THE JAZZ RAG

ISSUE 135 WINTER 2015 UK £3.25 CONTENTS

FESTIVALS 2015 JAZZ RAG'S PICK OF THE 2015 JAZZ FESTIVALS (PAGES 18-21) PEPPER OF PEPPER AND THE JELLIES PHOTOGRAPHED BY MERLIN DALEMAN AT THE 2014 BIRMINGHAM JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL. THE ITALIAN GROUP IS DUE TO RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM THIS YEAR.

4 NEWS

6 UPCOMING EVENTS

8 DIGBY'S HALF DOZEN AT 20

10 VIC ASH (1930-2014) 11 MIKE BURNEY REMEMBERED 12 2014'S TOP TRUMPET: SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ RAG STEVE WATERMAN

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THE JAZZ RAG PO BOX 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT, England UPFRONT Tel: 0121454 7020 NOW LISTEN TO JAZZ RAG! Fax: 0121 454 9996 London’s first internet jazz radio station jazzlondonradio.com covers a wide range Email: [email protected] of music, with extended programmes of both classic and contemporary jazz every Web: www.jazzrag.com afternoon. Former Director of Jazz Services Chris Hodgkins is the presenter of Jazz Then and Now on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3.00 pm and 8.00 pm. Publisher / editor: Jim Simpson News / features: Ron Simpson From this issue, at Chris’ suggestion, favourite tracks from CDs reviewed in Jazz Reviews editor: Russell Fletcher International editor: Yue Yang Rag will be packaged together as the Jazz Rag selection and played on Commercial Director: Tim Jennings jazzlondonradio. Some eight tracks from this issue’s reviews (plus, we must Subscriptions & accounts: Russell Fletcher confess, one from Jazz Rag 134 which we particularly enjoyed) will be played Designed by Nerys James regularly on jazzlondonradio until the next issue comes along. Printed by Warwick Printing www.warwickprinting.co.uk The first selection was played in the last week of January at 6.00 pm on Wednesday and Friday, so these may well be the regular times for the Jazz Rag © 2013 THE JAZZ RAG. All original material including advertising play-list. artwork remains the sole copyright of the Publisher and may not be reproduced without permission www.jazzlondonradio.com

2 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 3 NEWS NEWS

Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band Mercure programme with the AZERIS AT RONNIE’S Sandy Brown John Hallam Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa, The BUTA Arts Festival is a year- Shrewsbury (April 17-20): the long project showcasing Phoenix Jazzmen, Kevin Grenfell’s everything from Azerbaijani Jazz Giants with Matt Palmer, and carpet making to contemporary the Annie Hawkins Jazzmen. On photography - and jazz is not to May 1-4 it’s the turn of the be left out. On February 9 Windsor Castle Hotel, with the Ronnie Scott’s hosts a double bill Dart Valley Stompers, Laurie of Azeri jazz pianists. Amina Chescoe’s Reunion Band and the Figarova attended Baku Denise Lawrence Band with Ron Conservatory intending to be a Drake. classical pianist, then continued www.mercurehotelsdeals.com/jazzbreaks her studies in jazz performance at Rotterdam Conservatory and STEPPING OUT IN Berklee College. As an international performer her NOTTS much of British jazz and rock Henriksen presents a special successes have included the LADY SINGS THE the Cultural Centre is being Jazz Steps’ programme in from the mid-1950s was concert based on his album Newport and New Orleans BLUES refurbished. As this means a Nottinghamshire has three recorded in these studios, such as Places of Worship , together with reduction in capacity from 600 to strands to it: frequent Thursday Heritage Festivals. She brings her With Billie Holiday’s centenary Lansdowne. The book costs £11 his long-time collaborator Jan 400, tickets are already in short evening concerts at the sextet to Ronnie Scott’s. Isfar being celebrated this year, Lady including postage and packing, Bang and visual artist Anastasia supply. Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Sarabski shares the billing with Sings the Blues , the acclaimed with cheques payable to David Isachsen. The Bohem band’s eventful occasional big-name concerts at his trio. A young pianist who tribute to Lady Day starring Val Binns, 7 The Chine, London, N10 Tel.: 0844 848 2727 anniversary year also includes the Djanogly Theatre at currently studies at Berklee, he Wiseman and six of the country’s 3PX. www.operanorth.co.uk new recordings - including, Nottingham University and Live has already accumulated an best jazz musicians, can be seen certainly, a live recording of the in the Libraries, currently impressive list of international in theatres throughout the WATERMILL AT NEW BASS LINES anniversary concert - and tours monthly, with a band playing performances, including playing a country. Dates so far arranged The 100th birthday last year of to England and France (July), Worksop, Southwell and West gala concert in New York DORKING include the Gala Theatre, Durham bassist Coleridge Goode, famed Denmark (August) and Bridgford on successive nights. organised by the Jazz Foundation Watermill Jazz at the Friends Life (March 27), Theatr Hafren, for his work with such diverse Switzerland/Austria/Germany Upcoming Bonington concerts of America and appearing at Social Club in Dorking begins an Newtown (April 11), the New performers as Ray Ellington and (October). feature Christine Tobin (February festivals in Switzerland, Norway, excellent February programme Vic, Newcastle-under-Lyme (27), Joe Harriott, has been celebrated www.bohemragtime.com 19), Phil Donkin Quartet (March France, Russia and Georgia. with Celebrating Tubby Hayes (5), The Winter Gardens, Ventnor by a new re-designed hardback 5), Marlene Verplanck (19) and www.butafestival.com with Simon Spillett assembling a (May 3), Gorleston Pavilion edition of Bass Lines: A Life in Jazz , OXFORDSHIRE JAZZ the Basil Hodge Quintet (April stellar collection of Hayes alumni Theatre (16), Burton Agnes Jazz the fascinating autobiography he followed by Litton’s Kittens, an 9). The Djanogly hosts the Julian SANDY BROWN - John Critchinson, Dave Green JAZZ AT THE Festival (July 4), the New Library The monthly sessions of Live Jazz wrote with Roger Cotterrell. The all-female band led by Martin Siegel Quartet (March 3) and the and Spike Wells - plus guest CONCORDE as part of Birmingham Jazz and in Oxfordshire at Carswell Golf REMEMBERED hardback is priced at £20, with Litton (11), the Dave Lewin Trio Marius Neset Quintet (April 9). Bobby Wellins to celebrate The Wednesday Jazz Nights at Blues Festival (10), the Tivoli and Country Club continue with Coinciding with the 40th the paperback available at £9.99, who also play regularly on Fridays Swingologie (Feb. 10-12), the Tubby’s 80th birthday. This is the Concorde Club, Eastleigh, Theatre, Wimborne (24), Lincoln a top international line-up on anniversary of Sandy Brown’s both published by Northway at the club (18), the MJQ Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra followed by the Jo Fooks Quartet continue with the Southampton Drill Hall (October 17), Cast, February 27: American saxist death on March 15 his former Books. Celebration with special guest (March 10-12), the Nicola Farnon (12), Laura Jurd’s Chaos University Big Band (February Doncaster (November 8) and Harry Allen with the Simon architectural partner pays tribute www.northwaybooks.com Alan Barnes (25) and Robert Trio (April 14-16) and Tony Kofi Orchestra (19) and Danish 11) and Kansas Smitty’s House Platform, Morecambe (27). Woolf Trio, including Steve Brown to the other side of his genius Fowler’s Tribute to the Gerry with the Andrew Wood Trio (May singer/saxophonist Mads Mathias Band (18). The following week Tel.: 0121 454 7020 and Italian pianist Andrea Pozza. with a book, Homes of the Hits , Mulligan Concert Band (April 1). 12-14) are all Live in the (26). The March programme JOHN HALLAM ON www.bigbearmusic.com Singer Kevin Fitzsimmons is which details the recording the main jazz event moves to Meanwhile, of course, Sunday features Harry Allen with the accompanied by a fine quartet on Libraries. studios Sandy and his partners WINDERMERE Tuesday in the Moldy Fig wine evenings bring jazz for dancing to Simon Woolf Trio (5), Iiro Rantala BOHEM AT 30 March 27 and the programme www.jazzsteps.co.uk built. Sandy had previously been The 14th John Hallam and bar, with Harry Allen’s Quartet the Concorde Club. - solo piano (12), JT4 led by Jean The Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band continues with the Karen Sharp acoustic architect at the BBC and Friends weekend will take place with Andrea Pozza (24). Normal Tel.: 023 8061 3969 Toussaint (19) and the Benn plans to celebrate its 30th Quartet (Nikki Iles, Dave Green, on from April 17 to 19. These service resumes on March 4, with www.theconcordeclub.com Clatworthy Quartet (26). Lined birthday in style. On February 26 Steve Brown - April 17) and weekends are now well the Back to Basie Big Band, Amina Figarova up for April are Zoe Rahman, the band’s birthday gala concert David Horniblow and Ben established with John’s musical John Etheridge, Gilad Atzmon, in ambitious in every way. It takes Cummings’ Tribute to Ben and policy of showcasing British Ravi Coltrane Tony Kinsey and Steve Fishwick. place in Hungary’s greatest Sweets on May 29. talent. His guests are a cross Tel.: 07415 815784 Tel.: 01367 718903/01865 373950 section of experienced stars, and concert hall, the 1,300 seater www.watermilljazz.co.uk Bela Bartok National Concert www.oxfordlivejazz.com up and coming talented musicians Hall in Budapest’s Palace of Arts. of the future. The Best Western The programme, to, is out of the 25 YEARS OF JAZZ TWO NIGHTS OF Burnside Hotel in Bowness-on- ordinary: with the title La Femme WEEKENDS JAZZ Windermere has just acquired 4 Fatale , it explores the nature of Denise and Tony Lawrence can Under the aegis of Opera North star status and the new owner women through great jazz songs point to over a quarter of a the Howard Assembly Room in has made some exciting in new arrangements, many century of hosting weekend jazz the Grand Theatre, Leeds, stages improvements including a new dancers and, as a guest star, opera breaks and for the past five years an enterprisingly varied Health Spa and Concert Room. singer Viktoria Vizin, born in many of them have been under programme of classical music, The hotel is also renowned for Kecskemet, but living in Chicago. the aegis of Mercure Hotels. The world music, film and even a its excellent food, dining She has performed at opera format involves three nights children’s opera, with jazz taking experience and friendly and houses in New York, London and dinner bed and breakfast, three over for two evenings in March. helpful staff. On the April Los Angeles, but is apparently a bands (the Lawrence Band First up is the Ravi Coltrane weekend John will be welcoming fine jazz singer, too. usually, not always, one of them) Quartet (11), the saxophonist Amy Roberts on Friday evening, The 24th International Bohem and Denise and Tony as a duo. joined by David Virelles and Art Themen on Saturday and Ragtime & Jazz Festival (March After the Wessex Hotel, (keyboards), bassist Dezron Sunday along with the talented 27-29) has moved for one year Bournemouth (March 13-16), the Douglas and drummer Jonathan Tom Kincaid Trio. to the best hotel in Kecskemet, Lawrences start their 2015 Blake. The following evening (12) Tel.: 01924 811522 the Four Points by Sheraton, as Norwegian trumpeter Arve www.johnhallamjazz.co.uk 4 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 5 NEWS/UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

COUNT BASIE CD COMPETITION LETTER Marlene Verplanck The Carolina-born musician who spent 47 years with Basie was, of course, the guitarist Freddy Green. DISCOVERING THE RUMBLESTRUTTERS The three winners of the Warner set of Basie Original Albums are KAY TURNBULL of Darlington, IAN HOLMES of Taunton and J.N. Dear Jazz Rag LAYCOCK of Tamworth. I always appreciate receiving Jazz Rag and I am writing to you as a result of reading issue 133 (Autumn 2014). In the Birmingham PLYMOUTH JAZZ Strayhorn . This is an enlargement by the Annie Hawkins Jazzmen. is Barbara Jay narrating a Tribute International Jazz Festival spread of photographs I learnt about a Plymouth Jazz Club's twice-a- and development of the 2003 The following week the society, to Tommy Whittle and his local trio of musicians who I had not come across before, namely month programme at the Royal concert devoted to the unknown now settled at the White Eagle Quartet (February 22), with a the Rumblestrutters from Mumbles. (One of the group lives about British Legion Club, Crownhill, Strayhorn pieces uncovered by Club, returns to its customary fine quartet of Art Themen, two minutes walk from my home.) regularly features one Walter van de Leur; now more lunch-time berth with Martin Richard Busiakiewicz, Dave mainstream or modern band and familiar pieces are added to the Bennett’s Swamplanders (15), Green and Clark Tracey. The When the magazine arrived, I went on their website immediately: I one traditional. In March the mix. The Jazz Genius of Billy followed by Matt Palmer’s following month (March 15) knew, if they’d been booked for Birmingham, they must be worth Martin Dale Quartet with Roger Strayhorn can be heard at Queens Millennium Eagle Jazz Band (22), Marlene Verplanck is featured in hearing. Since then I have attended two of their local sessions and Marks (1) is followed by the Hall, Edinburgh (February 20), the Steve King Big Band (March Live Jazz Matters. have been much impressed, particularly with their banjo and Sopranos (15), a Chris Pearce-led Buccleuch Centre, Langholm (21) 1), Funky Butt Hall N’Awlins Tel.: 01908 280800 mandolin player. group owing its style to Sidney and the Royal Conservatoire, Jazzband (8), Eric ‘Busker’ www.stables.org Bechet. In April the bands are Glasgow (22). Newton’s Willy’s Weepers (15), Very warmest regards and may I wish you continued success. Kevin Grenfell and Richard Chris Pearce’s Frenchmen Street The monthly concerts of the Leach's Slide by Slide Quintet (5) March/April bookings for King Jazz Band (22) and the Phoenix Friends of Upton Jazz Festival at David Griffiths and Des Bacon's Red Hot Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys Jazzmen (29). Hanley Castle High School have a Swansea Syncopators (19). include Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Tel.: 01785 226950 truly international flavour in the (jazz columnist for the South Wales Evening Post on-line) Tel.: 01752 721179/774343 Hayling Island (March 1), Solihull www.staffordjazz.org coming months. After New www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Arts Complex (26), the Jam Orleans Heat (February 21), Graham Brook’s Tuesday Jazz and stars include John Hallam (March House, Birmingham (April 2), The busy programme at the American saxist Harry Allen Swing at Wilmslow Conservative 10/April 7), Amy Roberts (March UPCOMING Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival Stables in Wavendon has its share appears with his quartet including Club continues with singer 31) and Dave Newton (April 28). (5), the Met, Bury (11), Cheese of jazz, with Curtis Stigers due to Italian pianist Andrea Pozza Marilyn Royle, reedman Dave The monthly Sinatra Swingers EVENTS play the main Jim Marshall and Grain, Frome (18) and Forest (March 6), followed by another Roberts and the Steve Hall Trio sessions on the first Thursday at The Tanglewood Summer season Tony Bennett joining forces with Auditorium on February 12. Also Italian pianist Rossano Sportiello Arts Centre, New Milton (25). (February 10) before a first visit Cheadle Hulme Conservative in Lenox, Massachusetts, includes Lady Gaga on June 30. On July 14 To mark its 20th birthday the in the auditorium are Colosseum (April 24) and the Fryer-Barnhart Tel.: 0121 454 7020 from Len Skeat, with Tom Kincaid Club feature guest vocalists a Popular Artists Series featuring Wynton Marsalis brings the Jazz Scottish National Jazz Orchestra www.kingpleasureandthebiscuitboys.com (25) and the James Taylor International All Star Band (May and Gaz Hughes (17), followed by Debbie Wilson (Feb. 5/April 2) occasional jazz-related concerts. at Lincoln Center Orchestra to under Tommy Smith is presenting Quartet (26). Sunday mornings 16). and Loretta Scott (March 5). Don Weller and the Adrzej Diana Krall features her latest Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood. a special series of concerts On February 8 Stafford Jazz twice a month at the Stables Tel.: 01684 593794 Tel.: 01625 528336 Baranek Trio (24). Future guest album, Wallflower , on June 21, with www.tanglewood.org entitles The Jazz Genius of Billy Society departs from normal bring Jazz Matters, the second of www.uptonjazz.co.uk practice with an evening concert them Live Jazz Matters. Next up

6 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 7 DIG’S HALF DOZEN AT 20 DIG’S HALF DOZEN AT 20

Digby Fairweather The Half Dozen’s dates in the next three months take DIG’S HALF DOZEN AT 20 them to: In 1995 DIGBY FAIRWEATHER formed a band that was decidedly different in style from any Feb. 23 Theydon Jazz Club Feb. 28 Huntingdon Hall, Worcester he had previously led – something of a risk, then, but in 2015 the HALF DOZEN is still going Mar 12 Elgar Room, Royal Albert Hall strong as it launches its 20th anniversary tour. With a few prompts Digby gave us his thoughts May 17 The Stables, Wavendon on the band... May 20 Electric Palace, Harwich May 21 Eltham Jazz Club May 22 Spice of Life, London Digby and the Half Dozen turned into a mess. We were up as very important. They’re all in Newcastle for two nights with supremely grounded in the dear Beryl Bryden who was our traditions of jazz, but within them guest star. No one had bothered they can do almost anything! NOTES FROM A JAZZ LIFE: NEW UPDATED to bring the music, there were Craig Milverton can play Giant grumbles about Beryl (whom I Steps exactly like Fats Waller; Photo by Merlin Daleman EDITION loved, by the way) and I Julian and Dominic even bring a remember walking up and down classical theme to what we do could provide exactly what Hendley who’s a former actress DIGBY FAIRWEATHER the High Level Bridge at 4 in the because they are as good at that George wanted and also – and latterly a Christian speaker. morning fuming. I even called a as they are at jazz. Chris loves hopefully – offer him something Paul – who’s a great singer of Northway Books, 978 0 9928222 4 8, paperback, £14 band meeting, but, when we got everything from rock music – he new, a more varied musical course and a superb jazz together, I realised I couldn’t say plays with Suzi Quatro and Sir palette. The second album we did harmonica player as well – is still Notes from a Jazz Life first came out in 2002 and the approving anything: these men had been my Cliff Richard as easily as he does with him, for my old friend Alan enormously busy, so we can’t press quotations at the front of the new edition (including by Jazz friends (and role models) for all our stuff. And so does Nick Bates’ Candid label, was – so he always meet up. But we’ve done Rag ) stress the readability and humour, the comic anecdotes, the years! But that helped to trigger Millward – he knows the entire said – his best album ever which our show Rocking in Rhythm since fact that it’s ‘a good read’. This is all certainly true, but I feel we the mechanism to find younger percussion vocabulary from Baby was a huge compliment. And I 2007 and love it. Paul’s a very were selling Digby a bit short. He is, of course, ever-ready to tell players where I could assume Dodds to rock. So we have the think the only problem was that, generous stage partner and a some comic tale of a good friend, but there is more bite in the Though there have been with close-harmony groups like some sort of artistic control. And players to start with. I think a lot with all that youthful exuberance, very good friend to all of us – book than I remembered, some alarming moments of honesty changes in personnel, there the Four Freshmen for years and at the time I must admit I was a of people like the singing, too. we had to be careful not to take and we’re his fans! about his own shortcomings, some frank criticism of the approach has also been great stability wanted to give that a try. And we bit tired of Dixieland. We’d done And we look as if we’re enjoying the spotlight away from George. and attitude of some jazzers (though no personal attacks) and in the Half Dozen’s line-up. still do some which sets us apart a gig with an all-star band at ourselves on stage – which we Likewise with Paul – my guys You have a new album plenty of passion about the music. In fact, I remembered it as very How do you account for from most bands, I think. We also Michael Garrick’s club around are! I saw an interview with were as able to cope with Pretty coming out? enjoyable, but a bit slight, and it’s better than that, though slight that? did a bit of rhythm & blues – and that time; the music was good Branford Marsalis the other day Flamingo or I’ve been a bad bad indeed in comparison with the 1,000 page chronicle that Digby In all we’ve made five albums even a number by the Coasters enough and they wanted an where he made that point, too. boy from his Manfred days as they always threatens to produce! since 1998 and the new one is a I’ve been very lucky with the Half called I’m a hog for you ! Great encore. But one player said, ‘No! As long as you take care of the were to play his beloved blues. compilation of some of the Dozen personnel and its stability! song – and we still do that one, Let’s get the gelt and go!’ And music, it’s nice for people to see The only problem was life-style, It’s much credit to Ann Cotterrell of Northway Books that she saw tracks I like best. Listening back, I My late agent Jack Higgins used too! that was another point where I that and they really do respond. really! George drank, smoked, that the years after the first publication were key years in the was really pleased, not so much to say to me that one of the thought, this isn’t right, at least swore and indulged in every Fairweather career. Now an added 7,000 words give a punchy with the trumpet, but with the things we had going for us was You’ve led many different for now. So not just a trad band? enjoyable vice known to man, account of what the Half Dozen means to him and a discerning and that people knew who they were bands over the years, but woman – or bulldog! Whereas band sound. I could listen to diverting survey of the George Melly and Paul Jones years. An index going to see on the stand – none has had the staying Has the Half Dozen proved Ah, the dreaded labels! Well, not Paul is a born-again Christian and every one of the numbers and (good, on a quick check) is a real bonus, the absence of which doesn’t always happen power of the Half Dozen. To to be what you planned in really, I suppose, though we love neither smokes, drinks nor say, ‘That’s us’ which of course is photographs regrettable, but understandable: there are plenty of with bands. The members of the what do you attribute its 1995? good Dixieland and play it, too. swears! And he’s been happily a nice thing – at least for me! drawings, by Peter Manders and one, memorably, by Humph. My Half Dozen are mostly very well longevity? But I know people like to put you married for 29 years to Fiona only real criticism of a book that is readable, comic and engaging, known names on the jazz scene Absolutely. I was my education in a bag – which, when we What have been the but also carries some weight, is that the updating has not always now and I’m lucky they still give I have been incredibly lucky to really. I got to know my band as a started, was a risk I was well COMPETITION highlights of the last 20 been attentive enough to small text changes; in particular, some of me priority whenever they can. share the stand with so many family – and never stopped being aware of. We were doing a few years? the early sections on more recently departed jazzmen suggest they The founder member with me is great musicians over the years enthusiastic about writing for it, different things: singing, using are still with us – sadly not! A BUMPER BUNDLE There have been lots. Back in the Julian Marc Stringle – simply one since the 1970s – Roy Williams, thinking up new things. But the charts and – once in a while – FOR FAIRWEATHER late 1990s we did an early of the nicest people I’ve ever met Dave Shepherd, Brian Lemon, other thing that I think important ‘crossing the barriers’. But I think RON SIMPSON concert of British music with Jack and an absolutely phenomenal Allan Ganley – I couldn’t even is that over the 20 years we’ve it’s good to remember that most FANS! Parnell, Kenny Baker and a string talent! Soon afterwards – round begin to list them all. It was a been able to try things out, find listeners grew up hearing a lot of wasn’t quick with a compliment brochures, publicity and lots and quartet and I’d love to hear that about 1998 – came Craig huge honour then – and it still is. out what works and what rock music, too – as well as TWO Jazz Rag readers can saying in the club’s house lots of letters to jazz clubs and now. We did a lot of South Bank Milverton and Dominic But I think what happened was doesn’t, and create both a strong standards – and I don’t think win a copy of the new edition magazine how much he liked the festivals. And it really seems to concerts in the early years for Ashworth, then Nick Millward that after 1987, when my library and a show. Now I know younger listeners care about the of Notes from a Jazz Life PLUS band and what fun it was seeing have paid off. In 2015 we’re the Park Lane Group. Then there and Chris Gower who’s been embouchure collapsed that word is anathema to some old labels anyhow. As long as the the CD The Best of Digby people enjoy themselves! So already looking at getting on for were the years with George with us for well over 10 years completely, I wasn’t playing well people, but, as long as the music music’s good, and played ‘from Fairweather’s Half Dozen on there you go again! One New 40 major concerts at theatres all which I’ve written a book about now. The most recent arrival is at all and really had to rely on is good, I see nothing wrong with the heart’, as Louis would have Digby’s own Rose Cottage Year’s Eve he even turned up in around the UK – and a string of and – looking back – they were bassist Al Swainger who joined us friends like those and others to structure to a programme, a pre- said, it can stand on its own feet. label by answering the the dressing room with seven great festivals, too. I don’t think quite extraordinary. That was in (I think) 2010 after a UK tour get through – Jim Simpson, for planned presentation. So some following question: glasses and a couple of bottles of that would have happened even when we played Ronnie Scott’s with the soul-singer P.P Arnold. one, was incredibly kind and nights we KNOW we’ll do The Half Dozen has regularly champagne and said, ‘I suppose 10 years ago. But I think now – for the first time – for long never stopped booking me when certain things, but, if the mood’s accompanied Paul Jones and, Before becoming a I’d better say “F....n’ ‘appy new with the sad departure of so Christmas residencies which What can you tell us about he could. But there was one right, we can dig into the book earlier, the late George professional musician, what year!”’ Wonderful! many of the Old Guard: Humph, were dubbed the Pantomime your initial choice of particular turning point, I think. In and bring out something Melly. Was it a challenge, career did Digby Fairweather George, Kenny Ball, Acker and Season as, before we joined him, It’s all been great, but I can truly musicians? 1994 Jack Higgins decided to re- different. It worked for Louis working with such different pursue? the rest – people are beginning George did a night in drag as his say, ‘The best of times is now.’ I launch his Salute to Satchmo show Armstrong after all! personalities? to recognise us as the logical Well, I really wanted to find and nothing went well. I Answers to Jazz Rag own grandmother with John got married 18 months ago to a successor to their legendary people with open minds about all commissioned arrangements What sort of music is the No, actually not. Of course it was Competition, P.O. Box 944, Chilton and the Feetwarmers! marvellous woman called Gwen careers! If that’s the case –and I areas of jazz, not just one style – from Pete Strange, but nobody Half Dozen best at? marvellous to be asked to join Edgbaston, Birmingham, The hours were long, finishing and last year we decided to really honestly believe it is – then I and who could sing as well! liked them. I wasn’t playing George – which we did from B16 8UT or by email to after 1 o’clock, which meant lots go to town on the 20th really couldn’t be any happier. Which, believe me, was quite a anywhere near Louis at the time That’s not for me to say, but I 2003 to his last concert in 2007. [email protected] of hangovers and night-club tans. anniversary of the band. So we challenge! But I’d been in love (or now!), and the whole thing count the versatility of my players But with the players I had we by March 10th, 2015. But I remember Pete King who did all the necessary toil: new www.digbyfairweather.com

8 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 9 VIC ASH (1930-2014) MIKE BURNEY REMEMBERED VIC ASH (1930-2014) MIKE BURNEY REMEMBERED Vic Ash who died in November had in effect two very successful jazz careers. In the early Jazz Rag editor JIM SIMPSON looks back over his long association with the tenor saxist who 1950s, having been initially inspired by Benny Goodman, he was supreme among British jazz died in November last year

clarinettists. Later his excellence as a tenor saxophonist took him into many of the top big Mike Burney, one of the most and put no store on financial gain, bands, accompanying any number of the greats of popular music and even enjoying a highly significant jazz musicians to come which he disdained. Music, successful spell depping in the Ray Charles Band! from The West Midlands, died friendship and family were his aged 76 in November following a priorities. two year battle with cancer. Never a household name, he Birmingham recognised his value. played alongside a great number His name was always the first to of important performers, go into the programme for the including Mel Torme, Billy city’s International Jazz & Blues Eckstine, Dionne Warwick, Festival from its inception in Sammy Davis Junior, Bob Hope, 1985 until his illness intervened Chaka Khan, Steve Winwood, in 2013, in which year The Roy Harry Edison, Byron Stripling, Bill Wood Band, Steve Gibbons Band Allred, Dusko Goykovich, Kenny and King Pleasure & the Biscuit Baker, Bruce Adams and Alan Boys played a fundraiser in Barnes as well as American tribute to a sell-out 400 audience bluesmen including Shuggie Otis, who knew and valued Mike Mike Burney locking horns Sonny Boy Williamson and Burney. with Simon Spillett. Memphis Slim. He was with Roy Photo by Merlin Daleman Wood’s Wizzard for three years, ‘I was a late starter as a musician’ band. It wouldn’t be the ‘Syd’s band was the only one I featuring on all of the hits, he he said, ‘I didn’t play until I was Blueshounds or King Pleasure & got sacked from twice.’ Typical toured with reggae star Jimmy 17. My Dad gave me a tough the Biscuit Boys either, because I Burney here, self-deprecating, Cliff and was a long-time fixture choice. Did I want a Claude just can’t drink like I used to, unashamedly honest. ‘The first with The Syd Lawrence Butler bike or an alto sax? That there’s a limit to the amount of time I was in Monte Carlo with Orchestra and can be found on was some decision for me to fun a man of my age can have. Johnny Howard and Syd phoned, YouTube on many a Morecambe make, but I went for the alto, No, I would choose Syd as if on a whim, to tell me he was & Wise show. though to tell you the truth, I’m Lawrence. That was a great band; going to fire me – “We’re not still not sure that I made the right Syd was a great arranger and a compatible, mate, we just don’t Mike’s reluctance to leave his decision.’ brilliant musician. You know, when get on.” I couldn’t argue with native Birmingham certainly he played trumpet, he sounded that, I always thought of him, Drummer Bobby Worth shares his denied him a place on the bigger Mike never lost his enthusiasm just like Bobby Hackett, silently and aloud, as a man memories of Vic... stage, but the music business in for the music. Seemingly unaware wonderful. He came through whose politics were somewhat general and the jazz world in of his own ability, he was always those great post-war British to the right of Genghis Khan, so I particular knew where to find the fan. He travelled to Paris to Trumpet Winner 2014 bands like Geraldo’s. For years he couldn’t help but agree. The I first met Vic in the late 1960s when him. listen to Bud Powell at The Blue was in that tremendous second time, well that’s a little bit BRITISH JAZZ AWARDS Note on the night that Bud was I was appearing at the Talk of the STEVE WATERMAN Northern Dance Orchestra. I’ve hazy, but I believe that a hotel Town with Frankie Vaughan. Vic was Mike Burney was a tenor sacked for drinking someone’s got some great memories of bedroom door slammed in Latest top selling album saxophone player from the old beer. ‘So much for the respect working with Syd, a session in someone’s face and me throwing with the resident quartet of Phil A TRIBUTE TO THE GIANTS school, what Lester Young, would the French supposedly show the Dubai spent playing chase my SL-monogrammed band- Philips. I had seen Vic and heard him OF JAZZ TRUMPET refer to as a belly player. If that jazz greats!’ Mike recalls. He choruses and swapping fours jacket into reception might have seems a dubious compliment, remembered an English Hooray on recordings many times, so it was a privilege to Special offer price with Tommy Whittle, the same played a part in it.’ £9.25 inc. p&p then remember that Pres applied Henry that night, who lurched up deal at other times with the finally meet him. Then in 1970, when I joined the MSTCD0056 this description to Herschel to Bud Powell with ‘I say, old boy, fabulous tenorist Gary Cox, Mike Burney, one of the finest Evans, Coleman Hawkins, Ben will you play a cha cha cha?’ ‘I Burt Rhodes Orchestra which played opposite the Also available Steve’s working in the sax section with musicians that the region has Phil Philips Band at the Talk of the Town, I got to earlier popular releases at Webster and Chu Berry. Mike think I died of humiliation at that the mercurial Ronnie ever produced and certainly its £7.75 each inc. p&p played most other reed moment,’ Mike said, ‘but Don Chamberlain who played every top tenor, was always on top of know him well. Vic had a great sense of humour and instruments, a relic of his time in Byas was at the club with Lou saxophone invented and with the his game, ready, willing and eager was always interested in what you were doing. All albums feature top the army when the Warrant Bennett on organ. Don brought impeccable Roy Willox who only to take on all comers, deflate a British names including Officer would simply order the me a steak, he was really nice. I many award winners knew one way to play – perfectly! few egos and get filthy (his word MSTCD musicians to take up any remember him telling me that he That man never put a foot for swinging a room into bad I later had the privilege of working with Vic’s quartet 0035 STABLEMATES The music of Benny Golson instrument to cover for a didn’t like guys who doubled, he wrong!’ health) when needs be. and saw him many times when I deputised with the & Wayne Shorter departing colleague. But his tenor said they should stick to the Radio Orchestra. Although we all think of Vic’s work 0041 OUR DELIGHT The music of Tadd Dameron work was outstanding. instrument they know. Later I Again, Mike Burney had nothing The legendary flautist Harold & Herbie Hancock asked him if he played anything with the BBC Radio Big Band, John Dankworth, but praise for other musicians, McNair, when asked to record 0050 NIGHT LIGHTS The music of Gerry Mulligan Eloquent, facile and fiery, his other than tenor sax “Sure”, he again, not the faintest trace of the master version of a song Frank Sinatra and many more, I will always & Chick Corea playing constantly surprised. He said “I play oboe, bassoon” and ego. I wonder what these guys, based on a demo recording that particularly remember the first Mainstem Productions Ltd was self-effacing regarding his went on to list a whole string of famed as part of the cynical featured Mike Burney, said, ‘Who 63 Codmore Crescent Chesham HP5 3LZ own talent, generous with his instruments.’ London Jazz Mafia, thought of the the hell is that? Why book me time I met him in the Talk of the Tel/Fax 01494 792776 Email: [email protected] time, advice and support and had unassuming Brummie they found when you’ve got him?’ Town band room... Full catalogue: www.mainstem.co.uk a monumental, never-dimmed Mike once told me, ‘If I could in the adjacent chair in the enthusiasm and love for music make any wish about which of my saxophone section. Don’t know about Local Hero, he UK distribution by 01380 728000 [email protected] For some of the greatest recorded music in jazz and for life. He never knowingly former bandleaders I could have was always more of a National history. Available from all good record retailers passed up an opportunity to play phone me and offer me a date, it ‘You know something’ said Mike, Treasure to me. or buy direct from www.discovery-records.com music, whether paid or otherwise certainly wouldn’t be the army

10 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 11 2014’S TOP TRUMPET 2014’S TOP TRUMPET

in a band called Cayenne, he was 2014’S TOP TRUMPET heard by Robin Jones and ended up playing in King Salsa, Jones’ A professional jazz trumpeter for 30 years, STEVE WATERMAN has built his reputation band. ‘This will completely change the way you think about jazz’, steadily over that time and was rewarded by the British Jazz Award last year. He discussed his said Robin about Latin music – career with RON SIMPSON. and so it has proved. Steve still plays with Heads South, a band Berigan. At that time my the word ‘eclectic’ occurring in led by pianist John Harriman and aspirations were to play in a big our conversation, though Steve playing Latin jazz from all over band, but after a time I gradually did once remark, ‘I like the the world. discovered Charlie Parker, Dizzy variety’ (true enough!). When I Gillespie, Miles Davis, and got asked him when he developed a Steve describes himself – very into more modern jazz. I’d always distinctive voice as a trumpeter, quietly – as ‘quietly ambitious’ had an ambition to be playing he first of all talked about the and it’s obvious that his music jazz. I was brought up near variety of styles he has been at has benefitted from both the Bournemouth and for some home in, from mainstream to quietness and the ambition. He is years, from the age of 16 to contemporary, then, when asked very ready to give credit to about 20, I used to play the for influences, mentioned others, but also to assimilate and summer season with the Vic Allen musicians who directly affected use other people’s ideas. This is Show Band at Rockley Sands his general musical awareness evident in his important Holiday Camp, near Poole. Colin (Garrick, Collier, John Surman) relationships with Mainstem Bryant who played sax and rather than trumpeters he tried Records and Geneva Trumpets. clarinet and Terry Shade, the to emulate. Significantly, once he These have both played a part in pianist, were into jazz. I had never started on trumpeters, the list his increasingly prolific work as improvised in my life, but they was long: Kenny Wheeler and composer/arranger: he has composed over the last 20 Oldroyd sought out advice from in colleges, universities and encouraged me and helped me Woody Shaw initially, then most years into concerto form, with a leading players in the brass band schools. His book, co-written out when I got in trouble.’ of the great names of the early ‘I’ve really enjoyed all the albums dialogue between trumpet movement and now supplies such with John O’Neill, The Jazz 1950s, including the sadly short- I’ve put out. A lot of that is down improvisations and the brass leading instrumentalists and Method for Trumpet , is published From there Steve moved on to lived and now somewhat to David Hays of Mainstem: he’s band accompaniments. This is not bands as the Brighouse and by Schott. And, with Alan Barnes, Trinity College of Music in 1980, neglected Booker Little. But so come up with a lot of the ideas his first work for brass band: the Rastrick. a regular collaborator (‘I play in studying classical trumpet for the many influences means no one for the albums. He’s been quite a slow movement is, in fact, a re- his band, he plays in mine’) he very good reason that there was huge influence – eclecticism figure for fixing the personnel working of a piece he previously Steve’s work as a runs an annual Big Band Jazz no jazz course. There was, again: and the music. Each of those wrote for another of the best: composer/arranger ties in with Weekend in Bridgend in April: however, plenty of jazz: projects has been really good fun the Black Dyke Mills Band. the final major element in his ‘I don’t think I ever followed one and given me the chance to work Clearly his relationship with musical landscape. Many jazz ‘Every year for 10 years we’ve ‘Simon Purcell, who had just left particular person – I took little with many different musicians.’ Geneva Trumpets is more than musicians have important roles in been doing a big band course Trinity, was coming in to do the bits I liked from everyone and just a simple sponsorship-cum- music education; few are as with the idea of getting people It strikes me that Steve When I talked to him, he had just Jazz Society, and there were gradually developed my own style David often likes to combine advertising angle: varied and committed in their together from all over the Waterman is very much the arrived in Birmingham to play a players there like Martin Speake and personality from that.’ small and larger ensembles on education work as Steve country who are interested in model of a modern jazz musician. gig at the Red Lion in the and Mark Lockheart – we had the same album. On Our Delight , ‘I met Tim Oldroyd about 10 Waterman. Professor of Jazz playing in a big band, playing my His first interest was big bands Jewellery Quarter with Threeway, John Paricelli coming in to play It’s not always easy to get a solid dedicated to the music of Tadd years ago. He had just started Trumpet at Trinity, he also arrangements, Alan’s and a couple of generations ago Ben Crosland’s band that also with the Jazz Society, so it was perspective on Steve’s varied Dameron and Herbie Hancock, Geneva Trumpets and was regularly teaches or runs bands arrangements and various other he might have found a niche in a includes pianist Steve Lodder, and fantastic for me to have a chance career and I was somewhat the band is actually billed as looking for people to endorse his at the Purcell School, the Royal things. It’s aimed mainly at semi- series of increasingly well-known which tends now to be a trio to play some small group jazz. surprised – and impressed – by ‘Steve Waterman – Duo to instrument. I spent a day with Welsh College, the Royal pros and the standard tends to aggregations until he ventured plus one, with Jim Hart or, more And, to be fair to Trinity, they had his answer to a question about Tentet’. Night Lights , the music of him and learned so much about Northern College of Music and be quite high so we can always into the financial minefield of his recently, Lewis Wright added on a big band under the direction of what he has been most proud of: Gerry Mulligan and Chick Corea, trumpets that day. Previously I’d Christ Church University in put a pretty good band together own big band or as featured vibes. Steve has been playing for Bobby Lamb, and that met is split between quintet and 10- just picked up a trumpet and Canterbury. And his enjoyment of and plenty of people have been soloist. Nowadays the picture is 10 years with Threeway and his regularly, with rehearsals each ‘In terms of performance one of piece band. Steve’s composing played it. He kept asking me what the work is palpable: coming regularly for the last 10 completely different. He puts out involvement with various of Ben’s week – and, of course, I was the real highlights for me was has become increasingly I liked about the trumpet I was years.’ various bands under his own bands goes back even further. He working with the classical stuff, going to Havana and playing the ambitious; even so, his current playing and how it could be ‘Most of the students I work with name, most often these days a describes the music as ‘chamber orchestral concerts and so on.’ Havana Jazz Festival with a Cuban major work, recently completed, improved, taking it to bits, trying in colleges are aiming to do it So what next for Steve quartet or quintet based on his jazz’ playing mainly Ben’s big band. About 15 years ago I comes as something of a different valves, different tubes professionally so the standard is Waterman? Basically, more of the Mainstem CD, Buddy Bolden Blew compositions, but also a few by In career terms, however, Steve wrote a conga concerto which surprise, a Concerto for Jazz and pipes. There has been a Steve extremely high and they’re very same. He has ideas for a couple It . However, this is a tiny part of the two Steves. A visit to the Red never played ‘the classical stuff’. was originally for Robin Jones. Trumpet – and this is where Waterman trumpet and flugel keen and work very hard. The more CDs, but needs to refine his output (and, one suspects, not Lion’s upstairs room that evening He never wanted to and he took Sadly he couldn’t come to Geneva Trumpets play a part in horn line, but mainly Geneva Purcell School has been and develop them with David a very large part of his income). to get a flavour of Threeway’s no time after leaving Trinity to get Havana to perform it, so I got to determining the nature of the believe in customising to meet wonderful as well, with younger Hays. Music education clearly In addition, he plays in other music confirms Steve’s himself noticed in jazz and big perform it with an all-star Cuban work. It’s a full-length work, individuals’ needs: trumpeters can students, some as young as 11 or matters a great deal to him and is people’s bands in a variety of assessment: interesting and band circles: big band, musicians from Irakere, clocking in at about 25 minutes in go to them and try various parts 12. One of the lovely things is far more than a way of remaining styles, composes sometimes very distinctive compositions, with Afro-Cuban All-Stars, Buena Vista three movements, and it’s scored and put together a trumpet that that they haven’t got wide solvent between gigs. I guess ambitious pieces, regularly brings subtle interplay rather than ‘When I was just finishing Trinity I Social Club, a 30-piece big band for trumpet and brass band. Why suits them.’ experience of jazz so you see composition is a major focus of out highly regarded (and often dynamic solos, a controlled and got involved with the European put together for the festival. It brass band? Apart from the fact their jaws drop the first time his musical ambition – and, for themed) CDs with all-star bands, lyrical feel to the music. Community Jazz Orchestra, was an amazing experience to that the best of brass bands offer North Yorkshire-based Geneva they hear Clifford Brown. And it’s the moment, we can all look has a productive relationship with partly through Bobby Lamb who work with such fantastic fine technique and a glorious Instruments, in fact, emphasise fantastic for me having all these forward to hearing the Brighouse a trumpet manufacturer, This is all very different from was one of its directors. In doing musicians.’ sound, there’s the Geneva the importance of personal charts I’ve written for recording and Rastrick Band essaying the maintains a comprehensive Steve’s early influences in jazz: that I met Michael Garrick, connection: the manufacturers service for their customers and and performing projects because accompaniment to his Concerto education programme – books, Graham Collier and others in the Latin music and percussionist sponsor several brass bands and are racking up an impressive list I can use them so much in for Jazz Trumpet! courses, regular teaching jobs – ‘I started playing trumpet jazz world – and after that I Robin Jones have been key Steve hopes to be premiering his of artists who endorse the brand, teaching.’ and, in the past, spent much time because of my dad’s big band worked quite regularly.’ elements in Steve’s music at concerto with one of the best: including Gerard Presencer and www.swj.co.uk in the orchestra pit for shows record collection – I was brought different times. Straight out of the Brighouse and Rastrick. Steve Rory Simmonds. Most relevant to Steve’s education work extends www.genevatrumpets.com such as Miss Saigon . up on Harry James and Bunny Oddly enough, I don’t remember college, playing at Ronnie Scott’s has re-cast various themes that Steve’s latest composition, Tim beyond his regular commitments www.mainstem.co.uk 12 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 13 BERNARD ‘ACKER’ BILK 1929-2014 BERNARD ‘ACKER’ BILK 1929-2014 BERNARD ‘ACKER’ BILK 1929-2014 When Acker Bilk died in November 2014, he had been leading one of the country’s most popular jazz bands for well over 50 years, often sharing the billing in recent years with two other indomitable veterans, Chris Barber and the late Kenny Ball. However, his other claims to fame are pretty much unique. The creation of ‘Mr’ Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band in bowlers and striped waistcoats set a trend (not always welcome!) for strangely garbed British traditional bands. His single, Stranger on the Shore , topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the States – apparently the first British act to do that since Vera Lynn! And his career took him from a blacksmith’s shop in Somerset to meetings with Royalty – for his MBE and also performing on the Royal Variety Performance. These photographs hint at the richness of a remarkable life.

14 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 15 HAPPY 100TH TO THE JAZZ KIDS OF 1915 HAPPY 100TH TO THE JAZZ KIDS OF 1915

Hucklebuck was a big seller in success with his mid-1940s Una Mae Carlisle HAPPY 100TH TO THE JAZZ KIDS OF 1915 1949. Williams was a respected sextet (having a hit with Begin The bandleader who often led the Beguine ) and his easy-listening SCOTT YANOW looks back at the careers of jazz musicians born 100 years ago this year. groups playing behind major acts albums of the 1950s did well. But at the Apollo in the 1950s. for the best Eddie Heywood, In 1915, the word ‘jazz’ was not band leader out of these 41. Taft Jordan listen to him playing on Coleman yet in use. The music was still Pianist Buddy Johnson, the Two clarinettists are part of this Hawkins’ 1943 recording of The centred in New Orleans although composer of Since I Fell For You , swing-oriented band. Hank Man I Love . an increasing number of its led a jump blues orchestra in the D’Amico never led his own big musicians were working 1940s and ‘50s that straddled the band, but he helped the groups of Linton Garner and his four throughout the Southern United boundary between swinging jazz Tommy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Bob siblings were all pianists, including States. Ragtime was fading in and r&b. However, as solid as his Crosby, Miff Mole and Jack younger brother Erroll. While he popularity, Jelly Roll Morton was big band was, it is fair to say that Teagarden with his solid and played with the Billy Eckstine playing music in Los Angeles, and he never led a group on the level swinging playing. Gus Bivona bebop orchestra and wrote the Original Creole Orchestra of the 1915 band. played briefly with many big arrangements for Dizzy was introducing jazz to many bands (including the Hudson- Gillespie’s big band, he also Northern cities through its The trumpet section includes a DeLange Orchestra, Bunny worked outside of jazz for years. vaudeville act. Jazz was still two cornetist, Bobby Hackett, whose Berigan, Tommy Dorsey and Bob It was not until he moved to years away from being recorded. mellow tone drew inspiration Crosby), but was most closely Montreal in 1962 (relocating to from both Bix Beiderbecke and Lee Castle led the Jimmy Dorsey Francisco jazz (a variation of associated with Steve Allen, often Vancouver 12 years later) that Jazz might have been largely Louis Armstrong while being ghost orchestra for over 20 New Orleans music) with Lu acting as a sidekick and uplifting Garner worked fulltime in jazz invisible at the time, but 1915 quite original. Once when years, playing comfortable but Watters’ Yerba Buena Jazz Band some of Allen’s records. although he always remained in was a banner year for jazz births. offering a horn for sale, he said unadventurous music. However, and for nearly 40 years with his his younger brother’s shadow. that its upper register had never The 41 men and women briefly earlier in his career, whenever he own groups. He remains an In addition to the trumpet, been used! Everyone (including discussed in this article were too had the opportunity to get away influential force in trad jazz today. trombone and saxophone Two of our band’s pianists also years). Vernon Alley was born in and Frank Sinatra were mutual Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie) San Francisco, played in New York admirers; pity that they never young to contribute to the music from section work in big bands, sections, the 1915 band has a had parts of their careers when loved his playing. they were better known as with Lionel Hampton and Count sang together. They both changed of the 1920s but they matured he was an excellent Dixieland Leading the saxophone section is guitar section. Les Paul was as organists. Milt Buckner pioneered Basie, and then chose to return popular music in different ways. during the swing era and were trumpeter. Murray McEachern who had significant an inventor as he was a When it came to being ‘block chording’ while playing home where he was a major part Lee Wiley was the first jazz significant during the 1940s. All of equally brilliant tones on alto sax guitarist, but he was also one of distinctive, Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison piano with Lionel Hampton in of the local scene for 60 years. singer to record songbooks of the key instruments are Emmett Berry and Shorty and trombone. Born in Canada the first Americans to be strongly was unbeatable, often being influenced by Django Reinhardt the 1940s, becoming one of the He did leave town for tours with American songwriters. Al Hibbler, represented and one could put Sherock were top-notch swing and an important player with the recognizable within one note. A and he had the ability to play top pre-Jimmy Smith organists in major artists including Erroll with his odd English accent (he together an oversize all-star big soloists who were overshadowed Casa Loma Orchestra, he became master of joyful repetition and anything from jazz and pop to 1952. Marlowe Morris played Garner and Ella Fitzgerald, but is was born in Mississippi), hit it big band of birthday boys and girls by others, never achieving the a busy studio musician who had simplicity who also adopted country while retaining his own piano in the classic 1944 Lester most closely associated with San with Duke Ellington before having with six trumpets, two fame of Hackett and Edison. stints along the way with Benny phrases from Dizzy Gillespie, witty musical personality. Young film Jammin’ The Blues , but Francisco. an eccentric career. Wynonie trombones, two altoists (both of Berry was a strong asset as both Goodman, Jack Hylton, Paul Edison followed his period with a soloist and an ensemble player found so few gigs later in the Harris was always passionate, whom doubled on other Whiteman and Duke Ellington (in Count Basie with exciting music with Fletcher Henderson and 1973). The short-lived Ray Perry Al Casey was playing with Fats decade that he worked in the None of our three drummers are whether singing blues, jazz or instruments), two tenors, a for an additional 45 plus years. Count Basie, spending the latter (who only made it to 1950) had a Waller when he was still in high post office. It was not until he famous as soloists, but each were early r&b. Midge Williams, the baritonist, two clarinettists, part of his career playing with soulful sound on alto, played school and, although he outlived switched to organ in 1949 that expert in swing settings, adding least known of these singers, percussion and one’s pick of four Taft Jordan was a reliable smaller swing groups. Shorty effective violin, and is best Waller by 62 years and switched he returned to jazz. colour to the music. Nick Fatool made her recording debut in guitarists, seven pianists, two sideman, whether taking hot Sherock was a fiery player remembered for his three years to electric guitar, he was always worked with Benny Goodman 1934, in Japan. Back in the U.S., bassists, three drummers, six solos with Chick Webb or Duke (influenced by Roy Eldridge) who with Lionel Hampton. happy to be asked about those One suspects that pianist-singers and Artie Shaw, was a session her singing was quiet and direct a Ellington. He could also sing, but singers, and three arranger- played with Jimmy Dorsey, Gene early days, playing in a large Una Mae Carlisle and Harry ‘The musician in Los Angeles, and la Maxine Sullivan. She toured never became a major name or composers including one Krupa, the first Jazz At The Flip Phillips stuck around much unchanged style. Hipster’ Gibson would have liked became associated with Bob with the Louis Armstrong big an important leader, just survivor (Van Alexander) whose Philharmonic concert, and on a longer, staying active until his each other although there is no Crosby’s Bobcats. Harold ‘Doc’ band and recorded with her Jazz recording three decent but little- 100th birthday is May 2. countless number of studio 2001 death. Whether with Jazz at Billy Bauer made his mark with record that they ever met. West only lived to be 35, but in Jesters, a group that included remembered albums of his own sessions. the Philharmonic, Woody Woody Herman’s First Herd, Carlisle, a protégée of Fats his brief life worked with Erroll some of the members of the John during 1960-61. There is only one significant big Herman’s First Herd or in many Lennie Tristano and Lee Konitz. Waller, was a fluent and swinging Garner, Hot Lips Page and at Kirby Sextet. The six trumpeters are joined by He was part of Tristano’s pianist who contributed catchy Minton’s Playhouse. Kansas Harry Edison freewheeling groups, the tenor- two trombonists. George saxophonist added excitement to pioneering free jazz sessions, and vocals including 1941’s Blitzkrieg Fields, although a bit of a Three great arranger-composers Chisholm, who was born in every group in which he played, his quiet sound and harmonically Baby (You Can’t Bomb Me ). Harry journeyman, played along the way from 1915 are perfect to write Glasgow, Scotland, spent much of holding his own onstage with advanced playing seemed to ‘The Hipster’ Gibson was an with a wide variety of jazz greats for this all-star band: Billy his career in London. By the late Charlie Parker, Lester Young and predict the eventual emergence excellent boogie-woogie and including Jimmie Noone, Roy Strayhorn, Pete Rugolo and Van 1930s he was highly rated, getting Illinois Jacquet. of Jim Hall. stride pianist whose jive vocals Eldridge, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Alexander (who co-wrote and the chance to record with such and crazy on-stage personality Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie, Mezz arranged A-Tisket, A-Tasket ), giving visiting Americans as Coleman Although he spent six years as Although he occasionally soloed, gave him notoriety, but ultimately Mezzrow and John Coltrane. the band arrangements that Hawkins, Benny Carter and Fats the pianist and musical director Allan Reuss was best known as a shortened his time in the would blend together the best of Waller. After working with the of the Ink Spots, George Kelly superb rhythm guitarist who kept spotlight. He was a rock and roll On percussion is the first major Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton and Squadronaires during World War was most significant as the the rhythm steady in the Benny personality nearly a decade percussionist in jazz history, the Chick Webb. II, he found steady work with Coleman Hawkins-inspired tenor Goodman Orchestra. He was before the music began. His Who Afro-Cuban innovator Chano radio and television orchestras, with both Al Cooper’s Savoy always in demand for swing and Put The Benzedrine In Mrs. Pozo. Although best known for Imagine what the 1915 Orchestra recorded often in jazz settings, Sultans in the 1940s and Panama studio dates, working with Murphy’s Ovaltine became a cult his association with Dizzy would sound like! They would and even had small roles in Francis’ Savoy Sultans of the virtually every top musician from classic. Gillespie during 1947-48, Pozo certainly cause a sensation at Van several films including The Mouse 1970s. his generation, except perhaps had already had a major career in Alexander’s 100th birthday party. on the Moon and Superman III . Paul, Casey and Bauer. On bass, Al Hall and Vernon Alley his native Cuba. He ranks as one For the group’s baritone were both dependable of the founders of Latin jazz. Scott Yanow, who was not Turk Murphy was one of the few saxophone, one reaches to r&b The 1915 band has an excess of timekeepers who rarely took around in 1915, is the author members of this band to avoid and Paul ‘Hucklebuck’ Williams. talented pianists, two of whom solos in their pre-Jimmy Blanton In addition to Una Mae Carlisle of 11 jazz books and over 750 playing swing in his career. He He actually had a fairly late start, also sang. The best of these styles. Hall worked with Teddy and Harry ‘The Hipster’ Gibson, liner notes. He can be stood for what he called not making his recording debut pianists on a technical level was Wilson, Mary Lou Williams, and the 1915 band is overflowing contacted at ‘traditional jazz’, playing San until 1947, but Williams’ The Eddie Heywood. He had great Erroll Garner (on and off for 18 with vocal greats. Billie Holiday [email protected]. 16 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 17 FESTIVALS 2015 FESTIVALS 2015

Val Pee Wee Ellis FESTIVALS 2015 Wiseman Jazz Rag’s pick of the jazz festivals around Britain this year weekend of jazz, as well as crossing the Tyne into Newcastle for Late Night Jams at the Globe and the Jazz Cafe. The 50th anniversary of the late Stan Tracey’s Under Milk Wood is celebrated in a performance featuring original soloist Bobby Wellins, with Andy Cleyndert, Clark Tracey and, taking the piano chair, Steve Melling. Narration is provided by Stan Tracey’s grandson, Ben. The programme also features a double bill of Ruby Turner and the James Taylor Quartet and an appearance by the legendary big band Loose Tubes, with Andy Sheppard and Rita Marcotulli. David Sanborn and Joshua Redman are among the American visitors and John Scofield appears in a duo with Kent-born, New Orleans-based pianist Jon Cleary. Other names standing out in a packed bill are Gwilym Simcock with the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Manchester-based big band Beats and Pieces. www.sagegateshead.com 2010, it is now operating under private ownership and provides the events focus on the Atkinson, the 21st century arts centre (library, venue for the festival’s headline concerts. As the name implies, the Isle gallery, concert halls) created out of the town’s separate Victorian Soweto of Arts Festival is not solely a jazz festival, with names on the bill facilities. Headliners at the Atkinson are the James Morton Quartet, Kinch including Gyles Brandreth and Julian Lloyd-Webber, but the jazz and featuring tenor sax star and ex-James Brown MD Pee Wee Ellis. Digby Carleen blues content is of a high standard. This year’s programme includes the Fairweather and Craig Milverton offer Jazz in the Afternoon and two Anderson Mud Morganfield Band, fronted by Muddy Waters’ eldest son, and Lady young breakthrough groups complete the Atkinson programme: the Sings the Blues , with Val Wiseman and six top instrumentalists Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley Group and a brass band specialising in funk, BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & celebrating 100 years since Billie Holiday’s birth. hiphop and aggressive jazz, the Riot Jazz Brass Band. BLUES FESTIVAL www.artsisle.org www.theatkinson.co.uk www.VisitSouthport.com Jean Toussaint March 5-8 Alan Barnes The Bristol festival takes over the city’s Colston Hall for three days, with concerts in the Main Hall and the Lantern throughout the day. Of particular interest is a focus on Louis Armstrong. On the Sunday morning the Louis Armstrong Story features New Orleans guests Clarke Peters (as narrator), Evan Christopher, Lillian Boutte and Don Vappie alongside a high-quality British big band under Denny Ilett playing Louis Armstrong charts that have not been heard since 1947. Additionally, the previous day Ricky Riccardi of the Louis Armstrong Museum talks about the great man. Also on the Bristol bill, among others, are the Bruce-Ilett Big Band, Dr. John, Carleen Anderson, Ray Gelato and his Giants, Andy Sheppard, Pee Wee Ellis’ Funk Assembly with Huey Morgan, and Evan Christopher’s Django a la Creole. Regular workshops in the Folk House include sessions by two very different saxophone stars, Bristol’s own Andy Sheppard and ex-James Brown MD Pee Wee Ellis. www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com 24th JENNINGS KESWICK JAZZ FESTIVAL

May 7-10 RIBBLE VALLEY JAZZ FESTIVAL Keswick describes itself as offering the best in traditional, New May 1-4 Orleans, swing and mainstream jazz - and it’s also clearly bursting out of its four-day limits. Pre-festival concerts now run at a rate of two a Ribble Valley Jazz and Blues operate year-round in Clitheroe, night, one in the Main House, a smaller group in the Studio, at the Lancashire, and the May Bank Holiday sees the annual festival take Theatre by the Lake for three days before the festival (May 4-6). All six NEWPORT JAZZ WEEKEND ON THE ISLE over from their regular monthly programme. With a Saturday Street are quality bands, the likes of the Big Chris Barber Band, Ray Gelato OF WIGHT Fest, plenty of free events and two Blues Stages, the festival offers real and his Giants, and Spats Langham/Martin Litton/Malcolm Sked. There Bank Holiday days out. Topping the bill this year is the ever-popular is no room to do more than hint at the line-up for the festival proper May 28-31 Stacey Kent Trio, with Andy Sheppard, Soweto Kinch and Arun Ghosh and the festival’s new website is recommended. Just as a taster: Martin also appearing with their bands. Trumpeter/singer Georgina Jackson is Litton’s Red Hot Peppers, Lake Records International Jazz Band, the After a single concert on the opening night, the pace hots up with a Stan featured with the Northern Jazz Orchestra and a sample of other Remi Harris Trio, Brownfield/Byrne Hot Six, Jake Leg Jug Band, Matthias total of 17 events across the four days, mostly in the Apollo Theatre, Tracey groups in the festival includes the Alan Bone Trio, the John Ellis Trio Seuffert, Alan Barnes, Ken Peplowski, Barnhart/Fryer Red Hot Seven, the Quay Theatre or the Medina Theatre, though Newport Minster is and the intriguingly named Dread Supreme. the Savannah Jazz Band..... the venue for the Alan Barnes/Tony Kofi Quintet. There are a number www.rvjazzandblues.co.uk GATESHEAD INTERNATIONAL JAZZ www.keswickjazzfestival.com of exciting tribute performances: Gareth Williams and Dave Green in the music of Bill Evans and Scott La Faro, Roots and Herbs , Jean FESTIVAL ISLE OF ARTS FESTIVAL, VENTNOR SOUTHPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL Toussaint leading a stellar sextet in the music of Art Blakey, and Peggy, Duke and Benny , with Georgina Jackson and Pete Long. Other bands April 10-12 May 1-4 May 8-10 performing at Newport include the Bobby Wellins Quartet, Sax Appeal, the Zoe Francis Quartet, the Back to Basie Big Band and The Gateshead International Jazz Festival fills the halls and foyers of The Isle of Arts Festival on the Isle of Wight benefits this year from The Southport Jazz Festival takes place in various venues around Denise and Tony Lawrence appearing with the Unity Stompers. the region’s premier concert hall, the Sage Gateshead, for a packed the re-opening of Ventnor’s Winter Gardens. Closed by the council in Southport’s elegant Lord Street, most of them free. The ticketed www.newportjazzweekend.co.uk

18 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 19 FESTIVALS 2015 FESTIVALS 2015

list of bands and musicians that falls into the ‘too numerous to..’ guitar, from face-painting and balloon artistry to excellent camping Interesting international combinations include the Buck Clayton facilities. Two major attractions for this year have been announced, Legacy Band including Matthias Seuffert who also joins with Alan both involving very different female singing stars. Val Wiseman brings a Barnes and the Craig Milverton Trio which also accompanies Ben top-class sextet to Burton Agnes for her Billie Holiday tribute, Lady Cummings and Amy Roberts in a Tribute to Chet Baker and Gerry Sings the Blues , in the year of Billie’s centenary. New sensation Jo Mulligan! Keith Nichols brings his Harlem Madness and Hot Six to the Harman received four nominations in last year’s British Blues Awards festival as well as forming a trio with Trevor Whiting and Nick Ward. A and her mixture of roots, blues, soul and gospel has been compared to quick trawl down the programme also produces such names as Sammy the late Eva Cassidy. Rimington’s International Band, Spats Langham, Des Bacon’s Red Hot www.burtonagnes.com Syncopators, New Orleans Heat and the Jazzoholics. www.uptonjazz.co.uk Saxitude

Henry Armburg Jennings Photo by Merlin Daleman Exall co-lead the modestly titled Magnificent 7. Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio, the Georgia Mancio Quartet, Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen and BIRMINGHAM JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL the Savannah Jazz Band constitute a tiny, but fairly representative, Robert Fowler sample of the jazz on offer. SWANSEA INTERNATIONAL July 3-12 www.swanagejazz.org JAZZ FESTIVAL Sarah Gillespie Birmingham is famously the festival where you can’t escape from jazz for the 10 days of its duration. The number of events is never far short Jeff Barnhart June 12-14 CLEETHORPES JAZZ FESTIVAL of 200 and the unwary passer-by can encounter jazz in museums and malls, on canal boats and in castles, walking the streets or travelling on After last year’s very successful event, Swansea Jazz Festival again takes June 26-28 public transport, in addition to the more conventional clubs, pubs, over the Swansea Maritime Quarter, with concerts at the Dylan restaurants and hotels. It has been computed that the Birmingham Thomas Centre, the Dylan Thomas Theatre and the National Cleethorpes Jazz Festival’s poster emphasises the seaside, sun and festival provides 30 hours of free jazz and blues per day. The festival’s Waterfront Museum, plus 25 Fringe events at smaller venues. sand element of the festival which is fair enough as the programme, other unique feature is the effectiveness of its scouting for new organised by Grimsby Jazz, takes place in McCormacks, a comfortable European talent. At least two of last year’s big successes - Italy’s With some headliners still to be confirmed, Swansea already has a and fairly spacious bar adjacent to beach and fun park. The festival Pepper and the Jellies, with vibrant and authentic versions of 1920s varied and well balanced line-up, including Robert Fowler's Gerry features a high proportion of top British musicians. Alan Barnes leads and 1930s songs, and Saxitude, the strolling saxophonists from Mulligan Concert Big Band and Clare Teal with the Capital City Jazz his own Octet as well as accompanying Anita Wardell with a Septet. Luxembourg - return in 2015 and first-tiimers from Europe include the Orchestra. Enzo Zirilli's Anglo-Italians is a very interesting quartet The Dave Newton Trio, Namvula, the Dave O’Higgins Quartet, the Stockholm Stompers, the Nightlosers from Romania, and the latest featuring guitarists Jim Mullen and, from Verona, Luca Boscagin, Other Sarah Gillespie Quartet and the Pat McCarthy Band are all on the bill, Lithuanian band to come to Birmingham, the Schwings with Laura bands on the Swansea bill include the Hamish Stuart Band, the together with an intriguing trio of John Horler, Alec Dankworth and Budreckyte. The as-yet-incomplete roster of musicians and bands Busquitos, the Laurence Cottle Quintet, the Geoff Eales Quinte, the Winston Clifford. And there are two contenders for best band name: includes such festival favourites as Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Tipitina, Gareth Williams Trio with a Bill Evans tribute, the John Critchinson the Jazz Worriers and De Jong’s Cleynderts. Becky Brine, Ricky Cool and the In Crowd, Remi Harris and American Quartet, Toby Stewart's Monsters on a Leash (the music of Tower of www.grimsbyjazz.com singer/pianist Daryl Sherman - and, of course, Festival Patron Digby Power) and the Gary Potter Quartet, Fairweather will be in attendance! www.sijf.co.uk BURTON AGNES www.birminghamjazzfestival.com JAZZ & BLUES Matthias Seuffert UPTON-UPON- FESTIVAL SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL SEVERN JAZZ July 10-12 BUDE JAZZ FESTIVAL FESTIVAL July 3-5 Swanage is one of the classic English seaside celebrations of jazz, with September 1-4 Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues June 25-28 a wider span of styles than most, described as ‘New Orleans to Festival is one of those which contemporary fusion’. Two marquees take on very different characters, Now sponsored by Tribute, the Bude Jazz Festival is one of the most gains its unique atmosphere from Long-established to a highly devoted, respectively, to the ancient and modern in jazz, while a successful and longest-established festivals of a traditional persuasion, its setting and the involvement of successful formula, even so the number of smaller venues host Stroller events. Billtoppers include aided, no doubt, by that part of Cornwall’s reputation as a seaside the community. The concerts take Upton Festival is still evolving and Clark Tracey’s Stan Tracey Dynasty, Jean Toussaint’s Art Blakey tribute, setting of remarkable beauty. Among the bands already booked for place in the grounds and Great seeking to develop. Facilities for Roots and Herbs , Karen Sharp and Robert Fowler’s Zoot Sims and Al Bude’s long list of festival favourites in 2015 are Brian Carrick’s Algiers Hall of a particularly fine festival-goers this year will be Cohn programme, and Alan Barnes’ Reed Breed. Young bandleaders Stompers, the Big Dog Boogie Band, Chris Walker’s Swing Fever, Dave Elizabethan mansion near enlarged and improved and there new to Swanage include Henry Armburg Jennings, Rachael Cohen and Stradwick’s Sussex Jazz Kings, George Huxley’s All Star Jazz Band, John Driffield in East Yorkshire and will be an extra two Thursday J.J. Wheeler. Keith Nichols’ Blue Devils and Martin Litton’s Red Hot Maddocks Jazzmen, Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants, New Orleans Heat, attractions range from a vintage evening concerts for early Peppers fly the flag for classic jazz, the Hot Jazz Alliance features young Reeds United, the Remi Harris Trio and Slide by Slide, with individual arrivals. The festival takes over ice-cream van to a local brewer musicians such as Jeff Barnhart and John Hallam also on the bill. Jo Harman players from Australia and America, and Amy Roberts and Richard the riverside town, with, as ever, a who combines good ale with jazz www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk

20 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 21 ON RECORD REVIEWS

Zoe Francis by John Hicks’s manic piano feel of the group changes potential, I’m surprised that she DIANA PANTON of what Stacey Kent does, but it's Panton begins with piano only, comping, his own firecracker solo markedly with Stitt using the stays with just one setting or what she's doing all the time. out of tempo, on the verse in threatening lift-off at any language of be-bop rather than voicing when there could have RED some cases, before other players moment. Ed Blackwell’s drums the modal, sheets of sound been a wealth of tone colours at Certainly she's working with nine move in at whatever time the fine musicians, two of whom are similarly choppy, the whole approach favoured by Coltrane. her fingertips. Inakustik INAK 9129 CD: 61:30 song is going to be in. effect quite spirited if somewhat Stitt is also featured in a ballad were productively associated chaotic. There’s a sense here of with George Shearing in his latter Also, the chosen songs, good as medley with the rhythm section. Not without some good Here we have a Canadian lady everyone straining for effect, of years, and Don Thompson on they are, unremittingly carry the moments, and it certainly swings. singer named Diana, but trying too hard. The 14-minute Four bonus tracks are included - piano and vibes and Reg Shwager same come-and-get-it message. HUGH LEDIGO someone younger and less gifted Like Someone In Love is calmer, three featuring Coltrane with the on guitar do supply that very Her style does impart a suitably than Ms Krall. My feeling, after Morgan sounding a tad more rhythm section and one, a ambiance at times. The haunting quality to Ivan Lins' Love EDDIE THOMPSON absorbing the 13 tracks, is that relaxed, his solo lines cleverly version of Moonlight in Vermont contributions of tenorman Phil Dance, the Bergmans' The Island constructed as Jordan develops a they may be directed towards Dwyer are very worthwhile, and and Blossom Dearie's Isn't That with Stan Getz and the rhythm IN THE USA fine solo, even if the piano is still section. susceptible men only, as her a line-up of two violins, a viola, a The Thing To Do? The final offering, too obtrusive and hard to ignore, limited approach calls to be cello and a harp provides warm Amazing (Gimbel/Stern) is very HEP CD2100-66:42 although some adjustment does The recorded sound quality is described as sultry and sensuous. atmosphere whenever they're slow and sad, and stays in the allow Workman’s bass to emerge good and there is an informative However, some listeners may find used. But arrangement-wise mind. ZOE FRANCIS Kiss sounds fine in Latin mode. I Eddie Thompson (1925~1986) from the aural darkness and 20 page booklet. her sound and style rather over- there's a repetitive formula that LES TOMKINS Was Doing All Right is a super- was a fine pianist who was Blackwell plays good time. Miles’s ALAN MUSSON sweet. There's an echo of some infects nine tracks, whereby Ms THE VERY THOUGHT swinger. The final Born To Be Blue sometimes accused of bravura is a revelatory up version of the Solar takes 15 minutes while OF YOU Mobley’s The Vamp goes for 21 performances at the expense of Torme ballad, lasting around nine SHIRLEY SCOTT substance, but these minutes, with stomping jazz all minutes. So four lengthy readings, Diving Duck DDRCD023: 67:13 performances from 1963 and round. All the solos are superb with Jordan coming out on top, FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS 1975 show Thompson in fine throughout, inspired obviously by largely aimed at hard-bop I had not previously heard this form. There are ten titles from a being with such an informed diehards, I’d suggest. Sometimes local vocal lady, but I hope to Avid Jazz AMSC 1140 2CDs: 1963 New York studio session in entertainer. If Jazz Rag had a star less is more! Previously issued on hear more. Her performances 72:03/74:45 the company of bassist Ron system, I would give this five. Fresh Sound FSRCD 1037. tick several boxes for me. Above PETER VACHER Lundberg and drummer Lou all, she is totally a jazz singer - LES TOMKINS I think you’d need to be a Berryman, (although to judge by Hammond organ fanatic to get her lyrical phrasing is masterfully MILES DAVIS Thompson's own notes, the varied from chorus to chorus. LEE MORGAN / the most out of these two CDs. names may have been Which justifies her admirable CLIFFORD JORDAN QUINTET Four sessions are represented transposed).The session opens here, from 1958 through to 1962. practice of coming back after QUINTET with Cherry , which Thompson instrumental breaks with whole THE COMPLETE 1960 All but one are trios with bass explores gently to begin, new choruses - in some happy HOLLAND CONCERTS and drums kept firmly in their embellishing the theme before LIVE IN BALTIMORE 1968 places as time keepers. The instances, also a third chorus. To moving into a wide ranging remaining set benefits from the top it all off, she provides Green Corner 100890 improvisation; he was a Fresh Sound FSR-CD 824, 74.48 addition of Stanley Turrentine’s consistently stirring extended (3 CD Set) dexterous pianist. There are now- codas to every song. blues-infused, Prez-influenced All the benefits and shortcomings little heard standards, ( How Are This set has been issued before tenor saxophone. of live recordings are in evidence Things In Gloccamorra , Guess I'll This gratifying end-result and includes several tracks from here. There’s plenty of Hang My Tears Out To Dry ) in apparently stems from an early Kind of Blue which had been The earliest group of eight tracks excitement and unfettered which Thompson brings out the apprenticeship in New York, released the year before. The – mostly standards – have a very creativity as you might expect maximum melodic effect and attending workshops run by the versions here differ quite immature Ms Scott getting to but the session is hamstrung by a several original compositions too. legendary pianist Barry Harris, markedly in feel and tempo and grips with her monster from whom she learned songs dodgy balance that over-favours instrument and with the idiom. Davis’ playing seems to have The five closing titles are from a and how to maximise her natural piano and drums and almost Almost every phrase finishes with gained an added edge. Also Jazz Piano Party in Santa Clara, talent on them. Subsequently she eliminates the bass. Add in a a glissando and her solos are included are tunes which were to California, during September worked with some leading ropey piano and a sense that splattered liberally with the Bop become staples in later 1975 where Thompson plays solo American players. Here. live at form and shape have been largely clichés of the period, especially incarnations of the Quintet such piano; indeed, the twelve years the 606 Club, she is supported by suborned to bandstand the ubiquitous triplet figure as Walkin’ and All of You . since the first sessions seem to Stan Sulzmann on tenor, Gareth spontaneity and you have which identified the genre almost something of the proverbial have matured his style. Consider Williams on piano, Jim Mullen on At the time there was bitter as much as the flattened fifth. The curate’s egg. Lee Morgan’s All Too Soon ; out-of-tempo guitar, Mick Hutton on bass and controversy about John Coltrane, most wearing characteristic is a trumpet sound is off-centre and opening before Thompson breaks Enzo Zirilli on drums. who makes up the front-line for constant whistle, a sort of sometimes screechy, the into a gentle tempo, with long the majority of the sessions. He harmonic, which at times makes recording quality doing him no The ten standards she brings new had, by this time, indicated his the notes incomprehensible.Two right-hand runs a la Art Tatum. favours, whereas Jordan is life to are less overdone than wish to leave the group in order years later, she has honed her Dancing On The Ceiling has a calmness itself, his quite high some, and largely have undated, to realize his potential elsewhere. skills somewhat and there’s a complex bridge, followed by tenor sound in vivid contrast to grammatical lyrics. Social Call is an Reluctantly he did the tour. There welcome respite in the form of dazzling single-note runs. The ten- the expected sonorities of other intelligent story/song from the seems to be a clear tension in some piano tracks which show minute St. Louis Blues is the only Chicago tenors like, say, Gene 'fifties, enabling three times round the air between Coltrane and what an accomplished and example of perhaps overdoing Ammons or Von Freeman. for Zoe and great opening tenor Davis which shows in their sensitive musician she can be.By matters, with the ghost of Art and piano. She takes the seldom- 1961, she has tamed the beast, Tatum looming large, but the As so often happens with playing at times. There are two heard verse of the title song out- and her collaboration with break-neck Liza is a tour-de- impromptu collaborations, this tracks by the rhythm trio of of-time with guitar before moving Turrentine is delightful. force. pairing opt for safe ground, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers into a smooth groove. A feelingful opening with Monk’s familiar and Jimmy Cobb. My Man is Mullen-backed The last session reverts to the A vote of thanks to Alastair Straight No Chaser and taking it completely. Out Of This World By October Coltrane had left the trio format and most of the Robertson's Hep label for making through an 18-minute seeing-to, lends itself to Miles Ahead riffs quintet, his place being taken by irritating habits have disappeared this gem available. any sense of swing largely upset from the ensemble. Prelude To A alto saxophonist Sonny Stitt. The but, considering the instrument’s GREG MURPHY 22 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 23 ON RECORD REVIEWS

CHRIS BARBER’S JAZZ original member of the band, is a in Detroit in 1955. Byrd was then The overall atmosphere and bright, punchy, undeniably hot on which both men are at their AND BLUES BAND consummate musician with a only 23 but already a fluent communication are enhanced by cornet, the ideas well formed, most lyrical. The bassist and creative imagination which seems soloist, with a delicate, almost the intermingling of varied with nice, driving trombone from drummer are an excellent limitless. He can take his place pristine tone who went on to backings. Five using the basic John Beecham on tracks 1-8, supportive team. THE CLASS OF ‘78 with any of the great Mainstream greater success in academia and piano, bass and drums are recorded in 1979. Clarinettist trumpet players of the last fifty veered towards fusion in his expressive ballads, culminating in White does well, his style an The recording opens with Held's Lake Records LACD337 2 CD’s years. But this is not to underplay mature years. He’s joined by a notably different take on Happy amalgam of George Lewis and Ed Cameo , an atmospheric near- the vital contribution which the some Motor City chums with Talk. One of two with a sextet is Hall on this showing. fifteen minutes-worth of ideas Those of us who know Chris leader makes. Chris is the force tenorist Yusef Lateef, easily the their own 3/4 original, Save Me, exchanged between the two Barber, also, know that he a which drives the band. His album’s standout performer, which features appealing It may seem limiting to call this soloists, which opens gently and restless soul physically, mentally energetic, jostling attack makes stealing the attention, while trombone by Ashley Slater. Four down-the-line traditional jazz but moves into impressionistic swing, and musically. Chris gives the sure that no-one is slouching and euphonium player Bernard are with a single significant horn. that’s what it is, always musical with Scofield displaying shades of impression that he always on his his low, growling ensemble McKinney proves to be a An up-tempo Tea For Two has and commendably well-wrought. Kenny Burrell before breaking way somewhere and that is playing and soloing would do surprisingly credible improviser, Trudy joining forces on lyrics and All in all, a nice tribute to one of into a momentum over the solid exactly what he has been doing justice to Tricky Sam Nanton. relaxed and cogent alongside. The scat with the baritone of Derek the lesser known names in the bass support. Even more intense with his band for some fifty rhythm section is suitably Nash. Coltrane's Moment's Notice music who clearly had something is the eighteen-minute years. Not for him the comfort This particular band lent towards brings speedy vocalese and skilful worthwhile to say and the vigorous with pianist Barry Kubrick/Camp Out , which begins zone of New Orleans Trad on the more traditional part of the Alan Skidmore tenor. A nicely appropriate technique to convey gently before moving into tempo, Harris, sounding like an Al Haig- which he cut his musical teeth. band’s repertoire and the fans relaxed reading of Bacharach's it. with arco bass and a stunning Bud Powell clone on a poorly- Chris is always trying something will welcome that. The overall Seconds is aided by the sound of piano solo. tuned piano and not yet the PETER VACHER new; not in the sense of musicianship is superb. All the Graham Blevins' alto. On a joyous accomplished soloist he later embracing the avant garde, but soloists distinguish themselves. Making Whoopee , it's Dick Held and company have became, as bassist Alvin Jackson MARILYN MAZUR rather by experimenting in Above all the band is exciting. Pearce's trumpet adding colour. produced over an hour of intense and Blakey-like drummer Frank changes of instrumentation and There are many splendid FLAMINGO SKY music with improvisation to the personnel and, often, featuring moments. Sidewalks is a glorious Gant do their stuff ably. Two tracks have been extracted fore; it's not an easy-listen, but guest stars from the various track. Texas Blues and Immigration from 2007's Deja Vu , which was one that is, ultimately, satisfying. Essentially, this is hard bop, Stunt STUCD 14122 62.34 schools of jazz. This is the 1978 Blues are given lovely slow graced by Sweden's Jan Lundgren GREG MURPHY treatments. There is a vigorous opening with Clifford Brown’s on piano and the Juno String band where he added another What strikes you first is a messy arrangement of Ain’t Misbehavin’ Blues Walk with Lateef warm- Quartet. A spaced-out They Say reed instrument to change the cover, with the names of the HARRY ‘SWEETS’ which livens up the old toned and swinging hard, It's Wonderful is highly distinctive, sound. Chris has been assiduous artists almost unreadable. The warhorse. Musicianship, invention, comparable to Zoot Sims in his and Jobim's Two Kites is a lively EDISON in his search for a bigger sound. album consists of bits and pieces enthusiasm, integrity: these are fluency and run of ideas as he Latin treat. Two other tracks I In this case Sammy Rimington of music, meaningless lyrics in the hallmarks of the Chris Barber upstages Byrd’s neatness. must mention, as they might be PATENTED BY EDISON brought his clarinet, alto and flute incomprehensible fragments, and band and it is all here. McKinney opens and explores deemed the best of the Best. AND SWEETENINGS to the party, adding weight to a lot of riffs, repeated until you Byrd’s clarion-like Torsion Level Trudy delivers a very tender John Crocker’s hefty tenor. JOHN MARTIN could cry. The drummers thump original, sounding a lot like JJ treatment of Monk's Ruby My Phoenix Records 131607 68:07 their instruments without rhyme Johnson and making nonsense of Dear solely accompanied by Tom Chris has always recorded live THE DONALD or reason. I think this is what is the euphonium’s inherent Cawley's piano. And just one Although LPs were well where possible and this was a called ‘free improv’. The BYRD SEXTET lugubriousness. Byrd follows, from the classic Like Minds of established by 1958 when the date at Birmingham Rep in 1978, performers are Marilyn Mazur, skating delicately over the 2009 teams her with the late, first of these sessions was The band benefits from the Josefine Cronholm and Krister BYRD JAZZ harmonies and gaining confidence great Mike Garrick. For jazz vocal recorded, virtually all the tracks concert atmosphere and offers a Jonsson. Mazur’s website says: as Lateef picks up and continues. devotees, this is a must. on this CD are well within the selection of recognisable ‘Marilyn creates and performs Fresh Sound FSR 1666 54.30 Byrd’s feature is the standard LES TOMKINS old 78 rpm three minute format. standards but treated to fresh continuously in numerous exiting Dancing in the Dark and he does They are, however, none the and original arrangements within projects’. I hope she will exit Where would we be without well. The later 14-minute version worse for that. Here are twenty- the voluntary confines of BEN COHEN WITH from the music scene fairly soon. Fresh Sound? Here’s another of Parisian Thoroughfare is a four little gems – a master-class Traditional / Mainstream jazz. The BRIAN WHITE’S TONY AUGARDE band’s greatest asset is Pat long-lost gem, originally from the highlight as is Yusef a ballad in the art of swing.The themes, Halcox, on trumpet. Pat, the one Transition label and recorded live feature for Lateef in quasi- MAGNA JAZZ BAND mainly 1940s and 50s standards, Websterish mode. Not quite the PABLO HELD plus a few of Edison’s own Chris Barber finished article perhaps, but REMEMBERING BEN compositions, are delivered in a definitely worth hearing. COHEN THE TRIO MEETS JOHN direct, eloquent style with due PETER VACHER SCHOFIELD respect to the original melodies, Lake LACD334 66.34 while his improvisations TRUDY KERR Pirouet PIT3078- 63:33 epitomize the swing approach Cornetist Cohen was in on the with great authority. There are no beginning of the traditional jazz Pablo Held is a twenty-seven year pyrotechnics, or self-indulgent CONTEMPLATION revival of the 1950s, playing in old pianist from Germany, whose flights of fancy, his solos are Chris Barber’s first semi-pro trio includes bassist Robert tasteful paraphrases of the tunes, Jazzizit Records unnumbered: band and recording on Esquire Landferman and drummer Jonas performed with subtlety and 70:56 and Tempo, while holding down a Burgwinkel, joined on this economy and not a little blues job at Ultra Electronics. A concert recording from Cologne inflection. Without intending to With the volume of excellent steadfast supporter of classic by guitarist John Schofield. Held make any blatant stylistic albums by the singer Trudy Kerr ‘hot’ jazz and an aficionado of the has a phenomenal technique, comparisons, Edison shares that she and her husband, bassist Louis Hot Fives and Sevens, he both in his incisive soli and his Armstrong’s ability to place each Geoff Gascoyne have released on joined clarinettist White’s band in near hypnotic comping behind phrase – each note – exactly their Jazzizit label, it must have 1979 and this collection of their Scofield, whist the guitarist lives where it needs to be for been quite a task to compile this recordings covers sessions made up to his reputation for lush maximum effect. Tenor 'Best Of'' collection. These 15 in 1979, 1984 and 1987. Often chording and rapid single-string saxophonist Jimmy Forrest shares chosen tracks, involving 23 glimpsed at festivals with White work. There are five extended the front line with his leader on musicians, may be the best - or in ad-hoc groups Cohen died titles here, two by Held, two by many tracks, enhancing the certainly, they're all very good. in 2002. He’s heard here playing Scofield and one by Joni Mitchell, theme statements but, oddly, 24 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 25 ON RECORD REVIEWS

having almost no solo space. might make allowances but, really, MOSE ALLISON ears, John Lewis. His blues-laden Tommy Flanagan, Jimmy Jones and I don’t think much of this is singing voice remains in Southern Kenny Drew take turns on piano forgivable, especially, in Miss COMPLETE PRESTIGE climes and complements his – Flanagan in particular making Valente’s case.Miss Valente RECORDINGS 1957-1959 piano perfectly. some nice contributions. The bass warbles her way through some The performances on this 3 CD and drum personnel, all of the pretty safe ballads leaving a trail Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD same high calibre, are confined to of destruction. Her concept of boxed set are all by his trio – the time-keeping duties, which they jazz singing seems to be to go 842 3 CDs 70:35/76:38/72:08 format which has served him well do to good effect. wildly off tune and hit the throughout his career. In a total Allison’s biggest claim to fame occasional high note. Stormy of 65 tracks we are treated to was, I imagine, his Back Country A small masterpiece. Weather is quite the worst assault material that ranges from Suite , although Parchman Farm HUGH LEDIGO on Kern’s lovely song that I have authentic blues ( Eyesight To The must be a close second. Both are ever heard and when she Blind ), standards ( I Thought About present on these three discs. CATERINA VALENTE attempts to scat on this number You, Old Devil Moon ), classic she sounds as though she is Ellington ( Prelude to a Kiss, Do AND CHET BAKER Pianistically, he is an able reading off a song sheet. Nothing Till You Hear From Me ) and technician – you couldn’t be a plethora of originals which anything less in the company of I’LL REMEMBER APRIL I wouldn’t question the singer’s reveal a talent as an people such as Getz, Mulligan or ability as a middle-of-the road accomplished composer with a Cohn – though he was hardly a Blue Moon Records BMCD 856 pop singer. Her popularity attests capricious turn of phrase and Tatum or Peterson. Stylistically, he 60.12 to that but my advice to her harmony which is still fresh 60 must be close to unique. I can’t would be to stay away from jazz. years on. By all counts a true think of any serious imitators – Oh dear! Yet another CD title It hasn’t done her any original. except, of course, Georgie intended to mislead us. Of the 24 harm.Chet’s contributions, HUGH LEDIGO Fame’s vocal delivery. His roots tracks, there are only two tracks backed by large orchestras, sound are deep in the Delta with Sonny which unite the pair and both of tentative, sticking very closely to Boy Williams and John Lee LA MAGIA DE these should have been left in the the melodies, but he causes no Hooker, but his was the Bebop vaults. The other 24 tracks are great pain. LA VEAU solo efforts from each artist and era and, by the time he began to these are uneven to say the least. This is such a mistake that one establish himself in New York, he Jazz To Jazz JJ014008 72.32 has to wonder whether the had achieved a distinctive Of course, these are from the record company is harbouring amalgam of down-home blues Saxophonist/bassist Joan early days, 1958 and ’59, when some resentment against the and the effervescent free-running Chamorro must be the doyen of the two met up in Italy and both artists. lines of Bud Powell, with clear Spanish jazz, constantly popping were learning their crafts so we JOHN MARTIN references to Monk and, to my up in support of new, young

26 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 27 ON RECORD REVIEWS

Louis Armstrong there’s fine playing on most are the classic popular songs of transformed into something true JOHN COLTRANE Tyner's hypnotic piano vamp magnificent tenorist Ben Webster, tracks, especially that of the very the 1930s and Ricky Riccardi, his and eternal – and, no, I don’t behind Coltrane's soaring gave the Ellington band a whole fine pianist Ignasi Terraza and the recent biographer, makes a strong know how. GOLD DISK soprano saxophone. The beautiful new lift. whole project is a well- case for the All Stars years. ballad Niama conveys a sense of intentioned and nicely done. The All Stars all get liberal Essential Jazz Classics economic perfection that The music heard here was the Louis Armstrong at the Crescendo features, though Louis doesn’t sit Incidentally, any designer who has EJC55656 (78:03) Coltrane was rarely to find again; culmination of the bandleader’s the booklet text in a tiny point 1955 , which includes the original them out: in fact, some of his his post-Atlantic recordings twenty years of playing and size printed blue coming out of two-volume album and all other most exciting playing is on This curiously-titled CD was became ever-more exploratory composing and, if the test of what black should be shot or at least existing material from the Trummy Young’s features, Tain’t inspired by a Japanese vinyl issue and complex. If you do not have is classic in music is its longevity, supply a magnifying glass with concert, proves Riccardi’s point. What You Do and Margie . Trummy where critics compiled six titles any of Coltrane's Atlantic then seventy years on these every album. No other jazzman so successfully himself is the ideal team player, originally recorded for Atlantic recordings, this is a satisfying miniature tone poems are very combines the splendid and the PETER VACHER supplying warm long notes and Records between 1959~60, to sample. much in that category. These are irreverent, majesty of playing gentle obbligatos behind his which EJC have added a further GREG MURPHY three minute masterpieces. alongside a sense of fun and the LOUIS ARMSTRONG leader or exploding into fiercely seven titles from the same Ellington composed around the popular touch. In 1955 Louis was players, of which there seem to young women, who each tackle shouting solos. It’s pretty much sessions. Coltrane's Atlantic DUKE ELLINGTON band members using their special still at the height of his powers, be a copious supply, if recent individual songs with a variety of AT THE CRESCENDO 1955: the archetypal All Stars line-up, sessions conveyed a greater and unique skills to draw upon. with a thrilling top register and a AND HIS FAMOUS album releases are anything to go instrumental accompaniments, do COMPLETE EDITION with Billy Kyle, Arvell Shaw and sense of certainty, compared with And what a selection! The band broad melodic sense to go with ORCHESTRA by. Here he and a fine rhythm include the excellent Andrea the noisy, but entertaining, blowing-session quality of the included, Cootie Williams, Johnny all those appealing vocals and section are heard with four Motis, whose trumpet work and Essential Jazz Classics Barrett Deems, and, if Ed Hall previous Prestige recordings, and Hodges, Ben Webster, Barney EJC 55657: asides. True, the repertoire is young female singer/ easy vocal style rather put my seemed to me to fit the band yet they still seem transitional to HIGHLIGHTS OF THE Bigard, Joe Nanton, Juan Tizol, 3 CDs, 75.46/77.10/74.56 predictable, but is in fact quite instrumentalists who combine as prejudices to the sword. But then better, Barney Bigard is an elegant a degree. A hint of this comes GREAT 1940-1942 BAND Harry Carney and Rex Stewart. varied, with good old good ones La Magia de la Veau, which Eva Fernandez sings After You’ve and distinctive soloist. The with the appearance on two titles All were among the greatest Jazz fans tend to cultural such as the inevitable Indiana , jazz roughly translated might be the Gone in nicely relaxed fashion, irrepressible, if inaccurate, Velma of McCoy Tyner, who was to be Avid Records AMSC1143 2CD’s names in jazz. snobbery on the subject of Louis classics such as Basin Street Blues , Magic of the Voice , I guess. adding solo alto, with Motis also Middleton is at her best in the so much a part of the Coltrane 79.35 / 77.55 Armstrong. The Hot Five and Hot novelty songs ( Old Man Mose a Conceived as a series of tributes on alto, Chamorro on baritone humorous exchanges with Louis. legend; in contrast, Tommy All the favourites are here in the Seven tracks in the 1920s were good idea, The Whiffenpoof Song to the great jazz vocalists of the and the Blossom Dearie-like Rita Flanagan and Hank Jones, to be It doesn’t get any better than 49 tracks, Concerto for Cootie, the artistic peak, then he became less so, with its crude satire of Payes on trombone and the The main filler is 15 tracks from heard on other titles, sound this: the 40/42 band in beautiful Never No Lament, Take the A Train, past i.e. Billie, Dinah, Sarah and – dreaded word – an entertainer! bebop) and any number of familiar problem recurs. radio broadcasts in 1954, but workmanlike but unconvincing. re-mastered sound. Many would Blue Goose, In a Mellotone, Ella, the album’s seventeen tracks Such views ignore the hokum he popular songs from the 1930s they add little: with short cite this as the Duke’s best band Sophisticated Lady, Warm Valley, range from Desafinado through to was coming out with in his and 1940s. When it’s Sleepy Time To be candid, I prefer the ladies broadcasts, you’re never more There is an impressive track- and his finest period.. Often Sidewalks of New York, Blue Serge, I Remember Clifford and ending up evening jobs in the 1920s and Down South , topping and tailing as instrumentalists rather than as than 10 minutes away from Sleepy listing here - My Favourite Things, referred to as the Ellingtron / Cotton Tail and Just A-Settin’ and A- with How High The Moon . also the magnificent music he each set, comes a bit too often, vocalists for the reason stated Time (4 versions in all), too many Syeeda's Song Flute, Giant Steps Blanton /Webster band the Rockin. produced in four decades of but is a good example of I often have some trouble above although their occasional tracks fade out and nearly all the and the initial recording of the reference being to to the 21 commercial success. Almost my Armstrong’s magic: dreadfully forays as a harmonising vocal material is familiar from the song that was to stay with years old Jimmy Blanton, the But the star of the sessions is the relating to continental Europeans favourite Armstrong recordings false antebellum sentimentality singing in English but these very group work better. Even so, Crescendo recordings. Coltrane for almost all of his most influential bass player in jazz orchestration. Ellington and Billy RON SIMPSON career, My Favourite Things , with who, together with the Strayhorn, the Duke’s alter ego,

The largest collection of Jazz CDs by Acker Bilk anywhere. The classic albums from the 1960s, vintage material from the 1950s and more recent recordings including ‘Azure’ with Wally Fawkes from 2002 (LACD167) and a fine concert from 1968 when the band included Al Fairweather and Bruce Turner (LACD121) Follow us on FACEBOOK Visit our on-line shop at www.fellside.com Distributed by Proper Distribution Ltd. If you would like more information and be placed on our mailing list please send a large SAE with two second class stamps to the address below. LAKE RECORDS, PO Box 40, Workington, CA14 3GJ, UK

28 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 29 ON RECORD REVIEWS

wrote arrangements full of illustrated 32 page booklet Charles Mingus and Humor , where conventional Lack of space only allows me to 1997 featured Django Bates with spotlights three premieres. Jim surprises and ingenuities and the including a detailed discography. instruments are joined by what cover these excellent records, some of his compositions McNeely conducts a tribute to musicians were intuitive in sounds like someone blowing briefly. The first disc, 1964-74 has including The Strange Voyage of Louis Armstrong’s classic music interpreting the scores. Mingus’ music is not always ‘easy’ into a bottle and rubbing a Stan Kenton playing and Donald Crowhurst, Once A Penguin of the 1920’s with the title of The Exceptionally welcome are four but if you are new to his music balloon? Are these genuine conducting Bill Holman scores on and Nights at the Circus . The Power and the Glory , Palle piano / bass duets with Ellington and the challenge, this would be a attempts to explore new sounds some tracks. The next CD covers Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias Mikkelborg conducts his own and Blanton and, of course, Jack wonderful place to start. For the or an attempt to get away with the period of eight years from recorded with the band at this composition, The Voice of Silence the Bear , Blanton’s virtuoso diehard fan, it’s a chance to nonsense? As usual, Avid’s album 1979-‘87 when Thad Jones was time and the remaining tracks are and the music of Thomas Clausen feature. is also featured. replace your aging vinyl cost- release is a bargain. This double resident in Denmark, conducted from the band’s Australian tour. effectively. CD assembles four LPs from the band and took it on its first The vocalists are Ivie Anderson 1957 to 1960: Sounds of Lateef, Disc 5 is from the period 1997- The band carries off all of these ALAN MUSSON UK tour. Two concerts in and Herb Jeffries. Ivie, in The Three Faces of Lateef, Lateef at 1999 and has the elegant French ambitious projects with aplomb. Glasgow and York are covered. particular, was the most Cranbrook and The Centaur and pianist Martial Solal on three The sections are tight, the LARS GULLIN Georgie Fame shows up on disc compatible of all the Ellington the Phoenix . tracks sharing the CD with Phil individual soloists are superb and, vocalists. Her tone was almost 3 1991-‘96, as do Bob most of all, the band swings PORTRAIT OF THE Woods, and Niels Jorgen Steen instrumental and blended Brookmeyer, Tony Coe, Art who wrote his suite, The mightily. This is a band which can LEGENDARY BARITONE On the first three, Yusef leads beautifully with the sound of the quintets, and on the last a nine- Farmer and arranger, Ernie Governor , for the band. stand favourable comparison with band. SAXOPHONIST piece group which includes such Wilkins, premiering his Suite for any band currently around. master musicians as Clark Terry Jazz Band . The final fifteen years 1999-2014 JOHN MARTIN My personal favourites? All 49 Fresh Sound FSR-CD 841/1-2 and Joe Zawinul. Lateef tackles a tracks. This is the disc to take to 4 CDS 77.32/75.30/68.41 variety of styles: from such the Desert Island. You need /67.39 standards as Take the ‘A’ Train to nothing else. many of his own original JOHN MARTIN This boxed set of four CDs compositions. He has a warm, contains a good portion of fluent style on the sax, and he can CHARLES MINGUS Swedish saxist Lars Gullin’s certainly swing with the oboe, recordings from 1956 to 1960. BJØRN SOLLI often heard here with the Mingus although he commits several fluffs MINGUS MOODS These might be called his most Big Band, the excellent pianist and discords. I still wonder how successful years, as drugs and AGLOW: THE LYNGØR Aaron Parks and trumpeter much the ‘exotic’ side of Lateef’s Properbox 188 4 CD Set other hindrances meant that his PROJECT VOLUME 1 Ingrid Jensen (on three tracks) playing is genuine. and how much output was seriously diminished together with bassist Matt it was an excuse for occasionally Mingus died 36 years ago but his in quality afterwards. Strongly Clohesy and drummer Bill Lingør Lyre01 70.00 uncoordinated playing (e.g. in the influence is still felt in the jazz influenced by the style that Gerry Stewart to record for him. theme of Woody ‘N You ). As with world. Listening to A Foggy Day Mulligan established in the 40s Happily for him, and us, they turn Solli is a Norwegian guitarist who Yusef’s later album, Eastern from disc one, the thought struck and 50s, Gullin had a similar in a series of fine performances. was born in 1979 and is now Sounds , the music here grows on me that Mingus was the Django supple approach and smooth resident in New York City. New me, so perhaps my doubts are Bates of his day. His music, whilst tone. He had tried out various I’m in no position to consider to me, he proves to be a facile unfounded. retaining the feel of hard bop also instruments in earlier years but how accurate his evocation of improviser whose sound and TONY AUGARDE drew elements from black gospel settled on the baritone this place is, but I can say that he style bears comparison with our music, free jazz and classical saxophone from the late 1940s has produced an album that both own Jim Mullen and is clearly at DANISH RADIO music. Out of this he forged his onwards, and established himself surprised and pleased me as a home on bandstands around the own music. He once said that his as one of the foremost new listener to his work. He BIG BAND world, with an impressive CV main influences were Duke exponents of the instrument. He solos well but so do his involving a whole roster of top Ellington and church music and was also a significant composer confreres, the mood, track by A GOOD TIME WAS HAD players. through this set, that becomes and arranger, favouring the ‘cool’ track, varying from the pungent BY ALL clear. In a similar way to Ellington, sounds created by composer- to the gently lyrical (viz Jensen on Mingus took the skills of his Lyngør, it turns out, is an flugelhorn on Calenture ) via the arranger Tadd Dameron and by attractive community located on Storyville Box Set, 1088616 6 musicians and their personalities the album Birth of The Cool. touchingly wistful. Worth CDs,70.31/78.34/76.08/73.18/ into account when forming his the South-East Norwegian coast Gullin’s association with Lee investigating. 78.52/ 79.79 groups and writing for them, and much favoured by second Konitz was an important strand PETER VACHER often using unconventional home owners and it is this in his playing. These six CDs are by way of instrumental configurations. As a peaceful place that has inspired YUSEF LATEEF being a historical documentation performer he was a pioneer of Solli to produce this elegantly- The two versions of Darn That of the Danish Radio Big Band double bass technique. conceived nine-part suite or Dream on the last CD illustrate project, albeit that its final part is FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS from its inception in 1964 up the delicacy that Lars could bring For anyone looking for an dedicated to his dog! Lyngør was until 2014. The fact that a Big to the baritone saxophone. As Avid AMSC 1147 2 CDs introduction to Mingus, this set is also the site of a decisive battle in Band can survive in the present with British jazz of the same ideal. It covers the period from the Napoleonic War in 1812 74.14/75.13 economic climate is something of period, there was a very slight 1956 to 1960 – certainly a fertile when the Royal Navy destroyed a miracle and Danish Radio has period. Many of the Mingus uncertainty in the playing, which the last ship in the Danish- I am never quite sure what to to be applauded for its favourites are here including arose from an awareness of how Norwegian fleet, thus effectively think of Yusef Lateef. One must commitment. That the Danish Pithecanthropus Erectus , Better Git hard it would be for European ending their Napoleonic admire his versatility: playing not band is now in its 51st year is It in Your Soul and Boogie Stop jazz to overcome the supremacy collaboration and this also only the tenor sax but also flute, unbelievable. But it is a band Shuffle . So too are musicians who of American jazz, despite the prompted a specific piece. oboe and various Middle Eastern worth saving. It is very good were to become well-known talents of the European jazzers. instruments. He was one of the indeed; of International standard performers in their own right, Musicians like Lars Gullin showed More to the point for Jazz Rag first musicians to start exploring and it has employed many of the such as Jackie McLean, Mal how that domination might be readers, Solli has not only a knack ‘world music’. And he has been best European musicians over the Waldron, Jimmy Knepper and overcome. for creating interesting themes employed by such reputable years. The band can stand on its Pepper Adams. TONY AUGARDE and good lines but he has had the bandleaders as Dizzy Gillespie own reputation but it has a policy good sense to enlist the highly and Roy Eldridge. But what are of inviting prominent musicians The boxset also includes an creative tenorist Seamus Blake, we to make of a track like Love to guest with it 30 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 31 BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT

SUITE/MASTERPIECES BY stabilised to the masterly late 50s Lee Wiley RON SIMPSON’S ROUND-UP OF RECENT CDS ELLINGTON (EJC 55655: 2 quintet, though the temporary CDs, 79.14/78.17) comes into the defection of Johnny Hodges Maybe I’m getting cynical, but a Antonio Jobim, plus four others, sings only on three tracks. Her from Today – rather than more category of interesting rather brought in Willie Smith for a CD that claims to express ‘the including what is now the title phrasing is well suited to the openly emotional numbers such than essential. By common spell. As for LPs, giving ‘uncut free spirit of improvisation’ sets track, a gently insinuating theme material, even if Memories of You as How Deep is the Ocean. Night in consent the Ellington band of concert arrangements’ of Ducal alarm bells ringing. However, that became an unexpected hit. lies uneasily for her voice. The Manhattan contains some lovely 1947-1952, when these three classics seems to have worked CIRCUS IN THE SKY (MGP The CD has a fair number of small group which plays three songs, Bobby Hackett’s inimitable albums were made, lacked the better than devotion to one Records MGPCD 013: 57.42) is a alternative takes, plus three 1955 instrumentals contains the great cornet and nice work by Joe distinctive character of, say, the extended suite. pleasant surprise. The Pete Roth tracks by an earlier Guaraldi trio. Basie trumpeter Buck Clayton Bushkin, but Bushkin’s Swinging 1940 band or the late 1950s, but Band is a five-piece, with The evocative Manha de Carnaval and mellifluous trombonist Urbie Strings can be a bit fussy and four it’s fascinating to observe the Finally, I’m not really sure saxophonist Loren Hignell is the most memorable of the Green, but getting that front-line tracks are less interestingly band in transition and also whether BUD SHANK PLAYS providing a second voice to the Black Orpheus tracks, Monty to bash out Ben Pollack’s accompanied by piano duo (as is adjusting to the LP format. In THE MUSIC OF BILL guitarist-leader. Roth’s music is Budwig and Colin Bailey give Dixieland warhorse That’s a her tribute to Vincent Youmans 1947 ( Liberian Suite ) the rhythm EVANS (Fresh Sound FSR 5012 accessible, melodic, often Guaraldi creative support and the Plenty is a waste. The second LP is and Irving Berlin). The mostly section still contained traces of CD: 75.26) qualifies as a new pleasingly optimistic, and the whole album is accomplished and a case of same soup warmed biggish bands for West of the the 1920s in Fred Guy and Sonny reissue. Recorded in 1996, album consists of nine distinctive attractive. A different take on over – twice! – though with Moon and A Touch of the Blues are Greer, together with the according to various websites it originals. Roth produces with Latin music comes in the some superb chefs such as Lionel stuffed full of the right players cumbersome two-bassists is long deleted, but the packaging fellow-guitarist Nicolas Meier infectious performance of Eddie Hampton and Harry James (in playing generally good arrangement; by 1952 ( Ellington (complete with excellent who joins him on the album’s Palmieri and La Perfecta on thrilling form). Goodman played arrangements, but have their Uptown ) it had streamlined down booklet) is still 1997-vintage. highlight, The Return . If Roth’s LA PERFECTA + EL on the soundtrack of the film The bland moments. As a bonus there to Wendell Marshall and Louie What is certain is that, at this late originals all have a story behind MOLESTOSO (Malanga Music Benny Goodman Story , issued by are two tracks with a classy Bellson, giving his all on the stage of his career, Shank (always them, Kalle Kalima & K-18 MM 826: 64.28), the first two Decca, but he was under front-line of Butterfield, Cutshall celebrated drumfest, Skin Deep . on alto) was inventive and fluent, take it one stage further on albums (1962/63) under his own contract to Capitol, so for that and Hucko. It seems to me that The brass section was in a state his music sophisticated and BUNUEL DE JOUR (TUM CD name. Most of the tracks are by label he rush-recorded a second the great Carmen McRae is of flux in these years, only Ray accessible – and Bill Evans wrote 038: 70.34), basing all the tracks Palmieri or Al Santiago or both, version of his old hits (with an too little thought of these days. Nance suggesting permanence, more good tunes than I had on the films of Luis Bunuel! and all are identified by the excellent orchestra and quintet) FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS while the saxes had almost realised! Bunuel’s films are challenging, Cuban dance rhythm (pachenga, purporting to be from the film! (AMSC 1125: 2CDs, 76.33/75.10) unpredictable, iconoclastic and son montuno, etc.) – rather like BRUBECK PLAYS is a splendid reminder of the not to everyone’s taste – and I Victor Sylvester’s strict tempo, BERNSTEIN (EJC 55487: range of her artistry. Dating from MASTERWORKS or Art Blakey: MOANIN’ with the magic established on the DREAM (21345: 76.52) features guess Kalima comes into the but much more exciting. Singer 75.32) by the Dave Brubeck 1955 to 1958, each of the albums ORIGINAL ALBUMS (21343: 77.37) is having them opening Chelsea Bridge . The 11 his quartet with Charlie Rouse same category! The harsh Ismael Quintano gets to slow the Quartet is far from a routine is very different which means, already, three of the defining tracks, only six of which were on (who doesn’t always get a good discordance of The Phantom of tempo down with his own ballad performance. The LP, originally inevitably, that the jazz content albums of hard bop. The group on the 1959 LP, are the same as on press, but to me partners Monk Liberty makes for an unwelcoming (identified as a bolero) Contento How do you judge which version titled Bernstein Plays Brubeck Plays varies, though the quality never the Brown/Rollins CD is, in fact, the 1997 Verve CD. GO + A perfectly) plus wonderful solo start, but the sound world of Estoy where the normally of classic albums to buy? Price, Bernstein , includes elder brother changes. Torchy! is full of stylish the quintet led by Clifford and SWINGIN’ AFFAIR (21342: reconstructions of Body and Soul Kalima’s electric guitar with alto gloriously raucous trombones of nature of bonus tracks, packaging, Howard Brubeck’s Dialogues for versions of wonderful songs ( But Max Roach and these are two of 76.16) captures Dexter and Just a Gigolo . Unlike previous sax and accordion is always Barry Rogers and Joao Donato notes, simple availability? Jazz Combo and Orchestra , four Beautiful, We’ll Be Together Again – the last albums made before the Gordon at the peak of his early CD reissues, this doesn’t use interesting and things settle down smooth it out like a dance band Suddenly arriving at Jazz Rag is a movements that effectively and as good as that!) with untimely deaths of Clifford and 1960s comeback, shortly before alternative takes, but ingeniously to calmer, more evocative moods, section. The success, more than whole crop of releases from seamlessly integrate the occasionally over-lush pianist Richie Powell. The first he moved to Europe. Supremely adds earlier versions of six of the with Bunuel’s early masterpiece anything, depends on the European label Masterworks performance of the New York accompaniments. After Glow is puts a bit more emphasis on confident, he gives authoritative tracks on the album. Something about street children, Los contrasting layers of the music: Original Albums – new or just Philharmonic under Bernstein pared down with piano trio Rollins, creative, even lyrical, with performances of fine ballads in similar is tried on THE Olvidados , given an almost bluesy trombones contrasted with new to us? Reasonably priced, with improvised jazz elements. (sometimes Carmen herself very two of his compositions. Richie between the originals. The two INCREDIBLE JAZZ GUITAR feel – and full marks to Kalima George Castro’s flute (there are they will appeal to those who like It’s not especially memorable capably on piano), some fairly Powell – almost the forgotten albums were recorded within a OF WES MONTGOMERY for notes that explain exactly five trumpets, too!), Eddie neat compact stylish packaging, music, but it works, as does the obscure songs in with classics man in the accident that killed few days of each other for Blue (21340: 56.28), with versions of D what he is trying to achieve! Palmieri’s bebop-influenced piano but those who enjoy the the greatest trumpeter of his Note at Rudy Van Gelder’s Natural Blues and West Coast Blues emerging from the uninhibited quartet’s take on five Bernstein such as I’m Thru with Love . Mad extended original notes that you generation – adds a couple of Englewood Cliffs studio – and 50- recorded the same year (1960) Film also underlies CAST sounds of a five-man percussion songs. Jazz Impressions of Japan is about the Man is, astonishingly, an get with labels such as Fresh an attractive companion album, album of Noel Coward songs. originals to the Basin Street album odd years later the sound quality with different line-ups. The album YOUR FATE TO THE section and a three-man chorus! Sound will find the largely factual hits you from the opening notes (by a quartet including pianist WINDS (Essential Jazz Classics DATE WITH THE KING (EJC Brubeck’s compositions rooted Carmen makes Mad about the Boy offerings on Masterworks a bit and impresses as a more direct firmly in impressions and events an intense torch song (later than version of his famous brother. of Cheese Cake . Finally there are Tommy Flanagan) contains the EJC 55659: 76.56), the 1962 55660: 78.34) by Benny tame. The extras are fine, on the Thelonious Monk’s best-selling first recordings of those two album by the Vince Guaraldi Goodman has much to enjoy, during a tour of Japan and Dinah Washington’s not usual model: two albums The Blakey album is definitive, bringing plenty of Oriental dissimilar version, I think), and it’s with classic originals from two album and ‘the pinnacle of Wes landmark Montgomery blues and Trio , originally titled Jazz but both LPs (from as far back as together or a sensible selection Montgomery’s recorded studio is a great example of how to Impressions of Black Orpheus . The 1955) fail to live up to what it colour, notably on Koto Song , to fascinating to hear her sailing of linked tracks. The most striking band members: Bobby Timmons’ spice up the typical Brubeck through musical comedy title track and several from work’, according to Wikipedia – make technical brilliance easily original LP consisted of four says on the packet. The first is thing is the quality of the original Masterworks are certainly pulling accessible to the listener. numbers from the Marcel Camus billed as by Goodman and sound. Jazz fans tend to think of favourites like I’ll See You Again albums just released: it’s as Benny Golson, including Blues Lee Wiley for her recordings with impeccable diction and March . The bonus tracks come out all the stops with their film, two each by Luiz Bonfa and Rosemary Clooney , but she though Masterworks have just current issues. MONK’S R.S. with Eddie Condon in the 1940s, phrasing. And Birds of a Feather is discovered and reissued all the from Paris concerts with the Eddie Palmieri but she made numerous albums simple delight. She includes most famous of 1950s and early same group: Moanin’ again and in the 1950s and, by general Johnny Mercer’s ornithological 1960s albums. On their webpage more Golson gems: Whisper Not Art Blakey consensus, Avid’s FOUR trilogy ( Skylark, Bob White, Mister you can find recent releases such and I Remember Clifford . Clearly CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS Meadowlark ), plus Baltimore Oriole as Kind of Blue, Lady in Satin, Jazz remembering Clifford is the (AMSC 1113: 2 CDs, which should be Mercer, but is Samba, Saxophone Colossus and superb 20-year-old trumpeter 77.55/79.04) includes the three another master-lyricist Paul many others, while the six that I Lee Morgan. MULLIGAN best. Lee Wiley was always a Webster. McRae sings with received all contain at least one MEETS WEBSTER (21349: singer who sang the song, not expressive freedom, and Al Cohn album five-starred by Down Beat 76.48) was less influential than just the notes, and she was at her and Ben Webster are among the or All Music. the previous two, but is probably best on songs which viewed luminaries nudging her along. the most successful of Gerry emotion through a sort of wry, There is certainly no shortage of The only reason not to get Mulligan’s collaborations. Here but uncynical, worldliness – here, Duke Ellington on CD and Clifford Brown & Sonny the two saxophone greats from from different albums, I’ve Got a ELLINGTON Rollins: PLUS FOUR + AT different generations are Crush on You and A Hundred Years UPTOWN/THE LIBERIAN BASIN STREET (21346: 79.49) complementary, not competitive, 32 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 33 34 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 35