Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ JUBILATION!: TRIOS, QUARTETS, AND SEPTETS IN SESSION 1964-1984 TURTLE 501 (Barcode: 5013929580107) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1964 - 1984 Released: 2018 This is an archival release collecting live recordings made by various ensembles led by the seminal British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, one of the key figures of the revolutionary British Jazz movement of the 1960s, who died in 2011. The recordings present Beck in different settings, from solo piano to a septet, spanning two crucial decades in which Beck and the entire British Jazz scene metamorphosed from a copycat of American Jazz to a bold, adventurous and pioneering musical movement with its own values and aesthetics, leading the rest of Europe towards the same process of emancipation. On the recordings included in this release Beck is accompanied by the crème de la crème of the British Jazz heroes; bassists Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and Mick HuttonFind albums by this artist, drummers Johnny ButtsFind albums by this artist, Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist and Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. Of the twenty eight pieces performed, only three are standards and the rest are original compositions by Beck. The music moves in a multidimensional space-time continuum, between traditional American Jazz and modern European Jazz, between standards and original compositions and between solo piano and ensemble playing, but always beautifully focused on Beck´s superb feel of melody and rhythm and his exquisite perception of harmony. The trio recordings, which open the first of the three CDs included in this Box Set, present a transition, which presents the quantum jumps separated from each other by two years gaps (1964-1966-1968), by which Beck and the trio move from a Bill EvansFind albums by this artist inspired swing perfection to a much more open, almost free playing, emphasized mostly by the change of the drummer from Butts to Oxley, one of the most important Jazz drummers of all time. By the mid 1970s the trio will be brought to perfection with the inclusion of Mathewson, and rechristened to MOBFind albums by this artist (Mathewson / Oxley / Beck) which can be heard on the second CD. The septet recordings, which take the rest of the first CD, are rather atypical in Beck´s career, as he preferred small ensembles, show Beck´s arranging skills, which he was able to perfect as the resident composer / arranger for the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist´s all-star band, which included six of the seven members of the septet (John SurmanFind albums by this artist is the missing one). The latest (chronologically) recordings present a quintet session, which is led by the mature musician Beck has become in the meantime, are presented on the third CD. Beck´s solo material is presented on the second and third CDs. Overall the Box Set is full of magnificent music, diverse stylistically, but always perfectly executed, which presents a portrait of a great Artist. Considering that all these recordings are previously unreleased, this in an absolute treasure chest and a historic document of the outmost importance. All the recordings were beautifully remastered and offer a first class listening experience. The Box Set, which was released by the reanimated TurtleFind albums on this label Records, includes an extensive booklet written by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, which is intelligent, informative and well researched, a true model for what all releases of this kind should offer those who buy the product. Absolutely essential to all British / European Jazz connoisseurs!

Updated: 16/02/2019Posted: 15/02/2019

CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ HIP! THE UNTOLD STORY OF TUBBY HAYES` 1965 RHYTHM AND BLUES 080 (Barcode: 5060331752790) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2021 This is an archival 2CD album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. It presents three radio broadcasts, all previously unreleased, all captured in 1965, a year in which no studio recordings by Hayes were made and he did not head a regular ensemble of his own, as a result of his troubled personal life riddled by health and addiction problems. However, when it came to live performances, Hayes, as this album shows, was still the greatest saxophonist active on the British Isles at the time. CD1 presents a ten tracks broadcast by the Commonwealth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by Hayes and featuring some of the greatest British Jazz musicians, like trumpeters Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist and Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and others. Vocalist Joy MarshallFind albums by this artist appears on three tracks. The Big Band / Orchestra performs three originals by Hayes, including the fabulous “100% ProofFind albums with this title”, which will become the title track of his studio album two years later. Two more British originals are by trumpeter / composer of Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist, a regular Hayes’ collaborator. The rest of the material comprises of great arrangements of Jazz standards. CD2 presents two Hayes’ quartet broadcasts, with pianist Terry ShannonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummers Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist or Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist (who also plays on the Orchestra tracks). The last five tracks (second broadcast) offer a somewhat lower sound quality, but the quality of the music is certainly as admirable as the rest of the music on this album. The accompanying booklet offers an informative essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, who is the author of the Tubby Hays biography, which of course is worth reading. Overall, this is a superb piece of British Jazz history, and a splendid reminder of the great talent of one of its most impressive heroes, who sadly left us tragically way to prematurely. Hayes was undoubtedly one of the greatest European saxophonist, and his talent was recognized also on the other side of the pond, which happened rarely. His pioneering ability to combine the Jazz tradition with modernism and even early Avant-Garde Jazz approach, in addition to his superhuman performing skills, makes him a legendary figure, which should be remembered by all.

Updated: 17/01/2023Posted: 17/01/2023

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ LIVE AT THE FLAMINGO 1958 RHYTHM AND BLUES 092 (Barcode: 5060331753445) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1958 Released: 2023 This is an archival album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. It presents a previously unreleased live recording at the legendary Flamingo club in London, captured during the early days of Hayes’ career, before he achieved the top rank on the British scene. The music is performed by a formidable octet, with trumpeters Les CondonFind albums by this artist and Stuart HamerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist, Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Hayes, pianist Terry ShannonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill EydenFind albums by this artist – a band that in fact existed only once for that particular concert. Three additional musicians guest on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, seven of which are standards and two are originals, one by Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist and another by Hayes. The accompanying booklet offers an informative essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, who is the author of the Tubby Hays biography, which of course is worth reading. The music is of course still mostly in the American Bebop tradition, but clearly shows how the British musicians adopted that tradition and added a very specific “British touch” to it, already at that early stage. The individual performances are nothing short of brilliant and the octet arrangements are clever and sophisticated. The club atmosphere is a reminder why the Flamingo was a place to be in late 1950’s London, when one wanted to hear some great music (and for other less cultural reasons). The recording is mono, but offers quite reasonable sound quality, which enables everything to be heard properly, even if the drums are sometimes a tad too high in the mix, a small price to pay for the splendid music, which lost nothing of its vitality in the sixty-five years since it was recorded. Overall, this is a superb piece of British Jazz history, and a splendid reminder of the great talent of one of its most impressive heroes. Hayes was undoubtedly one of the greatest European saxophonist, and his talent was recognized also on the other side of the pond, which happened rarely. His pioneering ability to combine the Jazz tradition with modernism and even early Avant-Garde Jazz approach, in addition to his superhuman performing skills, makes him a legendary figure, which should be remembered by all, especially since he left us tragically way to prematurely.

Updated: 24/10/2023Posted: 19/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ NO BLUES: THE COMPLETE HOPBINE `65 JAZZ IN BRITAIN 53 (Barcode: 5060774190555) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Kenny PowellFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dick BrennanFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Tommy WhittleFind albums by this artist expands the lineup to a quintet on a couple of tracks. Two of the tracks are piano trio recordings. The music, which was recorded at the Hopbine club owned by Whittle, was taken from the Mathewson’s tape archive, which was left to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label upon his death in 2020. The 2CD album presents seven tracks, all of which are standards. The album includes an extensive twenty-four pages long booklet, written by Hayes’ biographer Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. The tape is a mono recording, but the sound quality is excellent and way better than the other version of this material, which was previously released by HarkitFind albums on this label Records in 2005, and the music can be heard loud and clear. One of the tracks, which lasts for almost twenty minutes, is released here for the first time and this is the first time this performance can he heard in its entirety. This album captures Hayes at the peak of the first part of his career, which was dedicated to becoming an “equal” to his American counterparts, as far as virtuosic improvisation and mastery of the Bebop idiom were concerned. He certainly achieved those goals and received full approval from the Americans, during his US stints during that period. But the drive to enter a more ambitious sphere, partly influenced by American Avant-Gardists like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, and partly by the British / European Jazz revolution bubbling in the undercurrents, were about to take Hayes into a completely new era, which lasted for the sadly short last period of his life. The album is also a wonderful document of the London Jazz scene in the mid-1960s, which exploded with activity. The first post WWII wave of Jazz musicians were at their peak and the young and hungry generation barking at their behinds, who were about to take over the scene by the end of the decade and revolutionize it, creating for the first time what would become the true British Jazz, unique, innovative and utterly brilliant. Overall, this is a most welcome addition to Tubby Hayes recorded legacy and British Jazz fans surely will appreciate the work and dedication of the people behind the Jazz In Britain label, who keep bringing us these wonderful releases and keep the history of British Jazz alive. Absolutely essential part of any serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 02/07/2023Posted: 02/07/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ THE COMPLETE HOPBINE `69 JAZZ IN BRITAIN 30 (Barcode: 5060774190319) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. The music, which was recorded live at the Hopbine club, was taken from the Mathewson tape archive. It presents eight tracks, three of which are Hayes’ originals and five are standards. The album includes an extensive twenty-eight pages long booklet, written by Hayes’ biographer Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. The tape is a mono recording, but the sound quality is excellent and way better than the other sources of this material, which were previously released on two other albums, and the music can be heard loud and clear. One of the tracks is released here for the first time and this is the first time this performance can he heard in its entirety. In many respects this recording marks a closing of a glorious career by one of the British Jazz greatest personalities, who would be dead just three and a half years after this music was recorded, ridden by ill health. It is also of course a wonderful glimpse at the birth of modern British Jazz, partly influenced by the Free Jazz explosion in American Jazz at the time, but still very much within modern mainstream, reshaped and domesticated into the unique British experience, which eventually emancipated British Jazz from the American bondage. These performances are obviously more spontaneous than those captured on the studio albums Hates recorded at the time and all showcase the great talents of the four musicians involved. Pyne, Mathewson (both sadly not with us any more) and Wells (hopefully destined to stay with us for many more years) show their talents here in full and Hayes’ fluency and artistry remain unparalleled. Interestingly, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist influence on Hayes’ playing is more distinctly heard here than on most other recordings he made. Overall, this is a most welcome addition to Tubby Hayes recorded legacy and British Jazz fans surely will appreciate the work and dedication of the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, who keep bringing us these wonderful releases and keep the history of British Jazz alive. Absolutely essential part of any serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 27/01/2022Posted: 27/01/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ GRITS, BEANS AND GREENS: THE LOST FONTANA STUDIO SESSION 1969 FONTANA 602577569647 (Barcode: 602577569647) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2019 This is an archival “lost” studio album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, three of which are original compositions by Hayes and two are standards. This is the single CD version of this album, which also exists as a 2CD album with eighteen tracks documenting the entire two-days recording sessions of this material. The album is accompanied by an extensive booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, Hayes’ biographer. Recorded just four years before his premature death, Hayes is in absolute top form both as a composer and a player, and the quartet is an ideal vehicle to showcase his talents. Although deeply rooted in the American Jazz tradition, this music sparkles with modernism and is an integral part of the process of creating the British Jazz sound, which at the time of the recording was a boiling magma of young talent, but managed also to pull in many of the veterans as well. The sessions, which produced this album, were originally destined to produce the follow up album to the 1967 iconic release “Mexican GreenFind albums with this title”, but for many different reasons sank into oblivion, only to be re-discovered fifty years later. In retrospect, they are the last quartet studio recordings, with the great musician’s fate sealed by his habits and ill health. The same quartet was recorded live on several occasions and the splendid “The Complete Hopbine `69Find albums with this title” released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label offers a great document of their masterful performances together. Overall, this is a splendid example of Hayes’ Genius at its best, accompanied by three superb representatives of the British Jazz scene, which is an essential piece of Hayes legacy, as well as a proof of the importance of archival Jazz material, which is great to have and to return to. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/06/2023Posted: 02/06/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DON RENDELL / IAN CARR QUINTET ~ WARM UP JAZZ IN BRITAIN 44 (Barcode: 5060774190487) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2022 This is an archival 2CD live album by the fabled British Jazz quintet co-led by saxophonist / composer Don RendellFind albums by this artist and trumpeter / composer Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, which also included pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and recently departed drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, to whom this album is dedicated. Part of the music contained here was previously released on the HarkitFind albums on this label label in 2003, but the entire concert at the Highwayman is now presented in full and sonically restored, accompanied by a 20-pages booklet with photos and an essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve tracks, four of which are original compositions by Garrick – the most prolific composer of the quintet, one by Rendell and one by the great Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, with the rest being Jazz standards. I have already written extensively about this magnificent quintet, so there is no need to repeat the obvious – they were the quintessential outfit at the time and champions of the process of establishing the new voice of the British Jazz after years of copying and admiring the American Jazz tradition, finally being able, together with several other contemporaries, to emancipate the music and create an autonomous, recognizable, aesthetically independent way of thinking and composing and most importantly improvising. Of course, all five members of the quintet were great performers, which means that the music kicks ass for the entire duration, but it deserves several listening sessions in order to recognize all the crucial moments of genius, where they offer innovation rather than just going through the motions. It is great to have the entire concert available, and to fill one more gap in the complex puzzle this quintet managed to create during its relatively short existence. Overall, this is another triumphant release by the Jazz In Britain label, which is a total labor of love and commitment. I look with great satisfaction at the growing stack of the label’s releases, which is the main source of archival material, producing an ongoing story of British Jazz. This album is a great addition to this growing legacy, and from what the people behind the scenes share with us, this is just a tiny portion of the material that comes their way. We can only hope the creative juices will keep flowing and the CDs coming – hats off to you people. And the album – well, it is a no brainer whatsoever – just grab a copy – satisfaction guaranteed!

Updated: 29/01/2023Posted: 28/01/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

SPLINTERS ~ INCLUSIVITY JAZZ IN BRITAIN 26 (Barcode: 5060774190258) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2021 This is an archival 3CD album by British Jazz supergroup SplintersFind albums by this artist, which presents two live recordings, both from 1972, the first at the legendary London 100 Club (on CD 1 and 2) and the second from the opening night at the (then) newly opened Grass Roots club (on CD 3). The music was captured on cassettes and was carefully restored to today’s standard as far as possible. The 100 Club material was previously released in part by the Reel RecordingsFind albums on this label label in 2009 as “Split The DifferenceFind albums with this title”, and is here presented in its full form and the Grass Roots material is previously unreleased. The album is released in a lavish LP sized book format, and includes beautiful photographs by Jack KirbyFind albums by this artist and extensive essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist – an obvious work of love and dedication, which is the modus operandi of the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label. The Splinters collective is truly unique in every sense, but the most striking trait of this ensemble is the meeting of generations, united by the inner urge to express their musical ideas as expressively and unrestrictedly as humanly possible. Three of the protagonists of this session, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist (b. 1926), who appears on CD 1 and 3 only, drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist (b. 1926) and saxophonist Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (b. 1935) were already British Jazz legends at the time of this recording, with years of experience and established careers to their credit. All were immensely influential on the then growing up generation of the British New Wave of rebellious young players, who wished to emancipate the music they played from the restrictions of strict Jazz forms, patterns and rhythmical uniformity established since the genre´s conception and developed during its first half century in the USA. Tracey, Seamen and Hayes were the necessary missing link between the Jazz tradition and the gradual but revolutionary development that occurred in British Jazz from the mid-1960s on. Surprisingly, Tracey and Seamen, both older than Hayes, proved to be the more adventurous, shunning from nothing and keeping their sensitivity completely up to date. Tracey fully embraced Free Jazz and Improvised Music and Seamen was active not only in the Jazz area, but also took part in early Jazz-Rock, Rock and even early World-Jazz activities, mainly through his faithful pupil and protégé Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist. Hayes remained somewhat more "conventional", expanding his Bebop approach with some freedom, but remaining firmly within the established parameters. Perhaps the future might have proved differently, but Hayes died prematurely just a year after this music was recorded. The rest of the "crew" captured here: saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist (b. 1939), who taped this music and was the initiator behind Splinters, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (b. 1930), bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist (b. 1937) and drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist (b. 1940), were the (not necessarily chronologically, but definitely spiritually) young Lions spearheading British Jazz into a new direction. The idea behind this session was to provide an open and most importantly completely free of any pre-conceptions environment for the musicians to express their ideas. Overall, as with much contemporary Jazz at the time, the idea of free flow and mutual respectful listening is the core of creation here. The music consists of long improvised pieces, with no strict melody lines, but full of very "melodic" playing, which makes perfect sense musically. This is group improvisation at its best, full of musical interplay and mutual inspiration respectful of each other´s "moment" and bearing at each particular instant. In many respects this is a classic "textbook" recording, which could be used as a perfect demonstration of what group improvisation really is. As someone must have said sometime: "you can´t plan lovemaking", this music, although unplanned, is a pure work of love. Beyond essential!

Updated: 07/12/2021Posted: 07/12/2021

CD 3 Digibook Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SPONTANEOUS MUSIC ENSEMBLE ~ QUESTION AND ANSWER RHYTHM AND BLUES 068 (Barcode: 5060331752431) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1966 Released: 2021 This is an archival release, which presents early recordings by the pioneering British Free Jazz / Improvised Music outfit, called Spontaneous Music EnsembleFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. SMEFind albums by this artist), fronted by drummer / composer John StevensFind albums by this artist, which also includes saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and Australian bassist Bruce CaleFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks recorded live at a pub, as well as an Q&A session with the musicians, and additionally four trio tracks (less Rutherford), recorded a couple of months later at an unknown studio. The sound quality is a bit rough around the edges, but surely good enough to express the atmosphere and the magic of the music. The album’s booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, gives a wide historic perspective of the circumstances surrounding the music. Soon after Stevens formed the SME with Watts and Rutherford, the group begun a residency at the Little Theatre Club, and soon after recorded their debut album. The recordings on this album originate from just few months later on and are some of the earliest SME musical documents. Over the years the entire British (as well as many European improvisers) Avant-Garde Jazz scene took part in SME activities, making it one of the most formidable British / European foci of the genre. A plethora of SME lineup existed up to the untimely death of Stevens in 1994. Britain was definitely somewhat behind the burgeoning American Avant-Garde Jazz scene, which started in the late 1950s, and therefore what was considered as Free Improvisation in UK was much gentler and less radical than what was happening across the pond. The music played here still offers some basic themes, which are then improvised on, and the music more often than not still swings, at least to those listeners who can recognize that swing in Stevens’ drumming. Watts, improvising bravely and with unlimited expressionism, is only of the verge of becoming the Master Improviser he would become a few years later. Rutherford manages to raise some brows, being perhaps the most virtuosic performer at that point of time. Overall this is certainly a very important document as far as the British / European Avant-Garde history is concerned, and the fact that this music suddenly pops up five and half decades later is a major discographical event. Surely this will be of interest to many British Jazz fans around the globe and make many of them grateful for being able to enjoy it.

Updated: 19/06/2021Posted: 18/06/2021

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

TREVOR TOMKINS / SEXTANT ~ FOR FUTURE REFERENCE JAZZ IN BRITAIN 37 (Barcode: 5060774190395) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by British Jazz drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist and his sextet called SextantFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, pianist John HorlerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist and bassist Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist replaces Hastings on one of the recording sessions. The 2CD album, recorded in four different sessions between 1980 and 1983, presents fifteen tracks, six of which were composed by Lee, three by Horler, two are standards, three are by British Jazz composers: Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and finally one is by American composer Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist. The album offers splendid sound quality, which is close to studio recording excellence, and includes an extensive essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. Although Tomkins was almost omnipresent on the British Jazz scene since the early 1960, and appears on dozens of seminal albums recorded over the decades, he never released an album as a leader and only one little know album as co-leader – an amazing fact, which is difficult to believe but true nevertheless. Following his death just a few months ago, the wonderful Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label rushed to release this, his first album as a leader, to commemorate his invaluable input into making British Jazz what it is. The music is, as expected, absolutely brilliant, all within the modern British Jazz mainstream, featuring mostly original compositions by the sextet members, which are highly melodic and beautifully structured. The members of the sextet, especially Hastings and Lee, had close ties with British Jazz-Rock Fusion and Progressive Rock / Canterbury Scene in the 1970s, being members of CaravanFind albums by this artist / Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist / National HealthFind albums by this artist / Soft MachineFind albums by this artist / GilgameshFind albums by this artist (which also included Tomkins), but the music on this album has no relation to these excursions, being much closer to the work Tomkins experienced with the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist or Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist ensembles in the 1960s and early 1970s. Both the teamwork and the individual performances by the sextet members are absolutely phenomenal, showing great comradeship and mutual respect between the musicians. Horler plays some brilliant piano lines and is the quintessential catalyst, always there with his harmonic support behind the soloists. Lee plays amazing guitar soli and proves again that he deserves way more respect for his unique style and consistency. Hastings / Smith offer the Jazzy core with their solid presentations of the themes and inspired soloing. Pyne is a trombone virtuoso and his solos are all absolute gems. Bridge, a superb bassist, who sadly passed away prematurely in 2001, keeps the music swinging steadily, working hand in hand with the leader, who is more reliable than a Swiss clock and never ceases to amaze with his inventiveness. Overall, this is another great addition to the string of releases produced by the Jazz In Britain aficionados, which makes our lives not only more interesting, but also bearable, all things considered. This music is so good it would have been a crime to leave it forgotten, so now when it is available, don’t hesitate even for a split second… This is an absolutely essential piece of British Jazz legacy!

Updated: 12/03/2023Posted: 12/03/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend