Record Reviews

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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