Record Reviews

HARRY BECKETT ~ FLARE UP JAZZPRINT 124 (Barcode: 604388600526) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2002 Trumpeter / composer Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist was one of the pillars of the British Jazz in the 1960s / 1970s. His beautiful tone and exceptional improvising qualities made his one of the busiest player on the scene. He was a member of some of the most important ensembles of the period, led by distinguished musicians like Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist, John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Ray RussellFind albums by this artist and many others, and also led his own quartet. The plans to make his debut album as a leader with his own quartet somehow never materialized, but instead he formed an octet for the occasion, which included the young “lions” of the scene: John Surman, Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist on saxophones, Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist on vibes, John TaylorFind albums by this artist on piano, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist on bass and John WebbFind albums by this artist on drums – an absolute dreamy collection of players. In addition to his compositions, the band also performs three of Graham Collier’s beautiful tunes and one Surman classic. The result is absolutely sensational, a true classic of the period and a must for every fan of British Jazz of the era. Not to be missed!

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GRAHAM COLLIER ~ BRITISH CONVERSATIONS MY ONLY DESIRE 004 (Barcode: 5052442020400) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1975 Released: 2021 This is an archival album, which presents a previously unreleased suite by British Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz. This is a live recording of the suite from 1975 with the Swedish Radio Jazz GroupFind albums by this artist featuring Collier as conductor and British trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist and guitarist Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist, both regular members of his groups, as guest soloist. The album presents five tracks, all composed and arranged by Collier. The recording quality is excellent. The fifteen members strong Swedish Radio Jazz Group included some of the finest Swedish / European musicians active at the time, including saxophonists Arne DomnerusFind albums by this artist and Lennart AbergFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Bertil LovgrenFind albums by this artist, pianist Bengt HallbergFind albums by this artist and others. The music follows the modus operandi of Collier’s compositional concepts, which produced several Jazz suites over time. The music is based on highly melodic themes, with characteristic Collier’s love of the Blues and modern harmony, which in this case are beautifully and highly imaginatively arranged for a Big Band, rather than the more common arrangements for his small groups. There is plenty of superb soloing, both by the two Brits and the local Swedes. Especially interesting are the guitar solos, which emphasize the great talent of Speight, who is often otherwise overlooked, despite being certainly one of the most unique British guitar players. I remember talking to Graham about this recording at the time and in time completely forgot about it. Seeing it released was a most pleasant surprise, like finding a lost treasure. The album includes informative liner notes by Duncan HeiningFind albums by this artist, which offers a historical perspective of Collier’s work. Kudos to Jon GriffithsFind albums by this artist, the owner of My Only DesireFind albums on this label Records, for releasing this fabulous piece of music, which was dormant for so many years. This is a second album, which documents the collaboration between British Jazz musicians with the Swedish Radio Jazz Group, following the fabulous Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist’s “Love And Understanding: Citadel / Room 315 Sweden `74Find albums with this title” album released a year earlier. Hopefully more of such gems will follow. All British Jazz fans are grateful, of course! Overall, this is a wonderful piece of British Jazz history, which deserves to be heard today, as it lost absolutely nothing of its power of expression and aesthetic values, fulfilling a missing link that many Collier fans can now consider as resolved. An absolute must have!

Updated: 10/03/2023Posted: 13/05/2022

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GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DARIUS / MIDNIGHT BLUE / NEW CONDITIONS BGO 895 (Barcode: 5017261208958) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2009 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a third installment and a companion to the two previous BGOFind albums on this label reissues of his early recordings, includes the first three recordings by Collier released on his own record label MosaicFind albums on this label Records, one of the first independently owned Jazz labels in Britain. He composed all the music presented here and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist, Roger DeanFind albums by this artist (piano) and John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DEEP DARK BLUE CENTRE / PORTRAITS / THE ALTERNATE MOSAICS BGO 822 (Barcode: 5017261208224) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1972 Released: 2008 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a companion to the previous BGOFind albums on this label reissue of his early recordings, includes the very first recording by Collier released on DeramFind albums on this label in 1967, his last of the early 1970s recordings released on the tiny SaydiscFind albums by this artist label in 1972, before he established his own records label MosaicFind albums on this label, and a sensational never previously released alternate version of the live material, which produced the original "MosaicsFind albums with this title" album. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Dave AaronFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist, Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier of often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD / SONGS FOR MY FATHER / MOSAICS BGO 767 (Barcode: 5017261207678) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2007 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album collects the three albums Collier recorded for the FontanaFind albums on this label / PhilipsFind albums on this label labels in 1969 / 1970, following his debut recording on DeramFind albums on this label from 1967. He composed all the music presented here (except one tune) and plays bass (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Bob SydorFind albums by this artist, Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist (oboe), Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist (trombone), Philip LeeFind albums by this artist (guitar), John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Geoff CastleFind albums by this artist (piano) and John MarshallFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ DOWN ANOTHER ROAD @ STOCKHOLM JAZZ DAYS `69 MY ONLY DESIRE 005 (Barcode: 5052442022411) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by British Jazz bassist / composer / bandleader / educator Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, recorded by the Swedish Radio on August 24, 1969, which presents Collier’s sextet with trumpeter Harry BecketFind albums by this artist, trombonist Nick EvansFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, pianist / oboist Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist and drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, five by Collier and one by Jenkins, five of which appear on the album “Down Another RoadFind albums with this title”, released a few months earlier. The remaining composition (“Burblings For Bob”) makes here its only appearance on record. The album includes informative liner notes by Collier’s biographer Duncan HeiningFind albums by this artist. Although this was only the second album by Collier, his stylistic direction was already firmly set and represented the new British Jazz, which developed quite independently form the American Jazz tradition. Collier was one of the pioneers of the new direction, which embraced ensemble approach, Free Improvisation in parallel to clearly defined melodic themes, advanced polyrhythmic drumming and some World Music influences. This live recording is quite different in many aspects from the studio recording, and as such is of course invaluable. And of course hearing Graham’s voice introducing the tunes touches many personal memories. The sound quality is excellent and the cooperation between Jon GriffithsFind albums by this artist, My Only DesireFind albums on this label label owner, and the Swedish Radio, is a blessing and offers the British Jazz fans already the third album of previously unheard material, which is absolutely fabulous. Hopefully more such releases will follow suit. A small personal note: one of the tracks present here, called “Aberdeen Angus”, is also present on the Graham Collier’s album “Adam`s MarbleFind albums with this title”, which I released on my JazzisFind albums on this label Records label in 1995, and which is completely different from the version presented here. Overall, this is a superb historical document of the British Jazz scene and an excellent example of some of the most brilliant music created in Britain by the end of the 1960s, which was a true age of discovery and explosive development. Absolutely essential to all British Jazz enthusiasts and record collectors.

Updated: 10/03/2023Posted: 10/03/2023

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GRAHAM COLLIER ~ HOARDED DREAMS CUNEIFORM 252 (Barcode: 045775025223) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1983 Released: 2007 This extraordinary album contains a previously unreleased recording of Graham CollierFind albums by this artist’s Big Band performance of his suite “Hoarded Dreams”. The music was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain (UK Government body that over the years faithfully supported UK Jazz scene and provided endless opportunities for UK musicians to compose and record) for the 1983 edition of the Bracknell Jazz Festival. For the occasion Collier assembled a spectacular Big Band (including 19 musicians), which he conducted. The players are a multi-national creme de la creme of European Jazz, with such distinguished names as Tomasz StankoFind albums by this artist (Poland), Juhani AaltonenFind albums by this artist (Finland), John SurmanFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (UK), Manfred SchoofFind albums by this artist (Germany), etc. This awesome personnel ensures that the performance is truly stellar, with soaring solos and endless display of virtuosity and collective interplay. The brilliant music, suiting elegantly and perfectly the purpose of providing solo space for such a broad group of instrumentalist proves again that Collier is undoubtedly one of the true Giants composers of Modern Jazz of the caliber of Charles MingusFind albums by this artist. Absolutely stunning! See also the Garahm Collier album released on Jazzis Records

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GRAHAM COLLIER ~ SYMPHONY OF SCORPIONS / THE DAY OF THE DEAD BGO 1028 (Barcode: 5017261210289) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1978 Released: 2011 Composer / arranger / bandleader / bassist Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, a dear personal friend of mine who died in 2011, is one of the Godfathers of modern British Jazz, and his contribution to the genre as a musician, educator and writer are monumental. Although initially schooled in the US (Collier was the first student from the UK to be awarded a scholarship at the Berklee School of Music in Boston in the 1960s), he was in fact one of the pioneers of the European Jazz, accepting the American Jazz tradition as a basis for further development and exploration based on the European cultural heritage. His innovative approach as a composer and arranger were immensely influential not only on the local British scene, but also throughout the entire Europe, especially his usage of irregular meters and time signatures. Over the years Collier composed and recorded a colossal body of work, which includes some of the greatest music of the 20th Century. This album, which is a fourth installment and a companion to the three previous BGO reissues of his early recordings, includes the last two recordings by Collier released on his own record label MosaicFind albums on this label Records, one of the first independently owned Jazz labels in Britain. He composed all the music presented here and plays bass on the first recordings (something he was to abandon in the future) and the lineups of the three ensembles include some of the greatest players on the British scene at the time: Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist (trumpet), Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist (trombone), Alan WakemanFind albums by this artist, Mike PageFind albums by this artist, Art ThemenFind albums by this artist (saxophone), Ed SpeightFind albums by this artist (guitar), Roger DeanFind albums by this artist (piano), Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist (bass) and Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist, John WebbFind albums by this artist (drums). Many of these players were to become future leaders of course, as Collier’s ensembles served as an excellent breeding ground for young players, similar to what happened on the Blues scene with John MayallFind albums by this artist’s ensembles. Both these releases were inspired by the works of British poet and novelist Malcolm LowryFind albums by this artist, one of the most innovative writers of the 20th Century. "The Day Of The DeadFind albums with this title" (originally released as a double LP) includes extended fragments from Lowry´s masterpiece "Under The Volcano" and his other writings, narrated by John CarberyFind albums by this artist on top of the music performed by the band. Both works rank amongst Collier´s greatest achievements and his most adventurous recordings, with a loose composed frame and extensive group improvisations. Collier is often called the Charles MingusFind albums by this artist of European Jazz, and the parallels are obvious. The music is of course absolutely stunning, from start to finish, and brilliantly performed. Every moment on this album is just right, brilliant and timeless, which makes it not only a perfect document of the era, but also a piece of music that retains its intrinsic values forever. Absolutely essential!

CD 2 Slipcase Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRAHAM COLLIER ~ WORKPOINTS CUNEIFORM 213/214 (Barcode: 045775021324) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 - 1975 Released: 2005 Graham CollierFind albums by this artist has been one of the most important UK Jazz personallities since mid 1960`s as a musician, bandleader, composer and educator. His numerous ensembles were home to generations of UK Jazz musicians. His many albums are a great testimony to his talents and are all milestones of Modern Jazz. This albums brings to light two concerts recorded in 1968 and 1975. The personell reads like a who`s who of UK Jazz and the performances are sensational. The material includes compositions that appeared in studio versions on albums released at the time as well as music never previously heard. This is a feast for any Collier fan as much as any serious Jazz buff. Brilliant! See also the Garahm Collier album released on Jazzis Records

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NICK INGMAN ~ TERMINATOR VOCALION 8423 (Barcode: 765387842321) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2006 Keyboardist / composer / arranger Nick IngmanFind albums by this artist was one of the most important arrangers on the UK music market in the 1970s. As part of the Production Company run by ex-EMIFind albums on this label stuff producers George MartinFind albums by this artist and Norrie ParamorFind albums by this artist, he arranged albums for some of Britain’s most famous Pop and Rock stars. In parallel he released albums with his own compositions, which had a strong Jazz influence. Ingman studied with bassist / composer Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, who deeply influenced his approach to music, as well as at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. This is the last of the seven solo albums Ingman recorded and is the most Jazz influenced of them all. It’s a masterpiece of arrangement, which employs a large Big Band / Orchestra and a group of first rate session musicians and Jazz soloist. Ingman composed six of the eleven tracks on this album. Beautifully recorded and performed, this is a prime example of instrumental music, which is extremely difficult to categorize. The closest I can come up with is orchestral Jazz-Rock Fusion. Great stuff!

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KARL JENKINS ~ PENUMBRA II JAZZ IN BRITAIN 41 (Barcode: 5060774190432) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2022 The great abundance of creativity and recording activity, which blessed the British Jazz scene during the Golden Decade (1965-1975), created, among many other cultural marvels, also the “silent hero” phenomenon, which in case of the great multi-instrumentalist / composer Karl JenkinsFind albums by this artist, is a classic embodiment of that concept. Although firmly present at the epicenter of the music-making turmoil at the time, from Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, via Neil ArdleyFind albums by this artist, NucleusFind albums by this artist, and most prominently Soft MachineFind albums by this artist, Jenkins’ name would hardly be the primary association for most people thinking about the music of that period, despite his enormous contributions – the fate of a “silent hero”. I have faithfully followed his continuous activity over the decades, which shifted primarily into the Classical Music idiom, which included grand pieces like “RequiemFind albums with this title” or intimate beauties like the latest “PianoFind albums with this title”, always with great satisfaction and pleasure. This wonderful archival release brings us a three-part suite, composed by Jenkins and recorded live in 1971 with a dreamy ensemble, which includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz-Rock musicians at the time: Jenkins on piano with trumpeter Ian CarrFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, Ray WarleighFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, guitarist Chris SpeddingFind albums by this artist, pianist Dave MacRaeFind albums by this artist, bassist Roy BabbingtonFind albums by this artist, drummer John MarshallFind albums by this artist and percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, arguably the best ensemble ever put together at that time. Although relatively short, running just under half an hour, the music is an absolute classic example of what was being created at the time, and as such somewhat similar, at least spiritually and aurally, to many other recordings of the period. The composition is based on a steady riff, which develops slowly and offers splendid opportunity to all the instrumentalists to create hair-raising solo parts. The sound quality is perfect, which makes the music to be audible in great detail. Overall, this is a superb musical time capsule, brought to us courtesy of the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, who work tirelessly to unearth the great treasures of the British Jazz, making us, the followers and enthusiasts, ecstatically happy. It is also a much deserved “thank you” note to the contributions bestowed on us by this wonderful musician.

Updated: 30/11/2022Posted: 30/11/2022

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

LOOSE TUBES ~ ARRIVING LOST MARBLE 008 (Barcode: 873371000821) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 - 2014 Released: 2015 This is the seventh and last 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. This album presents eleven live tracks, the first seven recorded live at the Ronnie Scott’s club in 1990 and the last four also at Ronnie Scott’s in 2014. Five of the tracks were composed by Bates, three by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, two by flautist Eddie ParkerFind albums by this artist and one by trombonist John HarborneFind albums by this artist. Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, 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: 01/08/2023Posted: 01/08/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

LOOSE TUBES ~ SAD AFRIKA LOST MARBLE 006 (Barcode: 873371000623) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 2012 This is the sixth 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. Three of the tracks were composed by Bates, one by trumpeter Chris BatchelorFind albums by this artist, two by Eddie Parker and one is co-written by other members of the band. Loose Tubes were formed in 1983, following a workshop put together by British Jazz composer / educator Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, 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: 13/09/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

STAN SULZMANN ~ ON LOAN WITH GRATITUDE JAZZ IN BRITAIN 48 (Barcode: 5060774190500) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1974 - 1977 Released: 2023 This is an expanded and long overdue reissue / remaster of the debut album as a leader by British Jazz saxophonist / flautist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with keyboardist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist. Bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist appears on one track. The album was originally released on the MosaicFind albums on this label label, owned by Graham CollierFind albums by this artist and presented just three tracks, one of which was a three-part suite. Sadly, the studio tapes were lost and the music was transferred from a vinyl copy. This expanded 2CD edition adds no less than eight bonus tracks, recorded before the album recording and taken from tape archives, which include early versions of two of the tracks on the album, including the suite. All the music was composed by Sulzmann. The music, to which I have often returned to over the years, is absolutely sensational, as expected. Sultzmann and his cohorts were among the finest British Jazz players / composers of the period and by the mid-1970s were all at their full capacity, producing brilliant, vibrant and highly original music, probably the best British Jazz ever. The Mosaic label was one of the first independent / musician-owned British Jazz labels and offered an opportunity to release original music by other musicians, in addition to presenting the music by its owner. Sadly, several of the albums released at the time, remain still unreleased on CD to this very day, waiting for the good people of the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label to follow the example set by this wonderful reissue. In addition to the brilliant performances (and compositions of course) by the leader, the album also features extensive contributions by the great and sadly departed John Taylor, whose performances herein are absolutely delightful, and for his many followers this album is an essential addition to his splendid legacy. The Mathewson / Levin rhythm section is also a great reminder of their contribution to the British Jazz scene, each in his very own way, and both also sadly not with us anymore, and a tribute to their memory. Overall, this is another “straight between the eyes” class of release, overdue but not forgotten gem, which now can now be discovered by new generations or all those less fortunate British Jazz lovers, who don’t own the original vinyl release. Just keep them coming you archive magicians!

Updated: 10/09/2023Posted: 10/09/2023

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

JOHN SURMAN ~ JOHN SURMAN VOCALION 8402 (Barcode: 765387840228) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1968 Released: 2005 Saxophonist / composer John SurmanFind albums by this artist is a true icon of the British / European Jazz scene for over four decades. The immense body of work Surman produced over the years, starting with his numerous UK recordings in the late 1960s and 1970s and then through his association with the German ECMFind albums on this label label, reflect the absolute pinnacle of European Jazz. John’s incredible improvisational ability and masterly technique on several reed instruments made him a most welcome contributor to scores of pivotal albums recorded in the formative years of British modern Jazz, with such illustrious names as Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Graham CollierFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist (ExtrapolationFind albums with this title) and many others. His work is always characterized by pioneering achievements, embracing new technology and new musical forms and constantly changing, like a true musical chameleon. This album is his debut as a leader and might come as quite a surprise to listeners, who are familiar with his more contemporary works. The album presents two quite distinctive sides of his musical personality at the time, appropriately divided between what used to be Side A and Side B of the original LP. Surman plays the baritone saxophone exclusively on this album, demonstrating his command of the instrument. On Side A he leads a sextet with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist (his close associate at the time) – alto sax and Harry MillerFind albums by this artist – bass, exploring some Caribbean / calypso rhythms and playing music not composed by himself (Sonny RollinsFind albums by this artist is the composer of one of the four tracks). On Side B the ensemble is expanded to an eleven-piece band, including Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist – trumpets, Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist and Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist – trombones, Dave HollandFind albums by this artist – bass, Alan JacksonFind albums by this artist – drums and others. The music is a wonderful three-piece suite composed by Surman, a prime example of the British modern Jazz, with superb solos and free-form passages, culminating in a powerful big band orgy of sound. Definitely something any Surman fan will be happy to add to his collection and a beautiful piece of the puzzle representing Surman’s musical legacy.

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