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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HARRY BECKETT ~ JOY UNLIMITED CADILLAC 017 (Barcode: 5020675572485) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2020 This is a reissue / remaster of a classic album by British Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, recorded with a sextet, with also included keyboardist Brian MillerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Ray RussellFind albums by this artist, bassist Daryl RunswickFind albums by this artist, drummer Nigel MorrisFind albums by this artist and percussionist Martin DavidFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Beckett. This long overdue reissue was prompted by the publication of Beckett’s biography “The Many Faces of Harry Beckett” by John ThurlowFind albums by this artist, who also wrote the new liner notes, which are featured on the album’s artwork, in addition to the original liner notes by John FordhamFind albums by this artist. The album, which was Beckett’s fourth release as a leader, was released by the small independent CadillacFind albums on this label Records label established by John JackFind albums by this artist in 1973, and which subsequently released several iconic British Jazz recordings, some of which are still waiting for a reissue. The music on this album is quite different from Beckett’s earlier recordings, which were more within the modern mainstream Jazz idiom. This album is however pure Jazz-Rock Fusion with some World Music influences, mostly rhythmically. In addition to Beckett’s brilliant trumpet parts, the rest of the instrumental work is highly charged by the electric guitar and keyboards, which take the music towards the British Fusion, which flourished at the time. Russell, Miller and Runswick play some highly exciting soli throughout the album, which could be easily associated with the Fusion bands active at the time, like IsotopeFind albums by this artist, Rock WorkshopFind albums by this artist, IfFind albums by this artist and many others. With the Latin / Caribbean rhythms added, this album is certainly quite unique and in retrospect deserves a much wider recognition than it managed to achieve. Overall, this is a classic British Jazz gem, worthy a proper place in any serious record collection. It should also be quite educational for the new generation of musicians, showing how cross-pollination and genre-crossing can lead to magnificent results, not to mention the respect due to all these wonderful musicians, who proved there are no limits to creativity. This is an absolute must of course and thanks to John’s initiative to make it available again, which he is practicing on the daily basis by running the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label reissues label.

Updated: 18/02/2023Posted: 18/02/2023

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HARRY BECKETT ~ MAXINE ITM 920010 (Barcode: 4250079750108) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1987 - 1995 Released: 2011 This is an album by British Jazz trumpeter / composer Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist, released shortly after his death. It presents a compilation of seven tracks, recorded between 1987 and 1995 with five different lineups, ranging between a quintet and a duo. In fact, it is a reissue of the 1993 album “Les Jardins Du CasinoFind albums with this title” with two tracks form the 1996 album “Compared 2 What?Find albums with this title”. Two tracks were recorded by a quintet with trombonist Annie WhiteheadFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist John BurgesFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco CastronariFind albums by this artist and drummer Winston CliffordFind albums by this artist. Another two tracks were recorded by a trio with German pianist Joachim KuhnFind albums by this artist and French bassist Jean-Francois Jenny-ClarkFind albums by this artist. One track was recorded by a duo with pianist Django BatesFind albums by this artist, another one by a duo with pianist Chris McGregorFind albums by this artist and finally one track by a quintet with saxophonist Courtney PineFind albums by this artist, McGregor, bassist Fred Thelonious BakerFind albums by this artist and drummer Clifford JarvisFind albums by this artist. The music in incredibly diverse stylistically, from mainstream balladry to intense modern Jazz improvisation, but the focus is on Beckett’s superb trumpet / flugelhorn performances, which are consistently breathtaking, despite the changing lineups and stylistic variations. Personally, my favorite tracks are those with Joachim Kuhn, but all the music is truly delightful and should make every Jazz enthusiast happy. It would be a crime to leave these tracks unreleased, so it’s great to see them available, for us to enjoy and cherish. Warmly recommended.

Updated: 05/08/2023Posted: 05/08/2023

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HARRY BECKETT ~ WARM SMILES / THEMES FOR FEGA VOCALION 8430 (Barcode: 765387843021) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2006 Trumpeter / composer Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist has been a prominent figure on the British Jazz scene for five decades. Born in Barbados, he arrived on London in the early 1950s and soon became an integral part of the burgeoning community. Beckett was one of several musicians who arrived in London from the West Indies and left a most significant mark on the local scene, like saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, flautist Harold McNairFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist. Over the years Beckett was a member of many front-line groups, participated in countless recording sessions and appeared and numerous albums, many of which are considered absolute classics today. This album presents his second and third albums as a leader, recorded a year apart and with almost identical personnel. On Warm SmilesFind albums with this title he leads a sextet with Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist – sax, Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist – vibes and percussion, John TaylorFind albums by this artist – piano, Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist – bass and John WebbFind albums by this artist – drums. On Themes For FegaFind albums with this title the group is expanded to a septet with the addition of Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist – sax. Beckett composed all the music on both albums and they are a prime example of the glorious British Jazz of the period. Beckett’s virtuosity and incredibly warm and clear sound is beautifully complimented by his colleague’s contributions. Definitely a most worthwhile addition to any Jazz collection and a must for lovers of British Jazz form the 1970s.

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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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KEEF HARTLEY BAND ~ HALFBREED ESOTERIC 2050 (Barcode: 5013929715028) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008 1st album by the excellent Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist, one the best Blues / Rock / Jazz ensembles ever, founded by drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist following his stint with John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. The band featured a nucleus consisting of singer / guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Spit JamesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Peter DinesFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist and Hartley on drums. In addition a horn section was added to expand the band´s sound, which on this album consisted of the best horn players in Britain: trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Harry BecketFind albums by this artist and saxophonists Lynn DobsonFind albums by this artist and Chris MercerFind albums by this artist. Together this nine-piece band had a tremendous power and considering the quality of its members it was simply the best "little Big Band" around at the time. Hartley´s sensitive drumming drives the music through a set of fantastically well written and superbly arranged tunes, which are Blues based but extend often into Rock and Jazz. The guitar work is stunning, the brass arrangement just right on the money, in short heaven on earth for any Blues fan, but basically early Jazz-Rock Fusion enthusiasts will find here everything they need to make them happy. Definitely a classic of the genre and an essential piece of music if ever there was one!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend