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  | KEITH TIPPETT ~ AT THE BBC 1969-70
RHYTHM AND BLUES 105 (Barcode: 5060331754428) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2026
This is an archival album by the British pianist / composer / bandleader Keith TippettFind albums by this artist, which presents three BBC broadcasts, aired between mid-1969 and late-1970, featuring three versions of the early sextet fronted by Tippett, which included the core quartet with Tippett, cornetist Mark CharigFind albums by this artist, trombonist Nick EvansFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Elton DeanFind albums by this artist, and a changing rhythm, section including bassists Gill LyonsFind albums by this artist, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist or Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist and drummers Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist or Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist, or in other words the core of the British Jazz scene at the time. The album presents ten tracks, all composed by Tippett. The sound quality is slightly iffy at times, but considering the importance of this material, this can be easily forgiven.
Recorded during a span of just over a year and a half, the album beautifully portrays the fast development of Tippett as a composer, with the music constantly changing and becoming more complex. During this frantic period Tippett recorded his first two albums, and considering he was still in his early twenties, his skills and vision as a composer and pianist are truly epic. Some of the music appearing here, like the three-part “Portishead Suite” and the “Hail Conquering Hero” piece were never recorded for any of Tippett’s albums and as such is especially fascinating.
The level of complexity and scope of this music is truly astounding, and foretells the development of Tippett’s musical imagination, tending towards his monumental orchestral works, like the CentipedeFind albums by this artist project, which were to follow soon after these recordings were made.
Overall, this is an immensely important piece of the puzzle covering the recorded legacy of one of British Jazz most creative fore thinker. Thanks to the Rhythm And BluesFind albums on this label label for releasing this album, with seventy-seven minutes of pure musical gold and filling a gap in Tippet’s discography. For British Jazz collectors, this is nothing short of a Holy Grail.
| | Updated: 31/07/2026Posted: 31/07/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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