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  | JOHN SURMAN ~ AT THE BBC 1967-68
RHYTHM AND BLUES 108 (Barcode: 5060331754435) ~ UK ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2026
This is an archival live album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader John SurmanFind albums by this artist. It presets two BBC broadcasts, one from February 1967, featuring a quartet with saxophonist Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist, bassist Harry MillerFind albums by this artist and drummer Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, which presents five tracks, four of which are original compositions by Surman and one is co-composed by Surman and Osborne. The second broadcast, from July 1968, featuring a quintet with Osborne, pianist Russ HendersonFind albums by this artist, Miller and drummer Sterling BetancourtFind albums by this artist, which presents four tracks, two of which are original compositions by Surman, one is a traditional tune and one is by Trinidadian calypsonian Aldwyn RobertsFind albums by this artist. As usual in the case of BBC recordings, the sound quality is exceptional, especially in view of the time elapsed since the recording.
The two sessions present completely different musical universes: the first is Modern Jazz, highly improvised and complex, while the second is dedicated to Calypso music. Nevertheless, the music is absolutely sensational, and offers a rare and most welcome exposure of the pivotal period in British Jazz, which was rapidly progressing towards it most productive and inventive period in history.
The collaboration between Surman and Osborne is documented on several brilliant albums, all of which are essential parts of any decent British Jazz collection. This previously unreleased session is a superb addition to that chapter of British Jazz.
The Calypso ensemble is also highly interesting, and reflects the atmosphere of the “melting pot” that dominated London in the 1960s, where Jazz musicians from the entire Commonwealth played together and many of them contributed significantly to the development of the genre and its stunning versatility.
Overall, this is another splendid release by the British Rhythm And BluesFind albums on this label label, which continues to dig out a truly amazing gems from the archives, bringing them back to light, to the delight of British Jazz lovers the world over!
| | Updated: 27/07/2026Posted: 27/07/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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