Terry Durham - Crystal Telephone (Reissue) (1969/2005)

Writer, poet and painter Terry Durham recorded this one-off, strangely beautiful album for the Deram label and disappeared from sight. The fact that a major record label released such unusual and unconventional production proves the incredible atmosphere of the late 1960s, before the record industry became completely ruthless and unsympathetic to innovation and musical progress. The album includes a series of poems by Durham, which he recites (partly in spoken word and partly singing) on top of a magnificent musical background composed and orchestrated by John Coleman. The words and music fit one another perfectly and Durham’s poems stand the test of time beautifully. Although the full list of musicians participating in the recording is not given, a most notable, and again highly unusual appearance by Free Jazz saxophone giant Evan Parker is one of the highlights of the album. Guitarist Alan Parker also makes a notable appearance and the composer’s piano playing is featured as well. Make no mistake – this is not a Jazz album at all. In fact it’s almost impossible to categorize at all, as it transcends genres and conventions at will. For the lack of a better solution I placed it under Progressive Rock, but it belongs probably more to a non-existent Poetry and Music sub-genre (as opposed to Poetry and Jazz which is a real sub-genre). Genres aside, this is a wonderful memento of a great time, which sounds today as good as it ever did. Wholeheartedly recommended to the adventurous listeners.