Record Reviews

GORDON BECK ~ APPLEBY BLUES (LIMITED EDITION) ART OF LIFE 1025 (Barcode: 804640102526) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2007 This live recording of the Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist trio at the Appleby Jazz Festival is a great proof of the fact that the legendary pianist is still at the top of his form in spite of his age. Vibrant and brilliant as always, Beck flies through a set original compositions and standards with grace and sensibility, rarely found elsewhere. Back is supported by an excellent rhythm section: the excellent young bass player Jeremy BrownFind albums by this artist and brilliant veteran drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist (who like Beck played in the Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist groups). Together they present a superb Jazz piano trio music, which sparkles with technical perfection and musicality. Levin’s extraordinary drumming is a perfect match for Back’s talents and his solo spots are quite amazing. The recording quality is also exceptionally fine, with every little detail perfectly audible. All together this is a perfect Jazz piano trio album, which every lover of that format will love and play repeatedly. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Oversampling Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ EXPERIMENTS WITH POPS ART OF LIFE 1001 (Barcode: 804640100126) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2001 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the true forefathers of modern British and European Jazz; a pioneer and revolutionary in every sense and a giant musician, who managed to free himself from the boundaries imposed by the American Jazz tradition and take the music a step further to a new sphere. What is even more remarkable and amazing is the fact that in contrast to most British and European musicians, who took their emancipation from the rigors of the past towards Free Jazz and Improvised Music, Beck remained firmly within the seemingly “mainstream” form, playing melodically and in strict time, and yet so much “out there” that for people who are able to hear the difference it’s truly staggering. Beck first came to prominence when he joined the group led by British Jazz legend Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist in 1962 and remained with him for several years as his regular pianist, performing and recording some of the most remarkable albums in the British Jazz history. Since 1967 Beck started to record as a leader and his trio became the “house band” of the famous Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s London club. By the end of the 1960s he took part in the development of the British Jazz-Rock Fusion, playing with Phil WoodsFind albums by this artist in the European Rhythm MachineFind albums by this artist and later with NucleusFind albums by this artist. He became increasingly involved with other musicians from the European scene, especially with many French Jazz players (an association that thrives to these very days). His extensive discography accumulated over the years, both as leader and sideman, is a formidable body of work, which stands out as one of the most consistently excellent and creative. This album was Beck’s second (out of three) release on the tiny independent Major MinorFind albums on this label label, which in time became one of the most sought after British Jazz collector’s items. For the recording Beck expanded his trio (Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist – bass and Tony OxleyFind albums by this artist – drums) to a quartet, with the addition of no other that guitarist John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist, known at the time as “Johnny”. Apart from the fact that this is one of the very few early McLaughlin recordings, and therefore of immense historical value, the entire quartet is probably one of the strongest and most extraordinary European ensembles, pioneering the European approach of collective playing. McLaughlin’s brilliant arpeggios, Oxley’s prophetic time keeping away from time, Clyne’s innovative bass explorations and Beck’s flights all over the keyboard collectively create an new amalgam of sounds, taking the music to a new dimension, previously unexplored. How ironic, considering that the material consists entirely from Pop songs popular at the time (hence the album’s title), but in the hands of these players the music becomes truly experimental, as promised by the album’s title. The album’s producer Ray HorricksFind albums by this artist writes in the original liner notes: “This could be the most creative Jazz quartet album ever recorded in Europe… previous quartet recordings in London, or on the Continent, and including the best, have consisted of a rhythm section accompanying a leading soloist; whereas this one features a genuine collective development along lines which no other group, except Gary BurtonFind albums by this artist’s in America, has yet proceeded”. How perceptive and prophetic… Kudos to Paul KohlerFind albums by this artist of Art Of LifeFind albums on this label Records for bringing this timeless masterpiece back to circulation. This music, 40 years after it was recorded, sounds better and more exciting than most of what one hears in contemporary Jazz. Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

GORDON BECK ~ ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH FMR 028 (Barcode: 786497264025) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1996 Released: 1996 Pianist / composer Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist is one of the icons of the modern British Jazz and his immense contribution to the scene is invaluable. He first came to prominence as a member of the legendary saxophonist Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist quintet and soon after formed his own trio, which was one of the most important ensembles at the time, which recorded some incredibly beautiful albums. Over the years Beck proved to be extremely prolific, recording tens of albums as leader and sidemen and hundreds as a studio musician. A hopeless romantic at heart, his incredibly melodic and lyrical compositions and extraordinary fluency as a player make him one of the finest European Jazz musician. Alongside Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist he is my favorite British piano player and a source of musical joy for over 40 years now. This, one of his latest albums (recorded when Beck was 61 years old!), recorded with two superb British Jazz veterans saxophonist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist and bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist with a young drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist, presents him still at the top of his powers both as a composer and a player. He composed four of the seven tunes on this album with Sultzmann contributing the other three. The music is an incredible example of contemporary Jazz, melodic and beautifully structured, but at the same time full of zest, adventure and sophistication. Those listeners, who are familiar with Beck’s output, will find this a worthy addition to his superb body of work. Those who don’t know him might find this album as a gate into an incredible word of high Art of Jazz. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN DANKWORTH ~ WHAT THE DICKENS! / OFF DUTY! VOCALLION 8491 (Barcode: 765387849122) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1963 - 1969 Released: 2012 This is a most welcome reissue of two albums recorded in the 1960s by saxophonist / composer / bandleader John DankworthFind albums by this artist and his orchestra. Considered a Godfather of the British Jazz scene, Dankworth managed to keep his orchestra going for decades, composing, arranging and recording some remarkable music on the way. As these two albums (recorded six years apart) show, Dankworth was always up to date with recent developments in Jazz and was open minded enough to incorporate them into his music. He also had a great ear as to finding the best players and his orchestra always exploded with talent. "What The Dickens!Find albums with this title" comprises of fifteen original compositions by Dankworth, all inspired by characters from the novels written by Charles Dickens. The compositions are all absolutely lovely and the orchestra performs them splendidly with grace, elegance and incredible Jazz feel. The best British Jazz musicians appear as guest soloist on this album and they include such superb players as saxophonists Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist, Peter KingFind albums by this artist, Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Tony CoeFind albums by this artist. Trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist was a member of the orchestra at the time. This is some of the best orchestrated Jazz ever recorded and the finesse of these sounds is still nothing less of amazing. "Off Duty!", which was recorded by the end of the 1960s, when Jazz-Rock was already a significant part of the British scene, finds Dankworth and his orchestra playing both his original music (three of the twelve tracks are his compositions) as well as his arrangements of standards and (then) contemporary Pop material, played with a much more Jazz-Rock oriented edge than his earlier "pure" Jazz recordings. The orchestra includes keyboardist Laurie HollowayFind albums by this artist and two brilliant bassists: Herbie FlowersFind albums by this artist and Brian OdgersFind albums by this artist, who give it a brand new sound with a lot of Funk and simply delicious bass lines. The atmosphere is of course much more relaxed and entertaining, but the music, arrangements and performances are stellar. Beautifully remastered by Michael J. DuttonFind albums by this artist this reissue offers great glimpses of the past glory of the British Jazz in general and Dankworth´s contribution in particular. Like good wine, this music gets better with time and manages to stay relevant. Recommended, especially for lovers of the Jazz Big Band / Orchestra sound, which appears here at its full grandeur!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PAUL GONSALVES & TUBBY HAYES / JOHNNY SCOTT ~ JUST FRIENDS / LONDON SWINGS VOCALION 8482 (Barcode: 765387848224) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2011 During the 1964 concerts in UK by the Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist Band, saxophonist Paul GonsalvesFind albums by this artist was taken ill immediately prior to the band´s opening concert. He was promptly, but without any warning, replaced by the legendary local saxophone hero, Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, who filled the void superbly. This incident led to a friendship between the two players, which led to the recording reissued herein. Gonsalves and Hayes exchange licks like there´s no tomorrow, leading a nonet consisting of excellent British musicians, some of which were the members of Hayes´ band at the time. The great pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist was also drafted to the ranks. The music is simply divine, swinging like mad and the performances are truly stellar. A true meeting of the Giants! This reissue also includes an album by the Johnny ScottFind albums by this artist Orchestra, which consists of the leading Jazz players on the UK scene at the time. The superbly arranged material is a prime example of how seemingly straight-forward material can be sophisticated and interesting, when in the hands of Masters. This is a great trip down the nostalgia lane. Hayes enthusiasts will find this one essential!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ ANTIBES `62 JAZZ IN BRITAIN 69 (Barcode: 5060774190883) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1962 Released: 2025 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, recorded at the Antibes Jazz Festival in July 1962 by his quintet, which also included trumpeter Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist, pianist Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist, bassist Freddy LoganFind albums by this artist and drummer Allan GanleyFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, two of which are short introductions, three are original compositions (one repeated twice) by Hayes, and three are standards. First three tracks were recorded on July 18 and the remaining five on July 19. On one of the tracks Hayes plays vibraphone and Beck does not take part. The sound quality is surprisingly sparkling. The album is accompanied by an extensive booklet with liner notes by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, the tireless Hayes archivist. The music is, not surprisingly, absolutely gorgeous, from start to finish, and all five musicians play marvelously. Although deeply rooted in the Bebop tradition, the music explodes with inventiveness and modern approach, and Hayes’ virtuosity turns everything into musical gold. This period of Hayes’ activity is well documented on record, both studio and live, but for true fans there is no such a thing as “too many” albums by their favorite artists, and this new release by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label mavericks fits the bill perfectly. Spillett’s booklet is simply the proverbial cherry on top. There is no need really to add anything more, as Hayes’ music always speaks for itself. Overall, this is another superb release by the Jazz In Britain team, which seems to have access to a bottomless archive, which is filled with some incredible treasures of British Jazz, which we can now enjoy. As already mentioned above, there is no limit to British Jazz fans to their heroes, like Hayes or Beck, just bring them on. And of course thanks for sharing!

Updated: 27/05/2025Posted: 27/05/2025

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ COMMONWEALTH BLUES ART OF LIFE 1016 (Barcode: 804640101628) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2005 British Jazz legend Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist was one of the greatest representatives of the genre and also one of the very few British musicians to get US exposure due to his frequent performances there. Although primarily revered for his tenor saxophone playing, he was also a superb flautist and vibraphonist. The bulk of recordings come from the period between mid-1950s to mid-1960s. By late 1960s Hayes became seriously ill and subsequently died (in 1973) at a ridiculously young age of 38. His musical legacy is of immense importance, as it laid the foundations for the European Jazz and its emancipation from the American Jazz tradition. His virtuoso playing and extraordinary sense of improvisation enabled Hayes to extend the be-bop tradition, established by Jazz giants like Charlie ParkerFind albums by this artist and John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, into a new plane with added European sophistication and culture replacing the raw energy and often rage of American Jazz. This album is an extremely important document of Tubby’s magnificent performance, especially so due to the fact that it contains all previously unreleased recordings. The source of the music comes from the famous BBC “transcription service” recordings – a blessed initiative of the BBC to record British Jazz and subsequently broadcast these recordings on the BBC World Service stations around the world. These recordings were pressed on vinyl and distributed worldwide, but never released commercially. The album includes four such sessions, recorded for the Spanish-speaking listeners (see the announcements in Spanish) with his quartet, which includes Gordon BeckFind albums by this artist on piano, Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist on bass and Johnny ButtsFind albums by this artist on drums. The first three sessions are devoted each to a separate instrument and feature Hayes on tenor saxophone, vibraphone and flute. The fourth session features his playing all three instruments, each on a separate track. The recording quality is excellent (as is the remaster) and the result is a magnificent album, which deserves the title of a true classic of the British Jazz. The many fans of Tubby Hayes will find this album to be essential for their collections and it deserves a honorable place in any decent Jazz album collection. Genius at work!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ FIVE CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS BONUS EPS AND TRACKS (VOL.2) REAL GONE JAZZ 448 (Barcode: 5036408159823) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 1959 Released: 2014 This is the second part of a reissue of early recordings by the legendary British Jazz saxophonist / vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, undoubtedly the greatest herald of British Jazz in the early post WWII period. This set collects recordings made between 1955 and 1959, which present Hayes playing Swing and Bebop with many of the best British musicians at the time. His spectacular abilities and virtuosic performances earned him a worldwide acclaim. Hayes died in 1973 at the ridiculous young age of thirty eight and one can only speculate how his music might have sounded when British Jazz fully developed its own voice and identity later on. The five albums included here are: "Modern Jazz Scene 1956Find albums with this title" from 1956, "After The Lights OutFind albums with this title" from 1956, "The Jazz CouriersFind albums with this title" (a combo co-led with Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist) from 1957, "The Last WordFind albums with this title" (also with the Jazz CouriersFind albums by this artist) from 1959 and finally "London Jazz QuartetFind albums with this title" from 1959. In addition several EPs featuring various combos and orchestras led by Hayes are also included, all of which were recorded in 1955. Overall this is a fascinating collection of great mainstream Jazz music played by the best British musicians at the time, and which has additionally also an enormous historical value. I can’t imagine any true British Jazz fan missing this set! Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 31/05/2016

CD 4 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ FREE FLIGHT JAZZ IN BRITAIN 05 (Barcode: 5060774190012) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2020 This is an archive album by iconic British Jazz multi-instrumentalist / composer Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist recorded live with his quartet, which included pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Tony LevinFind albums by this artist. Subtitled “The Ron Mathewson Tapes Vol. 3”, it presents an informal cassette tape recording of a gig at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s club made on 17th or 18th October 1972, just nine month prior to his Hayes’ death at the ridiculous young age of thirty-eight, kept by the bassist, who recently donated his archives to Jazz in Britain Ltd. incorporating the British Jazz Sound Archive, a new not-for-profit organization whose aim is to collect, curate, preserve, celebrate and promote the legacy of British Jazz musicians. The archive collects, curates and preserves off-air and other recordings of British Jazz performances. This CD is their fifth release. The 2CD album presents eight tracks, five lengthy ones (about fifteen minutes in duration), one shorter (eight minutes) and two incomplete tracks, obviously a result of the cassette reaching its end before the set was over. Five of the tracks are standards and three are Hayes originals. The album also includes extensive liner notes by Simon SpilllettFind albums by this artist, a Hayes specialist and author of the definitive Hayes biography “The Long Shadow of The Little Giant: The Life, Work and Legacy of Tubby Hayes”. Hayes was obviously a superb instrumentalist, recognized as a champion not only in UK, but also over the pond, where his virtuosity simply could not be ignored despite the usual condescending attitude towards European Jazz musicians by their American colleagues. Hayes was after all first and foremost deeply rooted in the American Jazz tradition and his more modernist approach, developed in the last period of his activity, was relatively limited in comparison to other British Jazz innovators, who were slaughtering Holly Cows by the herd. The music is basically pretty placid, with excellent performances by all the musicians, but nothing really out of the ordinary. The chatter and background noise add to the authenticity of the live recording and the sound quality is listenable, so this is definitely a pleasurable listening experience and a valuable document of the British Jazz scene at the time, but it does not add anything that is not available on the plethora of posthumous releases by Hayes already available on the market.

Updated: 28/06/2021Posted: 31/03/2021

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ HIP! THE UNTOLD STORY OF TUBBY HAYES` 1965 RHYTHM AND BLUES 080 (Barcode: 5060331752790) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2021 This is an archival 2CD album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. It presents three radio broadcasts, all previously unreleased, all captured in 1965, a year in which no studio recordings by Hayes were made and he did not head a regular ensemble of his own, as a result of his troubled personal life riddled by health and addiction problems. However, when it came to live performances, Hayes, as this album shows, was still the greatest saxophonist active on the British Isles at the time. CD1 presents a ten tracks broadcast by the Commonwealth Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by Hayes and featuring some of the greatest British Jazz musicians, like trumpeters Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist and Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Bobby WellinsFind albums by this artist and Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and others. Vocalist Joy MarshallFind albums by this artist appears on three tracks. The Big Band / Orchestra performs three originals by Hayes, including the fabulous “100% ProofFind albums with this title”, which will become the title track of his studio album two years later. Two more British originals are by trumpeter / composer of Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist, a regular Hayes’ collaborator. The rest of the material comprises of great arrangements of Jazz standards. CD2 presents two Hayes’ quartet broadcasts, with pianist Terry ShannonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummers Benny GoodmanFind albums by this artist or Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist (who also plays on the Orchestra tracks). The last five tracks (second broadcast) offer a somewhat lower sound quality, but the quality of the music is certainly as admirable as the rest of the music on this album. The accompanying booklet offers an informative essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, who is the author of the Tubby Hays biography, which of course is worth reading. Overall, this is a superb piece of British Jazz history, and a splendid reminder of the great talent of one of its most impressive heroes, who sadly left us tragically way to prematurely. Hayes was undoubtedly one of the greatest European saxophonist, and his talent was recognized also on the other side of the pond, which happened rarely. His pioneering ability to combine the Jazz tradition with modernism and even early Avant-Garde Jazz approach, in addition to his superhuman performing skills, makes him a legendary figure, which should be remembered by all.

Updated: 17/01/2023Posted: 17/01/2023

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ LIVE AT THE FLAMINGO 1958 RHYTHM AND BLUES 092 (Barcode: 5060331753445) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1958 Released: 2023 This is an archival album by the iconic British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. It presents a previously unreleased live recording at the legendary Flamingo club in London, captured during the early days of Hayes’ career, before he achieved the top rank on the British scene. The music is performed by a formidable octet, with trumpeters Les CondonFind albums by this artist and Stuart HamerFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Alan BranscombeFind albums by this artist, Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist and Hayes, pianist Terry ShannonFind albums by this artist, bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill EydenFind albums by this artist – a band that in fact existed only once for that particular concert. Three additional musicians guest on selected tracks. The album presents nine tracks, seven of which are standards and two are originals, one by Jimmy DeucharFind albums by this artist and another by Hayes. The accompanying booklet offers an informative essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, who is the author of the Tubby Hays biography, which of course is worth reading. The music is of course still mostly in the American Bebop tradition, but clearly shows how the British musicians adopted that tradition and added a very specific “British touch” to it, already at that early stage. The individual performances are nothing short of brilliant and the octet arrangements are clever and sophisticated. The club atmosphere is a reminder why the Flamingo was a place to be in late 1950’s London, when one wanted to hear some great music (and for other less cultural reasons). The recording is mono, but offers quite reasonable sound quality, which enables everything to be heard properly, even if the drums are sometimes a tad too high in the mix, a small price to pay for the splendid music, which lost nothing of its vitality in the sixty-five years since it was recorded. Overall, this is a superb piece of British Jazz history, and a splendid reminder of the great talent of one of its most impressive heroes. Hayes was undoubtedly one of the greatest European saxophonist, and his talent was recognized also on the other side of the pond, which happened rarely. His pioneering ability to combine the Jazz tradition with modernism and even early Avant-Garde Jazz approach, in addition to his superhuman performing skills, makes him a legendary figure, which should be remembered by all, especially since he left us tragically way to prematurely.

Updated: 24/10/2023Posted: 19/10/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ NO BLUES: THE COMPLETE HOPBINE `65 JAZZ IN BRITAIN 53 (Barcode: 5060774190555) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1965 Released: 2023 This is an archival live album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Kenny PowellFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Dick BrennanFind albums by this artist. Saxophonist Tommy WhittleFind albums by this artist expands the lineup to a quintet on a couple of tracks. Two of the tracks are piano trio recordings. The music, which was recorded at the Hopbine club owned by Whittle, was taken from the Mathewson’s tape archive, which was left to the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label upon his death in 2020. The 2CD album presents seven tracks, all of which are standards. The album includes an extensive twenty-four pages long booklet, written by Hayes’ biographer Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. The tape is a mono recording, but the sound quality is excellent and way better than the other version of this material, which was previously released by HarkitFind albums on this label Records in 2005, and the music can be heard loud and clear. One of the tracks, which lasts for almost twenty minutes, is released here for the first time and this is the first time this performance can he heard in its entirety. This album captures Hayes at the peak of the first part of his career, which was dedicated to becoming an “equal” to his American counterparts, as far as virtuosic improvisation and mastery of the Bebop idiom were concerned. He certainly achieved those goals and received full approval from the Americans, during his US stints during that period. But the drive to enter a more ambitious sphere, partly influenced by American Avant-Gardists like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, and partly by the British / European Jazz revolution bubbling in the undercurrents, were about to take Hayes into a completely new era, which lasted for the sadly short last period of his life. The album is also a wonderful document of the London Jazz scene in the mid-1960s, which exploded with activity. The first post WWII wave of Jazz musicians were at their peak and the young and hungry generation barking at their behinds, who were about to take over the scene by the end of the decade and revolutionize it, creating for the first time what would become the true British Jazz, unique, innovative and utterly brilliant. Overall, this is a most welcome addition to Tubby Hayes recorded legacy and British Jazz fans surely will appreciate the work and dedication of the people behind the Jazz In Britain label, who keep bringing us these wonderful releases and keep the history of British Jazz alive. Absolutely essential part of any serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 02/07/2023Posted: 02/07/2023

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ SEVEN CLASSIC ALBUMS REAL GONE JAZZ 402 (Barcode: 5036408151322) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1958 - 1962 Released: 2013 This is the first part of a reissue of early recordings by the legendary British Jazz saxophonist / vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, undoubtedly the greatest herald of British Jazz in the early post WWII period. This set collects recordings made between 1958 and 1962, which present Hayes playing Swing and Bebop with many of the best British musicians at the time. His spectacular abilities and virtuosic performances earned him a worldwide acclaim. Hayes died in 1973 at the ridiculous young age of thirty eight and one can only speculate how his music might have sounded when British Jazz fully developed its own voice and identity later on. The seven albums included here are: "In ConcertFind albums with this title" by The Jazz CouriersFind albums by this artist, a combo co-led by Hayes and Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist, from 1958, "The Couriers Of JazzFind albums with this title" also by The Jazz Couriers, from 1959, "Tubby`s GroveFind albums with this title" from 1959, "TubbsFind albums with this title" from 1961, "Tubbs In NYFind albums with this title" from 1961, "All Night LongFind albums with this title" from 1961 and "Return VisitFind albums with this title" from 1962. A couple of tracks from the 1962 album "Equation In RhythmFind albums with this title" recorded with the American drummer Jack CostanzoFind albums by this artist are included as bonus tracks. Overall this is a fascinating collection of great mainstream Jazz music played by the best British musicians at the time, and which has additionally also an enormous historical value. I can’t imagine any true British Jazz fan missing this set! Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 28/09/2016

CD 4 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ THE COMPLETE HOPBINE `69 JAZZ IN BRITAIN 30 (Barcode: 5060774190319) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. The music, which was recorded live at the Hopbine club, was taken from the Mathewson tape archive. It presents eight tracks, three of which are Hayes’ originals and five are standards. The album includes an extensive twenty-eight pages long booklet, written by Hayes’ biographer Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist. The tape is a mono recording, but the sound quality is excellent and way better than the other sources of this material, which were previously released on two other albums, and the music can be heard loud and clear. One of the tracks is released here for the first time and this is the first time this performance can he heard in its entirety. In many respects this recording marks a closing of a glorious career by one of the British Jazz greatest personalities, who would be dead just three and a half years after this music was recorded, ridden by ill health. It is also of course a wonderful glimpse at the birth of modern British Jazz, partly influenced by the Free Jazz explosion in American Jazz at the time, but still very much within modern mainstream, reshaped and domesticated into the unique British experience, which eventually emancipated British Jazz from the American bondage. These performances are obviously more spontaneous than those captured on the studio albums Hates recorded at the time and all showcase the great talents of the four musicians involved. Pyne, Mathewson (both sadly not with us any more) and Wells (hopefully destined to stay with us for many more years) show their talents here in full and Hayes’ fluency and artistry remain unparalleled. Interestingly, John ColtraneFind albums by this artist influence on Hayes’ playing is more distinctly heard here than on most other recordings he made. Overall, this is a most welcome addition to Tubby Hayes recorded legacy and British Jazz fans surely will appreciate the work and dedication of the people behind the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label, who keep bringing us these wonderful releases and keep the history of British Jazz alive. Absolutely essential part of any serious British Jazz collection.

Updated: 27/01/2022Posted: 27/01/2022

CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

TUBBY HAYES ~ GRITS, BEANS AND GREENS: THE LOST FONTANA STUDIO SESSION 1969 FONTANA 602577569647 (Barcode: 602577569647) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 Released: 2019 This is an archival “lost” studio album by British Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with pianist Mick PyneFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron MathewsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Spike WellsFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, three of which are original compositions by Hayes and two are standards. This is the single CD version of this album, which also exists as a 2CD album with eighteen tracks documenting the entire two-days recording sessions of this material. The album is accompanied by an extensive booklet with text by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist, Hayes’ biographer. Recorded just four years before his premature death, Hayes is in absolute top form both as a composer and a player, and the quartet is an ideal vehicle to showcase his talents. Although deeply rooted in the American Jazz tradition, this music sparkles with modernism and is an integral part of the process of creating the British Jazz sound, which at the time of the recording was a boiling magma of young talent, but managed also to pull in many of the veterans as well. The sessions, which produced this album, were originally destined to produce the follow up album to the 1967 iconic release “Mexican GreenFind albums with this title”, but for many different reasons sank into oblivion, only to be re-discovered fifty years later. In retrospect, they are the last quartet studio recordings, with the great musician’s fate sealed by his habits and ill health. The same quartet was recorded live on several occasions and the splendid “The Complete Hopbine `69Find albums with this title” released by the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label offers a great document of their masterful performances together. Overall, this is a splendid example of Hayes’ Genius at its best, accompanied by three superb representatives of the British Jazz scene, which is an essential piece of Hayes legacy, as well as a proof of the importance of archival Jazz material, which is great to have and to return to. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 02/06/2023Posted: 02/06/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CLEO LAINE ~ CLASSIC ALBUMS, 4 EPS & BONUS TRACKS REAL GONE JAZZ 421 (Barcode: 5036408154422) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 1962 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of four early albums by the British vocalist Cleo LaineFind albums by this artist, one of the most glamorous and widely known representatives of the British Jazz worldwide. She and her husband saxophonist / composers John DankworthFind albums by this artist were for many years the "Royal" couple of the British Jazz and they were eventually knighted (receiving the DBE and CBE respectively). Laine, a truly remarkable singer, is perhaps the last great British representative of the "classic" vocal Jazz school, created and developed by the great American female singers like Billie HolidayFind albums by this artist, Sarah VaughanFind albums by this artist, Ella FitzgeraldFind albums by this artist and so many others. Her great affinity towards the Blues and her wonderful feeling of the Swing made her a true star. She did not, however, cross over to the modern vocal Jazz approach, which developed in Britain (and the rest of Europe), which reinvented the role of the human voice and opened new possibilities. Laine stayed faithful to the "classic" approach, and represented it stunningly. On the recordings included in this set Laine is accompanied by the best British Jazz musicians active at the time and the time span (1955 to 1962) shows her rapid development from an unknown imitator to a full fledged luminary. The first album "She`s The Tops!Find albums with this title" presents Laine more as a Blues singer and shows her developing her chops and vocal abilities. The second album "ValmouthFind albums with this title" is the original cast recording of a West End musical theatre performance featuring Laine, showing her remarkable talent as an actress in addition to her singing career. The third album "Live DateFind albums with this title" is a live recording presenting Laine singing six songs with the Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist Orchestra and than Hayes playing three spectacular pieces with his quartet. The fourth album "All About MeFind albums with this title" is a wonderful vocal Jazz album recorded with the Johnny KeatingFind albums by this artist Orchestra and featuring his incredible arrangements, showing Laine as a fully developed Jazz Diva. In addition this set includes also four EPs (each with four songs) recorded with various British groups supporting her. The "bonus tracks" are in fact another full album, which presents her singing with the trombonist Keith ChristieFind albums by this artist and his quintet (not quartet as the packaging tells us), which includes John Dankworth on clarinet and alto saxophone, pianist / vibraphonist Bill Le SageFind albums by this artist, bassist Bill SutcliffeFind albums by this artist and drummer Allan GanleyFind albums by this artist. This is the earliest recording included in this set. Overall British Jazz lovers and vocal Jazz connoisseurs should find this set irresistible, enjoying the newly available music, which has mostly disappeared into the abyss for way to long. Side Note The Real Gone JazzFind albums on this label label releases hundreds of album collections, which include usually between three to eight original albums in a two to four CDs sets. Most of these albums were recorded and released in the 1950s and early 1960s. These collections provide the track lists and lineups of the original albums, but no recording information, liner notes and any background information whatsoever. The label takes advantage of the copyright law in UK, which limited the length of the copyright protection of recorded works to 50 years, after which recorded works become public domain. In 2013 UK implemented a correction of the copyright law extending the protection of recorded works to 70 years (like the rest of Europe), but the correction does not apply retroactively, which means that recordings which entered the 50 years rule prior to January 1, 2013 (i.e. recorded before January 1, 1963) remain public domain. There are two great advantages to these releases: they are really inexpensive and they bring back to life many albums not reissued previously on CD, which means it would cost a collector an arm and a leg to get a copy of them. Many of these albums are absolute gems and essential pieces of Jazz history. The disadvantages are: the lack of proper information, original cover art, combining tracks of several original albums on one CD and the sound quality, which depends on where the label gets the source material. From my experience most of the releases have quite excellent sound quality but I have not listened to all of them and some people have complained about it.

Updated: 27/05/2018Posted: 20/05/2016

CD 4 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DICK MORRISSEY ~ AT THE BBC 1967 RHYTHM AND BLUES 074 (Barcode: 5060331752608) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2021 This is an archival album by seminal British saxophonist / composer / bandleader Dick MorrisseyFind albums by this artist. The album presents two BBC sessions captured in June and October 1967 performed by his quartet, with included pianist Harry SouthFind albums by this artist, bassist Phil BatesFind albums by this artist and drummer Bill EydenFind albums by this artist. The two sessions produced twelve tracks, with three tunes repeated in both sessions, most being Jazz standards and just one original by South. The music is all well within the mainstream Jazz idiom, but formidably performed by the quartet and presents Morrissey as a wonderfully talented player, considered at the time as second only to the legendary Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist. Morrissey fans should definitely put their hands on the VocalionFind albums on this label twofer reissue “Here And Now And Sounding Good / Storm Warning!Find albums with this title” of his 1965/66 studio albums, which offer similar music to what can be herd here. The sound quality of these recordings if excellent, which of course makes listening to the music a true pleasure. Following his Bebop / Hard Bop period, by the end of the 1960s Morrissey switched to the Jazz-Rock Fusion idiom, first with the brilliant group IfFind albums by this artist, which lasted till 1975 and recorded eight albums and later with the Morrissey-Mullen BandFind albums by this artist, formed with guitarist Jim MullenFind albums by this artist, which lasted for fifteen years and recorded seven excellent albums. Morrissey died from cancer in 2000 at the age of 60, as usual in such cases way too early, as his glorious recording legacy proves.

Updated: 10/08/2021Posted: 10/08/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

SPLINTERS ~ INCLUSIVITY JAZZ IN BRITAIN 26 (Barcode: 5060774190258) ~ UK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1972 Released: 2021 This is an archival 3CD album by British Jazz supergroup SplintersFind albums by this artist, which presents two live recordings, both from 1972, the first at the legendary London 100 Club (on CD 1 and 2) and the second from the opening night at the (then) newly opened Grass Roots club (on CD 3). The music was captured on cassettes and was carefully restored to today’s standard as far as possible. The 100 Club material was previously released in part by the Reel RecordingsFind albums on this label label in 2009 as “Split The DifferenceFind albums with this title”, and is here presented in its full form and the Grass Roots material is previously unreleased. The album is released in a lavish LP sized book format, and includes beautiful photographs by Jack KirbyFind albums by this artist and extensive essay by Simon SpillettFind albums by this artist – an obvious work of love and dedication, which is the modus operandi of the Jazz In BritainFind albums on this label label. The Splinters collective is truly unique in every sense, but the most striking trait of this ensemble is the meeting of generations, united by the inner urge to express their musical ideas as expressively and unrestrictedly as humanly possible. Three of the protagonists of this session, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist (b. 1926), who appears on CD 1 and 3 only, drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist (b. 1926) and saxophonist Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (b. 1935) were already British Jazz legends at the time of this recording, with years of experience and established careers to their credit. All were immensely influential on the then growing up generation of the British New Wave of rebellious young players, who wished to emancipate the music they played from the restrictions of strict Jazz forms, patterns and rhythmical uniformity established since the genre´s conception and developed during its first half century in the USA. Tracey, Seamen and Hayes were the necessary missing link between the Jazz tradition and the gradual but revolutionary development that occurred in British Jazz from the mid-1960s on. Surprisingly, Tracey and Seamen, both older than Hayes, proved to be the more adventurous, shunning from nothing and keeping their sensitivity completely up to date. Tracey fully embraced Free Jazz and Improvised Music and Seamen was active not only in the Jazz area, but also took part in early Jazz-Rock, Rock and even early World-Jazz activities, mainly through his faithful pupil and protégé Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist. Hayes remained somewhat more "conventional", expanding his Bebop approach with some freedom, but remaining firmly within the established parameters. Perhaps the future might have proved differently, but Hayes died prematurely just a year after this music was recorded. The rest of the "crew" captured here: saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist (b. 1939), who taped this music and was the initiator behind Splinters, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (b. 1930), bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist (b. 1937) and drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist (b. 1940), were the (not necessarily chronologically, but definitely spiritually) young Lions spearheading British Jazz into a new direction. The idea behind this session was to provide an open and most importantly completely free of any pre-conceptions environment for the musicians to express their ideas. Overall, as with much contemporary Jazz at the time, the idea of free flow and mutual respectful listening is the core of creation here. The music consists of long improvised pieces, with no strict melody lines, but full of very "melodic" playing, which makes perfect sense musically. This is group improvisation at its best, full of musical interplay and mutual inspiration respectful of each other´s "moment" and bearing at each particular instant. In many respects this is a classic "textbook" recording, which could be used as a perfect demonstration of what group improvisation really is. As someone must have said sometime: "you can´t plan lovemaking", this music, although unplanned, is a pure work of love. Beyond essential!

Updated: 07/12/2021Posted: 07/12/2021

CD 3 Digibook Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

SPLINTERS ~ SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE REEL RECORDINGS 013 (Barcode: 775020938328) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1972 Released: 2009 The Canadian Reel Recordings label does it again! Following a series of splendid British Jazz archival releases, which expose many previously unheard musical creations during the Golden Age of British Jazz, this addition to its catalogue is perhaps the most sensational and revealing. Obviously the feverish activity, that characterized this unprecedented period, produced a vast amount of groundbreaking music, which unfortunately was only partially captured on tape. Therefore unearthing another piece of that wonderful puzzle is always exciting and educational. The SplintersFind albums by this artist collective is truly unique in every sense, but the most striking trait of this ensemble is the meeting of generations, united by the inner urge to express their musical ideas as expressively and unrestrictedly as humanly possible. Three of the protagonists of this session, recorded live at the legendary 100 Club, London´s primary Jazz dungeon for many years, pianist Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist (b. 1926), drummer Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist (b. 1926) and saxophonist Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (b. 1935) were already British Jazz legends at the time of this recording, with years of experience and established careers to their credit. All were immensely influential on the then growing up generation of the British New Wave of rebellious young players, who wished to emancipate the music they played from the restrictions of strict Jazz forms, patterns and rhythmical uniformity established since the genre´s conception and developed during its first half century in the USA. Tracey, Seamen and Hayes were the necessary missing link between the Jazz tradition and the gradual but revolutionary development that occurred in British Jazz from the mid-1960s on. Surprisingly, Tracey and Seamen, both older than Hayes, proved to be the more adventurous, shunning from nothing and keeping their sensitivity completely up to date. Tracey fully embraced Free Jazz and Improvised Music and Seamen was active not only in the Jazz area, but also took part in early Jazz-Rock, Rock and even early World-Jazz activities, mainly through his faithful pupil and protégé Ginger BakerFind albums by this artist. Hayes remained somewhat more "conventional", expanding his Bebop approach with some freedom, but remaining firmly within the established parameters. Perhaps the future might have proved differently, but Hayes died prematurely just a year after this music was recorded. The rest of the "crew" captured here: saxophonist Trevor WattsFind albums by this artist (b. 1939), who taped this music and was the initiator behind Splinters, trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist (b. 1930), bassist Jeff ClyneFind albums by this artist (b. 1937) and drummer John StevensFind albums by this artist (b. 1940), were the (not necessarily chronologically, but definitely spiritually) young Lions spearheading British Jazz into a new direction. The idea behind this session was to provide an open and most importantly completely free of any pre-conceptions environment for the musicians to express their ideas. As with much contemporary Jazz at the time, the idea of free flow and mutual respectful listening is the core of creation here. The music consists of two long (47 and 30 minutes) improvised pieces, with no strict melody lines, but full of very "melodic" playing, which makes perfect sense musically. This is group improvisation at its best, full of musical interplay and mutual inspiration respectful of each other´s "moment" and bearing at each particular instant. In many respects this is a classic "textbook" recording, which could be used as a perfect demonstration of what group improvisation really is. As someone must have said sometime: "you can´t plan lovemaking", this music, although unplanned, is a pure work of love. Beyond essential!

Updated: 07/12/2021Posted:

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

STAN TRACEY ~ THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS AVID 1044 (Barcode: 5022810304425) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1955 - 2003 Released: 2011 This is a marvelous collection of early recordings by the Godfather of modern British Jazz, pianist / vibraphonist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist. It includes the first two albums Tracey recorded as a leader: "ShowcaseFind albums with this title" (from 1958) and "Little KlunkFind albums with this title" (from 1959) and the only album by the short-lived octet Jazz Inc.Find albums by this artist led by drummer / composer / bandleader Tony CrombieFind albums by this artist, which features Tracey on piano. The "Plus" comprises of four tracks by the Stan Tracey quartet featuring Tubby HayesFind albums by this artist (from 1959), a couple of tracks by the Harry KleinFind albums by this artist Quintet featuring Stan Tracey on piano (from 1955) and a trio recording by guitarist Jon WheatleyFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy CleyndertFind albums by this artist and Tracey from 2003 (not really belonging to this set but what the heck). This collection is not only highly entertaining, but also very educational, as it traces the development of Modern British Jazz, which started as a formidable adaptation of the American Jazz tradition and gradually developed into a completely new and even separate Jazz idiom. The comparison between "Showcase" and "Little Klunk" is particularly fascinating, as these two albums are light years apart from each other, although in fact they were recorded only one year between each other. The former, recorded in a trio / quartet setting features Tracey on piano and vibraphone, with guitarists Ike IsaacsFind albums by this artist or Ray DempseyFind albums by this artist, bassists Kenny NapperFind albums by this artist or Johnny HawksworthFind albums by this artist and drummers Phil SeamenFind albums by this artist or Ronnie VerrellFind albums by this artist (the piano pieces are trios and the vibraphone pieces are quartets). All the music on this album consists of standards and stylistically the music moves between Swing and Bebop, with Tracey obviously already listening closely to the American pioneers stepping beyond, especially Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist. The latter album, however, recorded in a trio format with Napper and Seamen features all original compositions by Tracey and clearly defines his original voice, which moves away quite radically from both Swing and Bebop, but not yet as advanced as it will become in not too distant future. The work of the magnificent Phil Seamen heard here is of course priceless, considering his tragically short life. The Jazz Inc. live recording is also a typical example of the British scene at the time, with the octet playing mostly original material by its members, with just a couple of standards thrown in for good measure. Excellent soloing by all the musicians and the accomplished Big Band sound are a superb nostalgic memento. The Tracey / Hayes tracks recorded by the BBC World Service for "export to former colonies", is a rare opportunity to hear these two Giants together, which happened only very rarely. The guitar trio tracks added here seemingly simply to "fill the time" prove to be the least interesting per se, although of course perfectly well played. Overall this collection, digitally remastered and very reasonably priced, is a true gem and an essential part of every modern British Jazz record collection. A must!

Updated: 26/01/2016Posted: 26/01/2016

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend