Cool British Jazz-Rock Fusion
Gary (gjohnson@viasat.com) | San Diego | 03/03/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"IF is a unique sound from the early fusion era. The group got some attention during the heydays of underground FM radio (such as WHCN, Hartford). They have a style that is similar to Gentle Giant and Traffic. Track two, "What Did I Say About The Box, Jack" is a SUPERB instrumental. Also, check out IF 2."
This one put Jazz/Rock on the map....
jazzmanblue | New York City, USA | 08/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this album as a teenage kid in 1970. At the time my older brother had the first two albums by Blood Sweat and Tears and I had the first two by Chicago. It turns out that this was the album that stirred up my interest in Jazz and what later came to be called fusion. The horn arrangements here are a bit different as there is no brass section (trumpet, trombone, etc.), the band having chosen to go with two saxophones or the sax/flute combo. This gave IF a unique and recognizable sound that remains distinctive. Both Dick Morrisey and Dave Quincy also had the ability to improvise quite well, something other bands at the time that had jazzy aspirations (DREAMS excluded) sorely lacked. Terry Smith's guitar playing/soloing is also up to the improvising challenge. To hear these guys do their thing over the rock rhythm section is still a pleasure.Those new to IF may find the vocals of J.W. Hodkinson to be an acquired taste, but you will find him to be an integral part of the IF sound. Overall, I have found this music to stand the test of time very well, and can easily recommend the CD.At the time, IF was pioneering the Jazz/Rock road in the pre-fusion era in Great Britain. (DREAMS was doing the same from the USA side.) Despite the amount of time that has passed since the initial release of this recording, the music has retained its edge and is well worth your time and attention. A pleasant listening experience awaits you."
Woodwinds and a band made innovative music for the 70s.
jazzmanblue | 02/07/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If caught my attention because of their use of woodwinds instead of brass. The sound is lighter and more upbeat and the words are more of a story than the usual 70s brass bands. If you've wanted more than the typical band music but found the brass too much, this will be the sound you've been looking for. The members backgrounds show through as each is an accomplished musician. Listen to them as they go through the range of emotion and sound."
Track Listings (1) - Disc #1