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JERRY GOODMAN

Jazz Rock/Fusion • United States


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Jerry Goodman picture
Jerry Goodman biography
Born March 16th, 1949 (Chicago, USA)

Rock has relatively very few star violinists, and perhaps a 100 more or so of lesser know players: JERRY GOODMAN is one of those stars. His violin can be heard on more than fifty albums from artists ranging from Toots Thielemans to Hall & Oates to Styx. During GARY HUSBAND's FORCE MAJEURE UK tour in 2004, I asked GOODMAN to name his favourite violinist, he replied without hesitation nor any sign of embarrassment: "Me" (and be assure his reasons were good) - a few months later I aimed the same question at former KING CRIMSON's former violinist, DAVID CROSS and got the reply: "Jerry Goodman". (Dare I say:) the rock violinist's violinist.

GOODMAN is Chicago born and bred, taking up the violin as a boy, undergoing classical training. He showed a dexterity for a classical career but lacked the dedication to the field, finding the music unfulfilling. He first working as a roadie for a Chicago-based group with a good local reputation, who had recently changed their name from the EXCLUSIVES to the FLOCK. GOODMAN's inclusion in the line-up brought considerable depth and breadth to their brass rock sound, As a result Columbia Records gave them a contract, the eponymous titled album followed, with liner notes by JOHN MAYALL. An immediate cult favourite, the FLOCK was the first large-scale showcase for GOODMAN's playing. This was documented in 'Stamping Ground', a movie about the European rock festival scene. GOODMAN quit THE FLOCK in 1970, and his entered first retreat from the music business by withdrawing to rural Wisconsin.

That is where JOHN MCLAUGHLIN found him in early 1971. MCLAUGHLIN had been searching for a violinist for some of his jazz rock projects. The guitarist's first choice had been JEAN LUC PONTY but concerns had been with potential problems with the Frenchman's immigration status - evidently with PONTY's tenure so soon after with FRANK ZAPPA, the problem was not to arise! Enquiries with the FLOCK had led MCLAUGHLIN to GOODMAN, who then participated in the recording of MCLAUGHLIN's solo album 'My Goal's Beyond'. Because of that, GOODMAN was invited to became a member of the original (Anglo/Irish/American) MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA. The fast cut and thrust of the interplay of violin, keyboards and guitar of GOODMAN, JAN HAMMER and JOHN MCLAUGHLIN re...
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JERRY GOODMAN top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.99 | 26 ratings
Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
1974
3.82 | 12 ratings
On The Future Of Aviation
1985
3.00 | 9 ratings
Ariel
1986

JERRY GOODMAN Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.38 | 8 ratings
I´ts Alive
1988

JERRY GOODMAN Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

JERRY GOODMAN Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

JERRY GOODMAN Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

JERRY GOODMAN Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

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Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by tszirmay
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Finally, a CD version to replace my tired vinyl copy !!! Since getting it when it was originally released, I have been humming the catchy bars of "Country and Eastern Music" (nifty title, no?) ever since. This rather playful recording (which is probably why the titled it "Like Children") was the aftershock of leaving the demanding MacLaughlin-led gig, arguably one hell of a tough act to follow and not exactly remembered as pop music!!! I still remember the debate between 70s rockers about who was the fastest six stringer- no contast. So supremo violinist Jerry Goodman and his equally innovative Moogist Jan Hammer erected this often original, extremely unpretentious & very quirky set of tunes , influenced by a variety of moods and experiences. In fact, the interplay between Hammer's keyboard driven "lead guitar" excursions (reprised with subsequent Jeff Beck and Neil Schon albums) and the violent thunderbolts from the violin, make for some inspired music.Nevertheless, this recording serves as a special signpost in the rather eccentric and elitist jazz-rock history, clearly proving that unending technique (hello, Stanley Clarke!!) and the insufferable ego that goes with it , is not what music is about. Above all, it should be, at the very least entertaining, hopefully memorable and at best, awe inspiring. This album certainly doesn't fall in the last category but certainly earns the first two . Oh yeah, before I forget, "Country & Eastern Music" is a real gem that will stick in your mind forever.

4 childish oberheims

 On The Future Of Aviation by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1985
3.82 | 12 ratings

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On The Future Of Aviation
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Gatot
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars One should not question the virtuosity of Jerry Goodman who was famous with his work in The Flock - his first band after being a roadie of the band. Later he was famous with a legendary band led by John McLaughlin: Mahavishnu Orchestra. You can find this album is dynamic in nature and in some ways indicates his style when he was with previous bands. However I was quite surprised with the opening track who also the title of the album On The Future Of Aviation as there are parts that remind me on David Cross style of fame King Crimson. Nope, I am not saying this track or this album is similar with King Crimson. In fact, they are both at different poles where King Crimson was explorative in nature while this album is pretty much predetermined in terms of its pattern. Yes, there are wonderful and stunning violin solo performed by Jerry here - but the overall composition is quite straight.

There are uses of excellent tabla sounds that create unique atmosphere for the album. I like the way Jerry performs his solo throughout the tracks featured in this second album most notably with the peaks at high register notes. As far as listening pleasure I can say that 'Orangutango' , 'Waltz Of The Windmills' and 'Sarah's Lullaby' are all excellent tracks. On Sarah's Lullaby Jerry performs its best not only his violin work but also how actually he composed this track as it comprises great musical segments.

Overal, I highly recommend you to have this album especially if you like violin sounds. That's actually one good reason why I purchased this album altogether with Jean Luc Ponty, David Cross and Didier Lockwood. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

 Ariel by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1986
3.00 | 9 ratings

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Ariel
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Gatot
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars You must be kidding if you know nothing about Jerry Goodman especially for those of you who were there during the glory days of early prog music in the 70s. The roadie-turned-violist was first famous with the Flock prior to his exemplary work with the legendary John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra. Then I was actually curious why no one penned anything here at this site on his second studio album released in 1986 until I find it today it's still empty. So I grabbed my cassette collection on this album and now I am writing it for you.

Concept-wise this album was meant different from any act Jerry collaborated in the past as this one is much on jazzy side than progressive one. Put simply this album is much less contemporary than The Flock and Mahavisnu Orchestra and also his previous album "The Future of Aviation". You can find it right away with the straight forward opening track "Going On 17". For me personally, this is an excellent track even though the rhythm section in jazz-mode seems like accompanying the soloist with simple arrangement. I enjoy the violin work he performs here. It flows nicely to "Tears Of Joy". He has also put his effort in a way that makes this album is musically balanced by inserting "Broque" and "Rockers" which sound quite dynamic.

Overall, it's a very good album with balanced violin solo, less contemporary than his previous work with The Flock and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

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Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars 4.5 stars. This was love at first listen. After MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA broke up Jan Hammer and Jerry Goodman got together and created this amazing album. I must admit I was shocked to find out it's just them two on this record. I had been listening all week and just assumed they brought in a drummer and guitarist to help out. Not ! Jerry can play guitar folks along with various strings and some vocals. Jan on the other hand is a very capable drummer, he really impressed me and of course he plays synths, piano and adds some vocals as well. I can't remember the album but I reviewed one a ways back that had Jan Hammer guesting on it but not on keyboards but percussion. Who knew ?! Anyway I love this album.

Those Jazz & Releated polls i've been doing are for fun but I also believed it would bring attention to some amazing albums. Well it has also (through people's recommendations on those polls) brought some new music into my life including this one, so thankyou everyone.

"Country And Eastern Music" kicks in hard quickly. How good is this ? Kicking ass and taking names that's how good. When the violin comes in the sound changes to more of a mellow vibe but then it kicks back in after 1 1/2 minutes. The vocals that come in are almost shouted. It settles again with violin 3 minutes in. It kicks in again ! Nice. A top three for me. Great song. "No Fear" is interesting with that somewhat haunting intro before the moog and sequencers go wild as they rip it up. "I Remember" sounds so good with the acoustic guitar and violin as it builds. Synths after a minute. This is melancholic and atmospheric. "Earth (Still Our Only Home)" is a funky little devil with the moog-bass and drums creating that groove. Distorted guitar and vocals join in. Nice guitar solo before 2 minutes that goes on and on. "Topeka" is a good upbeat tune as the guitar, violin and synths trade off lighting up the soundscape as the drums pound away.

"Stepping Tones" is another top three. Love this Laird composed track. Just a classic and this version is unbelievably good. Incredible ! "Night" is my final top three. This is dark as violin and moog-bass open the song. Synths replace the violin before 1 1/2 minutes but not for long. It kicks in just before 4 1/2 minutes and they are just killing it here. And check out the drum work. "Full Moon Boogie" has so much going on in this uptempo beginning. Vocals and guitar join in. The violin before 2 minutes starts to trade off with the synths. Cool. "Giving In Gently / I Wonder" has vocals from Jerry and a pleasant soundscape. A change 2 1/2 minutes in as the piano, drums then guitar create a powerful sound.

A must for not only MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA fans but J/R Fusion fans in general.

 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

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Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Koper

4 stars Wonderful album, slightly broken-up with certain fragments, which are unfortunately typical for american fusion music of those years. This destructive force is funky, some kind of black-rooted, dance music, completely misfit with progressive rock. A lot of brilliant music ideas, performed in 1970-ths by famous fusion-masters, e.g Jan Hammer, Jeff Beck, Colosseum II were infected by this dangerous virus of funky-style. In spite of that "Like Children" offers ca. 30 minutes of extraordinarily inspiring music (better forget the rest 10 minutes: "Earth" "Giving in gently" and main part of "Fool moon Boogie"). Opening: "Country and Eastern Music" and a final "I wonder" are sophisticated and beautiful examples of heavy-jazz-rock, "No Fear" and "Night" are moody and full of electronic sounds. All tracks are perfomed by both authors only, playing on various instruments. Both of them are virtuoso players - Jan Hammer is as good drummer as a keyboard player and Jerry Goodman master of violin as well as electric guitar. Unfortunately both of them believe that they are a good singer - such a mistake! Guitar solo in "I Wonder" clearly suggests who was a great fan of Robin Trower (Procol Harum). Four stars.
 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

BUY
Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by themootbooxle

4 stars Mahavishnu Orchestra fans rejoice! I know a lot of people were sad to see the original MO lineup dissolve, even though the second incarnation was equally fantastic, albeit in a different way. Fans who have a jones for more original Mahavishnu should look for this record. Jan Hammer, the virtuoso keyboardist known for his guitaristic signature Moog lead tones, and fiery violinist Jerry Goodman teamed up for this record - I'd love to know exactly how the conversation started, especially considering that two of these tunes - "Steppings Tones" (written by Mahavishnu bassist Rick Laird) and "I Wonder" - had been previously recorded and performed live by Mahavishnu Orchestra in the last days of the original lineup's existence. Perhaps they knew that the studio versions of those tunes, as recorded by Mahavishnu, were going to languish in Columbia Records' vaults (Until 1999, that is, when they were finally released on "The Lost Trident Sessions").

My experience with this album is unique in that I have been a Mahavishnu fan for over half of my life (since age 13!), and while I knew about this record, I was never able to find a copy, as it was long out of print by that time. I digested every note of every Mahavishnu Orchestra album I could get my hands on, but the enduring influence was always Jan Hammer and his beautiful Moog and Rhodes piano playing. I grabbed every record I could find that Jan played on, including the recordings with Jeff Beck - beginning with the live album "Jeff Beck with the Jan Hammer Group LIVE".

Usually on a live album, an artist or group performs songs from their studio albums. I always wondered what studio album "Earth (Still Our Only Home)" and "Full Moon Boogie" came from, as I had all the Jan Hammer Group LPs, and they weren't on any of those. It never dawned on me to keep seeking out "Like Children".

Long story short; I finally have this record after all these years...I cannot describe what a trip it is to hear this now, since some of these tunes have literally shaped my musical taste (and my playing). It's like discovering a lost Mahavishnu album (another one ;-))!

So...what's it sound like?

Well, it's actually kind of quirky! The weird vocals that I never could understand on the Jeff Beck/ Jan Hammer live version of "Earth (Still Our Only Home)" are present here, sung by both Hammer and Goodman. They also sing on "Like Children" and "Full Moon Boogie", while Jerry Goodman sings solo on "Giving In Gently". The vocals are tucked pretty far back in the mix, with tons of echo added...I suppose to obscure the fact that neither Hammer or Goodman are world-class vocalists. Goodman really does a nice job on "Giving In Gently" though. Heartfelt and moving.

Jerry Goodman, in addition to being the Jimi Hendrix of violin, also plays guitar. While he's certainly no John McLaughlin, he definitely holds his own, even dueling with himself, Mahavishnu-style, on tunes like "Topeka". Jan Hammer plays everything else - keyboards (including Moog bass) and drums. He's not Billy Cobham, but I really enjoy his playing style. It has a recklessness to it that I really dig, similar to Stevie Wonder's drumming, albeit a bit more complex.

I bet this record was really fun to make. A truly collaborative effort.

Stylistically, it's all over the map, with Jan Hammer's full-on synth explorations via Oberheim digital sequencer, Minimoog, etc on "No Fear" (how he was able to do all those ostinati with a 256-note sequencer is mind-boggling) , Atmospheric, abstract tone poems such as "I Remember Me" and "Night", and fun stuff like "Country and Eastern Music" and "Full Moon Boogie". "Topeka" sounds like it would have been a Mahavishnu tune if John McLaughlin had given it half a chance.

Some of these tunes were recorded previously, as mentioned earlier, and some were recorded later. "Earth (Still Our Only Home)" is much slower and funkier here, but is lacking the energy of the Jeff Beck/Jan Hammer Live version (not to mention Beck's guitar stylings). "Full Moon Boogie" is almost a disaster here compared to the live version from the aforementioned album - not only is the groove better on the live recording, the vocals here sound almost like a joke. "Steppings Tones" was better played by Mahavishnu Orchestra. Since it's such a tightly-structured piece, it really benefits from a full band texture (and McLaughlin's guitar and Cobham's drums don't hurt).

However, I much prefer this rendition of Goodman's "I Wonder" here - it serves as a perfect segue from the moving, beautiful melodic "Giving In Gently", and the arrangement has more of a "rock" edge to it, partly due to Hammer's simple (but not simplistic) driving drums. Goodman contributes a very competent guitar solo to this tune. The emotional impact of the piece really works in this context, and is a great way to end a great record.

All in all, this is a fun experimental record, with plenty of stuff that will be of interest not only to Mahavishnu Orchestra fans, but to all fans of great music.

This has finally been reissued on CD by Wounded Bird records...do yourself a favor and get it!

 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

BUY
Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Slartibartfast
Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / In Memoriam

4 stars I've read a few reviews bemoaning the breakup of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra line up. I think there is some consolation in the fact that the individual musicians went on to make some great music on their own. Like Children fine example. This is another one of Jan's great long lost albums. No disrespect to Jerry. He's an equal partner in this music. He seemed to have disappeared from the music scene after this one until he started making reasonably good new age music in the '80's. This album hasn't totally missing over the years. It did resurface in parts on the 1986 Jan Hammer compilation The Early Years.

I know there's a lot of early Maha fans who really need to check it out. If you've acquired the Lost Trident Sessions, you've already heard two songs here - Steppings Stones and I Wonder. The piano line on I Wonder reminds me a lot of Beethoven's Fur Elise. I think it's in the same key.

It's strictly a studio creation. Goodman and Hammer play all the instruments here. Hammer actually plays drums fairly decently. Goodman does some vocals. Also of note, Ken Scott provided engineering. He'd worked previously with the Orchestra and late with the Dixie Dregs.

As with Oh Yeah?, the vocal bits might put off hard core fans of the original MO, but this is really a must have item for your collection. I was fortunate to have found a used copy of the LP a few years back and have been enjoying this music for quite a while. Extra special thanks to Wounded Bird Records for releasing the CD and Mr. Hammer for remastering. No bonus tracks or remixing, unfortunately.

Posted Tuesday, November 21, 2006

 On The Future Of Aviation by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1985
3.82 | 12 ratings

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On The Future Of Aviation
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by greenback
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars This record is released on the Private Music label, a label dedicated to the dynamic New Age music in the second half of the 80's, like Yanni, Eddie Jobson and Tangerine Dream, among others. The Jerry Goodman's sensitive violin is very appropriate for the often melancholic & melodramatic moods involved. The style of the music consists in dynamic & rhythmic New age with progressive elements. The music is sometimes lively, sometimes sad & nostalgic, but it is neither dark nor obscure. Maybe the tracks are sometimes floating, but the ensemble is certainly not linear nor monotonous. There are very good intense and relaxing modern streams of keyboards. The keyboards may also be very percussive, producing charming textures. There are lots of percussions, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and obviously modern keyboards that can be very melodic and rhythmic. There are some beautiful, visceral and emotional electric guitar/violin solos, truly giving a hard rock style to many passages. The overall sound seems not too artificial, despite the many modern keyboards involved: on the contrary, it amazingly sounds acoustic and natural, a bit like Andreas Vollenweider without the harp. The easy drums and the catchy melodies make this music pretty accessible.
 Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children by GOODMAN, JERRY album cover Studio Album, 1974
3.99 | 26 ratings

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Jerry Goodman & Jan Hammer: Like Children
Jerry Goodman Jazz Rock/Fusion

Review by Artur Pokojski

4 stars After the split of the original Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1973 (personal conflicts), two of the members - violinist Jerry Goodman and keyboardist Jan Hammer decided to make some music together. "Like children" was the only effect of their work. Album is very comparable with "Mahavishnu Orchestra" convention, so we have: hard sound of electric guitar ("Country and Eastern Music"), dialogues between the musicians ("Topeka"), pastoral mood ("Remember me"), and typical for Mahavishnu dramatic compositions ("Stepping tones", "Night"). Album contains also new versions of two tracks: quoted "Stepping Tones", "I wonder", which were played by the Mahavishnu, a short before the split (you can listen to these ones on "The lost trident sessions" album). There are no guests on the album - pair record all the parts of instruments. Excellent position for Mahavishnu Orchestra fans.
Thanks to dick heath for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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