Record Reviews

BOB DOWNES / OPEN MUSIC ~ CROSSING BORDERS REEL RECORDINGS 011 (Barcode: 676868177828) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 1979 Released: 2008 British flautist / saxophonist / composer Bob DownesFind albums by this artist and his Open MusicFind albums by this artist ensemble (a constantly changing group of musical cohorts) were always one of the most interesting acts on the British Jazz scene in the late 1960s / 1970s. Downes participated in many of the pivotal recording made at the time by other bandleaders, but in parallel always led his own ensemble which played the music he composed. His ability to combine melody and Free Improvisation into a unique amalgam was always his forte and his recordings are great examples of the limitless musical efforts, which are typical of the period. This release presents an album, previously unreleased, featuring compositions inspired by a 1973 South American tour, recorded several years later with a great cast of musicians: guitarist Brian GoddingFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist, bassists Barry GuyFind albums by this artist, Mark MeggidoFind albums by this artist and Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist and drummers Dennis SmithFind albums by this artist and John StevensFind albums by this artist – all of which are exemplary representatives of the British Jazz scene at its peak. Considering the fact that this music is previously unheard, it seems such a shame it laid hidden from our ears for so long, but as usual all is well that ends well, so here it is finally for us to savor. Downes´ fans need no encouragement to grab this album instantly, but British Jazz fans not familiar with his output should definitely investigate, especially in view of the fact that the melody lines and his amazing flute virtuosity make the improvised passages "easier on the ear" for less experienced listeners.

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MIKE OSBORNE ~ FORCE OF NATURE REEL RECORDINGS 006 (Barcode: 641444026128) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2008 British saxophone Giant Mike OsborneFind albums by this artist retired from active performing by the end of 1982 as a result of his mental illness, leaving the local Free Jazz scene with an enormous empty space. Although his playing is relatively well documented starting in the late 1960s, when he was an active participant in creating the British Jazz revolution / emancipation, and in the 1970s when he played with the most prestigious ensembles, but his last period before his untimely retirement remains almost completely undocumented. Therefore these recordings, dating from the early 1980s, shortly before he was to stop performing are priceless and of great historic importance. The two sessions presented here are both quartet recordings with Dave HoldsworthFind albums by this artist on trumpet and alternating bassists Marcio MattosFind albums by this artist / Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist and drummers Brian AbrahamsFind albums by this artist / Tony MarshFind albums by this artist. Osborne´s playing is fluid and passionate, presenting the absolute heights of improvisational artistry. Both quartets present the usual level of telepathic interplay present in Free Jazz situation, with all musicians performing brilliantly. Osborne died in 2007, leaving behind him a legacy, which proves beyond any doubt that he was a true Force of Nature. Brilliant stuff!

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TREVOR TOMKINS / SEXTANT ~ FOR FUTURE REFERENCE JAZZ IN BRITAIN 37 (Barcode: 5060774190395) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by British Jazz drummer Trevor TomkinsFind albums by this artist and his sextet called SextantFind albums by this artist, which also included saxophonist Jimmy HastingsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Chris PyneFind albums by this artist, pianist John HorlerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Phil LeeFind albums by this artist and bassist Paul BridgeFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Brian SmithFind albums by this artist replaces Hastings on one of the recording sessions. The 2CD album, recorded in four different sessions between 1980 and 1983, presents fifteen tracks, six of which were composed by Lee, three by Horler, two are standards, three are by British Jazz composers: Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and finally one is by American composer Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist. The album offers splendid sound quality, which is close to studio recording excellence, and includes an extensive essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. Although Tomkins was almost omnipresent on the British Jazz scene since the early 1960, and appears on dozens of seminal albums recorded over the decades, he never released an album as a leader and only one little know album as co-leader – an amazing fact, which is difficult to believe but true nevertheless. Following his death just a few months ago, the wonderful Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label rushed to release this, his first album as a leader, to commemorate his invaluable input into making British Jazz what it is. The music is, as expected, absolutely brilliant, all within the modern British Jazz mainstream, featuring mostly original compositions by the sextet members, which are highly melodic and beautifully structured. The members of the sextet, especially Hastings and Lee, had close ties with British Jazz-Rock Fusion and Progressive Rock / Canterbury Scene in the 1970s, being members of CaravanFind albums by this artist / Hatfield And The NorthFind albums by this artist / National HealthFind albums by this artist / Soft MachineFind albums by this artist / GilgameshFind albums by this artist (which also included Tomkins), but the music on this album has no relation to these excursions, being much closer to the work Tomkins experienced with the Don Rendell / Ian Carr QuintetFind albums by this artist or Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist ensembles in the 1960s and early 1970s. Both the teamwork and the individual performances by the sextet members are absolutely phenomenal, showing great comradeship and mutual respect between the musicians. Horler plays some brilliant piano lines and is the quintessential catalyst, always there with his harmonic support behind the soloists. Lee plays amazing guitar soli and proves again that he deserves way more respect for his unique style and consistency. Hastings / Smith offer the Jazzy core with their solid presentations of the themes and inspired soloing. Pyne is a trombone virtuoso and his solos are all absolute gems. Bridge, a superb bassist, who sadly passed away prematurely in 2001, keeps the music swinging steadily, working hand in hand with the leader, who is more reliable than a Swiss clock and never ceases to amaze with his inventiveness. Overall, this is another great addition to the string of releases produced by the Jazz In Britain aficionados, which makes our lives not only more interesting, but also bearable, all things considered. This music is so good it would have been a crime to leave it forgotten, so now when it is available, don’t hesitate even for a split second… This is an absolutely essential piece of British Jazz legacy!

Updated: 12/03/2023Posted: 12/03/2023

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