Record Reviews

NEIL ARDLEY ~ A SYMPHONY OF AMARANTHS DUSK FIRE 107 (Barcode: 5065001032189) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2012 This is the criminally overdue reissue of the second album by British Jazz composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, which also was the second part of his great trilogy, which started with "The Greek VariationsFind albums with this title" and was followed later by "Kaleidoscope Of RainbowsFind albums with this title". It is one of the great gems of the revolutionary British Jazz, which developed in the Golden Decade (1965-1975) and changed to face of music as we know it. Influenced by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Ardley was the creator of the innovative Big Band / Orchestral sound, which was one of the magic ingredients of the new British Jazz at the time. Although based on the compositional ideas of Ellington and Evans, Ardley managed to push them way forward into an amalgam with contemporary European Classical music, early atmospheric / ambient music and other elements, creating unique orchestral soundscapes. As the musical director, resident arranger and conductor of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist), Ardley had at his disposal the crème de la crème of the British Jazz players, and quite naturally he used them to record his own projects as well. The list of the protagonists behind this recording is of truly epic proportions and includes such luminaries as trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, trombonist Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Don RendellFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and Dave GellyFind albums by this artist (who also wrote the informative liner notes for this reissue), pianists Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The only one of its kind Ivor CutlerFind albums by this artist recites a famous nonsense poem and the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist sings Ardley´s music accompanying three classic poems, his first adventure with vocal music. Overall the album presents a wondrous splendor of musical ideas, marvelously executed by the musicians involved, creating together one of the most beautiful examples of creativity and intelligence, which were the chief ingredients of the music created by Ardley time and again. As an album, this is one of the very few examples of musical perfection, which set the standards for all the others. It is in every respect as perfect today as it was at the time of its recording. A curious point about this album is the fact that this was the first ever recording to be funded by a grant from the Art Council, which supported a plentitude of great musical projects in the years to come. The album was produced by the legendary Denis Preston, who was in charge of recording a myriad of brilliant early British Jazz albums and without whom the this great music might have never been captured for posterity. The reissue is brilliantly remastered and sounds absolutely spectacular. This is an unconditional, absolute essential piece of music!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

NEIL ARDLEY ~ KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAINBOWS DUSK FIRE 101 (Barcode: 5060051330889) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2005 Composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist left a remarkable mark on modern British Jazz in the 1960s and 1970s. As the musical director of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist), Ardley was responsible for creation of the innovative Big Band / Orchestra sound, one of the great ingredients of modern British Jazz. Influenced by Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, another pioneering figure of Jazz orchestration, Ardley took the matters further, adopting rock elements into his scores and creating unique Jazz-Rock Orchestral music. His skills as a composer of large-scale suite-like scores were best documented by a series of recordings of his works. This album was a third in a series of such works and a final part of an orchestral trilogy, which started with "The Greek VariationsFind albums with this title" and continued with "A Symphony Of AmaranthsFind albums with this title". As usual in his case, the music is a multi-part orchestral suite, performed by a Jazz ensemble with plenty of space for extended improvisations by soloist. Having at his disposal the burgeoning British Jazz community of musicians, Ardley selected the excellent Ian CarrFind albums by this artist’s NucleusFind albums by this artist as the core of this ensemble, expanding it with additional musicians he was used to work with. The list of players is most impressive and includes among others: Ian Carr on trumpet, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist on clarinet, Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist and Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist on piano, Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist on bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist on drums and vibraphone. The music moves between atmospheric soundscapes and highly rhythmic Jazz-Rock pieces, with excellent solos in each of the suite’s seven parts. In retrospect the music lost none of its original charm and beauty, and sadly one must admit: “they don’t make music like that any more”. Ardley was to produce one more orchestral masterpiece, called "Harmony Of The SpheresFind albums with this title", by the end of the 1970s, before the changing musical and economic climate eradicated ambitious / artistic music almost completely. He became a very successful writer and best-selling author before he died in 2004. I hope all of his splendid musical works will be properly reissued, including previously unreleased stuff left in his estate. As for this album, just grab a copy and take the A(rdley) train into musical lands of rare beauty – an experience you’ll never forget.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

NEIL ARDLEY / NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ ON THE RADIO: BBC SESSIONS 1971 DUSK FIRE 115 (Barcode: 5065001032516) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 Released: 2016 This is a wonderful archival album from the seemingly bottomless vault of the BBC recordings, which presents two sessions led by British composer / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The first session (six tracks) presents the full glory of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) led and conducted by Ardley and the second session (one track) presents a suite-like composition performed by a small Jazz ensemble, which also includes a string section and electronics. The lineup of the New Jazz Orchestra includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz players at the time: trumpeters Nigel CarterFind albums by this artist, Bud ParkesFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonists Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, Robin GardnerFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, tuba player Dick HartFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and percussionist / vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist. The small ensemble includes several NJO members and also features bassist Barry GuyFind albums by this artist and the man in charge of the electronic sounds Keith WinterFind albums by this artist. For listeners familiar with the NJO recordings the music presented here will not be unanticipated, as it follows the pattern presented on their studio recordings, which is based on intricate and lavish orchestral arrangements and excellent solos by the orchestra members. The live sound and the raw power of the twenty piece orchestra are of course irresistible and illustrate the supremacy of orchestral music over small ensembles as far as the scale of possibilities is concerned. The orchestra performs two compositions by the lamented pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, who was already deceased when this music was recorded. Another pleasant surprise is the inclusion of a composition by the legendary Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, who played in the earlier lineup of the orchestra. The presentation of the tunes by the no less legendary Humphrey LytteltonFind albums by this artist is the proverbial cherry on the top. The suite-like piece marks the beginning for Ardley´s interest in electronic music, which started when he met Keith Winter a year before this music was recorded. His future recording will feature synthesizers of course but this early, both technologically and conceptually, meeting between electronic and acoustic sounds is truly fascinating and innovative, especially since it also features a string section. Overall this album is an invaluable historical document of the time and of the British Jazz history, and well deserved thanks go to Peter MuirFind albums by this artist, the man behind the Dusk FireFind albums on this label / Market SquareFind albums on this label labels and to Dave Gelly for the informative liner notes and his first hand experiences. This is an absolute must to all British Jazz connoisseurs, and in fact to all Jazz lovers around the world, especially the young musicians, who should be aware of how much can be learned from music made in the past. Not to be missed!

Updated: 23/05/2018Posted: 31/05/2017

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

COLOSSEUM ~ TRANSMISSIONS: LIVE AT THE BBC REPERTOIRE 1346 (Barcode: 4009910134627) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1969 - 1971 Released: 2020 This is a sensational archival Box Set, which collects the BBC recordings by the first incarnation of the seminal British Jazz-Rock Fusion / Progressive Rock group ColosseumFind albums by this artist. The 6CD Box Set covers the BBC recordings captured between 1969 and 1971. Colosseum was formed in 1968 from the ashes of the Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist by drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist (both members of GBO). The first lineup included also keyboardist Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist James LitherlandFind albums by this artist and bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist. Litherland was replaced by Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist and Reeves was replaced briefly by Louis CennamoFind albums by this artist and later by Mark ClarkeFind albums by this artist and Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist was added as lead vocalist, turning Colosseum into a sextet. Hiseman’s wife, saxophonist / flautist Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist and the entire New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist) guest on selected tracks. The sound quality is fabulous, as usual with BBC recordings, and the remastering, packaging and enclosed highly informative booklet are top notch Colosseum were one of the most imaginative and intelligent early Fusion / Prog bands ever and managed to create a highly unique sound and musical aesthetics. A perfectly balanced amalgam of Jazz, Rock and Blues, which they created, remains largely unmatched to this very day. Their success can be mostly credited to the perfect blend of their musical personalities and immense collection of diverse talents, as well as the leadership of Hiseman, who was one of the most important British musicians of his generation. I was lucky to know Jon and watching him and the band perform was always a revelation. This Box Set covers the material included on the band’s first three (or four, depending on how detailed one wants to dig) studio albums and complements perfectly their only live album, which is undoubtedly one of the best live albums ever recorded. In many respects the music included here shows more of the Jazzy aspects of Colosseum than the live album, which is more Blues-Rock oriented. These versions of the tunes are often dramatically different from the versions appearing on the studio album and feature extensive soloing and improvisations. These six CDs offer an incredible wealth of music, hair-raising instrumental performances and a sublime glimpse at the period when music was at its absolute creative peak. There are but a few groups that managed to achieve the same level of intensity and inventiveness ever since. For Colosseum fans this Box Set is absolutely essential of course, but the interest goes way beyond just that. British Jazz and Fusion enthusiasts will be also thrilled; as should any music loving person on this planet be as well. This music is beyond recommendation, a true Holy Grail!

Updated: 27/05/2021Posted: 26/05/2021

CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ CAMDEN `70 DUSK FIRE 105 (Barcode: 5065001032042) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1970 Released: 2008 The New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) led by composer / arranger Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist was Britain’s most prestigious and adventurous big band in the 1960s. Under Ardley’s visionary leadership the band developed the foundations for the modern European Jazz big band sound. Although incorporating the classic American big band tradition of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and the more modern approach of Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, Ardley managed to steer his band into uncharted territory, using his unique approach to instrumentation and bold arrangements. At the time this album was recorded live at London’s Camden Jazz Festival in May of 1970, Ardley was already moving rapidly towards the exploding Jazz-Rock Fusion genre, creating one of the first, and magnificent at that, examples of Jazz-Rock Fusion big band. Compared to American bands at the time, like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist or ChicagoFind albums by this artist, Ardley’s approach is definitely much more refined and orchestral and uses a wider arsenal of the Jazz vocabulary, being therefore much more sophisticated. Having at his disposal some of the best British Jazz musicians (and then also Jazz-Rock Fusion musicians) he was able to turn the NJO into a “mean” and powerful Jazz-Rock Fusion ensemble, which truly fuses Jazz and Rock to the max. This of course brings us the players and more specifically to the fact that this version of NJO incorporates in its midst the entire lineup of one of the greatest British Jazz-Rock groups, ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist (guitar), Dave GreensladeFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist (bass) and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist (drums) all play here, and even a couple of tracks the band recorded on their albums are present, in a big band arrangement of course. With the members of Colosseum as a core of the band and with other notable players like Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Dave GellyFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist (saxophone) and even an ultra-rare appearance of Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist on trombone, this is truly a superb group, able to face any challenge Ardley’s arrangements may present them with. BTW the presence of the Colosseum members is not incidental, as both Reeves and Hiseman were NJO’s founding members and Heckstall-Smith appeared on the NJO’s second album entitled “Le Dejeuner Sur L`HerbeFind albums with this title”. Seven of the tracks present on that album are also included here, which turns this recording into an updated live version of that timeless classic. The original recording tape of this concert had quite a few technical problems, but was painstakingly and beautifully restored to life with an exceptional sound quality considering the circumstances under which it was recorded. One should be truly grateful to the producer of this immensely important historical material for making it available to us, the fans of NJO, Colosseum and British Jazz in general. This is indispensable legacy of the period and a must to any follower of British Jazz music.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ LE DEJEUNER SUR L`HERBE DUSK FIRE 110 (Barcode: 5065001032981) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2014 This is the second and also the last formal album by the seminal British Jazz Orchestra called New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist or NJOFind albums by this artist for short. Directed by the legendary composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist the NJO was probably the most important singular British Jazz ensemble, which shaped the way British and European Jazz developed in the late 1960s. Despite the fact that the number of people, who are familiar with this epic recording, will hardly fill up an average British pub, it is still one of the best and more importantly revolutionary Jazz albums of all times, certainly as far as British Jazz is concerned. The fact that the album, which was released on LP in 1969 and almost immediately after disappeared from the shelves, had to wait for 45 years for its debut CD reissue confirms its anonymity and obscurity. And yet for the handful of British Jazz enthusiasts it always was the magnum opus of the British Jazz resurgence, when the music emerged for the first time as a truly new Art form, related to but fully independent from the American Jazz tradition. Why "new"? The origin of the name is not entirely clear but NJO was new indeed; it included a new generation of British Jazz musicians, which arrived on the scene mostly in the 1960s and had very little in common with the older "swing" generation, which completely dominated the British scene up to that period, and which was entirely immersed in the American tradition, strengthened by the presence of American bands in Britain during the WWII period. Several Jazz Big Bands and orchestras were active on the British scene since the 1920s and well into the 1960s, some quite excellent and even extraordinary, but those limited the artistic scope to imitating the trends originating across the big pond. The list of British composers / bandleaders includes Ted HeathFind albums by this artist, Syd LawrenceFind albums by this artist, John DankworthFind albums by this artist and numerous others. By the time this album was recorded the NJO was about five years old. In 1965 it recorded its debut album called "Western Reunion London 1965Find albums with this title", which beautifully sums up the first phase of its activity, when the orchestra performed mostly new arrangements of American standards, but the overall sound of the band was already quite unique and stunning. This album was recorded by the second incarnation of the NJO, which included Jack BruceFind albums by this artist on bass (who was already a member of CreamFind albums by this artist at the time), with the regular bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist taking the position of the album´s producer. The rest of the band included: trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Harry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonists John MumfordFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist and Tony RussellFind albums by this artist, tuba player George SmithFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, Dave GellyFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight compositions, five of which are originals composed by NJO members or other British Jazz musicians / composers of the new generation; those are Neil Ardley, Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist and Michael Gibbs. Two modern American Jazz standards, one by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist and another one by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist are also present, but their arrangements are stunningly removed from the original versions known to most Jazz listeners. The remaining composition is by the French composer of Polish / Jewish origin Alexandre TansmanFind albums by this artist, whose composition receives another highly unusual treatment. The album emerges triumphantly as a masterpiece of composition, arrangement, performance and intelligent music making, all those on top of its being a first of its kind and a beacon for generations to come. Many other superb Big Band / Orchestral British Jazz recordings will follow (Michael Gibbs, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and others), but as great as they were, none of them achieved the same primordial perfection, which marked the birth of British Jazz as documented herein. If anybody wanders about the album´s title (and the title of the opening track) and its humorous sleeve design, Google it up, oh ye ignoramuses, or preferably visit the Musée d´Orsay in Paris and look for the original ;) With the recent parting of Jack Bruce, whom I was honored and lucky to know in person, the reissue of this album is a small solace in his memory and in memory of a generation almost gone…

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ WESTERN REUNION LONDON 1965 VOCALION 8427 (Barcode: 765387842727) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2006 The New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist) was a big band directed by bandleader / arranger / composer Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist and consisted of the best up-coming Jazz players on the British scene at the time: Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist – trombone, Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist – sax, Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist – sax, Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist – bass, Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist – drums and many more. Ardley ran the orchestra with an “iron fist” and in time turned it into a perfectly well oiled ensemble, which was able to perform even the trickiest arrangements with a breeze. His outstanding arrangements of classic Jazz pieces are all masterpieces of rare beauty and sophistication and he manages to get out of the band so much more that an average US big band playing similar material. Of course the soloist, who are all quite outstanding, add another dimension to the overall sound, which is truly heavenly. This is the first album by NJO and includes mostly standards by American (Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, John LewisFind albums by this artist) and British composers, but one of Ardley’s compositions is also included. Ardley, who was an admirer of Gil EvansFind albums by this artist, developed a distinctive orchestral (rather than traditional big band) sound with NJO, using the various sections of the band to complement each other’s sound and tonality. The overall effect is absolutely stunning and this is one of my all time favorite big band albums. This is essential listening to all big band fans and recommended to all Jazz listeners out there. A true gem!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

NEW JAZZ ORCHESTRA / NEIL ARDLEY GROUP ~ BBC SESSIONS 1968-1970 RHYTHM AND BLUES 101 (Barcode: 5060331753834) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1968 - 1970 Released: 2024 This is an archival album, which presents recordings by two Orchestral Jazz ensembles, both led by the brilliant pianist / composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The album presents fourteen tracks, six by the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. NJOFind albums by this artist), recorded in 1968 and eight by the Neil Ardley GroupFind albums by this artist, recorded in 1970. Five of the NJO tracks appear in a studio version on their 2nd studio album “Le Dejeuner Sur L`herbeFind albums with this title”. The first seven of the Neil Ardley Group tracks, which were composed by pianist / composer Mike TaylorFind albums by this artist and are a song cycle / Jazz & Poetry suite, were sadly never recorded in the studio and released on an album. Taylor tragically died just a few months before this music was recorded. The lineup of these two ensembles reads like a Who’s Who of the British Jazz at the end of the 1960s, some still very young at the time, but already experienced musicians, who were going to shape the British Jazz scene in the decades to come. The NJO lineup includes Ardley as the leader / conductor, trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Dave GellyFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist, Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, Robin GardnerFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, tuba player George SmithFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, bassist Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist. The Neil Ardley Group lineup includes Ardley on piano, vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, Carr, Gelly, Thompson, Ricotti, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike TravisFind albums by this artist. I rest my case… The music, as expected, is absolutely sensational and reflects the vibrancy and ingenuity of the British Jazz scene at this pivotal period, when the modern British Jazz idiom was molded for decades to come. The specific idiosyncrasies and “Britishness” of the new epoch is simply encapsulated in every note played here. It is also a superb display of the individual talents of these magnificent musicians, those who are still with us and sadly those who departed, like Thompson and Hiseman, who met as members of the NJO and created one of the British Jazz “power couples” or Ardley and Carr, whose giant talents are deeply missed. Overall, this is an absolute must have album for every British Jazz collector, especially in view of the fact that some of the music captured herein is not available anywhere else. For the cognoscenti, the album offers endless hints and interconnections, like a sensational version of the song “Jumping Off The Sun”, which became an anthem for the legendary ColosseumFind albums by this artist, which was founded by Hiseman and Heckstall-Smith, and included Reeves and Thompson, and so on…

Updated: 22/09/2024Posted: 21/09/2024

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BARBARA THOMPSON ~ LIVE AT THE BBC REPERTOIRE 1376 (Barcode: 4009910137628) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1990 Released: 2020 This is a monumental 14CD Box Set by British saxophonist / flautist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, the mightiest female heroine of the British Jazz scene in the last six decades. The Box Set collects 27 radio broadcasts recorded between February 1969 and June 1990, an incredible document not only of Thompson’s incredible career, but basically of the entire two decades of the most intense British Jazz history. Painstakingly collected, organized and remastered / restored, the music is an orgy of some of the most intense music played on the British Isles at the time. The music is performed by the absolute Who’s Who of the British Jazz scene at the time, starting with Barbara’s husband Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist, who stood by her side since they married in 1967 for many years until his tragically premature death in 2018. But reading the credits of the participating musicians is like reading an encyclopedia of British Jazz. Thomson appears here as a member of the New Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist (NJOFind albums by this artist) and groups led by other musicians, but principally as leader of her own ensembles, including JubiabaFind albums by this artist and ParaphernaliaFind albums by this artist. Many compositions appearing here were her own and many of them are previously unreleased. Of course it is rather futile to describe such vast amount of music, all of which is obviously brilliant, so rather than doing so I can only recommend to every British Jazz fan to get a copy of this Box Set as long as it is available. It includes hours upon hours of superb musicianship and infinite creativity, that must not be forgotten. This is also a splendid opportunity to thank the BBC for supporting British Jazz (and British music in general) for so many years, recording the music and broadcasting it consistently and on the way collecting a bottomless vault of musical treasures, which see the light of day often only decades later. A huge portion of British Jazz recordings exist solely due to all this activity. Overall, this is an absolute treasure chest of music, which deserves to be heard by future generations. It is also a beautiful example of dedication and painstaking work by many people, who contributed to create this release, and of course all deserve our thanks for making it happen.

Updated: 19/12/2021Posted: 18/12/2021

CD 14 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend