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Home , 1963 in British music, Alan Barnes (musician), Alyn Shipton, Anton Eger, Ari Brown, Back to My Roots

THE RAG

ISSUE 131 SPRING 2014 UK £3.25 CONTENTS

CURTIS STIGERS (PAGE 10) THE AMERICAN SINGER//SAXOPHONIST TALKS OF HIS VARIED CAREER IN MUSIC AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF HIS LATEST CONCORD , HOORAY FOR LOVE AND HIS APPEARANCES AT AND 'S.

4 NEWS

5 UPCOMING EVENTS

7 LETTERS

8 HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY! on jazz musicians born in 1914.

12 RETRIEVING THE MEMORIES Singer/collector/producer CHRIS ELLIS SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ RAG looks back. THE NEXT SIX EDITIONS MAILED 15 MIDEM (PART 2) DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR FOR ONLY £17.50* 16 JAZZ FESTIVALS Simply send us your name. address and postcode along with your 20 JAZZ ARCHIVE/COMPETITIONS payment and we’ll commence the service from the next issue. OTHER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 21 CD REVIEWS EU £20.50 USA, CANADA, £24.50 Cheques / Postal orders payable to BIG BEAR MUSIC 29 BOOK REVIEWS Please send to: JAZZ RAG SUBSCRIPTIONS PO BOX 944 | Birmingham | England 32 BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT

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THE JAZZ RAG PO BOX 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT, England UPFRONT Tel: 0121454 7020 BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN JAZZ AWARD Fax: 0121 454 9996 On March 8 the final of the first BBC Young Musician Jazz Award took place at the Email: [email protected] Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The five finalists were three saxophonists Web: www.jazzrag.com (Sean Payne, Tom Smith and ), a trumpeter, Jake Labazzi, and a double bassist, Publisher / editor: Jim Simpson Freddie Jensen, all aged between 13 and 18. They News / features: Ron Simpson performed with the Trio and the Reviews editor: Russell Fletcher judging panel consisted of , Trish International editor: Yue Yang Clowes, and Jason Yarde. The winner Commercial Director: Tim Jennings was 17-year-old Alexander Bone from Darlington. Subscriptions & accounts: Russell Fletcher He started playing at the age of six, Designed by Nerys James taught by his father, but began jazz at an even Printed by Warwick Printing earlier age. He plays in several groups including big www.warwickprinting.co.uk bands and jazz quartets and is in his first year of ‘A’ Level study. © 2013 THE JAZZ RAG. All original material including advertising artwork remains the sole copyright of the Publisher and may not be reproduced without permission The BBC Young Musician Jazz Final will be broadcast on BBC Four on May 23. 2 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 3 NEWS NEWS/UPCOMING EVENTS

30 YEARS OF REMI HARRIS DATES Enrico Tomasso YolanDa Brown 20), followed by the Corn Denise and Tony Lawrence PLYMOUTH Remi Harris brings his Exchange, Cambridge (21), the continue their series of ever- Anvil, Basingstoke (22), popular jazz weekends. The Celebrating Plymouth ’s own personal take on to Keswick for a pre-festival Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Cliffeside Hotel Jazz Weekend 30th anniversary, the club will (23), Symphony Hall, Birmingham (June 20-23) at hold a special Jazz on a Summer’s concert on May 4, followed by gigs at the Chase Hotel, (24), Colston Hall, Bristol (26) presents nightly jazz sessions Evening on July 19, with Richard with the John Maddock Jazzmen, Nuneaton (9), Conquest Theatre, and Usher Hall, Edinburgh (27). Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz and the the Pedigree (Chris Bromyard (17), the Newcastle- www.serious.org.uk/jalc Great Western Jazz Company. Walker and Roger Marks) and Starting at 6.00 pm in the Great under-Lyme Jazz and May gigs at Cambridge Modern the Denise Lawrence Band with Barn at Buckland Abbey, the Festival (23-26), MAC, Jazz at Hidden Rooms in Jesus Ron Drake. The 2014 Summer event includes a hog roast and a Birmingham (30), Warwick Arts Lane start with multi- Jazz Weekend at the Langstone Pimm’s tent, in addition to 5 Centre (June 5), the Harp, instrumentalist Charlotte Cliff Hotel, Dawlish Warren (July hours of jazz for dancing or Albrighton (10), Leominster (19), Glasson and her Quintet (4). The 4-6) is one night shorter, but is a listening. The club’s regular Swansea International Jazz group is completed by a fine line- more packed programme, with Riverboat Shuffle leaves Festival (21), Botanical Gardens, up of , Chris lunch-time sessions and a line-up Commercial Wharf at the Birmingham (22), Upton Jazz Spedding, and Sam of the Mike Cox All Barbican, Plymouth, on August 11 Festival (28 – lunch), Assembly Glasson. On May 8 Cambridge Stars, Steve Graham’s Riverboat and the regular club meetings are Rooms, Presteigne (28 – evening), Bristol, Milestones Jazz Club, Brown Jug, Newcastle-under- four UEL students and provides ConneXions present Vesperados, Four, the Dart Valley Stompers fortnightly on Sunday evenings at Housmans, Church Stretton (July TIPITINA FESTIVALS Lowestoft, and the Vortex, Lyme (23), Beccles Public Hall them with £500 each towards a local acoustic jazz quartet with and Denise Lawrence’s West the Royal British Legion Club, 2) and Hollycroft Park, Hinckley Back on the festival circuit, . (31), Moochers, Stourbridge (June equipment or studio time. plenty of percussion. Finally Country Jazz with Ron Drake. Crownhill. Next up are (5). Tipitina can be heard at the www.jazzservices.org.uk 21) and Burton Agnes Jazz Applications are now open on Memphis-born Tel. (Bournemouth): 01202 208632 Jazzacadabra (May 4), followed by Tel.: 0121 454 7020 Solihull Jazz Festival (May 24), Festival (28). www.uel.ac.uk/alumni/annualfunda singer/keyboardist/composer www.cliffesidebournemouth.co.uk the Great Western Jazz Company www.remiharris.co.uk Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz and (Dawlish) 01626 868000 Tel.: 0121 454 7020 wards/ Charlie Wood brings his trio (18), Billy Thompson Gypsy Style VIVA VERDI! Blues Festival (25-26), Swansea www.langstone-hotel.co.uk/jazz www.kingpleasureandthebiscuitboys.com with Karen Street (June 1), New JAZZ SERVICES TOURS The ’s new International Jazz Festival (June (Dudley Phillips, Nic ) to restaurant, Verdi – Italian Kitchen, FUNDRAISERS FOR 21) and Burton Agnes Jazz the Hidden Rooms (22). Orleans Heat (15) and – the 30th Two upcoming tours have been The 33rd Jazz sous les Pommiers has a plentiful selection of jazz WEDNESDAYS AT Festival (29). Before that there is Tel.: 01223 514777 Anniversary Founder’s Gig – the announced with Jazz Services NJA at Coutances in the Manche and allied music on Friday a Bank Holiday celebration at the www.cambridgejazz.org Tony Harris Quartet with Martin support. Pianist Rob Terry takes CONCORDE The National Jazz Archive is department of Normandy runs Dale (). evenings and Saturday and Sunday holding a series of concerts from Grand, Clitheroe, on the from May 24 to 31, with his trio on a six-date tour of the The great American saxist Tuesday Jazz and Swing at Tel.: 01752 721179 lunch-times. Pianist Alex Hutton May to October to raise funds afternoon of May 5, as part of the headliners including Dr John, English Midlands, from the Plough Houston Person (7) kicks off the Wilmslow Conservative Club has www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk plays the restaurant every Friday for its work and in particular the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival, with Laurent de Wilde, Dianne Reeves, inn, Swindon () to the May programme at Eastleigh’s some interesting musical evening in May and a selection of Concorde Club. The Wednesday Heritage Lottery Fund project Tipitina joined by the One Voice , Snarky Puppy Holywell Music Room, Oxford combinations in the coming JUMP AND JIVE AT bands takes the Saturday at noon Jazz programme follows up with The Story of . Founder Choir from Manchester. and Mathias Eick. (April 24) via the Big Bang, months: for instance, singer Lee slot, with three weeks of Django- Pete Long’s re-creation of Benny and Lifelong Patron of the Tel.: 0121 454 7020 www.jazzsouslespommiers.com BLACKPOOL Oxford, Gumbles Jazz Club, joins trumpeter Dave influenced groups: Club Royale Goodman and at Archive, , said, Norbreck Castle Hotel, Stafford, Chesterfield Jazz Club Browning and the Vinnie Parker (May 3), Note Noire Quartet 1939 (14), Martin ‘We are deeply grateful to so The 54th Jazz a Juan (July 11-20) Blackpool, is the venue for four and Cotswold Cricket Museum. UPCOMING Trio on May 13, the reeds of John (10) and Rythme Futur (17). The Wheatley’s Arcadians (21), Mike many friends of the Archive for is the latest incarnation of the days of hot music and swing Trumpeter Nick Malcolm and his EVENTS Hallam and Amy Roberts are FoBo Jug Band resumes the Sanchez and his Band (28) and giving their services for these celebrated festival at Antibes dance from November 21 to 24. quartet range further, though supported by the Tom Kincaid Juan-les-Pins. This year’s bill is, as Saturday lunch-time gigs on June Rico’s Hot Rhythm with Enrico concerts absolutely free.’ As well as live performances with a bias towards the South Trio on May 27 and Zoe Kyoti, usual, packed with big names, 28. These are all free, but the Tomasso leading the likes of Most of the concerts are Highlight of the programme at from a first-class bill of the Swing West and Wales. The quartet the Cinnamon Club, Altrincham, and Dave Turner though in truth a few are only on Sunday Brunch sessions are Spats Langham and Alistair Allen grouped together on a Friday Commanders, the begins in London with the SE is the appearance of double appear as a trio on June 10. The the fringes of jazz: among many paying events, including the price (June 4). June 11 is a ‘no jazz’ evening and Saturday afternoon Revolutionaires, King Pleasure Collective (May 20) and, before MOBO winning saxophonist Julie Edwards/Kevin Dearden others, The Family Stone, George of the meal. Music tends more night, but normal service resumes at Methodist Church, and the Biscuit Boys and the finishing at Shrewsbury Jazz (June towards the Latin: Musica YolanDa Brown on May 22. Quartet returns on May 20 and Benson, , the with the Swing Commanders (18) starting with the Gresty-White Fabulous Boogie Boys, Jump Jive 7), has a tight schedule, with gigs Paradiso (), La Tipica Other jazz-related events include both Brownfield/Byrne groups Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Saxophone Madness with Ragtimers (May 30) and Kenny Swing features dance tuition from at Swing Unlimited, Flamenco (25), London Tango the monthly gigs by the club’s put in an appearance: the Hot Six , /Stanley and Alan Barnes Ball’s Jazzmen led by Keith Ball G.I. Jive and music from DJ Ian Bournemouth, the Queen’s Quartet (June 8) and Tango resident Swing band, Dominic on and the Bop Six on Clarke, Booker T. Jones, Joss (25). The Sunday evening New (31). A one-off with Paul Jones Hartley. Head, Monmouth, Colston Hall, Volcano (July 13), though the John Halpin & the Honey B’s (, July 22. Meanwhile Cheadle Stone, Gregory Porter and Stevie Orleans Jazz for Dancing is and Friends follows on July 18 at Tel.: 01305 750797 Bristol (foyer), St. Ives Jazz Club, Martin Quartet ups the jazz June 6, ), the Paul Farr Band Hulme Conservative Club Wonder! interrupted by Bank Holidays and Chingford Assembly Hall, the www.ventureawaymusicweekends.co.uk Jazz @ Dempsey’s, Cardiff, quota on June 29. Meanwhile the (May 8), the Ben Cox Band (9), continues to host the Sinatra other events, so there are only ‘friends’ being an A Team of Pepper’s Aberjazz Club, RAH’s Elgar Room hosts late- Snake Davis: The Suspicions (June Swingers on the first Thursday of five dates for May/June: New stars. On September Fishguard, the Club, night jazz: the Basin Street 13), Charlie Cooper (27) and the the month. Orleans Heat (May 11), the Big 5 and 6 it’s back to the usual Brawlers (), Sarah Kyla Brox Trio (July 10). Tel.: 01625 528336 Bear Stompers with Judy Eames , with An Evening Rythme Futur Gillespie with The Life of Bessie Tel.: 0161 926 8992 www.facebook.com/grahambrookjazz (18), Sussex Jazz Kings (June 8), with followed by Smith (29), Hailey Tuck – An www.thecinnamonclub.net Colin Kingwell’s Jazz Bandits (15) John Altman’s All Star , American in (June 12) and Lincoln Center Orchestra and the Savannah Jazz Band (22). the saxophonist and film Balagan Cafe Band (19). Shortly after the retirement of Tel.: 023 8061 3989 composer with an eclectic set of Tel.: 020 7589 8212 www.theconcordeclub.com Toots Thielemans, another legend www.royalalberthall.com guests. Finally the Great British of European jazz has announced Jazz Band is reunited after more YOLANDA BROWN that his next tour will be his last. KING PLEASURE ON than 10 years under the At the age of 86, pianist Martial AWARD AT UEL leadership of Digby Fairweather, Solal will make his farewell tour TOUR Double MOBO Award winner, including original members Bruce during Summer 2013 and season King Pleasure and the Biscuit YolanDa Brown has launched a Adams, Dave Shepherd, Roy 2014-2015. Boys resume their European music award to support final year Williams, Brian Dee and Len travels with visits to Enkhuizen students of BSc Music Technology Skeat (October 24) before Serious is touring the Jazz at Jazz Festival (May 24-25) and Jazz or BA Music Production and Digby’s Half Dozen and Val Lincoln Center Orchestra with Ascona (June 27). UK dates for Culture at the University of East Wiseman present Jazz Goes to the Wynton Marsalis playing The Best the band include Chipping London. The YolanDa Brown Movies (25). of . The tour Norton Theatre (May 9). Theatre Music Award is available to up to Tel.: 020 8502 4701 begins at Harrogate Festival (June Severn, Shrewsbury (16), the Old www.nationalJazzarchive.org.uk 4 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 5 UPCOMING EVENTS/LETTERS

The great South African most part Tuesday is quartets, Dear Jazz Rag trumpeter Hugh Masakela with Ian Bateman (May 13) and celebrates his 75th birthday by Kevin Figes () among the I read with great interest Ron Simpson's article in the Jazz Rag touring with his full band. The UK leaders, but June 10 is an (issue 130, Winter 2014) Swing for the 21st Century? I am a huge and Ireland dates come in two exception, with the Kentwood fan of electroswing and, conversely, it is how I discovered jazz. I’ve short bursts: the Norfolk and Jazz Choir. Thursday is again duos followed the releases of Nick Hollywood’s three avidly Norwich Festival (May 21) and and trios, from Bex Trio and attended many of the White Mink events (which are superb). Hay Festival (26), then the (May 8) to the Erica Lyons Duo National Concert Hall, Dublin (). I hope that electroswing can be welcomed within the jazz (October 21), Canterbury Tel.: 01793 522156 (Plough) community as it brings with it many thousands of youngsters, as Festival (22) and the Barbican, 01793 978011 (Baker Street) I’m sure you will have seen at the various events - something jazz 01793 782268 ( of Wales). London (27). I feel needs very much! www.serious.org.uk A great article which I thoroughly enjoyed. Through May and June Swindon Jazz presents jazz every week on Sam Fieldhouse Sunday afternoons at the Plough National Jazz Archive Inn and on Tuesday evenings at Baker Street, plus twice a month on Thursday evenings at the Prince of Wales in Shrivenham – all free admission. The Plough programme consists of duo and trio performances by the likes of Louise Parker (May 25), Anders Olinder (), Dave Newton (8) and John Pearce (29). For the

Dear Jazz Rag

If memory serves me correctly, it was in the early days of the Swinging Jazz Party that I first met John Bune and Dick Laurie (see obituary, Jazz Rag 130) at the Putney pub where Dick was entertaining the clientele. We got into conversation about the Party and subsequently I was invited to visit John at home in Fareham whenever I was in the area. I managed to get there when I had a day off from tennis (Hard Court Champs at West Hants Club Bournemouth) and was royally received with tea and homemade cake by John and his wife. He showed me the great number of CDs in his garage and generously offered any copies I would like to take. I suggested that it might be an idea for me to take as many as possible to sell at the next party but, to my surprise he was not interested in my proposition. What an unforgettable day it was - such a lovely man...... and the Zephyr records are all sitting on my shelves with the occasional well earned airing - BRAFF PLAYS WIMBLEDON -sounds just right don't you think ?

Thomas Baron Formerly of Swinging Jazz Party, Blackpool

6 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 7 HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY! HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!

the new way of playing drums. fellow arranger Bill Finegan) had Note by Ron Simpson HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY! Slam Stewart But because he spent much of some success, the lack of 1943-45 serving in the Army, and restraint hurt their music. Congratulations to Scott for SCOTT YANOW reviews the Class of 1914, jazz musicians who would have been 100 this year. Max Roach rose to prominence However when Sauter was putting together such a during this time, Clarke lost his writing for bands led by Red workmanlike band, with a great ack in 1914, the year that , who was billed Lou Williams who was Kirk’s same songs that he had helped chance to be part of many classic Norvo, and Benny section and a first-class World War I began, jazz as ‘The 20th Century Gabriel’, pianist and arranger but the make famous during his four and Dizzy Goodman, his adventurous charts rhythm team of , Slam Bwas virtually unknown to was an exciting trumpeter whose marriage did not last. He found years with Miller, never growing Gillespie recordings. He had a were tailored to specific sidemen Stewart and - I'd most people. The music, which outbursts in the upper register of his greatest fame while with as a musician or singer. long and productive career, and were magnificent. His 1961 be inclined to keep Bob Haggart was still two years away from his horn gave him his title. He ’s orchestra. He including being an original album with , Focus, is a on the books, too, to share actually being called ‘jazz’, had began playing trumpet when he first played with Ellington for a The four pianists in this mythical member of the Modern Jazz classic. It would be intriguing to arranging duties with Eddie been around in the Southern part was 13, attended the Alabama few months in 1938, was with band have little in common other Quartet and co-leading a notable hear him blend together Tex Sauter and to feed of the , most State Teachers College, and him in 1943 before serving in the than their birth year. with pianist Francy Beneke and with songs like What's New and My notably New Orleans, for nearly became leader of the college military and was back with Duke had a distinctive light touch when Boland during his many years the trumpet section. Inspiration. 20 years. However it was virtually band, the ‘. during 1946-51, 1957-59 and he was with the John Kirby living in , but Kenny unknown elsewhere. While Jelly The nucleus of the band turned 1962. Baker was also part of Sextet. Although he tended to be Clarke rarely received the was the most Being a bit worried about the Roll Morton was already playing professional in 1934 and as the ’ combo during very predictable during his long recognition he deserved. important jazz critic of his time, thinness of the and in and and Erskine Hawkins Orchestra, they 1954-55. His lyrical style found period with the having a dominant role that no reed departments, I checked out the Original Creole Orchestra were quite successful for 20 him taking what used to be All-Stars, not varying his solos Also born in 1914 were Lee jazz journalist has assumed since. what the UK could offer. Trinidad- (led by bassist Bill Johnson and years. The orchestra, which also Arthur Whetsol’s role with even with the of years, he Young and Barrett Deems. Young, He also wrote songs (including born, Venezuela-raised Carl featuring cornetist Freddie featured Dud Bascomb on Ellington. Before retiring in 1964, was fun to hear anyway. Graeme who was Lester’s younger Evil Gal Blues), played basic piano, Barriteau came to London, played Keppard) began to tour as a middle-register trumpet, either led a quartet in the Bell was less known for his piano brother, was a solid swing produced many important record with Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson vaudeville act in the North, the or on Jonah Jones tradition at the playing than for his leadership of drummer who worked with Fats sessions, helped the careers of (also born 1914 if our band music had yet to make an impact tenor, baritonist Haywood Henry Metropole and the Embers. his significant Australian revival Waller, , Lionel Dinah and George needs a dancer), was regularly with the general public. and pianist Avery Parrish, was a band, playing not only in Hampton and . Shearing, had a radio show, was voted Britain's top clarinetist and and ragtime-oriented pop music swinging outfit that delighted While Erskine Hawkins, Ziggy Australia but in Europe and Crosby’s Bobcats and big band However he spent much of his the jazz writer for the Los Angeles then emigrated to Australia. If he was still the rage in the United dancers and listeners alike. They Elman and Shorty Baker would fortunately making many fine for quite a few years, and he life behind the scenes as an A&R Times, and gave us one of the first is something of a boost to the States and jazz would not debut had three major hits in Tuxedo form an excellent trumpet recordings. Billy Tipton was an teamed up with trumpeter Yank man for record labels, a studio major history of jazz books, The reeds, I am afraid I had no joy on records for another three Junction (before Glenn Miller‘s section, Ward Kimball would have obscure swing player who played Lawson in both the Lawson- musician, and a . Encyclopedia Of Jazz. While he with the . Though years. version topped his), After Hours had his work cut out for him as in the Midwest and the Pacific Haggart Band and the World’s Barrett Deems, who in the early had his faults (he disliked trad Tommy McQuater, the doyen of and Tippin’ In. After the orchestra the 1914 group’s only Northwest, cutting two little- Greatest Jazz Band. In addition to 1950s was billed as ‘the world’s jazz, fusion and the avant-garde big band trumpeters, was born in However by the time the 17 men broke up in 1953, Hawkins trombonist. A part-time musician, known albums in 1957. It was not his playing in and swing fastest drummer’, worked with yet wrote about them regularly), 1914, his great compatriot, covered in this article began to remained active with small Kimball was an important until after Tipton’s death that it settings, Haggart was a skilled Muggsy Spanier and late in life led he was a major contributor to trombonist George Chisholm, mature, jazz was everywhere as groups including leading a band at animator for Walt Disney films in was revealed that the arranger and a composer who his own big band in Chicago. He jazz. He would be the perfect dates from 1915. the swinging big bands dominated the Concord Resort Hotel in the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. He and journeyman male pianist was left us South Rampart Street is best remembered for his long candidate to review the 1914 And the UK can boast one the pop charts. Unlike Herb upstate New York from 1967 some of his fellow animators, actually a female in disguise, Parade, What’s New and Big Noise period in the 1950s as the band! surviving jazzman born in 1914: Jeffries, who sang with the 1940 until his death in 1993. artists, writers and technicians hiding her identity from virtually From Winnetka. drummer with the Louis bassist whose Duke Ellington Orchestra and used to have lunchtime Dixieland everyone. Tipton apparently felt Armstrong All-Stars. Scott Yanow, who was not career has spanned most things celebrated his 100th birthday last became famous jam sessions at Disney before it that it would be easier to work in Slam Stewart gave us the unique around in 1914, is the author from The Goon Show (as a year (pity that he is no longer playing with Benny Goodman and turned into a band. During 1949- the jazz world of the time as a sound of a bassist humming along The singer for the 1914 band is of 11 books on jazz and member of the singing), none of these 17 are still being featured on his hit And The 69 the Firehouse Five Plus Two male, but that was quite a (an octave higher) with his Billy Eckstine, who would also be more than 750 liner notes. Quartet) to (with Joe around. However, their legacies Angels Sing. He was born as Harry recorded regularly for Good sacrifice! bowed bass during solos. the perfect bandleader. While his He can be contacted at will always be a part of the Aaron Finkelman and was Time Jazz. Their music may not Whether with Slim Gaillard (as influential baritone voice made [email protected]. Harriott). music’s history. originally a trombonist with Alex have been innovative but the The other pianist is Sun Ra, who Slim and Slam), Benny Goodman, him a natural in the 1950s and was always much more than just the Trio or late in life ‘60s on ballads and middle-of- Bartha’s band with whom he popular group (dressed in Sun Ra One could put together a rather recorded. After switching firemen uniforms) played spirited a piano player. Because Ra’s with the Newport All-Stars, Slam the-road pop music, Eckstine will unusual all-star band from these instruments, Elman was a Dixieland that delighted infatuation with ancient Egypt Stewart displayed a timeless and be always be a hero in the jazz artists, with three , one member of Goodman’s fabled audiences. and science fiction was reflected witty style. world. After coming to trombone, just one reed, a singer, trumpet section with Harry in his inscrutable philosophy, his prominence with the an arranger, and even a jazz critic James and Chris Griffin. Ziggy There seems to have only been band’s often-outlandish costumes Few drummers were as big band, in 1944 Eckstine formed plus one’s pick of four pianists, would certainly have become one significant reed player who and in his music, it was easy to important to jazz’s evolution as a bop-oriented big band that two bassists and three more famous if the phenomenal was born in 1914, . He write him off. Sun Ra often did Kenny Clarke while being so included Charlie Parker, Dizzy drummers. James had not become had a rather odd career. A decent not make it easy for others to frequently overlooked. In the Gillespie, and many of Goodman’s main trumpet soloist. tenor-saxophonist, Beneke was figure him out, releasing many of early 1940s he moved the time- the other upcoming bop players. Erskine However Elman had his features one of the stars of the Glenn his sessions on his Saturn label keeping role of the drums from After a year it was clear that his Hawkins and he was an important part of Miller Orchestra during 1938-42, without recording dates or the bass drum () or orchestra was not going to be a the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra taking short rhythmic solos and personnel listings so one could the hi-hat () to the ride commercial success and that he during 1940-47. Unfortunately singing in a genial and friendly not figure out just how ahead of cymbal. Rather than just stating could have a much more lucrative Ziggy Elman started his own big manner, becoming best known his time was. However Ra was a the beat, he played unusual career as a single. Eckstine dug in band too late for the swing era for his vocal on Chattanooga Choo superior keyboardist who accents (called ‘bombs’) on the his heels and kept and, due to a heart attack, his Choo. He served in the Navy experimented with electric snare and bass drums that together for another two years, career was virtually over by the during 1943-44 and, upon his keyboards by the mid-1950s, was pushed soloists and ensembles. featuring such young greats as time he was 42 in 1956. discharge, led the first Glenn a pioneer in the avant-garde, and This became the established way , , Miller ghost band during 1946-50, loved in his later years to of playing drums in a bebop Fats Navarro, and A mellow-toned swing reportedly getting bored alternate free improvisations with setting as opposed to with a before finally being forced to give trumpeter, Harold ‘Shorty’ Baker continually playing the Miller hits. colourful revivals of Fletcher swing band. Clarke had already up. started his career playing on But ironically when he went out Henderson . established himself in the swing riverboats in the Midwest. He on his own, he was unable to world playing with Edgar Hayes, Arranger for this orchestra worked with the big bands of escape from the shadow of The two bassists from 1914 both and . would be Eddie Sauter. While the , and Glenn Miller. Beneke spent his had long careers. Bob Haggart His work as the house drummer Sauter-Finegan Orchestra in the Andy Kirk. Baker married Mary last 50 years playing many of the was associated with Bob at Minton’s Playhouse solidified 1950s (which he co-led with 8 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 9 THE TWO SIDES OF CURTIS STIGERS THE TWO SIDES OF CURTIS STIGERS

songs, he has tended to give a his brother’s death. John My impression is that Curtis performing at Wembley Stadium THE TWO SIDES OF CURTIS STIGERS timeless treatment to pretty Sneider’s brief trumpet solo would be happy to sing without – despite wry comments about modern material: Bob Dylan, recalls the days when soloists had categories, without barriers – a finding the way not to get rich – RON SIMPSON talks to CURTIS STIGERS about his multiple careers in music. maybe, or Steve Earle, Elvis to make their point in four bars. quick trawl of Youtube finds him and he still sounds surprised it Costello or Ray Davies, Merle still performing his 20-year-old ever happened. His enthusiasm n Curtis Stigers’ website encourage us to play – we did of obscurity with three hit tracks and through him met John Haggard or Lennon and Fortunately for UK audiences, hits with his jazz group – but his for the material he is recording is a not wholly serious, stock tunes like Blues Bossa and singles, two of them, I Wonder Burk of . The Macartney. His 2005 album, I Curtis Stigers is a frequent visitor date-sheet in the States places and performing now and the jazz Obut factually accurate, All Blues. We probably weren’t Why and You’re All that Matters to result of that was the release in Think it’s Going to Rain, took its here, describing Ronnie Scott’s in him in such well-known jazz musicians he has had the chance Frequently Asked Questions very good, but we were Me, worldwide hits, peaking 2001 of Baby Plays Around, already title from a Randy Newman song. London as his ‘second home’ and venues and festivals as ’s to work with seems genuine and page. It begins, ‘Is this Curtis enthusiastic and Gene was around Number 5 in the UK. At recorded in the Arista years, with He even identifies a modern folk playing there regularly each year. Jazz Alley, the Vail Jazz Festival and unforced. And the jazz world can Stigers the jazz singer or Curtis wonderful to play with – he spoilt this point Curtis’ eclectic musical such talents as , feel to his previous album. This year a flying visit to the the Blue Note Jazz Festival in always do with a stylish, Stigers who sings the Sons of me for other jazz pianists for background, generally such an and Adam (May 5) New York. Interesting, also, to see unaffected, thoroughly Anarchy theme song or Curtis years afterwards. Much later he advantage, started causing Nussbaum. Despite a superb reading of Steve comes first, launching Hooray for him returning to his with professional singer who puts the Earle’s Valentine’s Day, Hooray for song first – and can be relied on Stigers the pop/soul was to ask me to play with him problems. For 2 ½ years he Love. A longer stay starts with the second McCall Jazz Festival in Love flips over much more into for a neat saxophone phrase or singer/saxophonist from the on record which was a great reckons that he and Arista Larry Goldings has figured a fair Ronnie Scott’s (June 23-28) and Idaho. 1990s?’ The answer, of course, is honour.’ Records boss, Clive Davis, did amount in Curtis Stigers’ the Great American Songbook. includes dates at the Hop Farm two. that it’s all of them. I never got nothing but say no to each other! Concord output, as Regularly playing on Curtis’ Music Festival (July 5) and the There is no sign that Curtis website is a lovely version of Love www.curtisstigers.com round to discussing Sons of Curtis talks of early jazz The record company, not pianist/organist/arranger, but not Love Supreme Festival (July 6). Stigers misses the days of Anarchy with Curtis (which I had influences on him at this time as unusually, wanted more of the on Hooray for Love which features is Here to Stay and the album also to use Wikipedia to identify as a being the fusion of Herbie same ‘blue-eyed soul middle-of- his working band of Matthew contains the likes of The Way You very successful television drama Hancock, Chick Corea and the road’ records; Curtis was Fries (piano), Cliff Schmitt (bass) Tonight, That’s All and If I Were series about bikers), but certainly , graduating to looking for something different. and Keith Hall (drums), plus what a Bell. And the title track, I the Curtis Stigers whose eighth the Dave Brubeck Quartet (who Curtis calls ‘a couple of ringers’, suggest, not having heard that jazz album for Concord, Hooray he describes, interestingly, as Eventually the days of stadium the fine guitarist Matt Munisteri one? Not so, says Curtis, this is for Love, was released at ‘conceptual, not too challenging’) concerts faded and Curtis found and trumpeter John ‘Scrapper’ an original, and he accidentally of April is the same man who 20 and Miles Davis. Among singers a new home at Concord Sneider who co-produces. The up stole the title from Harold Arlen years ago was playing Wembley he was lucky enough to hear Records. brought about and coming French singer Cyrille and Leo Robin: with the likes of and regularly in Boise were the likes partly by the return to the scene Aimee, joins him for one song, . And, although he of , of his early mentor, . the Sinatra favourite You Make me ‘I wrote it a few years ago. I had has done a sort of reverse career and Bobby McFerrin, but the Harris had been lured out of Feel So Young. been through a bad time switch (most singers, if they main influence was Mark Murphy: retirement in Boise by the great emotionally with my divorce and change course at all, move from bassist, , and was Hooray for Love is something of a I had just found a new partner. A jazz to the better paying field of ‘For a year and a half I tried to recording regularly on Concord. side-step in Curtis’ jazz albums. friend of mine sent me a nice popular music), what is sound exactly like Mark Murphy. Curtis sang with him on some Hitherto, in between his own message and signed off, “Hooray interesting is that the two My music teacher took some of for Love”. What a great title for a strands, at least, have been there us to hear him in Seattle and I song, I thought, not knowing that from boyhood. got to sing for him. When I asked Harold Arlen had thought the him what he thought, he said, same 60 years before!’ Growing up in Boise, Idaho, in the “That was great,” then very 1970s, Curtis was in love with dramatically, “but throw away all As it happens, Arlen and Robin the radio – and the pop music my records!” I didn’t throw them had stolen the title anyway – channels played a huge variety of away, of course, but I stopped from Dorothy Fields and Jimmy material, so he found himself listening to them for a while and McHugh who wrote the first responding to performers as started to sound more like Hooray for Love in the 1930s. diverse as Joni Mitchell and Led myself.’ What other changes will we Zeppelin, Willie Nelson and notice on the new album? Curtis Chuck Mangione. Besides the When Curtis Stigers left Idaho says he wanted to set more of a radio he owed much to the Boise for in 1987, the 1950s template to the school system which served major change that came over his performances. Whereas on most music very well, with jazz bands music was that he learned how of his Concord albums, tracks in the schools. His own music to write songs. As he says, stretch out to, maybe, seven making had two strands: he everyone was writing their own minutes and the musicians have played drums, crashing about to songs in New York at the time – room to develop solos over time, in the cellar, and also he cites Elton John and Joni he has looked to go back to 3 or studied , later graduating Mitchell as two of his heroes 4 minute performances, with to saxophone, which led him from that time – , but he still soloists making their impact in a more in the direction of jazz. A describes the group he had in a few bars. Most importantly, he’s major stroke of luck for the restaurant on the Upper West tried to put the songs first. He is young Stigers was the premature Side as ‘a little jazz trio’, doing interested in the stories the retirement to Boise of the great material from Ellington, Steely songs tell and not any jazz pianist, Gene Harris. The Dan, and, of embellishment he can add, no word went round that he was course, Curtis Stigers. This was chorus after chorus of scat – ‘I’m playing every Tuesday in the lobby not big-time, big money, he done with showing off,’ is his of an old hotel in the city and mentions riding the subway to disarming comment. holding open house, so the work, but in 1991 it all turned teenager took advantage: round. You can find all that in the afore- mentioned version of Love is Here ‘There was alcohol being served Record producers having found to Stay, emotional, but there, but at 14 or 15 I could go their way to eating on the Upper straightforward, restrained, with there because it was an open West Side, at the age of 24 plenty of space for the moving lobby. Gene Harris used to Curtis Stigers was catapulted out lyrics Ira Gershwin wrote after 10 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 11 RETRIEVING THE MEMORIES RETRIEVING THE MEMORIES

only one who knew all the ‘Mike Farren died very suddenly, music identified by type, no stars RETRIEVING THE MEMORIES words, I’d had a couple of drinks, very young, some sort of blood needed: When I was so I got pushed up behind the disease. It was a great shock! singing, say, RON SIMPSON pays a visit to Amsterdam to meet CHRIS ELLIS, jazz singer, record collector, mike. Later on Kath wanted me Apart from being a very good ‘One day I discovered that our September in the to do another one and said, “Find trumpeter, he was a very nice guy Press Officer, Sid Gillingham, recording executive, radio presenter and man about music, once of EMI, now of Challenge and one you like.” So I got out what and it knocked the stuffing out of played Hawaiian and had a Rain, John would be Retrieval Records in Amersfoort. was probably the oldest me. And I packed it in – the Hawaiian band as a hobby. We behind me on orchestration, but something I trombone player took the band went into Abbey Road on a baritone and he’d Sunday and knocked off 12 recent reissue on Digby thought up hit shows, put wanting ice creams or to go to guy with a pile of records to sell. knew and liked, Ain’t Misbehavin’. over and kept it running for tracks. It was our first million be quoting from Fairweather’s Rose together various highly regarded the toilet, and I could come out Before it went through the till I The following Saturday we went about 30 years!’ seller! Sid Gillingham wasn’t a Cottage label, Vocal with bands and recorded two ex-Bix and sing all the songs. I always noticed the top record was an to the dance and I did the same other songs, but A two numbers. At the end of the Determined to get a career in name to sell records, the Beach Hot Accomp, recorded in 1986, Beiderbecke trombonists! The had a freak memory for tunes American Victor – I had never every song he’d music, Chris wrote to the major Boys were high in the charts, so I features the talents of Chris Ellis, first thing he says to me, very and lyrics. In later years, when I seen an American Victor! – Royal evening Kath said to me, “Do you record companies and eventually put “Waikiki” in front – Waikiki quote from would described by Digby as a ‘great emphatically, makes clear that his was getting a soundtrack album Garden Blues and Dangerous Blues want to get your dances free and received a job offer from EMI, but Beach Boys! We had three million jazz singer’ and, in a memorable involvement in music is wide- out and they sent me the wrong by the Original Dixieland Jazz 10 shillings a week?”. 10 shillings also be by Harry a week was half my weekly wages what a job! Chris describes it as sellers before that bubble burst!’ phrase, ‘quietly incomparable’. In ranging: stuff, I could remember all the Band. I managed to walk away Warren!’ his tall narrow house just off the with eight records for a shilling and so I started singing with Kath a gopher: he became a 30-year- five songs in Top Hat, what went Cashing in on the popularity of Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, ‘I’ve never been totally confined before the owner got back!’ Cannon – whatever I was told to old office boy. The pay was less asked me if I thought they’d play on during them and so on – and I Zorba the Greek became possible Chris dismisses such talk, insists to jazz. Jazz comes Number 1 – if sing, mostly current pop songs, than he was getting with Lyons at her birthday party. They did hadn’t seen the film since 1935 when Chris found a Greek the album was just supposed to somebody said to me I could Chris Ellis as record collector but it was good practice.’ and he had to find and there were some people or 1936.’ restaurant in Charlotte Street be a private recording and claims only have one kind of music, it was on his way, visiting junk accommodation in London there who knew me as a singer, When Chris was called up for instead of living at home. In a with a bouzouki player. The that, if he’d known it would see would have to be jazz. But I was The first encounter with jazz shops and markets. What so I ended up doing a few National Service, luck intervened sentence Chris repeats many stories of Chris’ coups and the public light of day, he would brought up with a lot of other came in wartime. A complicated astonished me was that, 70 years numbers with the band – and and he was pulled off the draft to times in our conversation, ducking and diving for MFP flow have wanted to do re-takes on music before I even knew there tale of his grandmother moving after the event, apart from the after that I sang regularly with Singapore and seconded to the ‘Everyone said, “You’re mad.”’ thick and fast, but these were not three tracks. was jazz – and the fact that I to London, followed by few he described as of no them.’ War Office – saved by his enough to save him from came to love jazz didn’t mean I evacuation, meant that Chris interest to him, he was able to go shorthand skills, apparently! He In his 20 years at EMI before redundancy in 1980, though, after What is beyond dispute is that ceased to love show music, became re-acquainted after a through the 78s he picked up I sometimes think Chris arrived in London at a time when being made redundant, Chris a spell free-lancing, he found this is the only album in Chris’ ancient films and all the rest of it.’ lapse of time with the pile of that day: bands (ODJB, Original overdoes the element of the jazz world was full of young progressed through various himself being headhunted by EMI serendipity, of friends who name, though he shows up on a records he had been allowed to Memphis Five, Boyd Senter, aspirants, now household names: departments before being handed – the Publishing Department this happen to force him on to the fair number of recordings under As if to prove the point, he play – the ‘best’ ones (Caruso Benson Orchestra of Chicago, two hot potatoes, World Record time – for a further stint. In these stage. Despite his genuine other people’s names. The most points proudly to the staircase and that) were off limits! ‘Thomas Waller with Morris’s recent of these is Moon Country where there is a photograph of Hot Babies’), titles of both sides ‘I’d already been to London to Club and Music for Pleasure, years Chris was running several modesty I think he was probably see the last concert of George which had already been turned careers simultaneously. He did a on Challenge from 1999. This him with Ginger Rogers (whom ‘There was a record in there that and record labels. more strongly motivated than he Webb’s Dixielanders. Now down by more senior figures. couple of series of his own radio suggests. There is no doubt, collection of Hoagy Carmichael he found delightful to record) – hadn’t been there before. Where Humph had taken over and every show, Before the Rock Set In, and however, of his grateful songs was put together by such and, when I’m leaving, the new it came from I never found out. The debut of Chris Ellis as a Saturday I was either listening to The bargain Music for Pleasure regularly depped for legendary admiration for the musicians he old friends of Chris as Digby Challenge release that he thrusts But it was a Brunswick of Red public performer came in him at 100 or the label was the result of the broadcaster Alan Dell on The Big has worked with. One time he Fairweather, and into my hand is a handsomely Nichols and His Five Pennies: Shrewsbury one New Year’s Eve during the war. Heading for the Cooksferry Inn. If Humph was in Chairman’s enthusiasm for a rack Band Sound and Dance Band Days. comments on how lucky he has Martin Litton. Chris produced produced CD/DVD of Schubert’s Original Dixieland One Step and local dance, the 16-year-old Ellis a really good mood, there were job label of the sort he had seen been with his three regular and sang some numbers – ‘That Winterreise. Imagination. When I played this, detoured to the pub with some three of us he might let sing with in the States; in other words, a When he first came to London, pianists: Fred Hunt, Martin Litton was Digby’s doing’, he grumbles, ‘I something hit me in the pit of the Indeed Chris’ early musical older companions and arrived at the band. There was “Bunny collection of LPs that could fill a Chris had decided, with and . At this stage, hadn’t sung for years and I wasn’t stomach, but this was one record supposed to sing so many.’ interests had nothing to do with the dance with inhibitions Bum” (), there was rack and go anywhere, not customary modesty, to lie low as though, it was a guitarist he relied – I didn’t know there was jazz: loosened by the unfamiliar intake , but I didn’t get necessarily in record shops. In a singer. Chance, of course, on in his weekly gig which ran for anything else like this. Shortly So how do we square the circle of beer: much of a chance because Beryl those far-off times records, oddly, stepped in. One regular feature many years at Peter Boizot’s afterwards an uncle by marriage of a great jazz singer who has ‘I’ve been singing as long as I’ve would push her way in were mostly sold in record of Chris’ reminiscences is the Hamburger , again in the got killed in the Air Force. His such limited output? Digby, on lived. I learnt to read from record ‘At the dance was a local band, anywhere!’ shops, not mail order (WRC) or number of people who he Old Brompton Road: widow gave me a pack of his the same liner note, thinks he has labels. I had an awful lot of uncles Kath Cannon and the at filling stations (MFP). As an regards himself lucky to have met records, mainly just pre-war the answer, ‘Chris’ inbuilt sense and aunts and my mother, my Cannonballs. She played Back in Shrewsbury Kath had aside, Chris reckons that there is as friends and musicians – ‘We had a trio with Alan Leat of modesty’. Chris, predictably, sister and I lived with my pops, but amongst them was Bob and saxophone – a moot point retired and Chris sang for a time now just one record shop left in recording executives are the only and, of course, Skrim. He wasn’t a has a different (and very modest) grandmother. The house we lived Crosby’s Jazz Me Blues and which was worse! Nothing would with the band led by Esther the city of Amsterdam. class of people to make him great soloist, but his time was answer when asked why he never in had a huge cellar – it was a Washington and Lee Swing. Then do for our group but Kath would Bennett, her son Denis doing the waspish – and, when he first immaculate – if Skrim was behind became a full-time professional: very old house – and it had a by sheer luck I came across Radio play One Meat Ball which was a first arrangements of standards With severe limits on budget and came to EMI, he encountered you, you could lean back on the proper dance floor because it Rhythm Club – I was allowed to hit for the Andrews Sisters at the actually tailored to Chris’ singing! repertoire, Chris had to rely on Neville Skrimshire who was beat, you were safe. Then there ‘I didn’t think I’d got enough had been used as a dancing listen to that, a great concession, time. She said, “We’ve got the Then Mike Farren arrived in ingenious stratagems to make working in publicity and was would be somebody like Al talent to go full-time. I wasn’t a academy years before. My because generally my parents orchestration, we need a singer. If town to work on the Shrewsbury MFP viable. Sadly jazz had little EMI’s ‘jazz expert’. Skrim became Wynette or John Altman. John bad singer at all, but I had enough youngest uncle was permanently hated that sort of stuff. So now I one of you wants to come up Chronicle. Mike was a Bix-style part to play in them: in these an important mentor and friend, was amazing on all the reeds, but experience to know the part-paralysed and had to be was finding out what this thing and sing it, we’ll play it.” I was the trumpeter and the two of them years his main involvement in jazz introducing him to the ‘inner especially on baritone sax. When difference between a good treated exactly like a six-foot tall called jazz was. formed a traditional jazz band, for EMI was the Jazz circle’ of jazz collectors, Brian I was singing, say, September in the competent singer and somebody baby. One of my early jobs before the Magnolia Jazz Band, which did Series which he was permitted to Rust, John R. T. Davies and Ron Rain, John would be behind me who had that extra bit of magic. I was three was winding the ‘Getting hold of records was Cashing in on pretty well locally with Chris in do so long as he did it in his own Jewson: on baritone and he’d be quoting And I didn’t think I had that.’ gramophone and putting records another – the stock in the popularity charge of management and time (Sundays), spent very little from other songs, but every song on for Uncle Douggie – it had to record shops was poor because of Zorba the Greek repertoire as well as vocals. and continued to make money on ‘One day Skrim said, “I’ve got a he’d quote from would also be by What is also true is that Chris, be happy – sad music would of the lack of shellac and what other things. gig tonight. Come along, you Harry Warren!’ now in his mid 80s, has worn any make him cry. So I’d have to find they’d got was the latest pops became possible to London came in might enjoy it.” It was Alan Leat number of hats during his career Tiptoe Through the Tulips or and not a lot else. They used to when Chris found a 1960 at the age of 30. He was Chris’ breakthrough at MFP came running it in a pub on the Old Chris is obviously particularly in music. One wall of the living whatever else he asked for. buy in records for scrap – three Greek restaurant in ‘bored out of his head’ running a when he was allowed to make Brompton Road and it was Dave proud of the work he did with room is completely covered by ha’pence for a 10 inch, tuppence distribution depot for ice cream new recordings: £1,000 budget Shepherd, the lovely Fred Hunt Dick Sudhalter when the carefully packaged 78s – this is a ‘My mother discovered very early for a 12 inch. One day I went into Charlotte Street and he was no longer involved for each album, no stars, reduced and Al Wynette on trumpet. It American was based for some serious collector! In his time in on that, if it was a musical, I could our local record shop to get out with a bouzouki with the Magnolia Jazz Band, so royalties (if any) for the became a regular Thursday event years in London – and once recording and music publishing be taken to the cinema and I’d sit of the rain and was chatting to player. Shrewsbury had gone sour for performers. The answer he and one time I brought a group again, it appears, chance played a he has launched record labels, there absolutely entranced, not the assistant when in comes a him: realised was genre recordings, of friends including a girl who major part: 12 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 13 RETRIEVING THE MEMORIES RETURN TO CANNES - MIDEM (PART 2)

‘Laurie Wright of Storyville Festival – and would Chris fix the begin pointing Chris towards the Spiegel Willcox with whom he magazine rang me up and said, British musicians? where he has now later made two CDs, one with his RETURN TO CANNES - MIDEM (PART 2) “There’s this American guy who’s lived for 20 years. Two years after own Challenge label. been in , but now he’s The result was a sell-out concert the original New n Jazz Rag 130 YUE YANG and Carsten Dahl and the second on the side of the music coming to London, and he’s a for the New Paul Whiteman Orchestra concerts a radio With more and more of his work began her report on ‘the The Nikolaj Bentzon Trio. Other anarchists, I loved them and was Jazzband Velke Losiny very good trumpet player, a bit in Orchestra and further bookings station in the Netherlands in the Netherlands Chris moved Ibest MIDEM for many a new Storyville releases on parade delighted to see them featured the Bix line. I thought it would be at the and approached him for a Whiteman to Amsterdam 20 years ago. year’, with 6150 international included The Eleventh Hour by on the excellent Note Lithuania a nice idea for you to put Fairfield Hall, a television special, centenary tribute with the radio Everyone said, ‘You’re mad’ as delegates braving the Sigurdur Flosason sampler CD. together an ad hoc band for a gig radio shows and a recording big band. They wished to book usual, but why? There are no unseasonably wet weather at Quartet and Here’s To Love by date. There was even talk of a at the Lord Rookwood.” I got on Dick Sudhalter, but he had traffic jams between Heathrow Cannes for the music singer Clara Vuust. Just along from Lithuania, in to John R.T., Keith Nichols and tour of Europe until somebody returned to the States, so Chris and Schiphol. He worked for industry’s most important Midem terms that is, was the Skrim, of course, and we played did the maths for a 30-piece got Digby Fairweather instead international event of the Midem ever-present Holger Czech Republic stand where some time with Timeless the gig. We all got on so orchestra. Chris’ role in this – and also and Jeannie year. Peterson of Edmonton, Canada’s much of the activity was based Records, especially on the Chris beautifully and it all went so well even more than singing and Lambe. While waiting to go on Stony Plain Records was clearly around Czech Dreams, where Barber Collection which, in fact, that we felt we couldn’t leave it compering the live show – was (‘I’d got a dressing room to Now she completes her delighted at the label being Czech music of all styles is being at that.” selecting musicians based around myself with a star on the door – was drawn from the collections survey of the international named by The Blues Foundation, energetically promoted Europe- section leaders who knew the the only time!’), Chris had of John R. T. Davies and Chris music scene. as the 2014 recipient of The wide, kicking off at Midem. Much Laurie had originally billed the Whiteman style and phrasing – visitors. One was Harry Coster Ellis. Then came the next ‘you’re Keeping the Blues Alive Award, so of the jazz activity was centred band as the Anglo-American All the principal violinist apparently who had a label called mad’ moment, investing his IRD International Records of well done that man. Holger was around Ondrej Havelka and his Stars, but, as you would imagine, was an old friend of Matty Grannyphone and presented savings in the new Milan, long known for their Blues at Midem with an armful of Melody Makers. Andrej is a loose- Chris took against that and the Malneck who took a similar role Chris with two Paul Whiteman Challenge. While it hardly as well as Jazz releases, were goodies including the impressive limbed hokum tap dancer who name was changed to Anglo- with Whiteman and was also a LPs as thanks for his work for represents the safest investment represented by CEO Simone Rory Block release Avalon where also takes on the mantle of American Alliance, known to its prolific composer/arranger. And Parlophone. As you do, Chris said at the present moment, Veronelli whose Midem bag was she eloquently tributes the work crooner in front of his 16 piece members as ‘The Tuesday Band’ how convincing was it? he should look him up next time Challenge is still operating and stuffed full with an exceptionally of Mississippi John Hurt, the 4th vintage swing band. The because every Tuesday they got he came to London. The many wide range of excellent release in her Mentor Series [Son demonstration film is fascinating, producing quality product – and rough and rocking down home together at John R. T.’s studio to ‘Alan Dell rang me one day and Dutch visitors that ensued recordings. From catalogue items House, Mississippi Fred full of good humour, tight what more can you ask of a blues including tracks from rehearse, had a wonderful time said, “Come in for the formed the nucleus of Chris’ such as and McDowell and Reverend Gary arrangements, some fiery soloists record company in these , Big Walter, and occasionally got a paying gig! programme, I’m doing something circle of friends and work to Danish Davis were her previous re-creating 1920s big band swing straitened times? Hollywood Fats, Johnny Nicholas, Highlights of their time together I think you’ll like.” Half way associates in the Netherlands. songstress Katrine Madsen, U.S. subjects]. Lovely stuff. Over a with remarkable authenticity and included meeting, playing with through The Big Band Sounds he an occasional pop-up guitar from Apart from CDs referred to bopper Jerry Bergonzi, Detroit four decade career, there’s not a a clear understanding and and recording Bill Rank, Bix’s put on the original Whiteman Another gig in the Netherlands, tenorman J.D. Allen and a whole lot that guitarist Amos Garrett affection for the music. They’re label boss Richard Chalk and – in the article, readers may be trombonist on the famous Okeh recording of From Monday On more visitors. Chris had bunch of great blues recordings hasn’t done. He’s appeared on set to play London this summer, surprisingly – a spot on a Phil interested in Dick Sudhalter: sessions. Then there was Eva and, where it segues into the recorded Keith Nichols and the including Magic Sam, Billy Branch over 150 recordings by other so watch this space. Following Guy track for the above- Legacy 1967-2001 Taylor, 1920s blues singer and vocal, on that bridge, he cut into Midnite Follies Orchestra and, and Shawn Holt - son of the people including Paul Butterfield, Midem, Czech Dreams have mentioned Alex Rossi on wife of pianist/songwriter our recording – one straight when singer Johnny M dropped (Challenge) which includes legendary Magic Slim and now , Maria Muldaur, agreed to support the harmonica. Clarence Williams. Finally playing cut – and you couldn’t tell out for a while to do a show with tracks by, among others, the leader of his Dad’s band, The Emmylou Harris and Bobby appearance of Jazzband Velke tempted to sing a song or two it wasn’t the same record except Denis Waterman, who did Keith Anglo-American Alliance, Teardrops. As well as distributing Charles. Now he’s got a jazz Losiny at Birmingham Canadian singer and guitarist after 20 years layoff, Eva became that it opened into stereo and turn to for a gig at the North Sea the New Paul Whiteman an impressive roster of labels, release on Stony Plain with his International Jazz & Blues Festival Matt Anderson is no stranger to so enthused that she cancelled a there was me instead of Bing Jazz Festival? This time, along with Orchestra, Eva Taylor and Bill IRD have their own imprint Trio. Spread The Love is the in July. our shores having played UK club trip to the Continent and made Crosby!’ luminaries of the Rank. ‘Appaloosa Records’ with a very seventh Ronnie Earl and The tours, but his upcoming her public comeback at the Lord record scene, Chris met yet interesting current release Broadcasters Stony Plain album – Blues-rooted Black and Tan Weightless album on True North Rookwood with the Anglo- At this stage in the story events another ex-Bix trombonist, featuring singer and guitarist and it’s a cracking mix of down- Records from Holland came Records is a real eye-opener. American Alliance: Greg Trooper with a hefty band home rocking blues from the ex- armed with an impressive Strong songs, beefy - on Incident On Willow Street. Roomful of Blues guitar man. In collection flying under the flag influenced vocals and a distinctive ‘Her voice wasn’t what it had contrast, Monkeyjunk’s All Keeping Living Music Alive a -style sixties feel of a been, but, my word, she was still a Formed in 1952, Copenhagen- Frequencies release is their label commendable ambition. They production. Matt was star! She was singing songs she based are debut. Out of Ottawa, have 39 CD releases to date, represented at Midem by True hadn’t done for years and on Red Europe’s oldest independent jazz Monkeyjunk deliver solid blues look out for Tangled Eye, Roscoe North President Geoff Kulawick. Hot Flo (from Kokomo) which we label and that’s some and boogie convincingly, despite Chenier, Boo Boo Davis and recorded I’m actually sitting at achievement. Not resting on their not carrying a bass guitarist, citing more. Berlin-based Blackbird Music her feet mouthing the lyrics to laurels they were active at Midem as precedents that Hound Dog made its Midem debut with a her, not that you’d know it from in the form of Director Mona Taylor didn’t and neither did Midem regular Richard Chalk of catalogue of jazz and blues her performance.’ Granager bearing the high quality Little Walter on occasion. Topcat Records from Dallas, recordings, many of them jazz releases the jazz world has had an unusual offering in emanating from the company The second phase of the come to expect from this label. In Lithuanian singer Giedre an album of Tom Jobin melodies owned-studio of the same name, association with Sudhalter began 2010 Jazzhus Montmartre re- Kilciauskiene and pianist Andrej performed by Alex Rossi operated by musician, producer when Dick went back to the opened in their original premises Polevikov charmed Birmingham Quartet, a lyrical harmonica and industry veteran Andreas States to research his Bix book in Copenhagen where so many audiences at the 2013 Jazz virtuoso unashamedly waving the Hommelsheim. He also fronts the and rang Chris one day to say he leading jazz players graced that Festival, and here they were at Toots Thielemans flag. Recorded jazz/rock/blues fusion combo B3 had come across the Paul stage between 1959 and its Midem with their impressive in , mixed in Brazil and on their Back to My Roots CD. A Whiteman archive at Williams closure in 1976, with the firm Quartet album Jazz Miniatures mastered in Nashville it is a standout album for me is their College, Massachusetts, the resolve to re-establish its and seemingly garnering much beautifully crafted piece of music No Man’s Land album by Dutch whole library, including reputation as one of Europe’s interest at the Lithuania stand. and worth seeking out. I had singer Qeaux Qeaux Joans who unrecorded material. The book leading jazz clubs. Unsurprisngly, Also playing Brum’s jazz fest last previously known of Rossi as a bears comparison with the likes needed an orchestra of 30 Storyville has entered a year were the quaintly named blues player – so this was of Norah Jones and Amy musicians – highly unlikely, to say collaboration to record a series Sheep Got Waxed, a fiery and something of a surprise. Topcat Winehouse and has already the least – and Chris dismissed it of live sessions at the famous very original guitar, saxophone, are celebrating their 20th year, album-charted in Holland. Look as a beautiful pipe-dream until club. The first releases to be drums trio whose in-your-face with a double CD of what we’ve out also for the gutsy Hammond Dick rang again to say that he launched at Midem, both entitled jazz punk, invariably played at come to expect from them, and B3-based combo of The Lucky had got a booking for the Live At Montreux are impressive, near-impossible tempos instantly that’s the Blues. 20th Anniversary Peterson Band with Live at the 55 opening night of the Camden Jazz Photo by Ron Simpson the first featuring Eddie Gomez polarised opinion. This time, I’m Blues Extravaganza is 40 tracks of Arts Club Berlin. 14 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 15 THE CHANGING WORLD OF JAZZ FESTIVALS THE CHANGING WORLD OF JAZZ FESTIVALS

BRECON AT 30 Napoleonic Wars, but its present African Jazz’. Most intriguing of all the Theatr Brycheiniog and THE CHANGING WORLD OF JAZZ FESTIVALS function is more mundane - a is the acclaimed from German pianist Michael Wollny Brecon Jazz celebrates its 30th town-centre car park! Pablo the impossible nation of with his trio on the Chapter SWANSEA – A NEW stage some 30 free events over anniversary on August 7 to 10, in Janczur, director of Brecon Jazz Kikiristan, Imperial Kikiristan, Stage at the Cathedral. Huw Warren operator Orchard, said, ‘Since we highly popular throughout FESTIVAL IN the three days. resplendent shape after the troubles of recent years. The took over in 2012 we’ve been Western Europe in the days of Saturday almost produces TOWN! This is a particularly appropriate headline acts are universally looking for an opportunity to their exile! overload, with double MOBO year for a new arts venture in impressive – and very varied – bring back the iconic venue of winner and The inaugural Swansea Swansea – Dylan Thomas’ and the festival is delighted to the Captain’s Walk in the middle Perhaps the nicest story nominee Laura Mvula at the International Jazz Festival (June centenary – and his name figures welcome the return of the of town, where fans and locals connected with the Captain’s Market Hall and appearances by 20-22) has developed from freely in the festival venues, but Captain’s Walk, one of the can expect a real party Walk is the return of Mike Fapy Lapertin, Penguin Cafe, Don Swansea Jazzland which organiser David has resisted the temptation outdoor venues synonymous atmosphere with some high Harries’ Root Doctors. On its Weller and David Newton, and David Cottle has been running to forge some spurious link with the festival. The Captain’s tempo, high quality music at what 30th birthday the festival is among others. for 16 years. Though, as he between the jazz festival and the Walk apparently owes its name we believe is a reasonable cost.’ entitled to look back a bit and, in Particularly appropriate is that, admits, the ‘international’ great South Walian poet. Instead to the presence of French a former guise, the band on the same day as a Tribute to element is fairly limited – the he has put together a packed prisoners of war in the The Captain’s Walk programme represented home-grown Welsh (led by his son Clark) only all-American band is Jeff programme from (roughly) covers big band and party music talent at Brecon Jazz ’84. at the Theatr, Huw Warren’s Do Lorber Fusion – the line-up for midday to late on all three days, on the Saturday and Sunday of Not Go Gentle into that Good Night the first Swansea festival is with many of Britain’s finest in and Alan are also taking calibre of British musicians the festival, with a special day The other major concerts are far forms a centenary tribute to impressive and varied. the line-up. instrumental workshops the involved. A further sample comes ticket for strollers. With the too numerous to list, but a brief Dylan Thomas – whose Under following day, as is David’s up with such varied names the award-winning Beats & Pieces Big trawl through the programme Milk Wood, of course, inspired A unifying feature is the Swansea The first event is aimed firmly at brother, , on Jazz Band, Huw Band and the Dennis Rollins throws up three times Academy possibly Stan Tracey’s most Waterfront, with three main the next generation. Musicians Sunday. All three figure on the Warren, Remi Harris, the Midland Velocity Trio there will be plenty Award winner Burt Bacharach in famous work. venues – all compact at around from the area’s schools will be concert programme, too, Bruce Youth Jazz Orchestra, Simon of exciting music on offer, but a solitary Thursday concert in the 200 capacity: the Dylan Thomas brought together for a big band and Alan in their quintet, Spillett and Tipitina before the some of the quirkier outfits catch Market Hall. From Friday The final day brings Gregory Theatre, the Dylan Thomas workshop led by Alan Barnes and Laurence as part of the bands of festival ends in a burst of jazz the eye. The Township Comets onwards the pace quickens. The Porter into the Market Hall, with Centre and the National Bruce Adams, culminating in a and Claire from Protect the Beat and are a London-based group playing appearance of the anarchic 21- such varied UK favourites as the Waterfront Museum. In addition short concert by the South Martin. . South African township jazz, led piece big band, , at Big Band (Theatr), eight further venues in the area Wales Schools Big Band. Bruce by and Adam the Market Hall is another Polar Bear (Christ College) and The above gives a flavour of the www.sijf.co.uk Glasser and featuring Jason Yarde reason for nostalgia, the band Remi Harris’ Gypsy Jazz Project and, guesting with them at having first appeared at Brecon in (Guildhall). The Titley mission statement tells the bill, it’s obvious that Titley freshness and variety. On the final Brecon, Pinise Saul, the ‘Queen of 1985. Other Friday highlights are TITLEY RETURNS Laura Mvula www.breconjazz.com us that ‘the overriding ambition goes for musicians of proven evening Enrico Tomasso present Warren Vache and Alan Barnes at Titley Jazz Festival (July 25-27) is of the festival is to present the quality: the ‘modern’ tag doesn’t Salute to Satch, with Robert a fairly new festival, but hit its cream of British modern jazz’ and imply booking the latest, possibly Fowler, Adrian Fry, Craig UPTON 2014-STYLE until recent times. Now it is listening. She favours Jamie the Craig Milverton Trio, from the stride early to become an it does that by means of 14 2- temporary sensation. However, Milverton, and replaced by the slogan JIVE – Brownfield as one of the best Remi Harris Trio to Debbie established part of the jazz scene. hour concerts following each David Masters’ programming . One of the greatest challenges SWING – DANCE, though the new talents and lists off such gigs Arthurs’ Sweet Rhythm – plus Maybe this had something to do other in rapid succession on a makes more than a nod in the for a successful and well old user-friendly ‘Down by the as the Keith Nichols Band, Alan the MD’s own Rachel’s Dream. with the fact that David Masters single performing area. The direction of the rising generation. www.titleyjazz.com established jazz festival is to make Riverside’ remains, even though Barnes with John Hallam, the saw it as a successor to the sadly groups are a mix of regular One very sad omission from this enough changes to stay ahead of less true literally these days. David Newton Trio and Jazz The biggest single innovation, departed Appleby Jazz Festival, groups and ad hoc arrangements, year’s programme is the late Stan the game and also stay sufficiently Connection from the however, takes us back to JIVE – not an Appleby clone, but a the same musicians recurring in Tracey who was scheduled to the same to please the loyal The biggest change, however, is Netherlands as must-see events SWING – DANCE. A dedicated festival that would fill that different settings. The Titley Jazz present a Duke Ellington tribute. supporters. The latest to go the appointment of Music at this year’s Upton. Her dance marquee will feature ex- particular gap. Starting out at the Sextet which plays the final Instead the festival will open with through a transformation whilst Director, Rachel Hayward, vibes unmissable concerts range from UK Lindy Hop champions James former Titley Junction railway concert sums up the sort of the Brownfield/Byrne Quintet trying to retain what has made it and banjo player, seven years MD the darkly comic cafe and cabaret and Bridget Hamilton, with music station in Herefordshire, the musicians associated with the Plays Ellington, the almost-local so popular is the International at Bude Jazz Festival. Last world of Moscow Drug Club to provided by Steve Steinhaus’ festival soon moved over the festival: Alan Barnes, , young group augmented by Titley Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival September the news broke that ’s International Swing Band, Jazz Connection, the border to the Rodd, an arts , David Newton, veteran Alan Barnes, and Sunday which makes its 29th appearance ‘Sir’ Alan Buckley, founder and Jazz Band, via Mellow Tone’s Swing Commanders and others. centre in woodland near Andrew Cleyndert and Steve afternoon features the National on the jazz calendar from June 27 long-time director at Upton, had Tribute to . Dance classes are scheduled for Presteigne in Powys. The Brown. Youth Jazz Orchestra Plays Duke to 29. been, in some versions, sacked – Saturday and Sunday mornings. opposite to the sort of festival Ellington and . or perhaps, declined to apply for Asked what she achieved at that takes over a town centre, With such names as , One major change occurred last his old job when required to do Bude, Rachel replies, ‘We just Clearly the many devotees of Titley emphasises on-site parking Dave Green, , Anita Even the ‘modern’ tag is not year and was enforced. The river so by the council of management. improved the musicianship over Upton will find it recognisably the Wardell and Steve Waterman on inviolable in the interests of same, improved by the sort of and camping! Stan Tracey meadows having disastrously The instant appointment of the years, added a bit more flooded the year before, the Rachel and Festival Chairman variety without losing the classic freshening up that can be Festival retreated to higher David Harrison meant that the flavour of the festival.’ This necessary after 29 years! focus could shift from certainly seems to be what’s Alan Barnes LE TOUR DE JAZZ Yorkshire. The festival (June 27- the weekend other jazz and blues ground and the town centre. This 29) features Le Mini Depart, with bands appearing include, among year the process has been taken explanations and counter- going on at Upton, with plenty of www.uptonjazz.co.uk explanations to providing an old favourites alongside such Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues toddlers’ cycle races! And, to add others, King Pleasure and the a stage further. As well as venues Jamie excellent festival for 2014. newcomers as the explosive Festival is regularly known for its a little je ne sais quoi to the Biscuit Boys, Tipitina, the in the town centre, a new Brass Volcanoes to lead the Brownfield friendly atmosphere and elegant festival, Djangologie recalls the Alligators, the Lemon Monkeys dedicated in-town festival field Rachel’s own musical taste seems parades. European bands at setting in and around the music of the most famous French and Ben Beattie’s After Midnight will accommodate marquees, likely to chime with that of many Upton this year include Elizabethan mansion in East jazzman.On the musical side the Band, with festival organiser stalls, music, bars and camping. of our readers. Asked who her Shreveport Rhythm from Yorkshire. This year an added most interesting project is Simon Cunliffe-Lister guesting on favourite old-school jazz musician Germany and Storeyville Jazz bonus, together with an attractive Watching the Detectives, Paul sax. Branding has undergone several is, she comes up with Freddie Band from the Netherlands, with programme of jazz and blues, is Baxter’s Give a Little Love Jazz small changes. Though apparently Green and and singer Sally Night from the its status as an official fringe Band playing music associated www.burtonagnes.com/Jazz_Festival the organisers have not used the mentions ’s United States and a great variety event for Le Grand Depart, the with Columbo and Sherlock term ‘Oliver Cromwell Jazz wonderful album, Further of British bands, from the start of the Tour de France, Holmes, featuring that eminent Festival’ for many years, it has Definitions, as her current in-car Bateman Brothers Jazz Band to which this year takes place in Holmesian Alan Barnes. Through been there on the mast-head

16 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 17 THE CHANGING WORLD OF JAZZ FESTIVALS THE CHANGING WORLD OF JAZZ FESTIVALS

AWARD FOR EFG As if to demonstrate the Barker, a 40-piece orchestra and KEEPING THE selling point: one may prosper by up, co-leading Reeds United as appropriateness of the award, on star singers. will enlarging its musical scope, well as their own bands. Keith Jeff Barnhart LONDON JAZZ April 10th Serious announced the take up a Surman at Seventy TRADITION AT another by narrowing it. The only Nichols Hot Five and Spats FESTIVAL first artists for this year’s festival, residency at Kings Place with BUDE certainty is that not thinking Langham are among the other to be held on November 14 to different groups and about what form a festival should headliners, along with the The collaboration of London Jazz 23. With a wide-ranging programmes. Last year, in Jazz Rag 125, we take is a recipe for disaster. Savannah Jazz Band, Dennis Festival, produced by Serious, and programme of over 250 shows will appear with Ekaya and his featured the changes at Bude Jazz Armstrong and the Great EFG International, sponsors of featuring established stars and New Trio at the Royal Festival Festival, based around returning Now Bude Jazz 2014 (August 26- Northern Jazz Band, Richard the festival, has been recognised promising up-and-coming talent, Hall and other top trans-Atlantic to its roots, with local people 29) is once again fielding a strong Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz, Jim place in the country in 2013! So as one of the top five the London Jazz Festival has been names include Bill Frisell, Snarky running it and a programme line-up of the traditional McIntosh’s Jazzaholics and a total the strap-line for the festival’s partnerships by the Arts & acclaimed by as ‘one Puppy and Chucho Valdes. In firmly based in traditional jazz. persuasion. American pianist Jeff of over 20 bands. posters is ‘Join Us in Glorious Business Awards within the BP of the best jazz festivals in the contrast stages two Paul Mayor explained how this Barnhart appears as co-leader of North Cornwall’ – well, you have A&B Long-term Partnership world’. of his successful re-creations at had revitalised the festival which the Jim Fryer/Jeff Barnhart Select Bude Jazz is, of course, helped by to play to your strengths! Award, for its high standards and Cadogan Hall: Benny Goodman John Surman gives rise to the conclusion that Six and of Ivory & Gold, with his being in one of the most beautiful commitment to new and exciting As yet, comparatively few of the and Glenn Miller at Carnegie Hall each festival needs to know its flautist wife Anne. George Huxley parts of the country that just www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk arts initiatives. The EFG London 250 concerts have been 1939 and The Newport Jazz public and identify its unique and John Maddocks also double happened to be the sunniest Jazz Festival has also been announced, but the quality is Festival: the 1950s. shortlisted for the 2014 evident. The opening gala will shoppers in Mell Square and the appearances by Jordan Williams Florence Joelle BANK HOLIDAY AT Parliamentary Jazz Awards. again be Jazz Voice, with Guy www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk strollers and (hopefully) in the Touchwood Centre with SOLIHULL sunbathers in Jubilee Gardens. Buble Live, accompanied by Brian Making their Solihull debuts are Dee. The pace increases on Saturday, Alix Masso/Red Spektor, the 58’s Remi Harris BUSY DAYS AT The Solihull Jazz and Blues Florence Joelle, the French- with 10 gigs from 12.00 onwards, Blues Band, Peter Frampton’s Festival has now found a formula Algerian singer whose CD, The Solihull festival begins on NEWCASTLE- but it’s on Sunday that the festival Escape Committee, Dirk for success which is to be Stealing Flowers, was widely Friday evening with performances UNDER-LYME reaches fever pitch with nearly Diggler’s Blues Revue, the Alex repeated in this year’s event on acclaimed last year, and the Jake by Ricky Cool (Slug and Lettuce), 30 gigs before subsiding to a still McKown Blues Band, Lewis Floyd Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Leg Jug Band, recently recorded the Roy Forbes Quartet This year’s Newcastle-under- substantial 20 on Bank Holiday Henry and the Funkbreakers. May 23 to 26. The Solihull festival for Lake Records. Regular festival (Assembly Rooms) and Al Lyme Jazz and Blues Festival Monday. is almost two mini-festivals in favourites include Ricky Cool and Jolson’s Dog (O’Neills) and boasts an enlarged programme of And there are many more venues one: a daytime festival from the In Crowd, the Broombusters, regular evening performances at events in pubs, bars and Piano/guitar duo and – and such bands and musicians lunch-time to early evening on Tipitina and Becky Brine and the O’Neills continue right through restaurants throughout the town Dave Peabody kick off Saturday as the Chase Jazzmen, Steve Ajao two open air stages and evening Hot Club of Stonehouse. to the Festival Afterparty with centre. Things begin with a at the Roebuck Shopping Centre Blues Giants, the Jake Leg Jug events in pubs and restaurants in the Broombusters on Monday scattering of quality and from there on in it’s a Band, Tipitina, Ricky Cool and the the town centre. The daytime events begin with a evening. performances on Friday, May 23. succession of crowd-pleasing In Crowd and Becky Brine and Parade with Bostin Brass on The Remi Harris Trio plays the festival acts. The Old Brown Jug the Hot Club of Stonehouse. Once again Saturday and Sunday Saturday morning and include www.solihullbid.co.uk Roebuck Shopping Centre at alone hosts the Roy Forbes offer continuous jazz for the lunch-time and the Old Bull’s Quartet, Matrix Club Matrix, the www.newcastlejazzandblues.co.uk Head in the evening and King Remi Harris Trio, the Bill Dayson Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys Band, Elvis Fontenot & the Sugar appear at the Old Brown Jug in Bees and Lewis Floyd Henry, Photo by Merlin Daleman the evening. while on the bill at the Rigger are

The ‘international’ tag is justified The headline Star City sessions BIRMINGHAM Giedre Kilciauskiene by some enterprising booking of of the first weekend feature the AVOIDS BRAZIL less than familiar names. This Potato Head Jazz Band and two year’s roster includes several of the strongest attractions at Over the decades only World bands/musicians who have made the festival over the years: King Cups have moved the an impact on the Birmingham Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys and Birmingham Jazz Festival from the public in previous years. Two of Val Wiseman’s Billie Holiday first weekend in July – and this 2013’s big successes were the tribute, Lady Sings the Blues. year is no exception. So the Potato Head Jazz Band from Standout events of the second football-loving jazz public of the Granada, , and Lithuanian weekend see the inspired lunacy Midlands can relax: the 30th singer Giedre Kilciauskiene. The (and fine musicianship) of Bob Birmingham International Jazz Budapest Ragtime Band, Jazz Kerr’s Whoopee Band at Hagley and Blues Festival runs from July Band Velke Losiny from the Road Village and two concerts in 18 to 27. Czech Republic and the New the sylvan surroundings of the Orleans Jump Band from the Botanical Gardens, with, The vast majority of the near-200 Costa del Sol are long-time appropriately enough, the events are free admission, with favourites. Newcomers to Magnolia Sisters and the up-to- museums, churchyards and village Birmingham include (from the-minute retrospect of Electric greens supplementing the more and Precious Penny Pluckers, Europe) the Bratislava Hot Swing Circus, as featured in the conventional venues such as London-based French-Algerian Serenaders from Slovakia and last issue of Jazz Rag. shopping centres, bars and singer Florence Joelle, and Saxitude, a street band from restaurants. The programme Pacifico Blues. Luxembourg, and (from the USA) As well as any number of old includes an even higher than the University of South Florida favourites (from Tipitina to Remi usual tally of first-time bands and www.birminghamjazzfestival.com Jazztet and the astonishing Harris to Bruce Adams) musicians and any number of Magnolia Sisters who present the Birmingham festival-goers can fringe events from a festival full range of the music of South look forward to first-time where all that is predictable is West . appearances from Americana the variety. specialists, the Jake Leg Jug Band

18 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 19 ARCHIVE SPREADS ITS WINGS/COMPETITIONS REVIEWS

NIKOLAJ BENTZON RAN BLAKE jazzers’ compositions are all Kirk on piano, Yosef Ben Israel on ARCHIVE SPREADS ITS WINGS TRIO treated in the same vein: dense, bass, Avreeayl Ra on drums and PLAYS SOLO PIANO intense explorations. Intriguing, Dr. Cuz, percussion. Brown has a The latest move of the assorted rhythm clubs and Rather later Sinclair Traill’s self- post, undoubtedly the oddest of a but I’m not sure they’re jazz. huge, warm tone on tenor, LIVE AT MONTMARTRE National Jazz Archive to gets riverboat shuffles abound and importance was another very fine selection of 10 CDs, ESP-DISK ESP1011 (35:19) hauntingly melodic in places (One its message across to the one of the few three-dimensional British feature of the Melody including Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson HUGH LEDIGO For Ken, ) Storyville 1018451 (68.47) general public was an artefacts is Reg Rigden’s trumpet! Maker (alleviated, of course, by (very obscure) and Bechet with Ran Blake, seventy-eight and still exploratory (Enka) and only exhibition in the Music the likes of ) and I Humph, is BG on Hi Gang! with occasionally does he become Nikolaj Bentzon may be a new running, a prominent adherent of Library at London’s Barbican However, for me the greatest joy couldn’t help thinking how he Ben Lyon, Bebe Daniels and Vic turgid and repetitive, noticeably name to many listeners, but he’s ‘’ music which Centre under the name All came from the quirky stories. must have enjoyed the concerts Oliver. He copes nobly with the on Wayne’s Trane. There are a Danish pianist who was endeavours to combine elements FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS That Jazz: The Golden Age of Edgar Jackson is one of the great (there are two flyers here) which unfamiliar tasks of trading echoes of Coltrane throughout educated at Berklee College in of classical and jazz traditions, has 1919- hero/villains of jazz journalism. billed him, as ‘recitalist’, above the disc, but only echoes, and the wisecracks and singing! Boston and was a member of the promoted his chosen genre Avid Jazz AMSC1110 1950. The exhibition, which Operating at the such names as the Christie treatment of Lonnie’s Lament has Danish Radio Big Band. Bentzon assiduously over a long and ran until April 29th, was for two decades, often reviewing Brothers Stompers, Every Tuesday late-opening at a refreshing reggae rhythm. In A is heard here with his trio playing distinguished career. His There is plenty of variety on this relatively small – four records under the coy and George Webb’s Dixielanders! least one member of staff from Sentimental Mood is a delight, with at a Copenhagen club in May formative studies embraced 2 CD package spanning the showcases, plus a listening pseudonym of Needlepoint, he the National Jazz Archive is in Brown at once exploratory and 2013. The very first track (Les mentors ranging from Oscar 1950's. Dancing on the Ceiling post – but very well curated, attempted to impose middle-class Benny Goodman’s appearance at attendance and Sam Fieldhouse lyrical, helped by Kirk Brown’s McCann’s Smile Stacey) suggests Peterson and Mary Lou features the Norvo Trio with Tal with plenty of fascinating British standards on this awful the in 1949 who, as Learning and Outreach imaginative chording; there’s a that Nikolaj has an impressive Williamson to Gunther Schuller Farlow and material, much of it from the wild music from America, but at threw up all kinds of unexpected superb break by Yosef Ben Israel, Officer, was primarily responsible technique, as he maintains a trill and George Russell. The outcome alternating on guitar and Red collections of Jim Godbolt least he wrote about it and treats. Of course, he couldn’t who delivers some very fluent for the exhibition was able to tell in one hand while playing the has included piano performances Mitchell on bass. Familiar jazz and George Webb. Ron helped to give it respectability in bring his orchestra here, but he bass work. me of the further expansion of melody with the other – at in concert halls, jazz clubs and on standards played in a light and Simpson reports on his visit. this tight little island. There is a was allowed to feature pianist the Archive’s activities, from lightning speed. Bassist Thomas numerous recordings. He is also delicate, almost gloriously dignified photograph of Buddy Greco (in a sextet with All but one of the compositions greater accessibility on line to Fonnesbaek and American an established composer and style, and swinging throughout. The programme for the Original Edgar Jackson dancing, his whole British musicians) and a young exhibitions at Keswick Jazz held the professorial chair of are by Ari Brown, and it’s an drummer Winard Harper keep achievement to produce such a Dixieland Jazz Band’s appearance musical philosophy summed up in Belgian guitarist/harmonica player Festival, Norwich Jazz Party and Contemporary Improvisation at Red Norvo in Stereo features a up the pace, and Harper plays varied programme, not only in is there, together with Louis his pose. Better still is a letter Jean Thielemans who (as Toots around the libraries of Essex. In the New England Conservatory fourteen piece band including some excellent speedy 12-bar melodic content but with such Armstrong’s 1932 autograph and from Jim Holloway to an Thielemans) announced his fact, as we talked on March 18th, for an astonishing 32 years. players from the West Coast breaks. improvisational possibilities. the issues of the Melody Maker American friend complaining retirement in March 2014! The the Archive was between two such as Bud Shank and Bill telling of the death of Snakehips (very convincingly) of Jackson’s programme also tells us that successive Saturday activities: a It is probably indicative that the The recordings here, dating from Perkins. Most arrangements are Johnson and the disappearance of spite and pettiness – and the Woolf Phillips accompanied GREG MURPHY Peter Vacher book talk and an opening tune is by Les McCann, 1965, show an accomplished supplied by Eddie Sauter. Helen Major Glenn Miller. Given the American friend is Harry Lim of Goodman with the Skyrockets Open Day. as Bentzon is often as funky as pianist given to contemplative Humes sings on seven of the provenance of much of the Keynote Records, who the U.S. Orchestra, with such big names CHRIS INGHAM McCann. Note how the trio and complex improvisations and eleven tracks. The repertoire material, it is not surprising that Mail was unable to trace in as Kenny Baker, Pat Smuts, Harry www.nationaljazzarchive.org.uk changes the tempo continually in a predilection for dissonance. He includes familiar 'standards' as QUARTET photographs of George Webb, various Chicago hotels – the Roche and Johnny Dankwork Svetlana Botswana Rusticana, is inclined to bury his basic well as some now long-forgotten and envelope is there as evidence. (sic). And there, at the listening which opens with a quotation themes in harmonic and rhythmic pop songs. HOAGY from ’ ! digressions, at times positively But the trio can also be relaxed, dismembering them and, even Red Plays the Blues includes three Downhome Records. DOH0001 SUPER PRIZES TO BE WON! as in several other numbers - when the melody is easily tracks from a similar big band line notably Frederick Loewe’s The recognisable, it is subjected to up including Helen Humes once A five-star album if ever I heard Just answer the questions correctly and send your answers to Jazz Rag Competitions, PO Box 944, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B16 8UT. Please Heather on the Hill, which Nikolaj interjections which break the more. The remaining four tracks one! I’ve been a huge fan of write the name of the relevant competition in the top left hand corner of your postcard, envelope or sheet of paper. If possible, add your delivers with tender tune’s continuity. feature a sextet including Harry singer-pianist Chris Ingham ever telephone number or email as well as your address. thoughtfulness. Nikolaj even sings Edison and . Norvo since I first heard him in the Closing date: 6th June, 2014. on My Blue Heaven, although he’s There are occasions when sounds invigorated and the Flanagan-Ingham Quartet several not the greatest vocalist in the familiar jazz idioms emerge - soloists perform at length making years ago now, and this is his JAKE LEG JUG BAND CD world. But his trio makes up for running left-hand tenths worthy these some of the most satisfying finest showcase so far. A tribute of Teddy Wilson, the odd funky or Lake Records have kindly supplied THREE copies of Next Stop! by the Jake Leg Jug Band, described as the ‘authentic sounds of 20s and 30s his vocals, with a skilfully varied tracks of the collection. to Hoagy Carmichael is always a bebop phrase - but it rarely America – with a twist of their own.’ set of jazz standards and good idea but this one, for me, is swings in the conventional jazz 1. Which song, originally made famous by Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers, became a Number 1 hit for the Rooftop Singers in 1963? originals. Music to Listen to Red Norvo By the best since and manner. 2. Which singer first performed under the name of Maria D’Amato blends jazz with elements of recorded with Jim Kworkin’s Jug Band in the 1960s before changing her name WINNERS & ANSWERS NO. 130 TONY AUGARDE , with sextet fourteen of the old music Standards, originals and other featuring on , on marriage to the group’s guitarist? CHRIS ELLIS CD master’s classic titles back in and Bill Smith from Congratulations to: CHRISTINE REED of , IOW; BILL l969. ATLANTIC JAZZ LEGENDS Red Norvo the classical world, playing CORNELL of Saffron Walden and GERHARD HOPFE of clarinet. Ingham’s crisp, witty and Warner Classics are providing TWO copies of a superb box set of 20 Berlin, Germany. technically flawless piano-playing albums on the Atlantic label from the 1950s and 1960s under the title Retrieval Records/George Melly ALAN MUSSON is easily matched by his vocals Atlantic Jazz Legends. which effortlessly mark him out 1. Among the musicians represented is . As a ELECTRO SWING CD ARI BROWN as one of this country’s very best multi-instrumentalist, he played tenor sax and flute, plus which two jazz singers. Essaying songs as obscure bizarrely named saxes? Congratulations to: ALAN BRINKWORTH of Redditch; MR. diverse as Huggin’ and Chalkin’ 2. One of the albums is John Coltrane’s first for Atlantic, his A. CHARLTON of Darlington and MR. MICHAEL McGRATH GROOVE AWAKENING. and How little we know amid breakthrough as a leader, recorded in 1959. What is its name? of Esher. Norwegian/Brighton Delmark 5011 (65:27) sixteen intelligently selected and skilfully-paced titles, each of his CHRIS BARBER BOOK Brown is a fine saxophonist out interpretations remains faithful to Thanks to Equinox Books we have THREE copies of Jazz Me Blues, AVISHAI COHEN CD of Chicago, mainly using tenor Hoagy’s intentions, while Chris Barber's eagerly awaited autobiography. Congratulations to: MRS. WENDY MANTLE of Kington, but with occasional use of betraying none of the ‘flatsy-thru 1. Who was the trumpeter with Chris Barber's band for 54 years from Herefordshire; MR. MEL GUEST of St. Neots, soprano, sometimes both at once - the –nose’ quality’ which the band's formation? Cambridgeshire, and JOHN GILL of Annitsford Bridge, a la Roland Kirk, and piano on sometimes made their owner’s 2. The Barber band has gone under three names. Initially it was Chris Northumberland. Give Thanks. The driving band own (by his self-admission) a Barber's Jazz Band, now it's the Big Chris Barber Band. What came in Jacques Loussier/Chick Corea behind him includes Ari’s brother little harder to take. Similarly between? 20 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 21 ON RECORD

reedman, Duncan Lamont Junior. Johnny Mercer’s most bizarre This fine five-piece then delivers title for a love song, The Bathtub a beautiful melody, My Love For Ran Over Again (music by Michael You, that calls for lyrics to be Cleary). The whole session is added. It probably has. pretty much free of drama, but communicates beautifully the At 10:37, the longest track is sense of enjoyment obviously Concerto D'Afro. Its stunning shared by the singer and four contents include changing musicians (note, no drummer). tempoes, cross-rhythms, Roan on The CD is completed by three marimba as well as supplying his tracks from 1979 (an exhilarating best jazz vibes of the disc, some Jeepers Creepers a highspot, with masterly Ford piano, and above and Digby teaming all, the young Duncan with up splendidly and Denny Wright smooth bass clarinet and peaking in great form); two from 1984, on tenor to prove he's as good as with Pete Strange joining Digby in his dad. Substantial alto later on the front line; and a taster for reinforces this fact. Moon Country, the 1999 Hoagy Carmichael tribute, still available The other two players emerge on Challenge. Old Man Harlem Ingham’s subtly crafted Joe Wilder has been doing good effectively elsewhere. On the features Chris, his voice weightier arrangements (faultlessly by stealth and blushing to find it folksy/stately Presence, Geoff with the passing years, duetting achieved) pay due reference to fame. Mason's trombone has skilful with Digby, in a bright Carmichael’s originals but richness. Ray Butcher brings his This compilation CD derives arrangement with John Barnes on regularly present delightful authority and style to Serendipity most of its tracks from Joe alto coming in like . musical surprises of their own. on trumpet, and to Fondness on Wilder’s LP Joe Wilder ‘n’ Wilder And central to these – along with flugel, both in uppish vein. Bearing (1956) and the Pete Brown RON SIMPSON a constantly creative and the space factor in mind, I have to Sextet’s Peter the Great (1954). sympathetic - is add that the majestic Lullaby Of Pete Brown is probably best the trumpet of Paul Higgs whose Love and the happy Brother's known for his jump-jazz style, outstanding contributions Bounce are probably my although he shows here that he THIS MUST BE THE throughout the album display a favourites. But overall, it's a total can encompass a variety of styles, PLAS!/MOOD FOR THE georgeous tone, unflagging winner. inspiration, stylistic cognizance at ranging from perkiness to BLUES its most perceptive and enviably mellowness. On Moonlight in LES TOMKINS faultless chops to boot! Vermont, he matches Joe Wilder’s Fresh Sound FSR-CD 818 tender restraint. (75.00) From its musical conception to CHRIS ELLIS its exquisite artwork (by Martyn TONY AUGARDE A rare misfire from Fresh Sound, VOCAL WITH HOT Wainwright) and stylish liner this reissue of a brace of note this album is simply a peach ROAN KEARSEY- ACCOMP Johnson’s late-1950s Capitol and – should anyone ask – will be LAWSON albums doesn’t really qualify as high on my list of albums of the Digby Fairweather Archives, Rose jazz per se. It’s undoubtedly fine year. Cottage Records, RCR 005: PRESENCE IN MIND mood music though with This 77.46 Must Be The Plas (ouch!) finding DIGBY FAIRWEATHER NEW RELEASE 144 Records 144CD002 the soulful tenorist aided and The opening track of Chris Ellis’ abetted by a crack studio session (66:26) NEXT STOP! JOE WILDER 1986 album sets the tone: coolly team including jaunty delivery of the sort of and . Seven British players, eleven THE JAKE LEG JUG BAND SUCH A BEAUTIFUL song you feel you should know, Occasionally there’s a glimpse of eventful tracks, adding up to a lot LACD330 given lift-off by the accompanying what the leader might have liked SOUND of absorbing jazz listening - yet bass and guitar (Tiny Winters and to have done given the chance – The Jake Leg Jug Band bring you with no lengthy solos. This is a Paul Sealey), soon to be joined by the brief Parker-ish cadenza on If authentic sounds of 1920s and Fresh Sound FSR-CD 812 debut studio selection of the the urbane Martin Litton and I Had You is stunning – but the 30s America (Jazz, Blues, Gospel (74.21) compositions/arrangements of a Digby Fairweather. The song (in foreshortened nature of most of and Ragtime) – with a twist of busy and versatile musician, Roan fact, totally new to me) is You the music generally reins him in. their own. In an interview, trumpeter Joe Kearsey-Lawson, who is heard Can’t Stop Me from Dreaming by It’s also ironic that on a record Wilder said ‘I never played high; I principally on vibes, but also The Jake Leg Jug Band is quickly growing its reputation as a lively, Dave Franklin and Cliff Friend, so full of preaching tenor, it’s his was not that kind of player. I marimba, piano and drums. feel-good band and this new CD will reinforce that reputation. best known for When My few appearances on baritone that never screamed’. This is what Recorded as part of the Vintage Recording Project. Dreamboat Comes Home. It makes him stand out from many The album title indicates that all most grab the ear. doesn’t take long to realise that “Every now and again a CD comes along that puts a smile on other trumpet players. Like Hank the themes have some kind of Chris Ellis’ strengths lie not only The second session, Mood For The your face, and this is one of them. The playing is exemplary and it Jones, the pianist on some of dedication. Splendid Blues is for in his nonchalantly relaxed Blues, is even closer to easy all adds up to a fine CD” Fatea Magazine. these tracks, Joe Wilder tends to , and naturally has an delivery and the ability to point a listening and its unremitting be low-key, understated. His MJQ feel to it, achieved admirably Follow us on FACEBOOK lyric, but in knowing more songs atmosphere of late-night smooth tone is never abrasive. At by the leader plus the keyboard than anyone else. A particular romance makes it the ideal album Visit our on-line shop at www.fellside.com times he makes the trumpet of Dorian Ford, the bass of Larry pleasure of the album is to be enjoyed in the company of sound as sweet as a or Bartley and the drums of Dave If you would like more information and be placed on our mailing discovering unknown gems of the a full-bodied little number. And (the first instrument he Trigwell. The same sound is list please send a large SAE with two second class stamps to the great , notably Blue I’m not talking wine here. ever played). He even takes an inevitable in Bach East, but here it address below. Again, a lovely bit of Dorothy old warhorse like Cherokee at a is augmented by the flute playing Fields and Jimmy McHugh, or LAKE RECORDS, PO Box 40, Workington, CA14 3GJ, UK moderate tempo. For many years, of the son of a great jazz

22 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 23 ON RECORD REVIEWS

times daily. Do not operate heavy Machines, with Magnus Hjorth on horn player and negotiates the BJARNE ROUPÉ Andrea Motis and Joan Chamorro machinery while using this piano, on bass and leader’s often quite difficult product’. An acquired taste, then? LIGHT AND DARK drummer , with a arrangements with aplomb. That Sample before taking, I suggest, string quartet on a seven- her vocal abilities are also above and definitely avoid operating Stunt Records STUCD 13102 movement suite. It’s a heavily average seems almost unfair. that heavy machinery. (44:44) structured work, with the string quartet seeming to impose a rigid Eddie Metz has been compared approach, which the quartet cope PETER VACHER Roupé emerged during the with , not without with well if perhaps rather ’seventies in before reason. His phrasing is inhibited in the music. The first defecting in 1979 to Copenhagen impeccable, he swings with a light ARNETT COBB six movements suggest an uneasy where he gained a prominent touch and solos inventively. The compromise between structure reputation. This, however, is his result is a cohesive sound that BLUES AND BALLADS and improvisation, although there first recording under his own embodies the essence of jazz. are times when Neset’s tenor leadership in two decades. His Fresh Sound FSR-CD 813 soars with the strings, only to work on this 2008 disc reveals The music draws on the equally (72.24) subside after some exciting dual talents. His guitar playing is timeless repertoire of such as blowing. restrained and gimmick-free. He Kern, Lerner, Gershwin, Arlen and Part of the grand tradition of creates nice lines, varying his even Beethoven and Bach. Texas Tenor, Cobb is now This all changes when the tone colours between single-note The legendary Bob Seeley opts home - sounding, on the one something of a forgotten man, musicians reach the seventh lines, octaves and chordal Sportiello says ‘…the music is for the more traditional tunes, ballad she plays, a little like but at the time of these sessions movement, when Neset and passages, with unostentatious intended to make you feel good!’ Ammons’ Boogie Woogie Dream, St Hodges. he was undergoing something of Hjorth in particular begin to cut facility. I’d bet he numbers Wes And it does. Louis Blues and Amazing Grace,.all a personal renaissance. After loose. The majority of this fifteen- The rhythm is well integrated, introduces to Montgomery among his three being Seeley favourites and CECIL TAYLOR recovering from a horrific car minute-plus movement displays approaching straight-ahead swing, Taylor’s world and it has to be favourites. All seven tracks are his HUGH LEDIGO he is, possibly, the most accident in the late 1950’s, he Neset’s talent for improvisation, bossas and the obligatory shuffle said that, for once, the own compositions. outstanding player but all four are THREE CLASSIC ALBUMS made his comeback on a series a tour-de-force where he explores on My Baby Just Cares For Me with saxophonist seems lost as he CAMPI QUI BOOGIE! strong performers and display PLUS of delightful sessions for Prestige, all registers of the tenor, well equal assurance. Solos are struggles through Air. Compatriot and contemporary formidable techniques. two of which receive a welcome backed by Hjorth and colleagues. tenor saxophonist Tomas Frank 1ST INTERNATIONAL generally good, particularly the Avid Jazz AMSC1116 (79:59, dusting down here. This serves as an appetiser and The nature of the music draws piano work of Ignasi Terraza, This is a rewarding release with became and remains one of FESTIVAL OF BOOGIE 76:35) Europe’s foremost jazzers. He the listener is left wishing more noisy appreciation from the whose left-hand right-hand so much to hear and enjoy. WOOGIE IN The first is the more varied of has a full tone, plenty of of the Suite could have displayed Festival audience. It sounds as independence and ability to build this uninhibited playing! 2012. One benefit of this survey of GREG MURPHY the two and finds Cobb grooving technique and an approach though everyone had a good time improvisations to exciting Taylor’s early work is to see how away on a programme which, on clearly drawn from the Coltrane but, then again, that’s what climaxes is impressive. The GREG MURPHY Swing Alley Records SA023 far ahead he was of his SIX CITY STOMPERS Black Velvet, includes a wonderful school, though not without a boogie woogie is all about. inclusion of Scott Hamilton on contemporaries. The three tribute to fellow saxophonist passing nod towards Getz. (59.48) this session is a bonus. Ms Motis albums comprise Jazz Advance (Cobb had JOHN MARTIN ends her liner notes by saying THE FORMULA SPORTIELLO METZ (1956), Looking Ahead! (1958) The replaced Jacquet as the featured Lennart Ginman is an excellent PARROTT Since the time of the great ‘Let’s continue improving.’ I guess World of Cecil Taylor (1960) and hot tenor man with Lionel bassist providing firm rhythmic masters, Yancey, Ammons, Lewis ANDREA MOTIS & we should all do that.. Stunt STUCD 12172 [46.29] two titles from Love For Sale Hampton back in the Forties). support whilst contributing more and Johnson, boogie piano has IT’S A GOOD DAY JOAN CHAMORRO (1959) and there is some Ballads by Cobb, on the other than a basic walking line. expanded to incorporate other HUGH LEDIGO Here’s a puzzle. As the note says, remarkable music to be heard. hand, is largely down-tempo Unfortunately, he is a touch genres and styles. The four QUINTET ‘Don’t attempt to understand Six ARCD 19431 Jazz Advance is nothing short of material including another nod to under-recorded. Aage Tangaarde’s pianists featured on this album, / City Stompers’. Fair enough, so I incredible, pointing to the free- one of his forebears, Herschel drumming is equally sympathetic, (63:49) while acknowledging the LIVE AT JAMBOREE won’t. Piano-less for the most MADELINE BELL form Taylor would later adopt; Evans, on Blue and Sentimental. sometimes quite complex but traditional message of the BARCELONA consider Monk’s Bemsha Swing part, with alto, trumpet, Given the opportunity, this trio Actually the album’s title is a little not intrusive. Thirties and Forties maestros, are SINGER and the approaches to time, trombone and guitar, all doubling might well stake its claim Swit Records SWIT15 (72:22) something or another, these misleading as, half way through moving forward with their own whilst Charge ‘’Em is an entirely The themes have a latter-day feel alongside the classic small groups assorted Danes dress themselves the record, Cobb offers an personal concepts. Proper PRPCD120 (53:41) different approach to the blues. - long and sinuous with harmonic of jazz. Not perhaps the On this showing, Andrea Motis up in surgical gowns and call explosive account of Sweet Taylor’s reconstructions of Sweet structures that need some grandstanding excitement of has an immediately identifiable themselves the Sick City Georgia Brown, the effect of which The Barcelona event was the first This amounts to the song & Lovely and You’d Be So Nice To listening to. There are some Peterson nor the innovative vocal sound. Her musical Pharmacy. If that means that they is rather like an unexpected of its kind and was organised by content of a potential score for a Come Home To are unique, adding effective tenor-guitar unisons challenges of Evans, but pianist antecedents would, I imagine apply their medicine to a variety alarm call. one of the participants Lluis jazz musical. It was originally to the melodic content and which Roupé achieves without Rossano Sportiello’s include Billie Holiday and, like her, of materials, then so be it. Coloma. The other pianists taking conceived in Holland 30 years displaying more of Taylor’s time sacrificing the chords. consummate musicianship, allied she has an in-built metronome Throughout both sessions the part were Bob Seeley, August ago, in a meeting between experiments. to the equal talents of Nicki that allows her to pull time On one hand, they attack tenorist is accompanied by Tharratts and David Giorcelli. composer/arranger Steve Gray Scandinavian jazz is clearly alive Parrott on bass and Eddie Metz around, sometimes speeding up something like Struttin’ With Some another Texan, Red Garland, just and singer/musician Georgie Looking Ahead has more and well. on drums, creates a compelling, her phrases, sometimes delaying Barbecue with authentic verve about to enter his period of The twelve tracks are split into Fame. Together with singer refreshing explorations of the totally satisfying sound that them. She has less difficulty with only for that to be contrasted post-Miles Davis obscurity. The eight solo performances, three Madeline Bell and Holland's blues in Luyah, The Glorious Step, HUGH LEDIGO transcends the demands of English diction than many with a band-written piece of pianist’s subsequent neglect is duets and an ‘every man for Metropole Orchestra, it was with incisive right-hand work, and fashion and novelty. continentals, though her extreme Dirty Dozens-style funk ‘n’ rap made all the more puzzling when himself’ finale. performed at that time. Here we Wallering, a tribute to American accent occasionally like Cream. The musicianship is one hears how masterful he is MARIUS NESET have a definitive concert also a beautifully constructed If there is an underlying flavour of masks her words. Often, Ms slick and some of the solo playing here, reading Cobb’s every move The danger of too much recording made in Tilburg, improvisation, whilst Excursion On bebop in Sportiello’s phrasing, it Motis employs a little-girl quality on the reworkings of selected perfectly and playing solos that a SUITE FOR THE SEVEN sameness is avoided by the Holland in 2004, involving five A Wobbly Rail is a superb workout is never blatant and there is a in her voice which might be a bit classic pieces is pertinent and far less notably fashion-conscious MOUNTAINS introduction of new material songs from Georgie, five from on Take The A Train. The World of finesse and essentially melodic of an acquired taste for some evocative. Add in some Harry than those he’d essayed with composed by the individual Madeline and two in duet, backed Cecil Taylor effectively marked a quality to his work that draws on people, although I have to say I Connick-like vocals and a fair Davis. Calibrated CAL1073 (46:49) artists. I was particularly by the full force of the 60-piece career point where Taylor the canon of at like it. Her trumpet playing has its amount of Crescent City attracted to Coloma’s Dits de Foc big band/orchestra plus the 30- became increasingly free yet still least since Teddy Wilson. moments but, to my ears, never rumbustiousness, and you have In summary, these are classy This was first issued in 2008, and and Tharratts’ Pianosauras both of piece Jody Pijper Singers. retained an interest in reshaping really feels secure, and she wisely quite a rich mix. records by a class act. constitutes Neset’s debut Ms Parrott is a seriously good which showed what could be standards; This Nearly Was Mine is uses the instrument sparingly. On done with the confines of the The story, of a young girl singer's a reshaping par excellence. It also recording. He leads a quartet, bassist who generates a swinging alto sax, she seems more at As the note says, ‘Take 1 dose 6 SIMON SPILLETT which he calls People Are pulse, solos with the fluency of a music. progress to stardom, is 24 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 25 ON RECORD REVIEWS

absorbingly and entertainingly collaborations. It is my opinion accompaniment to Terry’s Nate's actual power source is as SCOTT HAMILTON supporting trio - John Pearce on romantic meaning. Spring Can told. It is a pity no personnel is that, were it feasible, after all the lightning strikes. He plays before - Tommy Cecil on bass QUARTET piano, Dave Green on bass and Really Hang You Up The Most hits provided, as all the musicians pop musicals permeating the marimba and xylophone on some and on drums and Steve Brown on drums. the same spot, complete with the contribute superlatively. West End, this jazz musical tracks. vibes - with the bonus on two evocative verse. The two other DEAN STREET NIGHTS Georgie's engaging vocal persona should be completed and staged. tracks of sublime tenor from That ultra-special sound flows vibrant vehicles are Zoot's Blues, has been consistent through the In More Vibes on Velvet, the velvety Harry Allen, evoking the early- warmly for three minutes on I wherein he does summon up the Woodville wvcd141 (62:40) years, and his bluesy Small Town LES TOMKINS backing is provided by a sax 'fifties Getz innovations. Eight of Just Found Out About Love, John spirit of that all-time great, and displays a sparkling four-piece section arranged by drummer the ten tracks are those Pearce excels, Dave does his Cherokee, second longest at 11:29 Stan Getz, and Bill rhythm section, probably with Mel Lewis. The mostly slowish enchanting melodies we've heard expert thing, and fine fours with and a pulsating climax to a TERRY GIBBS Perkins were always among my himself on piano, propelling the music is performed efficiently but played or sung under varying Steve follow. Sweet And Lovely gets magical night. favourite tenor players - so I without much fire. The LP lacks titles - four of them naturally by a becoming Latin feel. Jitterbug band and chorus. Orchestral FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS celebrate the fact that Scott the spark which would ignite the Tom Jobim himself. Waltz, 6/8-ing at 13:12, proves to LES TOMKINS atmosphere prefaces Madeline's Hamilton is still among us, and playing. Things brighten up with be an out-and-out jazz peak, with entry on My Second Home, and Avid AMSC 1100 (143.41) maintaining that tradition of the final LP, Music from Cole The jazz content is sometimes the tenorman in full flamboyant her soulful power and style allied straight-ahead, swinging Porter’s Can Can. Gibbs simply questionable, when Nate simply flight either side of an out-of- to the gospel choir are really I tend to think of vibraphone saxophone eloquence. Here's plays with a rhythm section that romps along on the tunes - most time interlude with just piano. thrilling. As per the roaring Basie- players in classes: the top class Scott luxuriating in a 35-year provides good support, especially deservedly on what must be the type brass and the tenor soloist (Hampton, Norvo, Jackson, residency, the Pizza Express in from pianist Frank Strazzieri and world's best-known Latin song, His two ballads of the selection behind Georgie's take of the title Burton, Locke) and the second London's Dean Street, together have positive personal impact for guitarist . The quintet the title track, which, in short, is song, Singer. A beautiful Bell class, which includes Terry Gibbs. with his regular local British me. If I Had You is redolent with format gives Terry the freedom Brazil. But on the three tracks ballad, Learning, soars over lush His playing swings and it is for a player to opt to be to stretch out in some shrewd where Chuck Redd moves on to strings, and the arrangement generally fluent and technically unamplified. There was Charlie the vibes, and the two with but simple arrangements. moves seamlessly into Georgie's assured, although he tends to Byrd, of course, and latterly our Allen's tenor, the facile swing is exultant Big Town, replete with stick to single-note lines without own very impressive Remi TONY AUGARDE there in abundance. This is a very some wailing alto. The title That's trying to expand his vocabulary. Harris. Now here's another - useful CD for getting that party How Hit Records Are Made betrays These qualities are illustrated in New Yorker Nate Najar. I had going. the age of the production. this generous Avid double album NATE NAJAR TRIO been aware of his skill from Supposedly depicting the singer's of four LPs from 1956 to 1960. hearing his 2012 Candid release LES TOMKINS rise to public popularity, Madeline Swingin’ is mainly a showcase for AQUARELA DO BRASIL Blues For Night People, the latter is gifted with a romping Riddle- Gibbs, backed by some fairly composed by his inspiration, the PHRONESIS style chart - far removed from conventional big-band Candid CCD 79988 (57:49) brilliant Mr Byrd. This mixed set the 'hit' sounds of today. arrangements. Terry Gibbs Plays had a few Latin elements, but the LIFE TO EVERYTHING the Duke is by a small group with Given that all the great jazz new one is entirely devoted to The remaining six songs are of Pete Jolly playing accordion, guitarists for many years have the music and rhythms of Brazil - Edition EDN1050 (63.28) parallel calibre and variety, two which blends well with the vibes been plugged into the mains, with not all classifiable under the 'bossa nova' heading. highlights being the Fame/Bell and provides a kind of orchestral multiple results, it remains rare Phronesis (an Ancient Greek word for a type of wisdom or intelligence), was founded by Danish bassist Jasper Hoiby in 2005, it also includes British pianist and the Norwegian drummer Anton Eger. This is intense, driving music, literally propelled by Hoiby with a muscular bass sound – the opening title, Urban Control, opens with a bass statement of considerable impact, before Neame and Eger add propulsion. Overall, the music is reminiscent of , with much rhythmic emphasis and adventurous chord runs, much to the approval of the audience at this ‘live’ London recording in November last year.

Writing responsibilities are equally divided between the three, but the themes are skeletal – this trio is all about improvisation, whatever the tempo. If this performance has a weakness, it is the unrelenting pace, but the dexterity of the musicians is to be applauded.

GREG MURPHY

26 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 27 ON RECORD REVIEWS

THE KEYNOTE pieces by producer Feather! As JAZZ COLLECTION the Down Beat review put it, BOOK REVIEWS ‘Dinah and the boys are in there 1941-1947 all the way’. Quite. There follows scant attention. Of Chris’ four of , contributes Chris Barber a personal favourite of mine: Roy wives, only Ottilie gets more than a warm Foreword. The Eckstein Fresh Sound FSR-CD 815: 11 Eldridge’s Little Jazz Ensemble a met-wed-divorced mention. antecedents were white CDs teaming three trumpet masters, immigrants from Germany with Emmett Berry, Joe Thomas and So the attention should be firmly Billy’s grand-father the first to It’s sometimes the happy lot of Roy himself, with a top rhythm on his musical career – and so it marry across the colour-line and the jazz record reviewer to be section. Just to hear their I Want is, to a point. After charting the Ginell has been diligent in assigned the very item he (or to Be Happy is to define, yes, jazz band’s progress to the formation tracking down appropriate she) would most like to receive. happiness. Lim’s liking for such of the Jazz and Blues Band, he census details and family lineages, All too often, the opposite is the distinctive line-ups was his gets distracted and the Big Chris these culminating in William case. Not so this time. I missed producing signature, even as CD1 Barber Band is afforded 5 pages Clarence Eckstein Jr.’s birth on (i.e. failed to buy) the complete closes with two (from eight made for its dozen years of existence. , 1914 in Pittsburgh, then Keynote collection when it came for Lim in 1944) brilliant The cars he has owned and raced America’s eighth largest city. The out on LP way back in 1986. Now sessions, the to be worth their place. Stewart’s And so it was. A more receive a 10-page chapter, with youngster showed an early Fresh Sound, that most eclectic first with the on-form Eldridge evocative Swamp Mist has a Mood contemporary sound follows as prices paid and registration interest in music and following a and wide-ranging of Spanish and Teddy Wilson, the second Indigo feel, with Carney playing trumpeter Howard McGhee and numbers duly recorded. move to Washington began to reissue labels (and its driving minus Roy. bass-clarinet. Trumpet ace Jonah Chubby Jackson’s Herman mates appear in local shows and to sing as, thanks to his interest in motor force, Jordi Pujol) have created Jones partners the excitable zip through Northwest Passage, JAZZ ME BLUES: THE Two impressions persist: of a with local bands. Ginell racing, do Graham Hill, Colin the ultimate dream package with If all that were not enough, CD2 Shavers in The Keynoters with composer Ralph Burns on piano AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF planned longer book started long documents these moves and the opens with a session tenorist sounding before Cozy Cole rounds up Chapman and many others. ago that has been rushed to a a box set of eleven CDs CHRIS BARBER confining setbacks that arose in documenting the full Keynote that includes Hawkins again and Prez-like and energetic, but it’s another Herman-ite Shorty finish and of finding those segregated times crisply Earl Hines, plus the underrated One reason why some of Chris’ jazz output, this accompanied by the indefatigable Johnny Rogers for his session. Chris’ anecdotal style too but of more moment to Rag Thomas and trombonist Trummy CHRIS BARBER WITH ALYN major achievements were a superb illustrated booklet. Guarnieri on piano who shines random to translate into a readers will be his encapsulation Young (I remember an LP reissue Talking of zipping through, we’ll SHIPTON unfamiliar to me is that much of here as he does so often balanced narrative. But, of B’s time with Earl Hines (this of these tracks with truncated take CDs 6 to 11 on the run as his career has been away from unsatisfactory as it is, the Barber From its earliest beginnings in elsewhere. CD4 starts well with generating his great hits Jelly, Jelly solos; here they are fully space closes in, pausing only to Equinox Publishing, hardback, these shores, especially in autobiography is more than 1940 in New York, Keynote had the wheezy altoist Pete Brown’s and Stormy Monday Blues) and his focussed on quality.That said, its restored!). Their performance of All-Stars, Lim favourite Joe commend (with Germany. For instance, he writes welcome – and the photographs 978 1 84553088 4, £19.95 subsequent championing of importance to jazz connoisseurs Young’s Thru for the Night has Thomas stately on trumpet, Milt Thomas and Guanieri) and a rare with pride of the Concerto for are often quirkily interesting. bebop via his own star-studded rests in its employment of Harry always been a hot delight, relaxed Hinton and drummer J.C.Heard outing by pianist Horace Jazz Me Blues can certainly be and Orchestra orchestra. Hugely successful as Lim to produce a series of swing yet masterfully hip. Everyone on swinging like the proverbial. A Henderson (brother of Fletcher) described as ‘long-awaited’, by that Richard Hill wrote for him RON SIMPSON this was, he chose nonetheless to and bop recordings. It’s largely to form. As were the Basie-ites a more modern note is injected with the recently-deceased Eddie eager Chris Barber fans, but also which was performed in East move into more popular waters him that we owe the 62 priceless month later with their Kansas with Red Norvo’s all-stars with Bert on trombone. Clarinettist by Chris himself and Alyn Shipton Berlin in 1986 and 1988, but has MR. B - THE MUSIC & with MGM Records, making hit sessions spread over these City Seven/Five sides, Young dry-toned clarinettist Aaron Irving Fazola pops up on CD7, who first discussed the project in never been performed in Britain. LIFE OF BILLY records and building an individual CDs. Lim was Javanese alongside his pals Clayton, the Sachs and Wilson again, their Babe Russin on CD 8, with label 1982! The question is, ‘Is it worth impressive reputation as a top and had arrived in New York in idiosyncratic Wells, Jones and Seven Come Eleven picking up producer Eric Bernay favouring the wait?’ Overall the answer is One of the points British readers ECKSTINE club and theatre performer. 1936 from Batavia and was soon Basie (as ‘Prince Charming’). cheerfully from where Hamp and established white players like Bud undoubtedly yes because we will instantly turn to is the breach organising jam sessions, before Pliant, hard-swinging and BG left off. Guitarist Remo Freeman on Volume 8, echoed by learn all sorts of things about a with . In fact Chris CARY GINELL It’s also clear that he hankered to moving on to Chicago and New irresistibly creative. The Charlie Palmieri scores here. More good Lim on CD9 with Red Rodney’s remarkable career expressed in a writes with unfailing respect of parlay his good looks into a Orleans in search of more good Shavers quintet (with Hines and things follow with bassist Billy Beboppers as his label swan-song. simple readable style, but Ken’s playing, only criticising his Hal Leonard Books, paperback, viable Hollywood movie career. music. He joined Keynote in 1943 altoist Tab Smith) has a hard act Taylor’s Big Eight with Johnny compared to what it could have inarticulate leadership, and 978-1-4584-1980-4, $18.99 Sadly this never happened, due in and concentrated on the greatest to follow. The Hodges-like Smith Hodges’s sole appearance on Forgive the breathless tone of been the result is disappointing. suggests that conflict of musical part due to an unfortunate press jazz musicians of the day; sounds slightly cheesy and Keynote, sumptuous as ever and this over-view, but what with 243 interests was not the cause of US author Ginell is a prolific photo that showed adoring white eventually leaving in in 1947, due Shavers is a tad too florid for my Carney’s lively Carney-Val in sides spread over 62 sessions and As someone who knows a Ken leaving the band. Simply Bill writer on jazz, an earlier study of girls pressed against him. to‘professional difficulties’ with taste. Another of Lim’s Rhythm with the forceful Emmett a booklet running to 124 photo- reasonable amount about Chris Colyer took too much on himself in this Hal Thereafter, Eckstine continued as John Hammond, who had imaginative line-ups is next, billed Berry and shouty trombonist packed pages, there’s enough Barber’s career – and, indeed, when he decided to sack the Leonard Jazz Biography Series a Las Vegas favourite without ever become the label’s boss. as Coleman Hawkins and his Sax justifying that meat here for a book-length recognised his account of some rhythm section of a band that having earned him a high degree finding the further hit records or Ensemble: that’s Smith again, plus terrible pun. Jonah Jones lines up study. And why not, for this label events nearly word for word with was a co-operative organisation, of praise. Now comes this receiving the film calls (although Lim had recorded the George Hawk, and Harry next with a cohort of his (and its producers) provided a an interview I did – I was still not really Ken Colyer’s Band. account of the life of a significant many were mooted) that his Hartman Dixieland band in New Carney. Carney impresses as Calloway colleagues, trombonist window on a long-gone world amazed at his range of activities African-American jazz figure However, there are several talents and personality Orleans in 1941 and their four does the Hawk-inspired Byas, ’s ripe tones to the when the music’s greatest and the numbers of the great and whose vocal appeal (and good problems with Jazz Me Blues. For warranted. While never short of bright-and-brash sides open the drummer the kicker. fore. Final cuts here come from practitioners were at one in their good he has been associated looks) enabled him to cross-over a start it is only 147 pages long well-paid engagements, the last collection, trumpeter Hartman traditionalist George Hartman desire to create memorable with. We all know about the into lucrative mainstream (plus discography and index, both and clarinettist ‘Bujie’ Centobie There’s more Hawk on CD3 but pitched in with some New music? Fresh Sound see this box American stars he brought over popularity. Surprisingly, perhaps, period of his life seems to have good, as far as I checked) and the standouts. Thereafter, he the prize goes to Benny Morton’s Yorkers. set as a homage to the visionary and toured, from Muddy Waters this is the first Eckstine biography been a disappointment to him, Chris Barber is far from the best concentrated on New York swing Trombone Choir, another Lim Lim and rightly so. Don’t do as I to , but on the page and happily for the reader, it is a carrying a sense of treading at prioritising what is most starting with the celebrated special, with , Half-way through CD5 the did and wait for thirty years for their quantity boggles the mind – well-made and carefully water rather than the triumphant important. He makes nothing of Lester Young Quartet recordings Claude Jones and the quirky Bill realisation dawns that Lim and another reissue to come along. and the amount of successful researched over-view of Mr. B’s conclusion to a great career. He his private life. His parents sound in 1943, the first to feature Prez Harris, this sounding more company had recorded no less Beg, borrow or steal the loot, but touring his band did in the States life. The prose style is plain-Jane, appears to have remained a fascinating. Both decidedly left- (then back with Basie) truly exciting than the all-sax group. than seventeen sessions in buy now. took me by surprise, as did the no flights of fancy nor over-much jazzman at heart and seems leaning, his father was apparently alone, sounding supremely Multi-trombone outfits are 1944.So much for the stresses of revelation that he nearly took Ed tedious detail but enough to always to have regretted offered both a knighthood and relaxed and in good company. commonplace now: this was the war-time! This has more Norvo PETER VACHER Hall on as a permanent band make the story run and quite a distancing himself from the jazz the post of Chancellor of the Perfect music. Dinah first to record. Gloriously too, as and Hawk, and Shavers and then member. His association with story it is. world. The many illustrations, Exchequer in Attlee’s Washington’s debut session came on Once In A While. Fellow a peach of a session: George *It should be noted that this box set led to though quite small, are well government while his mother to Keynote via Leonard Feather trombonist Lawrence Brown Wettling’s loose-limbed New only contains the original Keynote launching the and Significantly, Ginell has earned the reproduced on art paper and issued takes; earlier compilations became Mayor of Canterbury. and features a Hampton sextet turns up with the non-Lim Rex Yorkers, with Hawkins, Joe with it many illustrious careers in co-operation of family Eckstein valuable. Eckstine died in 1993. included alternative takes and part- Ottilie Patterson’s parents – with clarinettist Rudy Rutherford Stewart Big Eight, its four Thomas and the impeccable Jack blues and rock. The likes of Eric (the original spelling of his name) He was 78. takes, often revealing significant Latvian and Irish – are similarly worth his place. Interesting to originals arranged by Brick Teagarden, Herman Chittison on Clapton, and and Ed Eckstein, one of Mr. B’s changes in individual solos etc. interesting, but both sets receive note that all four sides are blues Fleagle, and sufficiently individual piano, on Too Marvellous for Words. figure in his story, five sons, and a former President PETER VACHER 28 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 29 IN PRINT

faithful (if regularly querulous) don’t detract from this utterly much of an innovator Armstrong disciple. But as he affirms on the delightful volume. Its was in the 1920s, though cover of his last-ever memoirs accompanying CD, compiled by Brothers’ division of his here: ‘in this book I hope to the equally admirable Mike achievement into his ‘first show the funny side of my Pointon (beginning with I heard modern style’ and ‘second activities and accord (my jazz the voice of a pork chop by Ben modern style’ is tiresome, as is associates) the pleasure they Curry from l928 and concluding his discovery that Louis’ musical have given me both on a personal fifteen tracks later with artistry is based on the ‘fixed and GUEST REVIEWER level and from their music Ellington’s Dance of the Floradores) variable’ model. But Brothers has DIGBY making’. again offers a sly yet revealing much to tell us. For much of the FAIRWEATHER view of the author and his Chicago period he sensibly The result is a happy, constantly personal perspectives on life and reverses the common disarming and fully updated music. In short All this and slowly apprehension of Louis’ work. I ALL THIS AND autobiography, offering warm and deteriorating fast is a compact yet must confess that I have tended SLOWLY fresh personal recollections of his exquisite memorial to the life of to look on this time as the era of DETERIORATING years as a manager (for a central figure in Britain’s jazz the Hot Five and Hot Seven and FAST personalities as diverse as culture, a tiny but permanent not pay too much attention to, bandleader Ambrose, Mick monument more valuable than for instance, Erskine Tate and his Mulligan and George Melly and any stone. Vendome Orchestra. Brothers JIM GODBOLT. the Swinging Blue Jeans) along foregrounds the importance of with new insights into his LOUIS ARMSTRONG, his dancehall and theatre work – Proper Music Publishing, contributions to British jazz MASTER OF and also emphasises the extent hardback (with CD), autobiography and history. These, to which Armstrong was a 0956121284, £12.69 as we know, include his definitive MODERNISM schooled musician well versed in History of Jazz in Britain l919-50 playing classical solos. Conversely, A book no larger than the (wisely republished by Northway THOMAS BROTHERS though he sometimes gets into average CD cover (with a CD for in 2005) and its accompanying 4 unhelpful speculation about added value) is not the kind of CD set of 100 sides; issued (like W. W. Norton & Co., hardback, attitudes to race, he has much to jazz publication that turns up on the volume under review) by 978 0 393 06582 4, £25.00 say on the subject that is very a reviewer’s desk every day. But Proper Music, and incorporating revealing – although a much this is exactly what you get with a 12000 word booklet by Jim that Not so long ago it was still more harmless manifestation of the typically (and quite could, in other circumstances, possible for a writer to attempt racism that many others, I was wonderfully) titled All this and have deservedly won him a to cover all jazz history in a book taken with the idea that black slowly deteriorating fast, the self- Grammy. His twenty-six years as of manageable size. Now it seems musicians on Shuffle Along learned written final testament from editor of Jazz at Ronnie Scott’s - that the life and music of just one all the music because the white critic, author, commentator and the club’s one-time house man, Louis Armstrong, can’t be audiences didn’t like to think they agent, the late Jim Godbolt, who magazine and known almost contained within one volume. In could read music. Brothers’ died at the age of 90 on January universally as ‘JARS’ – produced 2011 Ricky Ricardi’s acclaimed account of the manifestations of 10th 2013. in due time his Jazz Farrago What a Wonderful World racism on Louis’ return visit to (Hampstead Press, 2008), a vivid concentrated on his later years New Orleans is also particularly The book’s subtitle, ‘Memoirs of document of a vital – if and now Thomas Brothers’ revealing. On the other hand, he a Geriatric Jazz Buff’, says a good occasionally perilous - period in second volume (following Louis can be lazy in accepting deal about Jim’s outwardly- the club’s history which clearly Armstrong’s New Orleans) details stereotypes: his presentation of presented view of both himself illustrates that Jim himself was the years from the early 1920s to as an unjazzy and the world. The surface-image capable of allowing himself to be the early 1930s. I have only seen academic purveying that he chose to display to us – taken less than seriously where an advance reading copy and am to the talented tenth of middle- hasty, impatient and monosyllabic, appropriate. Looking back over not sure if the official length of class black America has some quick to ill-humour and resentful delightful books such as these – 720 pages is accurate: in my truth in it and fits his theme well, of critique both public and as well as his irresistible World of edition 465 pages of main text but is monotonous and unsubtle. otherwise – sometimes masked a Jazz in Printed Ephemera and are followed by over 100 pages man whose love of jazz infused Collectibles (Studio Editions, l990) of discography, bibliography and On the other hand – and Master his soul, lit up his private days and - I’m re-struck both by their notes – and the index has yet to of Modernism frequently nights and carried him through a intrinsically British character (no be added! summons up those four little life which sometimes bounced bad thing) and equally their words – the research is him unmercifully on the waves of author’s obvious affection with So the first thing to be said about magnificent and the use of popular music fashion. But I did the older worlds of Ambrose, Louis Armstrong, Master of primary and secondary sources know Jim as well as most – and Roy Fox, the Savoy Orpheans and Modernism is that it is long, too in the text exemplary, for better than some. And in my view their contemporaries; an outré long! Apart from being example, the comments of Dave (as well as those of closer friends world which, to his and our encumbered by prodigious Peyton of the Chicago Defender down the decades, including that advantage, separated Jim from knowledge that leads him into (of whom I was aware only in a benign beacon of gentle many of his contemporary minute analysis, Thomas Brothers generalised way), the aspiring perception, Ron Rubin) he had - commentators. My copy of World does tend to repeat himself and middle-class jazz-hating lover of like Revivalist compadres James of Jazz is kindly dedicated ‘to Dig can hardly resist the temptation classical music who finds it Asman, George Webb, George – a kindred spirit indeed!’ and I to summarise: for instance the impossible to resist Louis Melly and some few others - treasure both book and final 12 page section, rather than Armstrong. On the strength of heard the pure call of New sentiment. a climax to the narrative, is the advance copy, the illustrations Orleans jazz as it re-surfaced in simply recapitulation. are only adequate; on the other Britain after the war, and There are, of course, one or two hand, it’s well edited and fairly unflinchingly determined to bloopers and spelling errors The second thing to be said is priced. traverse the musical paths of the despite the fine work of editor that it really is a valuable book. next sixty years of the music as a Matthew Wright but they really It’s useful to be reminded how RON SIMPSON 30 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 31 BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT

Eric Dolphy improvisations are introspective Auf Wiedersehen Sweetheart work RON SIMPSON’S ROUND-UP OF RECENT CDS and atmospheric, elusively well. melodic, not strongly rhythmic. His group includes vibes and DELMARK 60 YEARS OF Grant Green melody – enhanced by Burton’s either Braff or . evocative harmonies. A mystery is Bonus tracks include overspill rhythm section, all rather self- JAZZ (DE 916: 67.31) is rich the presence of Chris Swansen, from the original sessions and effacing, though highly-rated with the variety of output of the billed on the current release as four trio versions of 30s tenor saxist Mark Turner guests Chicago-based label. The playing valve trombone and in the standards, also recorded in 1954. on two tracks. Of the new contrasts are there in the original sleeve note as an extra On the experimental side Avid’s releases the most straightforward opening two tracks, Josh Berman percussionist! But who is Chris ‘Classic Albums’ series brings us is an attractive live set (at the & his Gang with an avant-garde Swansen? Trawling the internet two sadly short-lived multi- Ploughboy, Saltash) from Roger approach to Sugar (2011) and reveals him as a multi- instrumentalists. Roland Kirk’s Marks’ Cornish Armada: Dewey Jackson belting out a instrumentalist who later FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS DRIFTING AND happy-go-lucky version of That’s a specialised in synthesisers – very (AMSC 1111: 2 CDs, 146.17) after the celebrated live session The oddest of the new releases is DREAMING (Leap Frog Plenty from 1952, with Don helpful! Certainly he composed covers 1960-1962 and includes from the Five Spot in 1961. very appealing in a decidedly Records LF 9692: 64.39). The Ewell’s mighty piano covering the two of the tunes here, but his two most famous early MANCHESTER CONCERT Gallic way. ORLIE (Laborie LJ23: Cornish Armada takes on a lack of a bass. Tenor saxists figure they’re none too memorable. The albums: We Free Kings (with its (In Crowd 996692: 2 CDs, 48.23) features on the cover two rather more traditional colouring to great effect on this sampler, from a previously unissued take CD is completed by the quintet unforgettable flute version in 6/8 129.58) by Miles Davis is full of very intellectual-looking and (banjo and sousaphone, for of Lockjaw Davis on Lover from tracks from Joe Morello’s It’s of the Christmas carol) and fine music despite certain rather wild young people and this example) than Roger’s main 1947 to Ira Sullivan’s lyrical Along About Time (Burton and Phil Domino. Of the earlier albums oddities. It’s billed as the is a fair representation of the Armada Jazz Band, but the set is Came Betty in 2011, via Sonny Woods given space to stretch Introducing Roland Kirk benefits ‘complete’ 1960 concert from album. Gregoire Gensse plays by no means predictable. Apart Stitt and (my personal favourite) out) and a complete LP, Subtle from the crisp trumpet of Ira the Free Trade Hall, but is made piano and ‘objets’ (meaning he from the leader’s gruffly fluent trombone, Graham Trevarton – . The collection is Swing, by Nashville guitarist and Sullivan and Kirk’s Work gets a up from two concerts (the same finds things to hit or scrape), by turns forthright and delicate oddly balanced between the early Elvis sideman Hank Garland with feel from the evening, I think) totalling less than Elodie Pasquier plays clarinet on trumpet and cornet – days and the 21st century – the then 17-year-old Burton. presence of Brother Jack McDuff. 100 minutes. Furthermore, and bass clarinet, between them they compose all the pieces, impresses and the tune selection nothing in between – and only ccording to Wikipedia, Webster shows his age, sitting Back at Blue Note, It’s difficult to sum up the appeal Walkin’ cuts out part way through down to play, but the whole – ‘complete’? Matias Rinar’s note some with such quirky titles as is first class. Following on the the broad-minded will enjoy both made REMEMBERING GRANT of Roland Kirk: the seriousness of 15 albums in 1959, so it’s performance radiates energy. dwells on Coltrane’s quitting the Presque Rien (87 seconds mostly bold decision not to use any the tensions of Kahil el’ Zabars A GREEN (EJC 55626: 68.57) from his work accompanied by no surprise that Peterson, as always, has a group on an earlier tour and how of pinging and clanking). Gensse, numbers of the Armada’s Ritual Trio with violinist Billy Bang 1961 is joyously simple – and whistles and sirens, the was always on the lookout for surprising ability for such a is not Trane! With to my ears clearly classically repertoire, the likes of San, East and the Fat Babies doing the Bix simply joyous. The guitarist sticks straightahead blues-based tenor different themes for recordings. It dominant player to adjust to Sonny Stitt on tenor and alto, it’s trained, can move from Coast Trot and the title track thing (excellent cornetist Andy to classy standards (Berlin, sax alongside the two-at-once does, however, mean that another musician’s style and true that the quintet takes on a impressionist Debussy-ish come up fresh. Beer Barrel Polka is Schumm), but what’s wrong with Gershwins, Kern-Hammerstein, playing of strangely named OSCAR PETERSON repertoire. A very different piano less experimental, more bebop- melody to discordant percussive a bit corny, to be true, but other broad-mindedness? Dietz-Schwartz, etc.) and military , the bizarre : THREE great, , burst aligned feel, with Miles less attacks on the keyboard. Similarly off-the-wall choices such as decorates them with airy musical textures and the CLASSIC ALBUMS PLUS on the scene at the age of 22 in inclined to introspection, but it’s Pasquier, from mellifluous mood Happy Days are Here Again and improvisations. The sparse sound humming along with the flute. (Avid AMSC 1109: 2 CDs, 157.36) 1962, with TAKIN’ OFF none the worse for that, with a creation to squawks and of Green’s single lines and piano- Getting on for 40 years after his is to an extent limited by the (Essential Jazz Classics EJC formidable rhythm team screeches. I can’t pretend it will Rita Lovise less accompaniment from the death, Kirk remains an material. Swinging Brass (1959) 55630: 68.40), highly (, regularly be on my CD player, but admirable Wilbur Ware and Al exhilarating presence. Eric finds Russell Garcia supplying the authoritative, though in a style and Jimmy Cobb) in great form. on occasional hearing the Harewood gives the whole thing Dolphy’s FOUR CLASSIC extra heft Peterson doesn’t need more in the mainstream The ‘filler’ tracks come f rom St. freshness and originality are a and My Fair Lady (1958) tends than his later recordings. The a delightful lightness. The CD is ALBUMS (AMSC 1112: 2 CDs, Louis in 1963, with an equally tonic. I didn’t get so much towards the routine, though Porgy album consisted of six originals, completed by two unused tracks 159.55) lives up its name, magnificent rhythm section pleasure out of CRAVING and Bess (1959) is decidedly beginning with a defining and two takes of Woody ‘n’ You commencing with Dolphy’s first (Herbie Hancock, COFFEE (Losen Records LOS more distinctive and packs more performance of Watermelon Man, with a quartet (Sonny Clark on album as leader, Outward Bound and ) supporting 127-2: 42.44) by Rita Lovise, emotional clout. But it’s only on and the CD is completed by piano) from the same year. At the from 1960. G.W. sets out Miles and another saxist Rinar though this, too, scores heavily the ‘plus’ tracks that the three alternative takes and an other end of the experience Dolphy’s avant garde credentials seems determined to play down for originality and variety. It very Peterson trio is heard at its attractive, but overlong and fairly scale, BG IN HI-FI (EJC 55625: in its explosive opening, but there as a stopgap, the excellent much reflects the talents and exhilarating best: three 1952 conventional, trio treatment of 76.34) from 1954 is one of the is much more to him than that: a George Coleman. Ahmad intentions of Rita Lovise tracks from JATP and half an the Burke-Van Heusen gem, Like best Benny Goodman sensitive and technically perfect Jamal’s THE COMPLETE Haugseggen, singer, composer album from the 1956 Stratford, Someone in Love, live in St. Louis in recordings of the 1950s. With no treatment on flute of Rodgers 1961 ALHAMBRA and producer of the album. There Ontario, Shakespeare Festival, 1961. For Takin’ Off Alfred Lion regular big band through the and Hart’s Glad to be Unhappy, PERFORMANCES (EJC are songs in both English and Peterson in prodigious form and Blue Note provided their period – and sometimes no small for instance. Freddie Hubbard’s 55629: 2CDs, 151.22) brings Norwegian and I found the first supported by the magnificent Ray young star with a terrific quintet, group, either – his jazz didn’t trumpet crackles with intent and together 2 LPs, ’s two heavy going, with Brown and superb guitar from including Dexter Gordon and the grow organically and the problem , George Tucker and Alhambra and All of You, and adds portentously poetic lyrics (‘Fallen Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis marvellous Freddie Hubbard. At with re-creations of his 1930s Roy Haynes form the first of four in some unused tracks and a vultures enhance my flaws’) and respectively. Oscar Peterson the same time RCA Victor and early 1940s material is superb rhythm sections on the 1958 studio session. The over-dramatic delivery, whether also shows up with Ben assembled a stellar seven-piece comparison with the first time CDs. helped define performances feature his classic whispered or declamatory. Pretty Webster on DURING THIS for an outstanding 19-year-old round. But here that’s no the role in jazz for flute and bass early trio, with powerful, I guess, and there is TIME (MIG 80212: 71.25), vibes player on his second album problem. The big band assembled clarinet as well as playing high- and Israel Crosby, soon to die strong support from pianist Bjorn recorded in Hanover in 1972 under his own name: WHO IS for the recordings is a crack intensity alto sax – and Out There sadly early. Remarkably Ahmad Andor Drage and tenor saxist when Webster had only months ? (EJC 55627: outfit, with redoubtable finds him experimenting with the Jamal has been lauded as the Henning Gravrok, but for me to live. There is no sign of this on 78.20). Burton’s distinctive cornermen from the 1930s such jazz line-up. In a piano-less most influential figure in jazz after things only started to look up the CD, with Webster romping pianistic style is effectively in as Chris Griffin, Vernon Brown quartet, the wonderful Ron Charlie Parker and dismissed as a with track 3, Arer av kull, through and other place here and he has the and Hymie Schertzer, Teddy Carter joins him on cello, sharing cocktail pianist. I find neither Norwegian lyrics and an Ellington favourites. His ballad confidence to allow his sidemen Wilson’s natural successor Mel melody lines with Dolphy’s alto view tenable. What is certain is attractive melody very well sung. treatments are less breathy than their share of the glory. An Powell and a young trumpet star or duetting with George that his lyrical, melodically The titles on Ben van Gelder’s of yore, but I guess the added outstanding track is My Funny – and Neal Hefti’s on Duvivier’s bass. The final two LPs inventive, often witty versions of REPRISE (Pirouet PIT 3074: edginess is a modest concession Valentine with ’s hand to throw a few new are less unusual, but a fine a superb set of standards, with 43.56) are a bit of a give-away: to moving with . On the delicate statement of the verse arrangements into the reminder of Dolphy’s association Crosby and Fournier giving Crystalline, Evocation, Into Air it excellent accompanying DVD followed by ’s Henderson mix. Small group with the supremely talented empathetic support, are Disappears. Van Gelder’s (plenty of good close-ups), beautiful treatment of the main sessions feature Powell and Booker Little who died shortly unfailingly enjoyable. compositions and his alto sax 32 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 33 34 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 35