One can only wish Gary Marks had kept his face shut during the recording of his self-produced first album in 1973.

Folk jazz is dangerous territory, as Marks proves: his vocals, while lyrically sound, meander pointlessly over the compositions like a wet towel. He sounds like a drug induced Nick Drake - which is a shame, because musically Gathering is a masterpiece. As such, the instrumentals stand out as the best tracks here. Some fine guitar work features from none other than John Schofield, while pianist Michael Cochrane and vibraphonist David Samuels each hold their own. If only Marks had found a decent jazz singer to do the vocals. Muppet.

I sure-as-shite wouldn't fork out the $400-$500 that the original copies of this go for on eBay, but your folk-jazz, prog-rock appreciating dad might. (Nick Radford)