Record Reviews

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

STEVE MILLER ~ MEETS ELTON DEAN REEL RECORDINGS 007 (Barcode: 641444027729) ~ UK ~ Canterbury Scene Recorded: 1976 - 1985 Released: 2008 British pianist Steve MillerFind albums by this artist (brother of guitarist Phil MillerFind albums by this artist) started his way on the Canterbury scene when he played with legendary bands like DeliveryFind albums by this artist and CaravanFind albums by this artist, but by the late 1970s he reexamined his ambitions and musical approach and moved to play Free Jazz, as did many of his Canterbury cahoots. In the mid 1980s Steve led his own trio with Tony MooreFind albums by this artist on bass and Eddie PrevostFind albums by this artist on drums, performing a series of concerts with guest saxophone players, which included Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist, Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, Harrison SmithFind albums by this artist and Elton DeanFind albums by this artist. The recording on this album present the concert with Dean and it is a remarkable document of the British Avant-Garde Jazz at the time. As a bonus an earlier encounter between Miller and Dean, featuring another Canterbury hero, the drummer Pip PyleFind albums by this artist, is also included. Considering the fact that Miller died prematurely in 1998 and Dean is also already on the other side since 2006, this album is a splendid addition to their legacy and a delight to their many admirers. British Jazz enthusiasts will of course be especially delighted to hear this material. Recommended!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

STAN TRACEY ~ FROM STAN, WITH LOVE (WITH LOVE FROM JAZZ / WE LOVE YOU MADLY) RESTEAMED 115 (Barcode: 5060138617155) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2021 This is a reissue of two seminal albums by the iconic British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist: “With Love From JazzFind albums with this title” and “We Love You MadlyFind albums with this title”, coupled together as a 2CD set. The first album is a quartet recording with Tracey, saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave GreenFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist (Lennie BushFind albums by this artist and Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist replace Green and Dougan on the last track) and presents eight original compositions by the leader. The second album was recorded by an eighteen-piece Big Band (called Big Brass), which included some of the top British Jazz musicians at the time, such as trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Kenny BakerFind albums by this artist and Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, Don RendellFind albums by this artist, and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist, clarinetist Acker BilkFind albums by this artist, Tracey on piano, Bush on bass and drummer Barry MorganFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is dedicated to American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and presents six compositions by him, one by Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist and one by Tracey, all also arranged by him. The first album was recorded October12 and 31, 1967 and the second August 20 and 21, 1968 and released a year later (respectively) on the EMI / ColumbiaFind albums on this label label. The first album is a wonderful example of Tracey’s quartet work, based on his idiosyncratic compositions, often truly romantic in nature, which defined his style characterized by his singular chord vamping. This was the last recording with Wellins, who was replaced on future albums by Peter KingFind albums by this artist. Tracey and Wellins has a telepathic communication between them and played like musical twins, which of course is audible here as well. The last track is a surprising excursion into African rhythms, which finds Tracey playing the vibraphone. The Big Band album is a complete different cup of tea, with Tracey showing off his genius as arranger / Big Band leader, which always were his undeniable passions in addition to his composing and playing the piano. His love and respect to Ellington the composer is plainly apparent and his arrangements are highly unusual, almost diametrically different from the original Ellington recordings, which of course is a brilliant lesson in the differences between the American and British / European approach to using the Big Band as a musical tool. The original composition closing the album is a proverbial cherry on top of course. Personally this is one of my most loved Tracey recordings, but hey I love them all of course. Overall, these are two absolute British Jazz treasures, and their absence from the record market was a travesty. We should be grateful to Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist (Stan’s son) for bringing them back to life on the family’s ReSteamedFind albums on this label label, hopefully seeing more of these gems getting the same treatment soon. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 18/08/2021Posted: 18/08/2021

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

STAN TRACEY ~ UNDER MILK WOOD IN HAMBURG RESTEAMED 117 (Barcode: 5060138617209) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1966 Released: 2022 This is a truly sensational archive release of an album by one of Godfathers of the modern British Jazz, pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. In 1965 Tracey released the iconic “Under Milk WoodFind albums with this title” album, which presented a Jazz suite based on the play for voices of the same name, by Welsh poet Dylan ThomasFind albums by this artist. Tracey’s original album was recorded by his quartet, which included saxophonist Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackie DouganFind albums by this artist. A few months after the release of the album, which achieved instantaneous recognition as a masterpiece, in March 1966, Tracey was invited by the German NDR network to record a radio broadcast, for which he extended his quartet into a quintet, adding the great ex-Canadian trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The broadcast was recorded, but remained unreleased on record until now. The recording sound quality is beyond perfection as is the performance by the quintet. It includes a short spoken introduction by Tracey. “Under Milk Wood” is undoubtedly one of the most groundbreaking modern European Jazz recordings, presenting the innovations of the British Jazz, which are audible only so subtly here, but already clearly distinguishing this music from the American Jazz tradition. Tracey was about to push the boundaries of British Jazz in the next decades, remaining a head figure of the local scene, highly respected by his peers. His idiosyncratic way of playing the piano made him instantly recognizable in any setting and completely unique to this very day. It is fascinating to compare the original quartet recording with this quintet version, which allows the full impact of Wheeler on the music to be hear perfectly clearly. Therefore, this version sound even more advanced and revolutionary than the original, as Wheeler adventurous spirit is exposed here in full as well as his uniquely brilliant trumpet / flugelhorn technique. Overall, this album is one of the most sensational discoveries in recorded British Jazz history and the fact that is remained hidden for almost six decades and is now available, sounding as if recorded here and now is a bloody miracle. Needless to say, it is an absolute must in any serious British Jazz record collection.

Updated: 21/12/2022Posted: 20/12/2022

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS ~ CULLODEN MOOR SUITE SPARTACUS 020 (Barcode: 880992140911) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014 This is last album by the legendary British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded in 2013 with the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist. The five-piece suite was originally composed in 1961 and is here performed in an orchestrated (by Florian RossFind albums by this artist) version with a large Big Band / Orchestra Directed by Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist, with Wellins as a chief soloist. Wellins died three years after this recording, which was sadly his swan song. Although primarily known as the saxophonist on the early iconic albums by Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, Wellins had an impressive solo career over the years and the mellow / sweet tone of his tenor saxophone is one of the most recognizable voices of the formative days of the modern British Jazz. He continued to perform and record over the years and his legacy is worth being remembered and heard. He died in 2016. Overall, this is an important document of the great talent and the unique sound of Wellins, supported here by excellent Big Band / Orchestra and playing still in great form. For British Jazz fans, this is a worthy addition to every serious collection, commemorating his contribution to the scene and its recorded legacy. Sadly, this album is often overlooked and deserves another chance by any standard!

Updated: 17/09/2023Posted: 17/09/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS ~ DON`T WORRY `BOUT ME CADILLAC 005 (Barcode: 5020675970724) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1997 This is a live album by the legendary British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Graham HarveyFind albums by this artist, bassist Alec DankworthFind albums by this artist and drummer Martin DrewFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are standards and one is an original composition by Wellins. It was recorded at the mythological Vortex club in London and released on the legendary CadillacFind albums on this label label, founded by John JackFind albums by this artist. Although primarily known as the saxophonist on the early iconic albums by Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, Wellins had an impressive solo career over the years and the mellow / sweet tone of his tenor saxophone is one of the most recognizable voices of the formative days of the modern British Jazz. He continued to perform and record over the years and his legacy is worth being remembered and heard. He died in 2016. Overall, this is an important document of the great talent and the unique sound of Wellins, supported here by excellent musicians and playing in top form. For British Jazz fans, this is a worthy addition to every serious collection, commemorating his contribution to the scene and its recorded legacy.

Updated: 10/08/2023Posted: 10/08/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS QUARTET ~ WHAT WAS HAPPENING JAZZ IN BRITAIN 33 (Barcode: 5060774190340) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1979 Released: 2023 This is a 2CD reissue / remaster of two albums by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with keyboardist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian KendonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. CD1 presents the album “JubilationFind albums with this title”, a live recording with four tracks, all original compositions by Wellins. It is expanded by three bonus tracks, also recorded live a few months earlier, all standards. CD2 presents the album “Dreams Are FreeFind albums with this title”, a studio recording with six tracks, all original compositions by Wellins. It is expanded by four bonus tracks, recorded live, all standards. As usual with the good people of Jazz In Britain label, the album is accompanied by extensive booklet, which presents background information about these recordings and new liner notes by Wells, whose reel tape archive was the source of the bonus material. Although the sound quality is not always perfect, it is certainly good enough to enjoy this splendid example of British Jazz at its best. Wellins was sadly badly under-recorded and most of his early releases, including his first two albums included herein, are all long unavailable, which makes this release ever more important. He was a very fluid improviser, always floating somewhere between mainstream and almost Free, and his unique approach aged very well, still being fascinating today. The three musicians accompanying Wellins are all highly talented and prove to be perfect for the job at hand. Overall, this is another piece of British Jazz history, saved from oblivion by the dedicated people, who do it best. Since time is certainly not standing still, it’s great to see the heroes of the genre, who are still with us, contribute their archival materials and memories to make these momentous documents. I find it absolutely outrageous that these efforts are not sponsored by Public funding, but sadly England is by far not the only country that cares little for its Cultural heritage. Hats off, as usual and thanks for your work Gentlemen!

Updated: 01/04/2024Posted: 01/04/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY WELLINS SEXTET ~ HOMAGE TO CALEDONIA JAZZ IN BRITAIN 67 (Barcode: 5060774190739) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1979 Released: 2024 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his sextet, which also includes pianist Pete JacobsenFind albums by this artist, bassist Adrian KendonFind albums by this artist, drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Lol CoxhillFind albums by this artist and percussionist Bryan SpringFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, the first four recorded by a quartet and the rest by a sextet. Four tracks are parts of the “Culloden Moor Suite”. All the music was composed by Wellins, except the solo piano track composed by Jacobsen and one track, which is a medley of two standards. This album is a companion release to the “What Was HappeningFind albums with this title” album, recorded by the same quartet, which was also released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label. The “Culloden Moor SuiteFind albums with this title”, originally composed in 1961, was finally recorded in its full splendor with the Scottish National Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, directed by Tommy SmithFind albums by this artist, only in 2013, which was the last recording before Wellins’ death in 2016. The sextet version appearing here is the only full version recorded in a “small ensemble” version. Wellins, primarily recognized for his work with Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist, was a superb saxophonist and composer and his work as a leader was always a source of joy. His recording legacy as a leader is relatively limited and covers mostly his later period, therefore this album recorded in 1979 is a valuable addition. Also worth mentioning is the fact that the sextet includes Lol Coxhill, associated primarily with the “wilder” side of the British Jazz scene, not to say Avant-Garde, who fits the bill perfectly, despite the basically mainstream orientation of Wellins’ music. The lengthy piano solo track is an absolute gem and a great surprise! Overall, this is another splendid addition to the Jazz In Britain catalogue, which brings to life a piece of the history of the genre, which surely deserves to be remembered and heard. As usual kudos to the people behind the label for carrying on the great work, for we are humbly grateful.

Updated: 12/11/2024Posted: 12/11/2024

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend