Jazzman 
V.A. : Spiritual Jazz volume II
(Ö,D,UK,B,F,CZ,FN,PL,YU,SP,NL,1960-1978,pub.2012)****
-esotheric, modal and deep European jazz 1960-78-
For this second volume, the label goes digging into European recordings. The problem here is that there was hardly a spiritual jazz scene in Europe, but since on the label’s starting point there was an associative idea involved, to be revealed in the subtitle, the real context is understandable as containing tracks from moments of “esoteric, modal and deep European Jazz 1960-78”. I am pleased how such edges are explored where relatively new combinations were tried in a creative sense. In this case, into the label’s choice, it means the inclusion of choral music onto a jazz context, as well as some vocal projections of improvisation, -not in a jazz-styled way-, and also, different folk influences, from Eastern Europe for instance, but of course also, like it was more commonly tried in jazz, Eastern, African and the relatively newly added, flamenco influences. It should have made already a connection with American spiritual pan-African jazz, how well eastern (especially Indian), and African elements blend with jazz, also for flamenco it seemed to be a right thing to include, evolving the ideas coming from Indian modes and favours over a more associative idea of what is a middle eastern table/belly/passionate dance before including the flamenco itself : the real link to the middle east seems to have be filled up with a fantasy of some sort of sweeping, exotic and hypnotic dance with for instance picked double bass rhythm drives.
The collection itself is well prepared and every recording came from digitally restored master tapes. The compilation onto CD itself is also done very well for the best listening pleasure, showing a slow evolution in style from one direction into the next. The early tracks reveal the interesting vocal background parts and arrangements mostly. Also these give a sort of spiritual effect. Some of the evolutions in the direction of a more eastern improvisation have something from the spirituality and interests of Pharoah Sanders, in an easier and more direct improvised way. More and more, the smoothness in these recordings evolves towards a sweeping climax. The last track is more like the perfect outro with its repetitions and its additionally added electric guitar.
A really great second volume !
The Raphael track, which fits perfectly on the compilation, comes from an album that already has found a CD/LP reissue. As far as I know all the other tracks haven’t been reissued before.
