Record Reviews

LOOSE TUBES ~ DANCING ON FRITH STREET LOST MARBLE 005 (Barcode: 873371000524) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 2010 This is the 5th album by the British Jazz Big Band / Orchestra Loose TubesFind albums by this artist, a huge ensemble, with twenty-three musicians playing on this album. Although it did not have a leader as such, most of the music was written by keyboardist Django BatesFind albums by this artist and flautist Eddie ParkerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven tracks, recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in 1990. More material from the same Ronnie Scott’s residence was released on two next albums by the Big Band (“Sad AfrikaFind albums with this title” and “ArrivingFind albums with this title”). Four of the tracks were composed by Bates, one by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, another one by Eddie Parker and one was composed by ex-bassist Steve ShellyFind albums by this artist (who does not play on this album). Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham Collier, where Bates, Batchelor, Parker and others met and decided to work together. In a short time, the Big Band became a sensation and won the title of the most interesting “new thing” on the British Jazz scene, which lasted for the rest of the 1980s. In 1985 they released their eponymous debut album. The ensemble disbanded in 1990 and reunited briefly for a few concerts in 2014. The music of Lose Tubes presented an eclectic collection of styles, from vaudeville and early Jazz to Avant-Garde, brilliantly arranged and performed by these (then) young musicians. They ignored stylistic limitations and any kind of accepted norms, slaughtering holy cows by the herd. Hearing them live, which I had a great pleasure to experience several times, was an unforgettable orgy of great music and fun combined. Overall, this is wonderful piece of British Jazz history, documenting a unique and spectacular ensemble, which Loose Tubes certainly were. They were always best live, as this album proves beyond any doubt, and although tough to find these days, all of their albums are worth their weight in gold!

Updated: 16/03/2025Posted: 16/03/2025

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