr and Nucleus, was first released on Vertigo in 1971. Inevitably, original copies are now very tricky to score and, like all the Nucleus records, it’s aged ridiculously well. This Be With re-issue, re-mastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenius trumpeter and visionary composer Ian Carr was one of the most respected British musicians of his era. He was a true pioneer and saw the potential in fusing the worlds of jazz with rock, just as Miles Davis and The Tony Williams Lifetime did in the US. In late 1969, following the demise of the Rendell-Carr quintet, and tiring of British jazz, Carr assembled the legendary Nucleus. Regarding music as a continuous process, Nucleus refused to “recognise rigid boundaries” and worked on delivering what they saw as a “total musical experience”. We can get behind that.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnder bandleader Carr, Nucleus existed as a fluid line-up of inventive, skilled musicians. This constant evolution and revolution was all part of the continuous musical exploration and discovery that took jazz to new levels. And the music has kept relevant. To steal a line from a review of our re-issue of Roots, when it comes to anything Nucleus “it’s basically already hip-hop”.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe'll let Ian describe this one: \"I wrote Solar Plexus' last year with the help of an Arts Council grant. It is based on two short themes which are stated at the beginning (Elements I \u0026amp; I1). The first theme is angular and has a slow, crab-like movement: the second theme is direct, simple and diatonic. CHANGING TIME and SPIRIT LEVEL explore the first theme and BEDROCK DEADLOCK and TORSO explore the second one. SNAKEHIPS DREAM tries to fuse both themes. (The title is a reference to the famous dancer 'Snakehips' Johnson).\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSolar Plexus\u003c\/i\u003e features the same lineup as \u003ci\u003eElastic Rock\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eWe'll Talk About It Later,\u003c\/i\u003e but they're augmented by six guests, three of which play brass. Carr himself had almost full control of the writing and it does feel very different to the previous albums. It's more of a jazz record loosely based on a rock foundation rather than jazz fusion jamming.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe haunting synth-and-bass soundscape \"Elements I and II\" opens the album in dramatic, experimental fashion. It gives way to the bright, funky feel-good jazz of \"Changing Times\". An elegant onslaught of horns, courtesy of guests Kenny Wheeler and Harry Beckett, ride a solid groove for the duration. How the brass refrains have eluded samplers is beyond us. The melancholic \"Bedrock Deadlock\" features the brooding majesty of Jenkins' oboe and Clyne's mournful, skittering double bass. Wah wah guitar, drums and funky percussion then take over before the horns ride us out over frenetic beats. The dark, angular \"Spirit Level\" is a real highlight, by turns harmonic and beautiful then dissonant and wayward. Wonky jazz with no apparent structure or melodic bones. Regardless, it represents a great showcase for each virtuoso performer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe breezy soul of \"Torso\" feels like a breath of fresh air, skipping along in the uptempo style with guitar, horns, drums and bass. A track which truly sounds scintillating, featuring sax solos, fantastic propulsive interplay from all the group around the halfway stage before Marshall gets his chance to really shine in closing out with a polyrhythmic drum solo. Final track \"Snakehips' Dream\" stretches cooly out over 15 minutes to round out a spellbinding album. An epic, suave groove, it's a relaxing piece with warm electric keys, laconic guitar and languorous horns. Truly sophisticated soulful jazz. An absolute masterclass. We could easily listen to this all day long.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Be With edition of Solar Plexus has been re-mastered from the original Vertigo master tapes, Simon Francis’ mastering working together with Cicely Balston's cut at AIR Studios to weave their usual magic with these wonderful recordings. The stunning gatefold sleeve has been restored to complete this sensational package.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50489515213131,"sku":"2016147","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Solar_Plexus_6b1e1ef6_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727642903"},{"product_id":"live-at-bbc-1970","title":"Live at BBC 1970","description":"\u003cp\u003eEstablished by trumpeter and future Miles Davis biographer Ian Carr, Nucleus has been a distinctly British jazz-rock group forged in London at the end of the 60s, which continued in different forms until early 90s. 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Therefore, this album contains many of them, such as Elastic Rock (two versions opening and closing the album), 1916: The Battle of Boogaloo, Stonescape and Twisted Track.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Endless Happiness","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51805823992139,"sku":"R0648-5515","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5060672889179.jpg?v=1747069084"},{"product_id":"live-at-loughborough-university-1976","title":"Live At Loughborough University 1976","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis official 2CD edition captures \u003cstrong\u003eNucleus\u003c\/strong\u003e live in 1976, with the jazz-rock greats sounding sharp, expansive and fully locked in. 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