Record Reviews
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  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ HARMONY OF THE SPHERES
ESOTERIC 2096 (Barcode: 5013929719620) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2008
Composer / arranger / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist was one of the brightest stars on the firmament of the magnificent British Jazz, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s. His compositions were often performed by his peers and his magnificent recordings as a leader were musical milestones, cherished and admired to this very day. Sadly, his recorded legacy is rather limited and parts of it remain unreleased on CD, which is a true crime. Therefore any reissue of his music is a true feast and celebration.
This album represent´s Ardley´s late period as active musician, shortly before he left the music scene almost for good, dedicating the later part of his life to writing books. It is also a clear symbol of Ardley´s transition as a composer, moving gradually from traditional Jazz forms to quite revolutionary contemporary Classical / Electronic / Ambient music, which although still contained strong Jazz elements (mainly improvised sections), was nevertheless a completely new compositional entity. As most of his ambitious compositions, the music is presented in a form of an extended suite, which makes a coherent whole and being divided into separate sections to emphasize the internal flow of the music.
Ardley recruited a group of eleven musicians to record the album and as usual turned to his life-long friend and collaborator, trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist to become the main protagonist. The list of the participants reads like a dream come true of the British Jazz scene and includes reed players Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist and vocalists Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist and Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist. Lesser known but no less talented contributors include bassist Bill KristianFind albums by this artist and drummer Richard BurgessFind albums by this artist. Guitarist John MartynFind albums by this artist is the surprising guest, who closes the list of participating musicians, and although primarily associated with Folk, delivers some heartbreaking guitar solos on this album. People familiar with these names will of course recognize the fact that most of these musicians were associated at one time or another with Ian Carr as members of his NucleusFind albums by this artist ensemble.
In retrospect this album remains a major milestone of British music and a firm reminder of Ardley´s genius. Ardley, who died in 2004 (aged 66) will forever be a landmark figure and hopefully the younger generation will discover his magnificent music thank to reissues, like this one. An absolute must!
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  | 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.
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  | NEIL ARDLEY ~ KALEIDOSCOPE OF RAINBOWS LIVE `75
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 21 (Barcode: 5060774190142) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by British keyboardist / composer / bandleader Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, which presents a live recording of his orchestral piece entitled “Kaleidoscope Of RainbowsFind albums with this title”, originally commissioned by the London Borough of Camden and supported by the Arts Council of Great Britain (those were the days!), premiered at the legendary Roundhouse in October of 1974 by a Jazz Big Band / Orchestra. The version performed here, one year later, is somewhat revised and expanded, recorded, with Ardley conducting of course, by a smaller and much tighter group of Top British Jazz musicians at the time, all of which took part in the studio recording of the seminal “Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows” album, which was recorded a few months later in 1976 and released the same year. The lineup includes the members of NucleusFind albums by this artist led by trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist with saxophonist Bob BertlesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ken ShawFind albums by this artist, bassist Roger SuttonFind albums by this artist and drummer Roger SellersFind albums by this artist. Additionally, the collective lineup adds saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist and Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, cellist Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist and percussionist Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The lineup that recorded the studio album also included guests: saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and keyboardist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, who are not present here.
The 2CD album presents sixteen tracks, timing at 103 minutes, which have been later combined and condensed into nine tracks, timing about half of that time, as released on the studio album. Therefore, this album, which presents the full extent of Ardley’s vision for his work, is extremely important and the fact that it is available here for the first time is truly a momentous occasion and a milestone of British Jazz history.
“Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows” is the last part of a triptych of orchestral works by Ardley, which also includes the earlier “The Greek VariationsFind albums with this title” and “A Symphony Of AmaranthsFind albums with this title”. All three pieces are based on a concept of taking a limited musical element and expanding it into a large framework. Ardley would create one more orchestral piece a couple of years later (1978), called “Harmony Of The SpheresFind albums with this title”, before he embraced a career as author and composer of choral music.
The music follows the pattern of earlier Ardley’s works, amalgamating Jazz with World Music elements and heavily influenced by the minimal music concepts of repetition and slowly developing / cyclic repetition, all brilliantly put together and masterly executed by all the participants. Although structurally the music is not Jazz per se, the soloing, improvising and phrasing are indeed very Jazzy (not surprisingly), and with the expanded format of the piece, are more prominently featured here that on the more disciplined studio version.
Ardley, together with Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist constitute the triumvirate of the British Jazz orchestral composers / bandleaders, who offered a completely revised alternative to American Big Band Jazz, taking it into entirely new musical spheres, artistic heights and European aesthetic values, which still reverberate in contemporary music.
As usual praise goes to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label for unearthing this music and releasing it on CD. Please keep up the good work, as nobody else has the stamina, energy and passion to do it and these reissues are way too good to remain hidden in the vaults.
| | Updated: 03/07/2021Posted: 03/07/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | NEIL ARDLEY / IAN CARR / MICHAEL GIBBS / STAN TRACEY ~ WILL POWER
VOCALION 8412 (Barcode: 765387841225) ~ UK ~ Jazz
This stunningly beautiful album managed to stay on the top of my personal list for over 30 years now and I love it as much as I did the first time I heard it. It simply represents all the beauty, sophistication and intellectual quality of the British Jazz of the late 1960s / 1970s, perhaps more accurately and more concisely than any other one album. It documents a concert performed at London’s Southwark Cathedral, one of the many events dedicated to Shakespeare’s tercentenary celebrations, and presents four major works written by four great British Jazz composers: Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist and Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, dedicated to Shakespeare’s genius.
The list of performers certainly resembles the “Who’s Who” of British Jazz at the time and includes: Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist – vocals, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – reeds, Paul BuckmasterFind albums by this artist and Colin WalkerFind albums by this artist – cello, Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Stan Tracey – keyboards, Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist – bass, Tony LevinFind albums by this artist – drums and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – percussion. All the lengthy suites, although quite different from each other, are majestic and respectful to the great poet’s legacy, often touching on Elizabethan era motifs, even if ever so slightly. The ambience of the Cathedral adds to the overall effect and the magic of that performance if caught forever by this extraordinary recording.
Everything that is so great about Jazz – composition, arrangement and performance – is unified here to produce that magical moment, which can never be repeated. I can’t imagine anybody not liking this, and although it’s by far no easy listening, the immediate magnanimity of this music is so apparent that repeated listening could only deepen the experience. Beyond essential!
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  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ A NEW SERIOUS MUSIC
RHYTHM AND BLUES 076 (Barcode: 5060331752615) ~ UK ~ Jazz & Poetry
Recorded: 1967 - 1969 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by seminal British pianist / composer / bandleader Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions, the first captured on July 23, 1967 which includes five original compositions by Garrick, performed with trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, bassist Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Humphrey LittletonFind albums by this artist. The second session, captured on October 10, 1969 includes six original compositions by Garrick, performed by trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and Themen, Goode, Tomkins and vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and with poetry readings by poets John SmithFind albums by this artist and Jeremy RobsonFind albums by this artist. Each of the music tracks in preceded by a spoken introduction by Garrick, which results in the album having no less than twenty-two tracks.
During the period between these two sessions Garrick was living a “double life”, dividing his time between the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist and his own ensembles, producing some of the most significant new British Jazz, of which he was one of the most important architects, especially so as a composer. His astonishing diversity, which includes “straightforward” (well never really straightforward) Jazz, Free Jazz, Jazz-Choral music, and the Jazz & Poetry explorations, like those portrayed by the second session included here, made him a key figure of the new British Jazz, crystalizing at the time.
The music, although captured over five decades ago, is still a full blow in the face to those unfamiliar with Garrick’s multi-layered musical universe. I have been incredibly fortunate to hear Garrick perform live during that period and the long conversations we had together, after the music was over, about music (and poetry) with the baby-faced, always smiling Garrick are forever implanted in my mind.
Music lovers interested in that period of Garrick’s activity should try and revisit all the fabulous recordings he made then, like “Poetry And Jazz In ConcertFind albums with this title”, “October WomanFind albums with this title”, “PromisesFind albums with this title”, “Black MarigoldsFind albums with this title”, “Jazz Praises At St Paul`sFind albums with this title”, “The Heart Is A LotusFind albums with this title”, which have been reissued by VocalionFind albums on this label or Garrick’s own Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label. Any serious British Jazz collection is not complete with these titles missing.
Overall this is a milestone album, with previously never released material, which is worth its weight in gold. Although the sound quality of the second session included herein is somewhat distorted at times, this can be easily forgotten in view of the historical importance of the music. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 08/08/2021Posted: 08/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ BLACK MARIGOLDS
VOCALION 8411 (Barcode: 765387841126) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1966 Released: 2005
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence.
This album presents Garrick in three different settings, emphasizing his immense versatility as a composer and player. As usual, he wrote all the music included here. The main body of the music is played by a magnificent septet, which comprised of the best Jazz players on the British scene at the time: Garrick – piano, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist – sax, Don RendellFind albums by this artist – sax, Tony CoeFind albums by this artist – sax, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist – bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums. Garrick’s exquisite compositions and the exemplary performances by the players are just perfect.
Then come several pieces, which continue Garrick’s involvement with the Jazz & Poetry movement, which feature poet John SmithFind albums by this artist reciting his poetry accompanied by smaller ensembles (mainly trio, where Colin BarnesFind albums by this artist plays the drums). Smith wrote specific pieces of poetry to be performed with specific Jazz players, creating a unique experience in the process.
Last come a few pieces where Garrick turns to two atypical for Jazz instruments - harpsichord and celeste – using them in a trio format, emphasizing again his restless pioneering fever. Overall a beautiful album, full of surprises and wonderful moments and a superb document of the era and Garrick’s musical legacy.
| | Updated: 01/01/2016Posted: | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ COLD MOUNTAIN
VOCALION 8415 (Barcode: 765387841522) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2006
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick in the most intimate (and my favorite) Jazz format – the piano trio – with Dave GreenFind albums by this artist on bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist on drums. Garrick, as usual, wrote all the music, which is sublime from start to finish. His playing is also absolutely marvelous, full of lyricism and humorous spark, virtuosity and inspiration. The rhythm section provides solid and sympathetic support at all times, and overall this is one of my favorite piano trio recordings ever. Garrick manages to concentrate his enormous abilities as a player and composer on this album, which was recorded at a peak of his 1970s activity (the album Home Stretch BluesFind albums with this title was recorded at the same session). There is nothing more that needs to be said here except that if you don’t own this album, you have a huge gap in your musical education. Essential!
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  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ HOME STRETCH BLUES
VOCALION 8426 (Barcode: 765387842628) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1972 Released: 2006
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick with his sextet (Garrick – piano and harpsichord, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – clarinet and sax, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist – bass, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums and Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist – vocals) with Don RendellFind albums by this artist – sax on couple of tracks. The music, written as always by Garrick, is divided (by side A and side B of the original album) into two parts: part one includes three great tracks, including a song based on a poem by Alfred TennysonFind albums by this artist and part two is a five-piece suite inspired by a poem by John SmithFind albums by this artist. As usual the music is simple superb, as are the performances by the band members. Norma’s vocalese reaches an absolute peak here and her integration into the group’s overall sound is perfect. This is just about the most perfect example of the British Jazz at the time of its full maturity and a timeless masterpiece. It is a shame this music was unavailable for so long and it makes me really happy to know it can be rediscovered by a new generation of music lovers. A must!
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  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ MR SMITH`S APOCALYPSE
VOCALION 8433 (Barcode: 765387843328) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick realizing a most ambitious work, which combines the elements he was always interested in: Jazz, poetry and liturgical music. It is an expansion of the idea of his earlier album PraisesFind albums with this title and presents a full cantata for Jazz sextet (Garrick – organ, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Don RendellFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums), four soloists (including Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist and the poet John SmithFind albums by this artist, who wrote the poems which serve as the libretto) and a large children’s choir. The entire ensemble was called Garrick`s FairgroundFind albums by this artist for the sake of the album. The music is majestic, as expected for the occasion, but not without humorous moments, typical of Garrick’s intelligent twists and turns. It might sound a bit odd to a typical Jazz listener, but anybody loving good music should enjoy this tremendously. This reissue adds to the original album the ultra-rare single, which was released at the time to promote the album. Overall a rare and pioneering work, ages ahead of its time and one reflecting the scope of Garrick’s talent and musical contribution. A must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ THE HEART IS A LOTUS
VOCALION 8400 (Barcode: 765387840020) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been an icon of British Jazz for the last five decades. His exquisite touch on the keyboards, deep lyricism and unparalleled inventiveness as a composer characterize his entire legacy over time, which has very little rivalry or precedence. This album presents Garrick leading a sextet (Garrick – piano and harpsichord, Ian CarrFind albums by this artist – trumpet, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist – bass, Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist – drums and the divine Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist – vocals) and on several tracks the ensemble is expanded to a nonet with the edition of Don RendellFind albums by this artist – sax, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist – flute, clarinet and sax and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist on second bass. Norma’s vocal parts – both when singing lyrics and improvising, using her voice as an instrument – are absolutely stunning and completely innovative. Her presence brings the music to another dimension, adding colors and enhancing the overall effect tremendously. She would become a permanent member of Garrick’s group for a while and their recordings together are some of the best moments of the British Jazz of that period. As usual, Garrick wrote all the music and this time also the lyrics used here. His formal education was after all English Literature, and hence his sensitivity to language and poetry and his writing abilities are no surprise. Beautifully melodic and yet constantly challenging, this is a superb album, which sound today every bit as great as it did at the time it was recorded. A must!
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  | MICHAEL GARRICK ~ TROPPO
VOCALION 8444 (Barcode: 765387844424) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2009
Pianist / composer Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist has been a pivotal figure in the British Jazz for over five decades and his recorded legacy over the years is an enormous source of inspiration and an example of intelligence, finesse and dedication. By the mid-1970s the British Jazz revolution was all but complete and the scene´s decade of glory was also nearing its end, with record sales declining. Therefore this album was to be the last recording Garrick made for the ArgoFind albums on this label label, a subsidiary of DeccaFind albums on this label. His ambition to push the music beyond the well established boundaries, with the music becoming more complex in the process, was a key factor in the company´s decision to cease the fruitful cooperation, which lasted for a decade and produced some of Britain´s best and most important Jazz masterpieces. Following the initial release of this album Garrick would almost completely stop releasing albums for over two decades, until he finally established his own independent Jazz AcademyFind albums on this label label and his output appeared there regularly since, to the delight of his many fans, myself included. The group playing on this recording consists mostly of Garrick´s long time cohorts and the British Jazz scene´s lions: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist on trumpet and violin, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, Don RendellFind albums by this artist on flute and sax, bassists Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The divine vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist was also an integral part of his band and her performances here are truly sensational. The album was recorded just a few weeks after the death of Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Garrick´s dear friend and music-making partner and the album includes a tribute to his genius. This has always been one of my favorite albums and surely one of British Jazz everlasting masterpieces, which remains an essential listening to this very day. Absolute must!
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  | GILGAMESH ~ ANOTHER FINE TUNE YOU`VE GOT ME INTO
ESOTERIC 2126 (Barcode: 5013929722620) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene
Recorded: 1978 Released: 2009
2nd album by the wonderful Canterbury scene iconic ensemble GilgameshFind albums by this artist, founded by keyboardist Alan GowenFind albums by this artist in 1972. Over the years the ensemble operated under a revolving door policy with lineup changes as frequent as gigging opportunities and the musicians changing places between groups like Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist, National HealthFind albums by this artist, Soft HeapFind albums by this artist and other lesser known outfits. The list of ex-Gilgamesh members reads like a crème de la crème of the Canterbury Jazz / Rock scene. By 1975 the group managed to record their debut album for the VirginFind albums on this label´s esoteric imprint CarolineFind albums on this label, only to splinter again soon after. Three years later Gowen re-assembled a new lineup of Gilgamesh and recorded this album, which unfortunately was to be their last, with Gowen dying of leukemia in 1981 at the age of just 33. The players on this album are Gowen on keyboards, original Gilgamesh member guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Hugh HopperFind albums by this artist and veteran Jazz drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The music, written almost entirely by Gowen, is typical Canterbury mix of Jazz and some Rock influences, with extended improvisations and brilliant performances from start to finish. Gowen´s brilliant compositions remain unmatched and unchallenged in their harmonic beauty and sophistication. This is classic Canterbury stuff and it retains its vitality and importance with no signs of getting outdated. A must to any Canterbury or British Jazz-Rock enthusiast!
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  | HENRY LOWTHER / QUARTERNITY ~ NEVER NEVER LAND
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 36 (Barcode: 5060774190388) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1974 - 1978 Released: 2022
This is a sensational archival album by one of the silent heroes of the British Jazz scene, trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and his quartet QuarternityFind albums by this artist, with guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist, which was expanded often to a quintet with saxophonists Art ThemenFind albums by this artist or Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist. This double album collects twelve compositions by Lowther or Lee, one of which appears twice, in a quartet and quintet versions. The music was recorded live between 1974 and 1978, but the sound quality is absolutely impeccable considering the archival nature of these recordings.
Lowther’s name appears proudly on well over a hundred albums recorded over the years, including some of the British Jazz most iconic releases, but his recording legacy includes just one (yes ONE) album as a leader, “Child SongFind albums with this title”, recorded in 1970, followed by two albums recorded decades later with his ensemble Still WatersFind albums by this artist (“I.D.Find albums with this title” from 1996 and “Can`t Believe, Won`t BelieveFind albums with this title” from 2018). Therefore, this release fills a gigantic gap in Lowther’s recorded legacy as a leader, and pays tribute to this great musician, along with his fellow musicians of course, all of which are British Jazz icons. With the painful recent passing of Trevor Tomkins, this is even more significant.
The music is a classic example of the Modern British Jazz played in the 1970s, emphasizing excellent compositions and brilliant improvisations, which include a pinch of Free Jazz here and there, but mostly sits well within the modern mainstream of the era. Considering the lineup, it is hardly surprising that the music is nothing short of spectacular, in every respect. Lowther, Lee and the saxophonists solo with passion and vigor and the sublime rhythm section keeps things in check, with Green’s incredibly melodic bass lines and Tomkins’ virtuosity present every step of the way. British scene followers should find it interesting to compare Lee’s guitar performances here with his more Prog oriented recordings with GilgameshFind albums by this artist or National HealthFind albums by this artist, which prove his incredible versatility. Lowther’s violin performances here, relatively rarely heard elsewhere, are a proverbial cherry on top of everything.
Overall, this is another admirable contribution to the British Jazz recorded legacy made by the dedicated people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label who never cease to enrich our lives with these mementos from the glorious past legacy of the British Jazz. Just the thought that these musical treasures would have remained buried forever fills me with great sadness for all the music that suffers that fate, and of course at the same time with great joy that some of it sees the light of day, for which we are, as always, eternally grateful!
| | Updated: 22/12/2022Posted: 21/09/2022 | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DON RENDELL / IAN CARR ~ CHANGE IS
BGO 613 (Barcode: 5017261206138) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2004
5th and last album by the seminal Don RendellFind albums by this artist / Ian CarrFind albums by this artist Quintet, probably the most important British Jazz ensemble in the 1960s, which played a key role in establishing the “British sound” in Jazz, breaking away from the constrains of American Jazz traditionalism. The quintet comprised of brilliant instrumentalists and composers and after playing together for about five years they achieved a telepathic understanding of each other’s mannerisms and preferences, allowing them to perform in unparalleled unison and harmony. Don Rendell on saxophones and flute, Ian Carr on trumpet and flugelhorn, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist on piano, Dave GreenFind albums by this artist on bass and Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist on drums were together a mean and lean, unstoppable music machine, creating some of the most daring and adventurous Jazz music ever heard.
However, as hinted by the album’s title, by the time this album was recorded the quintet reached the end of its life cycle. Both Garrick and Carr were extremely busy musically, composing and performing music outside the quintet’s frame, with Garrick leading his own ensemble and recording prolifically and Carr founding his own ensemble, the legendary NucleusFind albums by this artist, which was to become the definitive Jazz-Rock Fusion point of reference. Two of the compositions found on this album would soon be recorded as title tracks on albums by Garrick (Cold MountainFind albums with this title) and Nucleus (Elastic DreamFind albums with this title), clear evidence of the fact that the quintet was reaching the end of its days. Another indication of the imminent changes was the fact that the album includes, for the first time, guest musicians who augmented the quintet on several tracks. They were: Mick PyneFind albums by this artist on piano, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist on bass, Guy WarrenFind albums by this artist on percussion and Stan RobinsonFind albums by this artist on saxophone, musicians who would soon play with the new ensembles formed after the quintet folded.
It is somewhat unfortunate that the following decade would be extremely flourishing for both Carr and Garrick, but Rendell was to slowly step back from the limelight and record only sporadically. But all that aside, the final recording by the Rendell / Carr quintet is a masterpiece of British Jazz in every respect, full of superb compositions and brilliant performances – an album that deserves a honorable position in every serious music collection. Essential!
| | Updated: 28/06/2021Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DON RENDELL / IAN CARR QUINTET ~ BBC JAZZ CLUB 1965/66
RHYTHM AND BLUES 064 (Barcode: 5060331752202) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2020
This is an archival album by the seminal British Jazz quintet co-led by saxophonist / flautist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, which also included pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The album presents three BBC sessions, one from 1965 and two from 1966, all together sixteen tracks (and seven short introductions by Rendell or Humphrey LittletonFind albums by this artist). On the first session Colin PurbrookFind albums by this artist replaces Garrick and on the second session Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist replaces Green.
These sessions were recorded around the time the quintet recorded and released their first two albums: “Shades Of BlueFind albums with this title” and “Dusk FireFind albums with this title”, and the second session presents five live versions of the material present on the second album. Most of the material consists of original compositions by Rendell, Carr and Garrick, the last being the most prolific contributor to the quintet’s material. A great tune by Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, another by Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist and a couple of standards are also present.
These sessions show vividly the giant step the quintet made between recording the debut album with Purbrook on piano in 1964, which was almost completely conventional and Bee Bop oriented, and the second album with Garrick on piano recorded in 1965, where the quintet turns into the amazing modern Jazz ensemble passing the equinox which marks the birth of modern British Jazz.
Considering the splendid sound quality of these recordings, the fact that it is the first time they appear on record and that they also include previously never heard material by the quintet, this album is worth its weight in gold, not only to British / European Jazz enthusiasts but all modern Jazz lovers around the world. In view of the relatively limited recorded legacy by this legendary quintet, this stuff is absolutely essential!
| | Updated: 08/07/2021Posted: 06/07/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DON RENDELL / IAN CARR QUINTET ~ BBC JAZZ CLUB 1965/66 II
RHYTHM AND BLUES 075 (Barcode: 5060331752585) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2021
This is the second archival album by the seminal British Jazz quintet co-led by saxophonist / flautist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, which also included pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The album presents three BBC sessions, two from 1965 and one from 1966, all together seventeen tracks. On the second session vibraphonist Mike CarrFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The first session is Garrick’s debut appearance as a member of the quintet.
These sessions were recorded between the time the quintet recorded their first album “Shades Of BlueFind albums with this title” (recorded in October 1964) and their second album “Dusk FireFind albums with this title” (recorded in March 1966), and it is not surprising that the second and third sessions presents some early live versions of the material eventually recorded for the second album. Most of the material consists of original compositions by Rendell, Carr and no less than seven compositions and one co-composition with Carr) by Garrick, who became the most prolific contributor to the quintet’s material.
These sessions show vividly the giant step the quintet made between recording the debut album with Colin PurbrookFind albums by this artist on piano, which was almost completely conventional and Bee Bop oriented, and the second album with Garrick on piano, recorded just a year and a half later, where the quintet turns into the amazing modern Jazz ensemble passing the equinox which marks the birth of modern British Jazz.
Considering the splendid sound quality of these recordings, the fact that it is the first time they appear on record and that they also include previously never heard material by the quintet, this album is worth its weight in gold, not only to British / European Jazz enthusiasts but all modern Jazz lovers around the world. In view of the relatively limited recorded legacy by this legendary quintet, this stuff is absolutely essential!
Side Note for Michael Garrick’s fans:
Of the seven Garrick’s composition on this album, only one (“Prayer”) appeared on the “Dusk Fire” album. The other six compositions can be found on the following albums: “October WomanFind albums with this title” is the title track from his album recorded in November 1964 with his own quintet before he joined the Rendell / Carr quintet. “Ursula” is a track from his album “Black MarigoldsFind albums with this title”, which will be recorded in January / February 1966. “Trane’s Mood” originates from the iconic “Poetry And Jazz In Concert 250Find albums with this title” album and can also be found on the “Live At The Union 1966Find albums with this title” album. “The Sixth Seal” only appeared recently on the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label’s LP “At Short NoticeFind albums with this title”, which is in desperate need of a CD release. “She’ll Be Back” and “Secrets” seem to make the only appearance on this album, unless the names of the tunes are mistaken.
| | Updated: 04/08/2021Posted: 04/08/2021 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DON RENDELL / IAN CARR QUINTET ~ BLUE BEGINNINGS
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 20 (Barcode: 5060774190234) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1964 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by the first lineup of the seminal British Jazz quintet co-led by saxophonist / flautist Don RendellFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, which also included pianist Colin PurbrookFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions, the first from April 1964 (two tracks) captured before the quintet recorded their first album “Shades Of BlueFind albums with this title” and the second from November 1964 (six tracks) shortly after the studio recording which took place in October 1964.
The first session presents one live version of a track, which will appear on the studio album and one standard and the second session presents five live versions of the material present on the studio album and one standard. Most of the original material consists of compositions by Rendell and Carr and the title track of the studio album was composed by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist of course.
These sessions show vividly the giant step the quintet made between recording the debut album with Purbrook on piano in 1964, which was almost completely conventional and Bee Bop oriented, and the following albums with Garrick on piano, starting with second album recorded in 1965, where the quintet turns into the amazing modern Jazz ensemble passing the equinox which marks the birth of modern British Jazz. Garrick was not only a brilliant and farsighted pianist but also the most prolific composer, which of course strengthened the quintet’s output considerably.
Despite the fact that the music here is pretty conventional, as far as the Jazz tradition is concerned, on the verge of change but not quite yet, the fact that it is the first time it appears on record, this album is worth its weight in gold, not only to British / European Jazz enthusiasts but all modern Jazz lovers around the world. In view of the relatively limited recorded legacy by this legendary quintet, this stuff is absolutely essential!
As usual kudos to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label people, who dared to make this dream of a label to come true.
| | Updated: 18/07/2021Posted: 18/07/2021 | CD 1 Digipak 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 |
  | BARBARA THOMPSON ~ FIRST LIGHT
JAZZ IN BRITAIN 54 (Barcode: 5060774190524) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2023
This is an album collecting three archival live recordings / radio broadcasts by the late British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Barbara ThompsonFind albums by this artist, which present her in various settings with the crème de la crème of the British Jazz musicians active in the early 1970s. As a result, it is a companion album to the tremendous 14CD Box Set “Live At The BBCFind albums with this title” by Barbara Thompson, released in 2020 by RepertoireFind albums on this label Records, offering material uncovered after the Box Set was released. This album, released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, is a completely non-commercial release, with all profits from the album going to the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, a moving gesture by all the people involved, including Barbara’s and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist’s daughter Ana GraceyFind albums by this artist and Jazz In Britain founder John ThurlowFind albums by this artist. We all still mourn Barbara’s and Jon’s untimely departures of course.
The first two tracks present the Group EFind albums by this artist, which comprised of (in addition to Barbara) vocalist Pepi LemerFind albums by this artist, pianist Peter LemerFind albums by this artist, bassist Johnny DyaniFind albums by this artist and drummer Laurie AllanFind albums by this artist. The music is Avant-Garde Jazz, with superb vocal parts by Lemer, who sadly is often forgotten, but was one of the most interesting Jazz vocalist of the period.
The next three tracks present a suite for a Big Band, called “The Awakening”, co-composed by Barbara and Jon. The band features a dreamy lineup of eleven instrumentalists and a vocalist – no other than my beloved Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist – which reads like a Who’s Who of the modern British Jazz and is conducted by Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist. The players are: trumpeters Ian HamerFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonist Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist and Barbara Thompson, cellist Charles TunnellFind albums by this artist, pianist Howard RileyFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Jon Hiseman. The music is absolutely brilliant and very typical of the Big Band recordings recorded at the time by Neil Ardley, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist and others. The vocal parts by Winstone are, not surprisingly, my favorite jewels, but the entire suite is simply divine and the fact it was discovered and now released is no less than sensational.
The last five tracks are by Barbara’s group JubiabaFind albums by this artist, which comprised of (in addition to Barbara) trumpeters George ChisholmFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, Wadsworth, Le Sage, Peter Lemer, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, drummer Martin DrewFind albums by this artist and percussionist Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist. It presents the early version of the band, which was essentially dedicated to combining Jazz with World Music influences, mostly Latin. As far as I am aware, this is the earliest recordings by Jubiaba captured on tape.
Overall, this is an absolute jewel from start to finish and an absolute must to all British Jazz enthusiasts, and in retrospect one of the most surprising and important releases by the Jazz In Britain label so far. The Big Band piece alone is a beacon symbolizing the birth of the modern British Jazz, with everything it stands for: ingenuity, originality, groundbreaking musical thinking and enormous talent. Hats off to everybody involved!
| | Updated: 26/07/2023Posted: 26/07/2023 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve 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 |
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