Record Reviews

HENRY LOWTHER ~ CHILD SONG VOCALION 8403 (Barcode: 765387840327) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005 Trumpeter / violinist / composer Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist was one of the busiest and most sought after musicians on the British scene in the late 1960s and 1970s. His virtuosity and versatility resulted in him being a member in many groups (often simultaneously) and in different musical environments like Rock (Manfred MannFind albums by this artist), Jazz-Rock (Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist), Blues (John MayallFind albums by this artist) and Jazz (Michael GibbsFind albums by this artist, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist, Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist) as well as participating in hundreds of recordings as a session musician. This album is his debut recording as a leader of his own quintet, which includes some of the best young and up-coming British Jazz musicians at the time: Tony RobertsFind albums by this artist – sax, Mike McNaughtFind albums by this artist – electric piano, Daryl RunswickFind albums by this artist – bass and Mike TravisFind albums by this artist – drums. Two additional musicians: Jimmy JewellFind albums by this artist – sax and Neil SlavenFind albums by this artist – percussion also take part in the recording. The music, all composed by Lowther, is a splendid example of the European modern Jazz, which is both melodic and adventurous at the same time. The performances are all spotless and the music flows beautifully, leaving the listener wishing for more when the album is over. Overall the album stands the test of time with flying colors and I can wholeheartedly recommend it every Jazz buff, but of course especially to people partial to the British Jazz scene. Great stuff!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DARYL RUNSWICK ~ THE JAZZ YEARS ASC 167/168 (Barcode: 607128998709) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 - 1978 Released: 2017 This is an archival 2CD album by British bassist / composer Daryl RunswickFind albums by this artist, which collects recordings by his quartets captured between 1967 and 1978. The collective lineup is impressive, to say the least, and includes saxophonists Don RendellFind albums by this artist, Jim PhilipFind albums by this artist, Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist and Alan SkidmoreFind albums by this artist, pianists Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist, Mike McNaughtFind albums by this artist, Tony HymasFind albums by this artist and Mick PyneFind albums by this artist and drummers Mike TravisFind albums by this artist, Spike WellsFind albums by this artist and Harold FisherFind albums by this artist. The album presents sixteen tracks, eleven of which are original compositions by Runswick, one each are by Sulzmann and Hymans and three are standards. The music is superb all the way, a great example of modern British Jazz, which flourished in in 1970s, based on brilliant compositions by Runswick, who also plays excellent bass parts. Although these tracks were never meant to be released as commercial recordings, they offer very good sound quality and a wonderful musical experience. Overall, it is great to see (and hear) this material, which truly deserves to be remembered and listened to, and Runswick deserves to be discovered as an excellent composer and a great musician, whose “Jazz Years” are mostly unknown to the British Jazz enthusiasts. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 19/06/2025Posted: 19/06/2025

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend