Record Reviews

DIRECTIONS IN JAZZ UNIT ~ NEW DIRECTIONS IN JAZZ 1963-64 RHYTHM AND BLUES 090 (Barcode: 5060331753018) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1964 Released: 2022 This is an archival album presenting live recordings by the British Jazz ensemble Directions In Jazz UnitFind albums by this artist, led by vibraphonist / pianist / composer Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist. Those include a performance for the German NDR TV in Hamburg in 1964 and three (two in 1964 and one in 1963) sessions recorded by the BBC, altogether thirty-one tracks. In 1961 Le Sage formed a quartet with saxophonist Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, bassist Spike HeatleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony CarrFind albums by this artist, which was the foundation later to be expanded into the Directions In Jazz Unit, which also included saxophonist / flautist Johnny ScottFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / clarinetist Bob BurnsFind albums by this artist and the Freddie Alexander Cello EnsembleFind albums by this artist (a string quartet), a revolutionary lineup by any standard at the time. Le Sage, Ross and Scott composed most of the music performed by the ensemble, which additional contributions by other members of the ensemble and an odd standard here and there. The music certainly includes the clear signs of the British Jazz making giant steps towards the emancipation from the American Jazz tradition and forming of an independent, unique new direction, which in the few short years to come would revolutionize British Jazz entirely. The unusual instrumentation used by the ensemble, with obvious European music influences, and the arrangements that are clearly more elegant and “relaxed”, as well as highly sophisticated, pave the way for the change to come. The quality of the original compositions is excellent from start to finish. Although the recording is in Mono, the sound quality is excellent and every note of the music is perfectly audible, except for the 1963 BBC session, which lacks the clarity of sound of the rest of the material, but is still quite acceptable, especially in view of the historic importance of this material. Overall, this is a wonderful time capsule of the early days of modern British Jazz, which is a delightful trip down the memory lane, and quite an educational perspective of the history of the British Jazz chronology. Kudos to the Rhythm And BluesFind albums on this label label for digging this material from the depths of the vaults and releasing it, keeping the memories alive. There is nothing more important than keeping our dying Culture alive, as long as we can.

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 01/10/2022

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