Mamouna (2023 Reissue)

ブライアン・フェリー9枚目のソロ・アルバム『マモウナ』が1994年以来初のデラックスエディション再発！ブライアン・フェリーにとって、オリジナル・レコーディングをフィーチャーした7年ぶりのスタジオ・アルバムであり、「ホロスコープ」という仮タイトルの下で6年間アルバム制作に取り組んできた作品。そのこれまで未発表だった別の録音が、「ホロスコープ」アルバムとしてこのデラックス再発盤に初めて収録。2LP重量盤はロンドンのアビーロードスタジオでマスターエンジニアのマイルズ・ショーウェルによってハーフスピードカッティング。再発盤のアートワークのディレクションは、ブライアン・フェリー自身が監修。このアルバムには、ナイル・ロジャース、ガイ・プラット、スティーヴ・フェローネなどの豪華なサポート・ミュージシャンが参加しているほか、ロキシー・ミュージックのバンド仲間であるフィル・マンザネラ、アンディ・マッケイ、ブライアン・イーノも参加。全英オフィシャル・アルバム・チャートで最高11位を記録し、シングル「ドント・ウォント・トゥ・ノウ」、「ユア・ペインテッド・スマイル」、タイトル・トラック「マモウナ」が収録されている。

BRYAN FERRY / MAMOUNA (Deluxe Double LP) / Bryan Ferry's ninth solo studio album 'Mamouna' is being reissued for the first time since 1994 and is being released on two deluxe formats. It was Bryan Ferry's first studio album in seven years to feature original recordings, having worked on the album for six years under the working title of 'Horoscope'. The previously unreleased alternate recordings to the final 'Mamouna' versions are collected for the first time on these deluxe reissues as the 'Horoscope' album. The 2LP audiophile heavyweight vinyl was half-speed cut at Abbey Road Studios, London, by master engineer Miles Showell. The 3CD version also includes the 'Horoscope' album, with an additional disc of previously unreleased demos or "Sketches" from both the 'Mamouna' and 'Horoscope' albums. The artwork direction for the updated reissue was overseen by Bryan Ferry himself. The album features a stellar cast of supporting musicians including Nile Rodgers, Guy Pratt and Steve Ferrone, as well as contributions from his Roxy Music bandmates Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay and Brian Eno. The album peaked at Number 11 on the UK Official Album Chart and includes the singles 'Don't Want To Know', 'Your Painted Smile' and title track 'Mamouna'

Sufficiently recharged via Taxi, Ferry got down to business and the following year released Mamouna, notable among other things for being his first recordings with the help of Brian Eno since the latter split from Roxy Music back in 1973. Rather than playing the wild card as he so often did, though, Eno concentrates on (to use his own descriptions in the credits) "swoop treatment" and "sonic awareness." Slightly more to the fore are Ferry's usual range of excellent musicians and pros. Steve Ferrone once again handles drums as he did on Taxi, while Richard Norris also reappears on loops and programming; other familiar faces include Nile Rodgers, Robin Trower (the album's co-producer), and Carleen Anderson. One of the most intriguing guest appearances comes at the very start -- "Don't Want to Know" has no less than five guitarists, including none other than Roxy's own Phil Manzanera. Whereas his '80s work seemed to fit the times just so, with his own general spin on things providing true individuality as a result, on Mamouna Ferry seems slightly stuck in place. Compared to the variety of Bete Noire, Mamouna almost seems a revamp of Boys and Girls. Combine that with some of Ferry's least compelling songs in a while, and Mamouna is something of a middling affair, almost too tasteful for its own good (and considering who this is, that's saying something). There are some songs of note -- "The 39 Steps" has a slightly menacing vibe to it, appropriate given the cinematic reference of the title, while the Ferry/Eno collaboration "Wildcat Days" displays some of Eno's old synth-melting flash. Overall, though, Mamouna is pleasant without being involving. ~ Ned Raggett