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10 SUN-SOAKED JULY DAYS IN BIRMINGHAM FRIDAY 16TH TO SUNDAY 25TH JULY – and it’s all free! 1937-2021 ISSUE 165 SUMMER 2021 UK £3.25

Photo by Merlin Daleman CONTENTS

LEN SKEAT (1937-2021), master bassist and jazz legend, left us recently. sums up his career. (pages 12-13)

4 NEWS

6 I GET A KICK OUT OF… RON GEESIN, pianist/composer/writer, answers the questions

7 IN SEARCH OF LINDA LIPNACK KUEHL RON SIMPSON tracks down Billie Holiday’s tragic biographer

8 JAZZ FESTIVALS LIVE!

10 : A PERSONAL TRIBUTE MIKE POINTON pays tribute to a great of

14 ON A BALCONY IN COPENHAGEN MIKKEL PLOUG tells RON SIMPSON about his unique CD.

16 JAZZ BRITS IN AMERICA SCOTT YANOW follows the fortunes of British jazzers Stateside

18 KING PLEASURE AND THE Photo by BISCUIT BOYS Merlin Daleman Three and a half decades in a band’s life.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK 20 CD REVIEWS The Jazz Rag now has its own Facebook page. For news of upcoming festivals, gigs and releases, 32 HENRY’S BLUESLETTER features from the archives, competitions and who Saydisc’s history and Victoria Spivey profile knows what else, be sure to ‘like’ us. To find the page, simply enter ‘The Jazz Rag’ in the search bar 34 THE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC RUSSELL CORBETT reviews a challenging year at the top when logged into Facebook.

THE JAZZ RAG PO BOX 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT, UPFRONT Tel: 0121454 7020 As we were putting this magazine together the news came that Bude Jazz Festival Fax: 0121 454 9996 had been postponed for a second year. This is sad news indeed for one of the best Email: [email protected] loved and most typically British of festivals, but optimism demands that we take Web: www.jazzrag.com note of how many are going ahead.

Publisher / editor: Jim Simpson Whether to plan to stage a festival or not in these strange times depends on News / features: Ron Simpson many different factors: the date, of course, but also ease of enforcing Covid- Reviews editors: Nick Hart/Charlie Moore related guidelines, flexibility of organisation and dependence on income from ticket sales (necessarily much reduced). In the circumstances we should rejoice in International editor: Yue Yang the number committed to going ahead (see pages 8-9), albeit, in many cases, with a Commercial Director: Tim Jennings limited programme and last-minute scheduling. Subscriptions & accounts: Nick Hart/Charlie Moore Designed by Nerys James On Divine Providence’s established principle of kicking a man when he’s down, the Printed by Warwick Printing jazz world (in fact, the music world) has now to cope with the problem of barriers www.warwickprinting.co.uk in . No one seems quite sure how well the internationalism of our music (Brits touring the Continent, European groups and musicians playing here) will © 2021 THE JAZZ RAG. All original material including survive the pernicious influence of Brexit – but it will, in one shape or form! advertising artwork remains the sole copyright of the Publisher and may not be reproduced without permission THE JAZZ RAG 3 NEWS NEWS

JAZZLEEDS IN ALEX KEEPS BUSY ACTION Saxophonist Alex Clarke is Alex Clarke with DARTINGTON SUMMER SCHOOL RETURNS JazzLeeds is quicker off the mark already looking forward to Digby Fairweather The Dartington Music Summer Advanced jazz instrumentalists Besides further courses in Artistic Director Sara Mohr- post-lockdown than most clubs. a crowded date-sheet as School and Festival resumes this will work with them in Duke experimental music, the jazz Pietsch commented, ‘After the Already there is a full weekly restrictions begin to be lifted. year on July 24 to August 21 at Ellington’s Sacred Concerts, offering continues with Peter last year it feels particularly programme in place at Seven Arts Plenty of guest spots testify Dartington Hall in Devon. This joined by Dartington’s amateur Edwards and member of the special to be bringing this year’s from May 20, with About Time, to her ability to fit in with celebrated event has been an Choir under Carol Pemberton NCU leading courses on jazz Summer School and Festival trumpeter Malcolm Strachan’s musicians in many different annual event since 1953, but of and Celia Wickham-Anderson of improvisation and jazz standards, to life. We need music sextet. There is limited seating styles. Among her upcoming gigs course 2020 brought an enforced Black Voices. plus specialist sessions for wind than ever and I am excited to for this, as for the next four are appearances with the Ben break. Over four weeks musicians players with Steve Dummer and welcome an incredible line-up of weeks: Ian Shaw with What’s Holder Trio (Draycote Hotel, of all abilities learn in small groups Dartington is also joining forces the Magnard Ensemble and brass artists to teach and perform, all New (27), Liam Noble/Seb Rugby – May 21), Jonathan Taylor Photo by Merlin Daleman from top professionals. Each week with the creative team behind workshops with Brett Baker and of whom bring great integrity and Rochford/Tom Herbert (June 3), (Witney Jazz – June 4), her own ’s innovative Café Jason Rebello celebrating Chick deals with a specific genre: early Paul Archibald. 2021 also sees vitality to their work.’ Josephine Davies’ Satori (10) and quartet featuring T.J. Johnson BLUES AND JAZZ IN OTO. Ryoko Akama will lead Corea (June 2), Ian Shaw with music, baroque and folk, chamber the launch of a daily Open Space Byron Wallen’s Four Corners (Albrighton Jazz Club – June THE GARDENS a new course in site-specific Unfortunately the pandemic is the songs of David Bowie and music and jazz and experimental. session for participants to rest, (17). From June 24, hopefully, 6), with the Alex Voysey Blues Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens and situational performance, still having an effect with social Joni Mitchell (4/5), Joe Stilgoe explore the grounds and try restrictions are removed, with Band (Broadway Arts – June 13), have an excellent record of The fourth week brings a using found objects and natural distancing and reduced numbers, with The Entertainers featuring out new workshops and each Andrew McCormack – solo and with Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends staging music events, including remarkable collection of phenomena to create a sounding making early booking even more Giacomo Smith (8/9), Antonio week features a Future Sounds trio – the first gig to benefit. (Walnut Tree, Blisworth – June a regular appearance in the professionals to the jazz ad space, whilst multi-instrumentalist important than usual. Forcione Trio (12), Binker course aimed at opening up the Meanwhile, a Sunday afternoon 20), with the Jeremy Huggett/ Birmingham, Sandwell and experimental course. Pianist Ashley Paul and Crystabel Golding (16), Ray Gelato and conversation about music. spot for local Leeds bands, Alex Clarke Quintet (Livermeade Westside Jazz Festival. This and composer Peter Edwards Riley offer a course on free www.dartington.org the Giants (19-21) and Jim Jam currently livestream, goes live on Hotel, Torquay – July 11) and year jazz is scheduled for every makes his Dartington debut with improvisation. featuring Jim Mullen and Hamish May 23. two appearances at the Pershore Sunday afternoon in July, not only his Nu Civilisation Orchestra. www.jazzleeds.org.uk Jazz Festival, with Martin Veasey at Festival time. Before that the Stuart (26). (August 13) and with Alan Sunday afternoon programme www.ronniescotts.co.uk Quartet (14), John Maddocks’ EARLY DOORS AT Barnes (15). features blues under the banner JAZZFRIENDS MEET NEWCASTLE JAZZ Jazzmen (21) and Bix, Bunny and WAKEFIELD www.alexclarkejazz.co.uk of Henry’s Botanical Blueshouse. UP Al Fairweather CO-OP GIGS Billy, a tribute to Beiderbecke, Wakefield Jazz Club is resuming The Nitecrawlers feature on May Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends have Newcastle Jazz Co-op at the Berigan and Butterfield by a fine on the first possible date, though NO FIXED ABODE! 23 and Tipitina on May 30, with Sunday lunch-time gigs at the Globe presents the Dean septet headed by Enrico Tomasso with early timings and mandatory Club 90 at Albrighton is one of a June programme of the Catfish Walnut Tree, Blisworth, on June Stockdale Trio (May 23), (28). And additional Thursday advance booking. The first two the great survivors among jazz Kings (6), Big Jim and the Alabama 20 and July 18, in addition to Josephine Davies’ Satori (30), the concert features YolanDa Brown sessions feature local stars Rory clubs, but even so October 25, Boogie Boys (13), the Whiskey evening sessions at Olney Jazz Charlotte Keeffe Quartet (June on July 15. Ingham (May 21) and Nicola 2020, must have seemed even Brothers (20) and the David Club (July 7) and Sidcup (15). In 13); Noel Dennis Trio (27), House www.theconcordeclub.com Farnon (28). gloomier for Albrighton than Moore Blues Band (27). present circumstances four days www.wakefieldjazz.org for most other clubs – and it www.blueshouse.bigbearmusic.com of the Black Gardenia (July 4); at Festjazz in Brittany (July 22-26) Rafe’s Dilemma (11); Alter Ego 7 VIRTUAL JAZZ was pretty gloomy everywhere! CLUB CONTEST must be regarded as provisional. COLCHESTER IN October 25 should have been RONNIE’S BACK IN (18) and Leeds City Stompers www.tadnewtonsjazzfriends.com The sixth edition of the 7 Virtual JUNE a celebration of the 30th ACTION (August 6). Jazz Club’s Contest to find Colchester Jazz Club’s Sunday anniversary of the club and the From May 20 ’s musicians and raise their profile evening sessions at Marks 5th anniversary of its happy in London moves from CONCORDE ON THE ROAD IN is open for entries until June 15. Tey Parish Hall resume at the move to the Social Club after livestreaming to a full programme WEDNESDAYS TO NOVEMBER There are two categories: Under end of June, with a healthily the brewery removed funding for of live shows, though, inevitably, RETURN After organising and playing 25 for people of that age with no full programme for the rest jazz at the Harp. Sadly the Social with reduced capacity. The The regular jazz nights every in the Herts Jazz Festival in prior experience with a producer of the year. The Louisiana Club was in the process of being programme from then until the Wednesday at the Concorde Club, October, Clark Tracey takes to or artistic promotion and Pros Rhythm Kings kick things off sold and no longer trading as end of June includes, among many Eastleigh, are scheduled to resume the road in November with his and Amateurs for all musicians on June 27, followed by Johnny licensed premises. But Club 90, others, Nikki Yeoh’s Infinitum in June. There’s a sort of a blues sextet, a busy tour starting on not belonging to the Under 25. An Baker’s Joymakers (July 4), Pete now labelled as ‘no fixed abode’, with Michael and Mark Mondesir feel to May 26, with Paul Jones November 5 at Wakefield Jazz. international panel of 32 jurors Rudeforth’s Jazz Band (11), the is planning to resume activities, (May 24), Bird with Strings with and Mike D’Abo, but the jazz Before that the sextet can be will decide the winners who Yerba Buena Celebration Band now at the Royal, formerly the Gilad Atzmon (25), programme begins in earnest with heard at the Hotel and Golf will such prizes as scholarships, (18) and Bob Dwyer’s Bix and British Legion. and Gilad Atzmon with the the Quartet on June Club in Stoke-by-Nayland on Pieces (25). www.jazzclub90.co.uk 23, followed by Andy Dickens’ Hot masterclasses and workshops. September 29. Lowest Common Denominator www.7virtualjazzclub.net www.colchesterjazzclub.co.uk (26), Tim Garland Quartet with Gumbo Jazz (30), Clare Teal and www.clarktracey.com her Sextet (July 7), the Ben Holder STABLES NORTH EAST PROGRAMME EMERGING FROM Jazz is playing its part in a LOCKDOWN NEWS FROM SANDY SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ RAG returning music programme Jazz gigs scheduled for the North John Latham has continued producing the Society at the Stables, Wavendon, with East include the Washboard Newsletter despite difficulties with the coronavirus and we were several postponed events back in Resonators (June 16) and Emma intrigued by the information about the London Jazz Big Band in SIX EDITIONS MAILED DIRECT FOR the schedule. The Jazz Dynamoes Johnson’s Gravy Boat (July 25, the February and March Newsletters. Firstly there was a long and appear on a Sunday morning 3:30pm) at Newcastle’s Punch enthusiastic review by Peter Vacher of the band’s debut at the 100 £17.50 TO ANY UK ADDRESS event on May 23, moved from the Bowl Hotel; Harry Keeble Club in 1975, then followed details of unissued recordings from Mancini Forum to the Marshall Quartet (May 25) and Abbie 1977 and 1983. Organised by Stan Greig and Al Fairweather, the Overseas rates: Europe £29, Rest of The World £36 Auditorium for reasons of social Finn’s Finntet (June 8) at the Black LJBB was an outstanding, if occasional, outfit, with such musicians distancing. Evening events include Swan; the Dean Stockdale-Mick as Ray Crane, Colin Smith, Tony Milliner, John Picard, Willie Garnett the Pasadena Roof Orchestra Shoulder Duo (May 30) at the and Al Gay among the regulars and occasional appearances from Cheques payable to Big Bear Music. Send to: (June 24), Ronnie Scott’s All Star Stage Door, Darlington; and Hot the likes of , Lennie Hastings, and Henry Jazz Rag Subscriptions, PO Box 944, Birmingham, England B16 8UT Band (29) and The Manfreds (July Club du Nord (June 25) at St Lowther. John Latham opines that, if the 1977/1983 tracks were 14), with Clare Teal and Darius Mary’s Parish Hall, Barnard Castle. issued on CD, they would provide Britain’s answer to The Atomic Mr. To pay by credit or debit card, visit www.thejazzrag.com Photo by Merlin Daleman Brubeck among the attractions Basie. But there appear to be copyright issues – questions should or phone 0121 454 7020 booked for August. be asked in the House! www.stables.org 4 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 5 I GET A KICK OUT OF… IN SEARCH OF LINDA LIPNACK KUEHL I GET A KICK OUT OF… IN SEARCH OF LINDA LIPNACK KUEHL Performer, composer, writer and absurdist RON GEESIN answers the questions RON SIMPSON tries to find the truth behind BILLIE HOLIDAY’s would-be biographer.

What track or album turned Banjoreno (Victor, 1926) as Many Jazz Rag readers will have intensive research for a biography And what was she doing? She On the night of February 6th, you on to jazz? the most wonderfully absurd been mightily impressed with of Billie Holiday: hence those 125 claimed, not unusually, to be 1978, Linda Lipnack Kuehl ’s Hot Seven composition in both structure Billie: In Search of Billie Holiday, tapes and what she called ‘a long looking for ‘the real Billie Holiday’. returned to her hotel room in Potato Head Blues (1927) - as and lineup. James Erskine’s documentary paper trail including police files, Much more unusually, she set out Washington, D.C., after attending balanced a ‘black classical music’ shown on the BBC in March. transcripts of court cases, royalty to achieve this by interviewing a concert there. construction now as when I first What was the best jazz The choice of performances was statements, shopping lists, hospital ‘anyone who had a personal Shortly afterwards she pitched heard it in 1959. performance you’ve excellent, with two tracks backed records, private letters, muddled association’ with Billie – obviously through the window onto the ever seen? by Count Basie’s 1951 septet, transcripts and fragments of not achievable, but Kuehl was sidewalk. The inquest verdict was What was the first jazz gig and Benny a stunningly bleak version of unfinished chapters.’ fearless and open-minded: a pimp suicide and I suppose everything you went to? Carter at the Fairfield Halls, Strange Fruit and that wonderful who knew Billie’s world in the might have got on top of her, but Not counting the candlelit jazz Croydon shortly before Hawk Fine and Mellow from The Sound Kuehl’s tapes have surfaced 1930s and a narcotics agent who her sister in insistent that, if she club in Glasgow run by a little died. I touched the great man of Jazz (Billie watching Lester before: privately purchased after busted her in the 1950s were had planned suicide, Linda would round fellow called Clifford - and there was nothing inside Young aided by Erskine’s split her death, they have been used equally approachable. not have applied her regular Stanton, it would have been a his jacket! screening) among the highlights. in various books, notably Julia cosmetic facemask. Chris Barber concert at the The cutting in of interview Blackburn’s With Billie in 2005, Kuehl approached Billie ‘as Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, 1959. What’s the best jazz material was generally done with well received, but, it seems listener, not biographer or critic. The family is convinced she was performance you’ve seen in such skill that the integrity of the to me now, inadequate as an Her voice was more true than murdered, but by whom? What is your favourite jazz the last 12 months? performances was preserved. exploration of the tapes. But anything else I’d heard before album and why? I just imagine the REAL Ma it’s only in the last few months and I wanted to know where The possible affair with Basie Too many to mention! I’ll pick Rainey. And then there were the that she has been widely written that voice was coming from.’ Her had apparently caused distaste out Earl Hines Spontaneous imaginatively chosen images to about and, while facts are version of Billie used her music in some quarters and various Explorations as an album. Difficult If you could meet one jazz illustrate not only Billie’s career, accurate, I can’t help feeling a as a counter-balance to a world commentators suggest, without to surpass in his displays of musician, living or dead, who but life in Harlem, for instance, misleading image emerges. of violence, misogyny and racism. much conviction, that someone in invention by straying into the would it be and why? or the persecution of African So what did a comfortably off girl the Basie circle might have been ethereal upper atmosphere, Jelly Roll Morton - to probe the Ron is just finishing his the forthcoming Complete Americans. But the interviews Let’s start with the name. She from the Bronx have to relate to responsible or even someone spinning round and getting facts of his partially realised art, next album RonCycle2 - the Ma Rainey (Jazzology, USA), were the most astonishing was born Linda Lipnack; the in Billie’s life? Not the extremes whose white supremacist views back safely. If you’re talking 78s, and follow his fantasies for my Journey of a Rhythm and properly mastered by Doug part of the programme, mainly ‘Kuehl’ was picked up on one of of deprivation or segregation went to extremes. Much more it’s the Jug Blowers’ own partially realised art! has supplied many tracks, Benson. More information because they brought together her two marriages, presumably certainly, but presumably two likely, it seems to me, is someone including unissued tests, for from www.rongeesin.com views of Billie from childhood the second. These marriages are broken marriages and life as a who feared the revelations in friends, relations, lovers, Harlem almost never mentioned in all Jewish woman gave her some her planned book. Christopher entertainers (Pigmeat Markham), the reviews and features, allowing basis for identification. There Stephens in the Daily Mail went lawyers, narcotics investigators the reader to imagine the young might even be a hint of envy when out on a limb for Louis McKay, (including Jimmy Fletcher, writer fixating on a feminist icon she writes, ‘She did not relate Billie’s final protector/tormentor, foregrounded in The United in place of her own experience to legal codes. She did what she and anyone who has seen Billie States v. Billie Holiday) and even of life. There is absolutely no wanted – with a vengeance.’ could believe he was capable a psychiatrist in addition to a suggestion that Mr. Kuehl, of tossing anyone through a stellar array of jazz musicians, whoever he was, was a John Levy Two problems, I don’t doubt, bedroom window. One is also from a wonderfully combative Jo or a Louis McKay, but Linda was appeared during Kuehl’s years tempted to look at the forces Jones to long-time accompanist surely more worldly than the talking to everyone with a of law and order (narcotics Bobby Tucker. general coverage suggests. view on Lady Day. I expect the enforcement?) as the connivance material began to expand beyond of the D.C. police force seems The quality of the interviews was More annoying is the repeated control: as the book became very possible: all records of the another factor. The interviewer information that Linda Lipnack more and more comprehensive case have been destroyed. was prepared to be casual, Kuehl was a high school teacher and insightful, it also became friendly, but she was equally and part-time journalist. I’m more difficult (impossible?) to Reviews of Billie have been very prepared to challenge, to probe, sure this is factually true, but write. Secondly Kuehl’s natural favourable, but a number of and had the knowledge to do again misleading. She was not dialogue with all and sundry reviewers thought there was too that effectively. That interviewer some kind of dilettante, sending produced too many revelations much about Linda Kuehl and a was Linda Lipnack Kuehl and articles to magazines in between for comfort: we know that similar number thought too little. most of the interviews on Billie marking 10th grade papers. pressure was on to suppress Me, I thought it about right, but were taken from 125 audio tapes She was entrusted by The tales of affairs with Orson Welles would love to see Kuehl herself she recorded in the 1970s. Review to interview such eminent and Tallulah Bankhead, but who the subject of an investigative authors as Eudora Welty and else felt threatened? documentary. Billie begins and ends with the Iris Murdoch at considerable death of a woman somehow length and her final interview A joy of these years was her Billie out of step with society in was with Joan Didion. She died friendship with some of the controversial circumstances before publication and Didion people she interviewed, notably Holiday at a sadly early age, but it’s not introduced the interview with Count Basie. Kuehl’s sister Billie Holiday in New York’s a paragraph in praise of Kuehl’s remembers taking a call for her Metropolitan Hospital in 1959, intelligence and acuity – and few from ‘Bill’ and Linda saying, ‘You but Linda Lipnack Kuehl on a American women stand higher know who Bill is?’ and it was sidewalk in Washington, D.C., in than Joan Didion in the world of Basie. Her sister, choosing her 1978. Born in 1940, she was a literary and social commentary. words carefully, says, ‘There was Jewish feminist journalist who had a closeness there,’ and nobody dedicated herself in the 1970s to In other words, Linda Lipnack seems clear just how close. Kuehl knew what she was doing!

6 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 7 FESTIVALS LIVE! FESTIVALS LIVE!

LAGAVULIN ISLAY changing programme of themed THE ISLE OF WIGHT THE SWANAGE FESTIVALS LIVE! JAZZ FESTIVAL classic jazz, revisiting the music of JAZZ WEEKEND JAZZ FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 17-19) neglected figures such as Noble (www.iwjazzweekend.co.uk) (www.swanagejazzfestival.co.uk) Coronavirus has had a disastrous effect on the jazz festival scene, as on so much else. Under the sponsorship of a local Sissle and Oscar Aleman as well is now scheduled to move is off the programme for a Many festivals are now in the position of cancelling for the second year running or, in many distillery, the jazz festival on the as the acknowledged greats. The from its customary May date second year, but the festival’s cases, simply announcing nothing beyond the 2020 cancellation, obviously hoping (but not most southerly of the Hebridean recent death of Keith Nichols will to September 9-12. A rather determination to continue is islands tends to be a convivial affair. be reflected in the programme reduced festival will focus on the shown by its setting its 2022 expecting) the clouds to roll by. www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk in memories of, and tributes to, a town of Newport. dates already (July 8-10) and even much-loved musician. announcing its headline act, the For all that there are plenty of jazz festivals to look forward to, even though, understandably, SCARBOROUGH www.whitleybayjazzfest.com THE 23RD Big Band. JAZZ FESTIVAL KIRKCUDBRIGHT many are as yet unable to announce their programmes: (SEPTEMBER 24-26) Then there are the JAZZ FESTIVAL No doubt there are many Three days high-quality jazz postponements. Sad as it (www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk) other festivals that are in the in the elegant Spa building are is to be unable to stage a leaves its traditional June date for same position as Swanage – no Gambit Jazzmen PERSHORE JAZZ series of concerts at St. Mary’s compered in inimitable style by festival at the chosen time, a hopefully virus-free (or nearly) 2021, but anticipating a normal FESTIVAL Church, Rye, over four days in Alan Barnes whose octet usually there is always something festival on October 14-17. 2022 – but, understandably, (AUGUST 13-15) August, featuring such artists as gets to round off the final night more cheering about being given the constantly changing The festival at Pershore College Incognito, Ashley Henry and Ian of the festival, in this case with able to substitute a later circumstances, few are making has already lined up an excellent Shaw/. his Jazz Portraits. A sample date rather than cancelling. such a precise commitment. programme featuring top, mostly www.ryejazz.com of the rest of the bill comes British musicians in various up with Tony Kofi’s tribute to combinations. A sample of the WARNER JAZZ , the Nikki programme gives us Hot Harlem FESTIVAL Iles Jazz Orchestra, the Karen led by Michael McQuaid, Hot (SEPTEMBER 10-13) Sharp Quartet and the Fergus Fingers with Robert Fowler, Pete and Heather Lay host a fine McCreadie Trio. Alan Barnes/Alex Clarke/Andy line-up of traditional jazz bands at www.scarboroughspa.co.uk JAZZ JURASSICA 35TH WIGAN MacKenzie, in Jazz with Gunton Hall, Lowestoft. As well (MAY 28-31) INTERNATIONAL Bruce Adams, Enrico Tomasso as Pete’s own Gambit Jazzmen, CALLANDER The Marine Theatre and Theatre JAZZ FESTIVAL and Jamie Brownfield and a the programme features the New JAZZ AND BLUES Square in Lyme Regis host a (JULY 9-12) Tribute to Keith Nichols. Orleans Jazz Bandits, Andrew FESTIVAL series of jazz and soul concerts, The highly respected festival www.pershorejazz.org.uk Hall’s Memories of , (OCTOBER 1-3) some of them free, with such returns to the Village on the the Golden Eagle Jazz Band, Baby The largest rural jazz and blues performers as Dom Pipkin, Zoe Green in Aspull for a programme NEWCASTLE JAZZ Jools and the Jazzoholics and the festival in resumes its Gilby, the Martin Harley Band and that reflects as far as possible last FESTIVAL Tenement Jazz Band. activities this year. the FB Pocket Orchestra. year’s cancelled event. (AUGUST 13-15) Email [email protected] www.callanderjazz.com www.jazzjurassica.co.uk www.wiganjazzfest.co.uk Three days of jazz, the first at Newcastle Civic Centre, the MARSDEN JAZZ LOVE SUPREME 37TH next two at Tyne Bank Brewery, VENTURE AWAY FESTIVAL JAZZ FESTIVAL BIRMINGHAM, feature such attractions as the JAZZ WEEKENDS (OCTOBER 8-10) (JULY 2-4) SANDWELL AND Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, the (SEPTEMBER 17-20, The well-regarded festival in a The first ten acts announced WESTSIDE JAZZ Abbie Finn Trio, Jay Phelps, Swing NOVEMBER 5-8) Pennine village takes a slightly for the festival at Glynde Place FESTIVAL Manouche and Dennis Rollins’ Venture Away are staging two different form this year, with in Sussex include Nubya Garcia, (JULY 16-25) Velocity Trio. of their three night, five band outdoor events playing a larger the Brand New Heavies, Candi Practically the only jazz festival to www.newcastlejazzfestival.co.uk seaside events. Blackpool Jazz and part. The Festival has also Staton and the Isley Brothers. be staged during the restrictions Lights (September 17-20) at the announced a partnership with www.lovesupremefestival.com of 2020, though in a severely RYE Savoy Hotel features Baby Jools Black Lives Matter. reduced form and away from INTERNATIONAL and the Jazzoholics, the Savannah www.marsdenjazzfestival.com BURTON AGNES its traditional July date, the JAZZ & BLUES Jazz Band, Richard Leach’s Street JAZZ AND BLUES Birmingham festival moves back FESTIVAL Band, the Eagle Jazz Band and, on HERTS JAZZ FESTIVAL to its customary slot and to (AUGUST 27-30) their farewell tour, New Orleans FESTIVAL (JULY 9-11) something nearer its normal size. In addition to single concerts Heat. Then on November 5 (OCTOBER 15-17) As yet the Burton Agnes Festival Because of the pandemic there at the De La Warr Pavilion there’s a similarly explosive mix This year’s festival under the is unable to announce its will be more use of outdoor in Bexhill-on-Sea during the at the Grand Hotel, Torquay. direction of Clark Tracey takes programme, but plenty of variety venues and a limited number of summer, the festival stages a www.ventureawaymusicweekends.co.uk place in South Mill Arts, Bishops is guaranteed, together with a streamed events, but for the most Stortford, which, as the Rhodes beautiful pastoral setting complete part it will again be a crowded Dom Pipkin Arts Complex, hosted the with Elizabethan manor house. programme of events in informal 2019 festival. www.burtonagnes.com settings, with participation in www.hertsjazzfestival.co.uk everything from ukulele lessons to MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK jitterbug sessions. MIKE DURHAM’S & BLUES FESTIVAL www.birminghamjazzfestival.com INTERNATIONAL (JULY 9-11) CLASSIC JAZZ The popular event in Moseley 9TH RYEDALE PARTY Park is headlined this year by FESTIVAL OF (NOVEMBER 5-7) such acts as Martha Reeves and TRADITIONAL JAZZ 33 musicians from eight countries the Vandellas, the Wailers, Neneh (JULY 24-30) – the , the United Cherry and the Fatback Band. Ryedale Jazz again take the stage States, Norway, France, , www.mostlyjazz.co.uk for a week of traditional jazz in , Italy and Sweden – North Yorkshire. assemble in the Village Hotel, www.ryedalejazz.com Newcastle-upon-Tyne for an ever-

8 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 9 CHRIS BARBER: A PERSONAL TRIBUTE CHRIS BARBER: A PERSONAL TRIBUTE

Blackbirds of 1928. Chris also cut should have been because in the CHRIS BARBER: A PERSONAL TRIBUTE Elite Syncopations, an LP of rags, depths of their ignorance some many previously unrecorded, on audiences expected to see the MIKE POINTON, fellow-trombonist, writer and broadcaster, reflects on a remarkable career. which he multi-tracked himself French film star Louis Jourdan! playing joseph Lamb’s Bohemia But at least the band was able to he played alongside the New he was present at a rehearsal in Rag from 1919. make an album with the great R Orleans pioneers. It also became Soho when a young, petite girl & B hero where they were able clear that his often introvert arrived as the band were packing In 1959 the Barber band had to show their adaptability.They’d on-stage personality clashed with up. She asked if she could sing another chart success with already risen to the occasion Donegan’s flamboyant persona. a number with them so they Sidney Bechet’s Petite Fleur, a when they teamed with the When I interviewed Harold reluctantly allowed her to join feature for Monty Sunshine that great Jamaican saxophonist Joe Pendleton for Goin’ Home, the them. After hearing her powerful helped make their first trip to Harriott the previous year for his biography of Colyer I wrote with voice that seemed to echo the the USA possible. They visited composition Revival. Ray Smith, he explained that spirit of Bessie Smith, Lonnie New Orleans and Muddy Waters’ somehow it was inevitable that immediately told her, ‘You’re in!’ blues club in Chicago and Ottilie After the so-called `Trad the band couldn’t survive such even though Chris was absent never forgot how moved she was Boom’ had run its course--a internal conflicts. Ken left to form due to illness. On hearing Ottilie when, after hearing her sing with phenomenon Chris regretted, a group more in keeping with his Patterson himself, Chris agreed Muddy’s band, the black audience since it spawned so many paid her the ultimate compliment misguided corruptions of the Chris Barber’s enduring the same ambition. Clarinetist musical aspirations, but until the she must join the band and by telling her `You’re one of music he loved---the band, contribution to British jazz and Monty Sunshine from the New end of his life Chris regretted Ottilie was acclaimed for her us.’ I’d originally seen Muddy inspired by Chicago blues, blues can never be overestimated. Orleans Revival-influenced that such a good band hadn’t first recording made live with Waters for the first time when enlisted the electric guitar of John Many younger musicians owe Crane River Jazz Band was the lasted longer. And, despite their them at the Royal Festival Hall in Chris and Harold Pendleton Slaughter in 1964 which brought using several new faces and the dementia. He decided to live in much to his dedication that made first to join, together with fellow differences, Lonnie told me in 1955 where she captivated the had brought the great bluesman it an extra musical dimension talents of fellow trombonist and a care home in Marlborough, it possible for them to hear Crane, drummer Ron Bowden. later years that Ken’s playing was audience with St. Louis Blues and and his pianist Otis Spann to and they started to be billed as Ellington aficionado Bob Hunt to visited regularly by his devoted and see in person so many of Banjoist Tony` Lonnie’ Donegan the most moving he’d ever heard. I Hate a Man like You. Chris and Britain in 1958 to appear with Chris Barber’s Jazz and Blues play alongside him and arrange wife Kate and such friends as the major American musicians and bassist Jim Bray completed Ottilie were married from 1959 the Barber band. Their powerful Band. Their evolving repertoire much of their music in the pianist Ray Smith and recording playing the music he loved. It was the rhythm section. Pat Halcox By May 1954 Pat Halcox was until 1983 and she made her impact on audiences was electric reflected this, but they never lost Duke’s style. The band was given authority Dave Bennett. Chris through Barber’s passion for the was first choice on but, able to rejoin the group and they final tour with the band in 1991. in every sense and helped sight of the band’s New Orleans a new lease of life and attracted Barber passed away peacefully blues and gospel music that such after rehearsing and playing local were renamed Chris Barber’s She told me that a highlight of establish Muddy’s worldwide origins, always using Bourbon Street audiences of all ages. Chris never on March 2 2021, aged 90, having key figures as Muddy Waters, gigs, had to leave to complete his Jazz Band, making their first LP, her time with Chris was when reputation. This was confirmed Parade as their signature tune. lost his youthful passion for the led a band for 65 years-- longer Brownie McGhee & Sonny Terry, studies as an industrial chemist. New Orleans Joys, for Decca two they toured the UK with Sister to me many years later when I Chris also took a great interest music he’d given his life to. They than his idol, . Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Alex months later. It became a best- Rosetta Tharpe in 1957 and how was working for the BBC in Los in contemporary New Orleans played concerts throughout Chris once said to me: `You have Bradford were able to appear on Chris and Monty knew that seller with such tracks as Chris’s Rosetta encouraged her, greatly Angeles in 1980.By coincidence music and its developments. Britain and toured Europe with to play as if your life depends on concerts promoted by Barber and (also an ex-Crane) popular of Chimes influencing Ottilie’s stagecraft. I was staying in the same hotel great success until 2019 when, it.’ And he certainly did. Thanks, his long-term business partner was due to return from his Blues, Bobby Shaftoe and The During this period the band was as Muddy without realising he Times and musical tastes were sadly, Chris was forced to retire Chris, for everything. Harold Pendleton under the aegis pilgrimage to New Orleans so Martinique, a number composed recording regularly reflecting not was there. He must have picked changing, but Chris’s musical owing to the onset of advancing of The National Jazz Federation they contacted Ken and offered by American trombonist Wilbur only Chris’s love of New Orleans up my English accent when we integrity never sold out and and their . Such him the trumpet chair in the De Paris whose band had a music, but of other genres. were at nearby tables and to my he always encouraged younger visiting giants influenced a whole new band which became Ken similar approach to Barber’s. But Among the imaginative albums astonishment crossed the room musicians. By 1968 gifted generation of performers like Colyer’s Jazzmen. In spring 1953 the great success from the album they made was Echoes Of Harlem and asked if I was from England. reedman John Crocker had Alexis Korner, they toured Denmark with some was Rock Island Line, a Leadbelly with many neglected numbers He then asked if I knew Chris replaced Ian Wheeler after and countless others. success and were recorded song featuring Donegan and the from the 20s and early 30s Barber and when I said `Yes’, he Wheeler completed his first there by the new Storyville label. group which was released including one of Barber’s heroes immediately replied `Well. Give stint of seven years with the Donald Christopher Barber Colyer also sang and played as a single and, unexpectedly, Duke Ellington’s Doing The Crazy him my love!’ Muddy clearly band. John was to remain with was born in Welwyn Garden guitar, leading to forming with entered the charts in Britain and Walk which the Duke himself appreciated how much Chris had Chris for over 30 years and be City on April 17, 1930, and vocalist Donegan (also on guitar) the USA, leading to Lonnie’s solo never recorded and a tender done to advance his international teamed alongside Wheeler when learned violin from the age of what became known as the career. Lonnie once told me that feature of Porgy from career. When I compiled a BBC Ian returned in 1979. In 1976 seven. When attending St. Paul’s `breakdown group’ with Chris radio tribute to celebrate Chris’s Chris achieved an ambition by School in London he discovered on bass, performing blues and band’s 40-year anniversary recording his Echoes Of Ellington jazz, started collecting records folk songs. When they returned composer/pianist of album with two genuine ex- and going to hear the few to England this band-within-a fame, to Ellingtonians, Russell Procope and bands then playing traditional -band became a popular segment my great surprise, informed me Wild Bill Davis. jazz. He recalled in his 2014 of their club dates. Colyer’s that it was he who had insisted autobiography Jazz Me Blues that brother Bill sometimes joined Chris and Harold bring Muddy to Pat Halcox, a fiery player but a while he was training to be an in on washboard and named Britain in the ! (Chris gentle man, remained alongside actuary in 1948 he went to a the music they played ‘skiffle’, recorded the MJQ’s The Golden Chris for 54 years and was at the session by ’s after a black Harlem group’s Striker in 1959.) heart of the band’s special sound first band. Humph’s trombonist records he had discovered. The until he retired aged 78 in 2008. Harry Brown offered Chris his Jazzmen made their first LP for By the early 60s the Barber Pat had naturally taken part in instrument for £6 which led to Decca, New Orleans To London, band was still filling UK and Barber’s popular reunion tours Barber studying trombone and which met with much acclaim European concert halls as a major for their 40th anniversary in 1994 at the Guildhall and included some of Chris’s attraction, but, as ever, Chris was where the early band appeared School of Music. He soon found ragtime arrangements such as determined to bring over his on the same concerts as Chris’s kindred spirits, including his Cataract Rag and Harlem Rag. favourites from America. One was current one to ecstatic audiences. lifelong friend, clarinetist Alex They also broadcast, but sadly, the dynamic singer/saxophonist He was also a founder of what Revell, and formed a semi-pro after a year or so, musical and Louis Jordan in 1962. Chris told proved to be Chris’s farewell band playing classic King Oliver- personal dissension led to their me that working with Jordan was project: The Big Chris Barber Band. style jazz. By 1952 Chris felt he break-up. Ken felt that the band’s like ‘being dragged along by wild needed to play jazz professionally rhythm section didn’t capture the horses’! It seems that Jordan’s Chris’s newly-expanded 10-piece and assembled a line-up with idiom he’d been steeped in when tour wasn’t as successful as it group was formed in 2002,

10 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 11 REMEMBERING MR LEN… REMEMBERING MR LEN…

Len with Jill born in the years following 15 years. I was privileged to REMEMBERING MR LEN… Christian Barnaard when heart see – sometimes quite close- surgery became more of a up – how Jill protected him; how Sadly the latest of our tributes to British jazzmen of a golden age of talent takes the form of possibility. And other physical she wrote the letters to clear an obituary for the great bassist LEN SKEAT (1937-2021) – in the words of his long-standing challenges later on made it away the problems, personal and difficult for him even to lift and legal, that had long haunted his colleague and friend DIGBY FAIRWEATHER. carry his bass. He wasn’t always days and nights; how, at last, she conscientious about his physical sorted out his diet (previously a by side, we would approach – over our 43 years, my dear therapy exercises. But it was damaging and over-regular menu and sometimes confront – our friend seemed – perhaps over now that I noticed something of fry-ups and fish and chips), and deepest loves, our enthusiasms, regularly - to be at odds with else about Mr. Len – his bravery. how she loved him as no-one our weaknesses and failings, and life, which, admittedly, over the He bore his increasing pains as else ever had done. She blessed occasionally our differences too. years dealt him some malicious a wounded soldier would bear him with more gifts, practical and even thoroughly evil blows. But underneath that occasionally its body. I don’t know whether them; with silence, dignity and and emotional, than any of us. ‘The Time Lord’, our latterday And suspicious of the world, defensive exterior lay a man who his longterm musical partners immense courage – and would be And whenever we spoke on the name for Mr. Len, was really he was therefore - as I saw was sensitive to (and sometimes Stephane Grappelli or on the bandstand on time every phone in recent years I would ask no more than a light-hearted many times - sometimes ready apprehensive of) the feelings ever signed it? But Peggy did time. He was one of the bravest Len, ‘How’s Jill?’ and his response affectionate diminution of what (perhaps over-ready) to joust of others; who wanted to be more than that. Whenever she men I ever met. would be, ‘Oh, my little darling! he actually was; a musician of on a personal basis with what loved and who loved in turn. came to Britain she asked for Mr. She’s simply perfect.’ She was proud and unforgiving personal he perceived as its failings and His generosity to friends – very Len, as she knew that he was the But even if he was in pain Mr. –and is - and there was a new standards. To me – in one sense shortcomings, to be protective much including me – took many best, and that no-one, for her, Len could be funny, too. On deeply peaceful feeling in my old and in a word which requires of his personal landscape, and on practical forms beyond those could play her biggest bass-based one occasion, on behalf of Sir friend’s voice. I really can’t think underlining – Len Skeat was occasion to shape-up verbally to endless free lifts: the sharing of hit Fever better than him. Len ’s Wavendon of a happier ending. his double bass. He knew his perceived enemies who appeared music which he felt might delight loved Peggy and – perhaps with organization, we travelled down to instrument; he loved it and knew to challenge that landscape in – or even enlighten – you on as a close second – the South Coast to play a concert But I remember one day, long what it could do. Its sonorous any way. But his double-bass was tape, CD or DVD; the regular she was the most famous of the with his great friend, pianist Brian ago now in 1978, when we frequencies chimed and accorded his safe refuge – and his armour. giving of gifts to loved ones (I dozens of American visitors who Dee, saxophonist Olaf Vas and were rehearsing with Velvet at with his deepest and sometimes And remarkably, just the other have them all around my house). asked specifically for Len Skeat a drummer who I think was the Len’s home in Goodmayes, and most concealed soul. And once day, I found words from the And, speaking personally, I was whenever they came to Britain. incomparable . Before his father called in on his way at the double-bass he was, very biography of Louis Armstrong privy to the deep concern that In any jazz club they knew that our concert we were asked to to Foote’s, the bass repairers regularly, at one with the world – the veritable ‘Shakespeare of he would extend to friends in they could rely on him; that he conduct a workshop for a big in London. ‘See you later?’ Len and the musical universe too. jazz’ - written by the great the smallest but most significant could read any part; that the root class of schoolchildren: show asked and his father said, ‘I His happiest moments of all, I Ricky Riccardi. The words came ways. Again there are many and fifth of the chord would be them our instruments, explain won’t be coming back this way’. believe, may indeed have been from actor Ossie Davis who examples. But one such again at the heart of his work; that he how they worked and play a little. He didn’t; very suddenly but playing at the heart of a great co-starred with Armstrong in concerns those miles we shared would play the great double bass We all did, but when Mr. Len peacefully, just like his son, he rhythm section, in the same way the jazz movie A Man called together in his car. At one point with the authority that it was stepped forward with his beautiful fell dead later at his destination. Photo by that his close friend Ray Brown, Adam. ‘The trumpet,’ said Davis, we lived in neighbouring counties; meant to be played with – and double-bass, indicating its shapely Now Mr Len won’t be coming Merlin Daleman the lifelong associate of Oscar ‘was where the truth of Louis Mr. Len in Kent and I in Essex. that, as I said, the time would curvaceous contours, his address back this way either. Like all of his Peterson, believed that any jazz Armstrong resided. The moment And at the point where we went be good. When Len joined Ted to the class was stamped with musician friends I shall miss him Mr. Len is what we called him. a mistake couldn’t be allowed as ensemble, large or small, turns he put the trumpet to his lips a our separate ways at the great Heath’s unforgiving orchestra in his own kind of authority. ‘Well, most dreadfully and – although Never ‘Lenny’. And of course the programme, and the music, on its double bass axis. And as new truth emerged, a new man Queen Elizabeth Bridge over the 1960s he replaced a player children,’ he said, ‘just look at that! there are many truly great bass never ever ‘Leonard’, the given were non-stop for half an hour. a trumpet-player who shared emerged, a new power emerged the Thames – and I would need who in his words ‘flew all over All the shapes and beauty of a players out there – Len Skeat was name of Leonard Skeat born on And that’s pressure. Mr. Len was his company for thousands of and I looked on Louis for what a lift home – he would stay in the place’ on the bass. Len never lovely woman’s figure – and none my ‘first-call’ right up to my last February 9th 1937 and younger extremely proud of the musical hours on both roads and stages he truly was after that.’ And the car with me until that lift did that. But at one Blackpool of the troubles that go with it!’ solo album as he was for my first brother to saxophonist William medals he carried with him from I came to understand that. In the exactly the same could be said, arrived rather than leaving me in Jazz Festival in 2004 where we in 1978. Thank you, Mr.Len; it was Frederick James ‘Bill’ Skeat, those relentlessly testing years. outstanding 1986 movie Round I think, of Len Skeat, his double the dark night of a windy Essex both appeared, and where he But after those troubles that Len a privilege, a wondrous friendship born eleven years beforehand But at the same time he carried Midnight produced by French bass and the way in which the outpost. And for that I could have was invited at no notice to join had experienced over the years, and an unforgettable lifetime’s in Stratford, London, in 1926. his jazz gifts with equal pride and director Bertrand Tavernier two of them dealt with his hugged him. the trio starring Rebecca Kilgore, came Jill Gresty – now Jill Skeat experience. And I will never ‘Mr Len’ was the affectionate that’s when and how I got to and starring the great American relationships with the world. I Dan Barrett and Eddie Edwards, – his first true love with whom forget you. diminutive by which all his later know him well; as a jazz bassist saxophonist as write ‘the two of them’ for a I wanted to go back over those he could have had no idea that he shared his last truly contented friends knew him best. of supreme skills as well as a Dale Turner, his nearest female reason. It was his distinguished two other musical ‘t’s – tone their opening number would comrade, friend (and occasional partner Darcy Lee – played by forerunner, and my great friend, and taste. And for lovers of the be The Trolley Song from the Photo by I don’t know what they called fighting brother) for 43 years the actress Lonette McKee – bassist Tiny Winters (whose 60- jazz double bass Len exemplified Judy Garland movie Meet me in Merlin Daleman him in the unforgiving musico- from 1978. That was when our lovingly tells Dale: ‘It was you year career began with Ambrose both qualities. Early on in our St.Louis. It was taken at a speed military ranks of ’s group Velvet was formed; cornet, who taught me to listen to the in 1931, moved on via Roy Fox, friendship he had acquired a that, rather than a trolley car, big band or the BBC Big Band two guitars – gentle Ike Isaacs bass and not the drums.’ Mr. Len Lew Stone, Ray Noble and post- magnificently handsome antique much nearer resembled Japan’s where if you didn’t shape up you and dear irrepressible Denny taught me that lesson early on war West End shows and finished bass which - when he plucked bullet train. And, when he came were out of work, and where Wright – and the Time Lord: the in my career too, when my own on record with rock singer Sting) or bowed a note - practically off the stand, I said, ‘Mr. Len, that he was, for many years, a proud master of the three ‘T’s of time, sense of time was much at fault. who once told me a light-hearted shook the rafters of his beautiful was sensational!’ My old friend standard bearer for infallible tone and taste keeping us all on And in music, time is not just a story of walking into a tube- home in Goodmayes (Len always cocked his head and smiled. ‘I musical delivery. Or indeed the track. And as we lived near to great healer, but a sine-qua-non for station in the early morning had big and handsome homes). I can still burn,’ he said. At other equally testing surrounds of each other – I, a non-driver, in a musical clean bill of health. hours carrying his double-bass. To loved the sound but, said Len, ‘it’s moments, in self-joshing mood, session work – anything from Forest Gate, East London, Len Tiny’s delight he was greeted by a too big for our music.’ So once he might have averred: ‘I can still TV commercials to variety down the road in Goodmayes, I mentioned that behind his bass station-attendant with the cheery again he returned to his favourite bop the boogie!’; a phrase I loved shows and even (for those who Ilford– we began the thousands Len became at one with the question: ‘Where are you two off instrument which he played for and use to this day. remember it) Music While You of automative travel hours in his world. But I also believe that it to?’ And it sometimes occurred life in the highest company. And Work – when you put the music latest shiny car that would serve became his protective saviour to me that in his earlier more if you look at that instrument In his later days that must have up on the stand, played it down as a unique consultation-room when (another underlining) the turbulent and stressed-out years now you can find the autographs been difficult. From quite early in one for the old BBC Light for what I see now as mutual world was not, at various times, perhaps his double-bass really of his fans – including Sir Paul on Len suffered severe health Programme and where making therapy sessions. Seated side with him all the way. Often, was Len’s best friend of all. McCartney and Tony Bennett – setbacks; heart attacks which carefully and lovingly etched into made me grateful that he was Len with Brian Dee

12 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 13 ON A BALCONY IN COPENHAGEN ON A BALCONY IN COPENHAGEN

an album. Mikkel crowdfunded it consequence, but, at the time ON A BALCONY IN COPENHAGEN on Kickstarter which he ran via of this interview (late April) his Facebook. Amazing numbers restaurants, music venues and so RON SIMPSON investigates the story behind Balcony Lullabies on Stunt Records, contributed and the album on were again opening up. was made. MIKKEL PLOUG’S positive and uplifting approach to the covid pandemic. Mikkel has not resumed his So how does Mikkel feel about the normal musical activities, the government and follow its review, Ploug always credits the whole Balcony Lullabies project? but for positive as well as directives which has helped the lyricist of the songs: even though negative reasons: country cope with the situation, there are no vocals, the meaning ‘Overwhelmed, humbled, full of but in March 2020 that was little behind the melody is crucial to hope for the power of music! ‘Normal is far away as I used to defence against the prevailing his performances. He explains – Music came out and showed tour a lot abroad. Balcony Lullabies fear. Mikkel takes us back to his or, perhaps, is unable to explain its importance. I really felt like I has become very popular in feelings at that time: – the reasons behind his choice was just a vessel somehow for Denmark, so 90 % of my planned of material: what happened.’ concerts are solo with some kind ‘Like most I guess I was very of version of this repertoire. It’s scared and sad, especially about ‘This was the craziest part, I felt How has the story unfolded a wonderful challenge to play having to teach my small kids completely open to all music since then for Denmark in a whole concert solo and I’m not to get close to other human in this period and spent many general and Mikkel Ploug in just loving re-harmonising and ‘I have always had the feeling And what is remarkable about beings. That was the worst part. hours every day looking for particular? The situation has reinventing old Danish songs that a lot of the music I love the album Balcony Lullabies is that, The balcony performances were songs that would just hit me been not dissimilar in some ways from my childhood.’ and play myself could have a listening to it on a sunshiny day actually my wife’s idea. I first “straight in the heart”. Then I to other countries, including lot further reach audience- with lockdown gradually easing, said no, I didn’t want to draw would try to play it on the guitar, the UK, but less severe. Mikkel It’s very easy to talk glibly of wise. Now I know it is true. it is impossible not to identify attention to myself, but then I add a little “new harmony” and, says with no hint of a dig at the the power of music – to listen There is really only a subtle with the original situation: Mikkel saw the pictures on the news of if it brought tears to me, then I British system (at least, I don’t to radio requests you might difference to me playing a bringing his guitar and amp out trucks driving out of Bergamo went with it. I was just looking think so), ‘It feels like such a think that the most mundane Danish lullaby, my own music into the freezing night air, the and I thought, “OK, I have to do for a melody so strong it had to privilege to live in a country with of melodies have miraculous or a modern composer such old lady topping up her glass something! I’ll play a song out be played. A melody that could a well-functioning welfare system transformative powers – but as Bent Sørensen’s music. I’m and coming to listen, and fearful in the dark for the kids to go to help us get through this absolute and a good government.’ The Balcony Lullabies is a rare example very happy I have found a whole and confused children being sleep.” So I put my amp out there. unreal situation we were all in general trend traces a familiar of its ability to change lives. After new audience who have lifted consoled by familiar lullabies in Our apartment is on the highest all of a sudden. So I discovered trajectory as two months of providing delight and comfort in me up and sent me in a new an unfamiliar setting. floor and we have a large balcony many new favourite songs in this relative normality were followed a temporary (we hope) time of unexpected direction I could facing the courtyard, so we have period, some I hadn’t heard since by what Mikkel calls ‘losing the suffering, it has had a long-term never have foreseen.’ www.mikkelploug.com neighbours on all sides. I turned I was a child. grip’ around Christmas. Another effect on both Mikkel Ploug and When I was reviewing CDs for Primarily a jazz player, in his own www.sundance.dk it up way loud and played a lockdown was the inevitable his audience: (Stunt Records) this issue of Jazz Rag, one album words, Mikkel ‘tends to do a lot popular children’s song, Elefantens ‘One of my favourite tunes stood out not only for the quality outside just “jazz”.’ In his early Vuggevise. The response was just that I discovered is Vårvise by of the music, but for the inspiring years he worked mostly with his overwhelming, so I started playing the Danish singer/songwriter story behind it, a story that is quartet, the Mikkel Ploug Group, every night and livestreaming the Sebastian. It’s just a masterpiece perfectly reflected in the music including the American saxist songs via Facebook. of a song, and I didn’t know itself. To simplify the story, in the Mark Turner, but lately more of that I knew it before an old early months of the pandemic, his work has been with his trios, ‘I played at sundown every night. I lady suggested it to me via a on a balcony in Copenhagen, in duo with Mark Turner or solo. just played for five minutes. Some Facebook message.’ guitarist Mikkel Ploug began He has worked with the Royal nights it was 2 degrees, freezing a nightly performance for his Ballet in Copenhagen and with cold! I picked songs from a vast When I cheekily ask if there neighbours that became so the Danish Radio Big Band, has repertoire covering 100-year-old was any adverse reaction (in a popular that a highly acclaimed done a sound installation with children’s songs, standards, folk block of flats in the UK somebody album followed. speech translated to guitar and tunes, just music with powerful would have complained!), Mikkel performed with choreographer melodies that simply in my says he doesn’t know of any, but, Mikkel Ploug is a much respected and dancer Tilman O’Donnell. opinion transcend genre, melodies as for favourable responses… and very versatile musician who Early in 2020 he was working that we are made of. I varied the has toured about 25 countries on a trio tour, a recording performances by making unique ‘The positive reactions were in many different combinations. of classical composer Bent arrangements for each song. I just amazing. Who would have Born in Denmark in 1978, he Sørensen’s music for quartet, and made them during the day and thought that it could make such a took up drums at the age of a new acoustic solo album of his played them the same night. I’ve difference to people? Many wrote four, moving on to guitar eight own compositions. never been this busy!’ long thank you messages to me years later. After graduating and told me the music had given from the Royal Conservatoire in Then, as for so many of us, Many of the songs are not very them such comfort. An old lady The Hague, he lived for a time Mikkel suddenly found his well known in the UK, but would come out every night and in Berlin before settling back in horizons contracting: touring much more familiar in Denmark. have a glass of wine and I have Copenhagen. He remains – or did became impossible and the Children’s songs and lullabies are been told she would shed a few so whilst borders were open – a whole industry was overtaken central, but Denmark’s greatest tears. Really unbelievable when I very international figure, with by uncertainty. Now he recalls classical composer, Carl Nielsen, think back! It went way beyond everywhere from the Faroes to that Denmark did well in the also figures, as does a Eurovision the neighbours, though. I got Bela Horizonte in Brazil on his beginning of the outbreak. The entry (very unsuccessful at messages from all over the world date-sheet. The UK has not been Prime Minister decided to lock the time, but sounding fine in where people were following this among his main ports of call, but down the country very early on Ploug’s version). A personal in Tasmania, USA, Italy, Canada, even so he has recorded for the and this controlled the spread favourite of mine is one of the and so on...’ Whirlwind label (he has 12 albums of the virus and saved many non-Danish songs, You Are My for various labels to his credit) lives. Mikkel points out that in Sunshine, simultaneously poignant The next stage was to enshrine and played London’s Pizza Express. Denmark people tend to trust and soothing. As I noted in my those balcony performances in

14 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 15 JAZZ BRITS IN AMERICA JAZZ BRITS IN AMERICA

the U.S. after World War II and with and Doc Joe Temperley JAZZ BRITS IN AMERICA continued singing into her eighties. Severinsen, and led many albums of his own. By SCOTT YANOW George Shearing (1919-2011) pianist – A major name in England Dill Jones (1923-84) pianist – A Jazz first entered the United Humphrey Lyttelton’s bands during 1937-47 as a swing, stride versatile swing and stride pianist, Kingdom in a big way when the of the 1950s were completely and boogie-woogie pianist, Jones emigrated to the U.S. in Original Dixieland Jazz Band took overlooked until he later Shearing moved to the U.S. in 1961 and worked with Gene up residence in London during collaborated with Buck Clayton. 1947, discovered , formed Krupa, Jimmy McPartland, Yank part of 1919-20, having some his very popular quintet, and the Lawson and the JPJ Quartet notable public appearances and While there were a few British rest is history. among others. making their finest recordings. recordings that made the As with other European American charts during the Peter Ind (1928- ) bassist – (1935-73) tenor- countries, British musicians height of the trad era (Chris While Ind has spent much of saxophonist, vibraphonist – While spent the bulk of the 1920s Barber’s Petite Fleur, Kenny his life in Great Britain, during the great saxophonist was never playing catch-up, learning how Ball’s Midnight In Moscow and 1951-66 he was based in New officially a resident of the U.S., to play jazz and integrate it into Acker Bilk’s Stranger On The York. He studied and played with he recorded two of his best their performances. Shore), Ronnie Scott (arguably Lennie Tristano and worked with known albums, Tubbs In NY (with England’s top tenor before the Lee Konitz, Buddy Rich, Booker ) and Return Visit (with Since Americans had a major rise of Tubby Hayes) was largely Ervin and Slim Gaillard. In later and James head start, when such artists unknown until he opened up years the versatile bassist even Moody) during extended stays in as bass saxophonist Adrian Ronnie Scott’s, John Dankworth recorded with the New Paul 1961-62. Rollini, clarinetist Danny Polo (a pioneer British bopper) is Whiteman Orchestra. and especially the very prolific still mostly remembered for his Joe Temperley (1929-2016) trumpeter Sylvester Ahola spent later tours with his wife Cleo Ronnie Ball (1927-84) pianist – baritone-saxophonist - Born time in England, they not only Laine, and Joe Harriott was never After gaining strong recognition in Scotland, Temperley was a played with jazz groups but properly recognized as one of for his British recordings in member of Humphrey Lyttelton’s in the early 1920s but spent a could never again be equalled, he 1951, Ball moved to the U.S. band during 1957-65 before got a huge number of studio the first important avant-gardists. few early years in the U.S., at soon retired from jazz. assignments. British musicians the following year to study moving to America where he first studying law at Stanford. He with Lennie Tristano and stayed, worked with Woody Herman, rebelled against the ‘invasion’ A general inferiority complex Ray Noble (1903-78) leader- switched to music and learned to working with Lee Konitz, Buddy Rich, the /Mel and restrictions were put into among British jazz musicians arranger – A top British play jazz while in America, leading Warne Marsh, Gene Krupa and Lewis Orchestra and as Harry place by the British Musicians was common because of bandleader who featured singer his college dance band and Chris Connor. Carney’s successor with the Union that greatly limited the their lack of interaction with Al Bowlly, Noble moved to the making his first recordings before Mercer Ellington Orchestra. His freelance activity. American players. The top British U.S. in 1934 and led his most moving back to England in 1926. Ralph Sharon (1923-2015) ability to emulate Carney came in of all time, after a background in the British studios until moving players often felt that to prove jazz-oriented orchestra during Arguably the first important jazz pianist – Born in London where handy during his years with the England playing bop, blues and to California in 1976, where he The American union retaliated themselves they would have to the next two years before musician based in London, during he appeared on jazz recordings Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. rock, McLaughlin moved to the was part of the big bands of Bob and the result was that American at least visit New York or New eventually reverting to heading the next few years he led Great starting in 1946, Sharon moved U.S. in 1969 to join ’ Florence and Bill Holman. bands were rarely able to perform Orleans. Trumpeter Ken Colyer, Britain’s most jazz-oriented a sweet band and becoming an in England and vice versa. There while serving in the Merchant to the U.S. in 1954, occasionally (1942- ) Lifetime, two years before forming orchestra before becoming a actor. He was the composer of Keith Ingham (1942- ) pianist were a few exceptions (called Marine, actually jumped ship in recorded jazz albums, and worked clarinetist-altoist – After working the Mahavishnu Orchestra. classical composer and going Cherokee although few remember – A superior swing pianist, ‘variety acts’) but, in general, Mobile, Alabama, so he could with Tony Bennett for 50 years. with Ken Colyer during 1960- back to the Philippines. his version. (1941 - ) Ingham played with Wally Fawkes, during 1934-55 American artists meet and play with some of his 65, Rimington emigrated to the Victor Feldman (1934-87) U.S. where he worked with Big drummer – A major force in Sandy Brown, Bruce Turner, mostly skipped England in favour idols in New Orleans; he was (1930-2020) singer Reginald Foresythe (1907-58) pianist, vibraphonist, drummer/ Bill Bissonnette and a countless the New Orleans jazz scene Bud Freeman, and Bob Wilbur of performing on the continent. eventually caught and deported. – Born in England, she moved to composer-pianist – An excellent percussionist – A child prodigy number of New Orleans jazz in London in the 1960s where during 1964-74, moving to New In 1956, with the exchange of the the U.S. when she was four as a pianist and a quirky composer who played drums professionally artists, keeping the styles of he brought over many veteran York in 1978 where he worked orchestras of and It was not until the second half child performer. After recording whose more outlandish at seven and performed with George Lewis and Capt. John musicians, Martyn moved to with Susannah McCorkle, Benny Ted Heath, the embargo began of the 1960s when England Twisted in 1952, Ross was back descriptive pieces predated nearly all of the England’s modern Handy alive. Los Angeles in 1972 (founding Goodman, and Marty Grosz, and to gradually break down, but developed its own avant-garde in England for a few years before Raymond Scott, Foresythe was jazz players, Feldman moved to the Legends of Jazz) and New recorded many rewarding albums restrictions were still a handicap jazz scene that was separate from becoming famous with Lambert, in America on and off from the the U.S. in 1955, working with Trevor Richards (1945- ) Orleans in 1984 where he has as a leader. until the 1980s. the Americans, when its popular late 1920s to 1936, playing in Hendricks and Ross during 1957- fusion bands started touring the everyone from Benny Goodman drummer – Richards gained worked hard behind the scenes Los Angeles with Paul Howard’s 62. She spent much of the next Allan Holdsworth (1946-2017) The result of all this meant that, world, and when a local rock and Cannonball Adderley to experience playing in England for the GHB label. Quality Serenaders, writing music 20 years in England as an actress guitarist – A master of fusion while British musicians regained group called the Beatles made (writing Seven Steps and Germany, studied with Zutty for Earl Hines, before returning to singing and Rick Laird (1941- ) bassist – whose main musical hero was their jobs in the studios and somewhat of an impact, that the To Heaven). He was a busy studio Singleton in NY in 1966, moved and Benny Goodman including the U.S. for her last 35 years. Born in Ireland, after spending John Coltrane, Holdsworth was dance halls, their jazz scene was situation changed. By the 1980s, it musician for decades. to New Orleans, and has played Serenade To A Wealthy Widow. with many traditional jazz bands time in New Zealand, Laird already very influential and world pretty isolated from that of the was finally realized that jazz could Marian McPartland (1918- (1931- ) trumpeter ever since, splitting his time moved to London in 1962 famous (previously a nearly Americans. They could learn flourish anywhere and that being 2013) pianist – After discovering Spike Hughes (1908-87) – Born in Jamaica but a major part between the US and Europe. where he was the house impossible accomplishment for a second hand by listening to in New York and America was jazz in 1938, McPartland bassist-arranger – While Hughes, of the British modern jazz scene bassist at Ronnie Scott’s, playing jazz musician based in England) by recordings or venturing overseas not necessary to be accepted. performed in England until who led some impressive jazz in the 1950s, Reece moved to the Dave Holland (1946- ) bassist straightahead jazz. However the time he permanently moved for brief visits, but there were no marrying cornetist Jimmy sessions in England during 1930- U.S. in 1959. Despite recording – Holland was a fixture in the he is most famous for playing to California in the early 1980s. Sidney Bechets taking residence Here are 26 British jazz artists McPartland in 1945 and 33 and later became well known for Blue Note during 1959-60, he house rhythm section at Ronnie electric bass with the Mahavishnu in their country to give advice to who spent a significant part of permanently moving to the U.S. It as a music journalist, never never gained the fame and work Scott’s while exploring avant- Orchestra, moving to New York Scott Yanow, who has written the younger musicians. their career (whether brief or actually lived in the U.S., during took some time, but by the 1950s 11 books on jazz (including lengthy) living and working in the that he deserved. garde jazz elsewhere. Miles in 1973. April-May 1933 he led three she was making a name for herself. The Great Jazz Guitarists, The isolation also meant that United States. They are listed in Davis discovered him in 1968 all-star sessions in New York that Derek Smith (1931-2016) which began two years with the Bob Efford (1928-2019) tenor The Jazz Singers, Jazz On the British jazz scene was barely chronological order by the time Beryl Davis (1924-2011) singer featured the cream of the Harlem pianist – A busy London-based trumpeter and a historic career. and baritone saxophonist - A Film and Jazz On Records mentioned in the U.S. Few swing period that they were overseas. – A professional vocalist by the jazz scene including , musician (including with John versatile saxophonist who played 1917-76), can be reached for era fans in America knew about age of eight who performed with Coleman Hawkins, Red Allen Dankworth and Kenny Baker) John McLaughlin (1942- ) all of the reeds, Efford worked interesting assignments at even though he Fred Elizalde (1907-79) pianist- Django Reinhardt when she was and Chu Berry on 14 selections. during 1954-59, Smith moved guitarist – One of the most with Vic Lewis (1949-51), the top [email protected]. made brief visits and recorded composer – Elizalde, who was just 12, Beryl Davis moved to Considering that a highpoint that to the U.S. in 1959, worked innovative and brilliant guitarists British boppers, Ted Heath, and in with the John Kirby Sextet. born in Manila, moved to England

16 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 17 KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT BOYS KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT BOYS KING PLEASURE AND THE BISCUIT BOYS It’s been a long, long lockdown for all musicians, and sadly, too many bands have failed to make it to the other side. If there’s one band that’s determined to come out fighting, it’s the rocking and rolling, jumping and shouting King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys. Born in a Darlaston coffee bar, now 34 years on the road – minus the last one of course – it seems timely to look back on those earlier, less complicated years.

4. If there’s one thing that marked the band as something special, it’s 5. …The Boss of The Blues, BB King and his band who they opened the living legends of their music that have worked with them, including for several times. Slim Gaillard who they backed and…

6. …and the stars of the greatest film ever, The Blues Brothers Band 7. In 1995 King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys recorded the album Blues who they supported on tours. & Rhythm Revue Volume One with Gene The Mighty Flea Connors, Howard McCrary, Val Wiseman and…the legendary Charles Brown.

8. Almost, but not quite, the current line-up when they were in Spain to headline the Marbella Jazz Festival: ‘classy stuff in the style of Louis Jordan and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, with nowt taken out’ Now Dig This 1. Making their debut at Birmingham Jazz Festival in 1987. They might have been short on experience, but they clearly knew how to have fun and that swagger was already in place “To those who say that swing is a musical form best left to Americans, prepare to be proven wrong. This British combo is bullet-proof!” Atomic Magazine, New York

2. A particularly memorable, early thrill was to share the stage at The 3. Probably the classic King Pleasure line-up. Gone are the white Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham with one of their inspirations, the dinner jackets, dickie bows and, sadly, Lisa Sugar Lee who left King of Hi-De-Ho, Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club Orchestra. with the memorable: ‘You guys just don’t know how to treat a lady.’

Back on the road after far too long a break, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys will be celebrating the re-release of their Hey Puerto Rico! album.

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issues with I Get Along Without You British jazz fans will be pleased Durham base with frequent The post-Goodman tracks that the musicianship and solo His solo long-form concerts CD REVIEWS Very Well for instance, but there to find space for trumpeters engagements across the Pennines include little that is memorable: playing is spot-on, even if the began in 1973 and were is pleasing input from guitar and , Kenny Wheeler in the Greater Manchester area. though Tilton always sings arrangements are over-stylized. unique in their introduction of trumpet on I’ll Remember April and , the sadly The pianist’s new trio album, well, there are too many Once his slick 1944 version large swathes of spontaneous and Fayyaz Virgi’s trombone on overlooked altoist Derek Promise the Moon, features bassist undistinguished ballads and of Begin The Beguine became a improvisations, often untitled, Stairway To The Stars. Creativity Humble (Shaw ‘Nuff) and – on Mick Shoulder and drummer novelty songs to grip the hit, Heywood was a bill-topper, always unpredictable and defines this album. Originals one engaging guest spot – Tubby Abbie Finn, themselves resident attention. When she gets the playing residencies in the best prodigiously intense. Jarrett is include the zippy Baiao Na Praia Hayes. Stylistically, these tapes in the Land of the Prince Bishops. chance of duetting with Johnny clubs and appearing in films. able, in his lyrical wanderings, and Foster’s poignant The Silent cover an impressively wide range This self-released recording, Mercer on A Fine Romance or to weave a unique spell with an Space. Overall, I feel this studio of big band approaches (with the comprising four of Stockdale’s swinging through You Make Me He recorded again with Holiday in incongruous mix of jazz, classical, production doesn’t quite capture occasional small group feature), compositions and five standards, Feel So Young, both in smart Paul 1944, and stayed busy until he was funk, Indian music and even the warmth and spontaneity of a from an almost dance band-like is one of first class musicianship Weston arrangements, all is well, stymied by partial paralysis of the plainsong, to project an almost live performance. sweetness (Till) through to the and choice material. but I found I Said My Pajamas hands, from 1947 to 1950. Having ethereal vibe of romanticism. rough ‘n’ tumble of free jazz MARTHA TILTON (And Put on My Prayers) less resumed playing he was again VAL WISEMAN The first of nine tracks, a affected by paralysis although It is a coalescence of the (’s Triple THE MARTHA TILTON entertaining than I did in 1950! delightful take on Henry his composition Canadian Sunset, emotional, the cerebral and the CLARE FOSTER Adventure), everything captured in COLLECTION 1937-1952 crystal clear audio. Mancini’s Moon River, cleverly RON SIMPSON recorded in 1956, did bring him visceral. During this long journey KUMBHAKA references Stockdale’s recording Acrobat ADDCD 3358: 2 CDs, further success. He died in Miami he has had to battle serious Compiler Bernd Hoffman has of ’ Nostalgia in 72.45/72.47 in 1989. illness and has overcome that – Clare Foster/Jaya Jazz 2020 done a fabulous job in assembling Times Square (the opening track until now. 56.37 such diverse material, with only on the pianist’s Origin album from Martha Tilton is best Engaging, always tuneful, there the odd lapse of accuracy to be 2017). Listening to this 2020 CD, remembered in jazz circles for are gems here, not least the 1944 The concert featured here is I was curious to uncover the expected in such a mammoth review notes consistently read: her part in the 1939 Benny trios with Johnny Hodges and segmented into ten parts, nine artist behind the exotic cover undertaking (the Hayes title ‘elegant’, ‘swinging’ and ‘tasteful’. Goodman classic, And the Angels those Holiday sides. untitled, the tenth a blues, plus images and my research reveals was taped in 1964, not 1967, Indeed, the album’s foundation Sing, her vocal followed by the two popular tunes, It’s a Lonesome PETER VACHER a singer with an impressive CV. for instance). Sometime these is built upon Stockdale’s innate iconic Ziggy Elman trumpet Old Town and Answer Me, My Love. Clare Foster, vocalist, lyricist, rediscovered gems reveal sense of elegant swing, a quality solo. That was the last recording Part 1 is an assault on the senses composer and educator, was themselves to be music known shared by Mick Shoulder and of her two years with BG - a piece de resistance into which born in England in 1968 to KURT EDELHAGEN in other guises; Francy Boland’s Abbie Finn. which cover the first 19 of 50 he seems intent to cram every jazz-loving parents. She studied AND HIS of Chinatown, tracks on this generous double musical idea he has ever had. It is, clarinet, vocal and acting skills ORCHESTRA My Chinatown, for example, It would appear Stockdale takes CD. Thereafter she worked EDDIE HEYWOOD by turns, restless and meditative in her early teens and in 1988 includes a sax solo later made great care with a composition’s successfully as a solo without THE UNRELEASED JAZZ THE COLLECTION 1940-59 with dazzling agitated toccata, spent the next twelve months in famous as . Likewise intro, perhaps thinking about it the impact of some other singers RECORDINGS 1957-1974 shimmering tremolos and America attending workshops, such disparate items as Kenny for some time, reworking and who came out of the big bands. studying with acclaimed vocalist Wheeler’s Ow Dallab, which is refining ideas until he is ready to Acrobat ADDCD3349 2 CDs challenging chords. Jazzline Classics D77091 3 CDs 71.12 / 72.25 Judy Neimack and recording better known as Ballad Two, and take it into the recording studio. It’s impossible not to like Martha 68.30/72.26/69.43 In all the other tracks there are with Mel Tormé’s pianist John Jimmy Deuchar’s KE, recorded The album’s title track, Promise Tilton’s singing: bright-voiced, Who, today, remembers pianist moments of genius; the serene Campbell, before returning home elsewhere as Friends Blues. the Moon, illustrates the trio’s with good intonation and perfect It’s especially timely that and bandleader Eddie Heywood? and reflective Part 2, Part 4 is to complete her jazz studies at subtle, swinging sensibilities, the diction, she appears to be totally this splendid triple-disc set, He toured and recorded a delightful tango, Part 9 is an the Guildhall School of Music. All in all a superb release, contribution of Shoulder and without ego, putting herself at celebrating international regularly in the 40s and 50s, appealing, gentle waltz and Part one which can be highly Finn wholly empathetic to the the service of the song, never musical collaboration centred his undemanding melodic style BUDAPEST CONCERT 10, titled The Blues, taken at a Foster developed her interest recommended to those who love composer’s musical vision. Mia’s pushing her own personality. on continental Europe should tailored to the tastes of US brisk pace, is full of frills. in Brazilian music whilst living in their jazz full of zest, character Lullaby follows, and, by accident However, that’s also a problem: arrive now, in our muddled post- nightclub audiences. The son of ECM 2700/01 0730194 2 Amsterdam and toured with a and swing. This could well be my or design, the placement of the she did everything well, without Brexit climate. a theatre musician, Heywood CDs 37.46 / 56.43 And overarching the whole Brazilian band through Europe record of the year, in fact. Don’t two numbers, one after the other, establishing her own distinct and Asia. Here in the UK she miss it! works well. was born in Atlanta in 1915 and performance is the spiritual and territory, and, as a voice for hire, This concert, recorded live in continues to tour and record For those who don’t know worked first in territory bands devotional ambience that you found there were some pretty Budapest in 2016, may prove to and runs jazz and Brazilian vocal him, German bandleader Kurt SIMON SPILLETT The trio’s swinging take on and then in New York where he can find in most of Jarrett’s work. bad songs around in the 1940s. be the Keith Jarrett’s farewell to classes, so it was inevitable this Edelhagen helmed a hugely Gershwin’s They Can’t Take That played for Benny Carter, before Over the two hour recital the impressive big band at the forming his own band. his legion of dedicated followers. sheer diversity of the programme Latin-infused album would one Away from Me and again on an Things begin in fine style with Westdeutscher Rundfunk In 2018 two devastating strokes manages to keep his audience day see the light. effective arrangement of On Johnny Mercer’s Bob White, station in Cologne from the Happily for today’s listeners, he left him without the use of his enraptured. the Sunny Side of the Street are Whattcha Gonna Swing Tonight?, late1950s to mid-1970s and this always hired musicians of quality, left hand and it has been only last Hispanic and Portuguese particular highlights, and the Johnny Mercer’s ornithological delightful collection – 40 tracks viz. his 1941 session with Billie year that he has been forced to To me, this is Keith Jarrett’s finest influences are ever-present in this closing selection, Witchcraft, fantasy in a fine Fletcher all previously unavailable on Holiday as the vocalist, Lester admit that his playing days are, concert, even including the much- collection of familiar standards with its fleeting echoes of Moon Henderson arrangement, and two commercial issues – cherry picks Young perfect in solo. A swinging probably, over. lauded Koln recital. For one thing, and original compositions River, make Promise the Moon a tracks later Loch Lomond, Claude many of its highlights. player, his style broadly modelled unlike the recalcitrant instrument peppered with authentic timings fine album. Thornhill arrangement, Tilton on that of Teddy Wilson, but His extraordinary career, which he had to fight in Koln, the and rhythms. Opening with swinging remarkably cheerfully Featured guest stars include with his own rococo details and has seen him grow from child quality and timbre of this ’s Who Will Buy the Promise the Moon was recorded for one who will never see her , Toots mannered touches, Heywood prodigy, develop into one of the was excellent. genre works well with Foster’s at Simpson Street Studios near true love again. Other gems from Thielemans, Mark Murphy and was good enough for Coleman most accomplished musicians vocal skills applied with pin- Rothbury, Northumberland in the Goodman years, besides And , and there are Hawkins, in magisterial form, on anywhere in the world, and then You don’t come out of a Jarrett sharp accuracy. I Only Have Eyes DEAN STOCKDALE November 2020. Ian Stephenson the Angels Sing, are a splendid I Let some wonderful cameos for Crazy Rhythm in 1943 and for become a pioneer of all types concert whistling the tunes but For You set in rumba time is TRIO recorded, mixed and mastered a Song Go Out of my Heart and a various ‘Yanks in Europe’ ranging on his trio version of contemporary music, has you do feel that you have had a equally effective and there’s an the album - hats off to Mr S for remarkable Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen from to . PROMISE THE MOON of Step Steps Up from 1944. been silenced. unique experience. imaginative reading of Singing In making such a good job of it. The by the quartet with the addition The Rain with verse and closing Indeed, is some senses this was marvellous cover art is by none of Ziggy on a dummy run for In that time he has taken No doubt, Manfred Eicher at reference to the original Gene a band both prefiguring and Self-released 52:27 other than Mr Dean Stockdale. Thereafter it‘s Heywood’s contemporaneous to the more Angels, though I’m not sure of the own swing sextet that we improvisation and experimentation ECM still has masses of Jarrett Kelly intro from vocals and guitar. wisdom of including only Part 2 celebrated /Francy In recent (pre-pandemic) RUSSELL CORBETT hear mostly and with regular in jazz to new heights and he has tapes in his vaults, so hopefully of an ambitious two-sider just spent his life in an internal quest Not all the arrangements work Boland big band, which operated times Dean Stockdale has sidemen like Doc Cheatham and we haven’t heard the last of this along similar multi-national lines. been working from his County because that’s where the Tilton Vic Dickenson, it’s no surprise for perfection. superb musician, but his live for me. I had some harmony vocal is. 20 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 21 ON RECORD REVIEWS

performances will be a great loss collector, providing a chance Disk one covers the period literate lyrics; a collaboration Wes Montgomery to the jazz world to hear new arrangements of 1934-1946 and include Smith’s which produced more than 300 previously recorded material work with and songs. JOHN MARTIN rather more advanced in style, his Orchestra, Harry James, Jazz in addition to a quantity of at the Philharmonic and sessions Over her busy career the lyricist progressive new material. You with his own sextet and orchestra. had created a substantial body might say bebop was definitely The repertoire includes such of work, and had her songs spoken among band members classics as Avalon, Sleepy Time Gal recorded by , such as Doc Severinsen, Ray and Blues in the Night. and Barbra Wetzel, Johnny Howell, Rolf Streisand amongst many others. Ericson and, not least, trumpeter Disk two covers the period Her most known song is Spring and arranger, Clark Terry. 1946-1956 with more from Can Really Hang You Up the Most, Harry James, Smith with his a hip translation of the first line Undoubtedly the Capitol quintet and with the addition of of T.S. Eliott’s poem The Waste WES MONTGOMERY KATHRINE recordings are the most contributions from Juan Tizol and Land, ‘April is the Cruellest WINDFELD BIG WES MONTGOMERY interesting. On the first, his orchestra, Month’. BAND from September 1947, Paul and his Just Jazz All Stars and Jazzline D77078 2 CDs Sarah Moule is the perfect choice ORCA CHARLIE BARNET Villepegue, 29 years old and an Duke Ellington, both with Billy 58.44/34.00 for the interpretation of Fran’s AND HIS Ellington devotee, immediately Strayhorn and his All Stars Stunt Records: STUCD 20092 introspective take on life and ORCHESTRA announces his arrival as arranger and with his own Orchestra. Like the Kurt Edelhagen box set 63:02 with his own name-reversing The disk ends with Nat King love. Her voice has the warmth, reviewed elsewhere in this issue, THE COLLECTION, 1946-50 composition Eugipelliv, distinctly Cole performing I Was a Little range and adaptability which the this sumptuous release confirms Kathrine Windfeld, Danish pianist more Stan Kenton in sound than Too Lonely. My feeling is that lyrics call for, especially, as the just how culturally enlightened and composer, a rising star in Acrobat Music ADDCD3345 2 erstwhile Barnet. the second disk will be of most songs are so diverse. CDs 74:23/72:08 German radio was in the 1960s. Scandinavian progressive jazz interest to jazz aficionados, Taken from tapes originally made circles, has issued her third CD Simon Wallace is an exceptionally Maynard Ferguson brought his including as it does The Young for the Norddeutscher Rundfunk with her 16-strong big band, Saxophonist Charlie Barnet led talented and prolific composer. It stratospheric trumpet from Man with a Horn, Perdido and ‘Jazz Workshop’ series in 1965 which contains some first-rate in 2017, brought international saxes, alto clarinet and piccolo, one of the most jazz-orientated is hard to understand why he is Canada to the States a year later, Cotton Tail in the repertoire. (and long familiar through poor soloists, not least Gabor Bolla on recognition and the band toured Jim Watson on keyboards, Nic big swing bands - with a dozen and his screaming solo on All not better known. England in 2018. France, drums and Corrina Billboard hits - until 1942 when quality bootleg versions), with the tenor and Magnus Thuelund, alto. The Things You Are so enraged the The CD booklet is enhanced with added bonus of a Blu-Ray disc of Silvester, percussion. They are the American Federation of He has matched his music to This third album, released by widow of composer Jerome Kern an informative essay from the very contemporary TV material, these Orca is in modern terminology aided and abetted on some Musicians recording ban kicked in. Fran’s lyrics with admirable Stunt Records, seems destined to that Capitol withdrew it from sale. knowledgeable Digby Fairweather, are some of Montgomery’s finest a concept album, a collection tracks by Chris Haigh, fiddle, empathy and understanding. He gain more plaudits. which for me is the icing on this latterday jazz performances, of 8 lengthy études, related to a Malcolm Edmonstone, keyboards, This double CD, from the agile These CDs offer a great writes beautiful melodies which, entertaining jazz cake. recorded just as his career maritime theme. We probably intuit and Frank Ricotti, percussion. Acrobat, finds his band adapting opportunity to hear Barnet’s hopefully, in the future, will find a ANDREW LIDDLE was set to head off in an this from track titles like Undertow, to changing times rather than postwar bands which feature ALAN MUSSON place in other repertoires. The particular pleasure to be altogether more compromising Ferry, Fish and Seaweed even before like several others being brought excellent solo work across the gained from this album, apart commercial direction. we have given it a spin. down by new austerities and ensemble and represent, arguably, His writing is eclectic, tracking from the undoubted musicianship changing tastes. from a bluesy, Never, That’s When, some of his most distinctive and But what makes these sessions And Pete H Larson’s sleeve of all concerned, is the variety a world-weary acceptance of musically innovative work. so appealing is that the guitarist’s notes apprise us of the necessary both of the musical sound They clearly spent far more time unrequited love, through a signature style and repertoire confirmatory information. palette afforded by the unusual in the recording studio than ANDREW LIDDLE samba-ish, Close to Tears (a lovely (West Coast Blues, Four on Six, Listening to the eponymous Orca, instrumentation and the selection previously when they were on Mark Lockheart soprano sax Twisted Blues) is off-set by an which bristles with discordant of repertoire, reflecting Mo’s the road and these 45 tracks, solo on this one) and on to After all-star sax section including menace, he says rightly: ‘We can wide musical interests. Mo selects from 1946 to1950, were originally the Fall on which he succeeds in Hans Koller, , hear how it sounds when a killer music from the likes of Gil Evans, released on the National, Apollo making his excellent eight-piece Ronnie Scott and . whale hunts its prey.’ Mike Gibbs, Jaco Pastorius and and Capitol labels, before Charlie band sound like a full orchestra. Jimi Hendrix and includes a temporarily disbanded. Sparks fly between all hands and Apparently Windfeld is fascinated couple of his own compositions Simon has acted as M.D. for it’s especially intriguing to hear by the sea, not surprising having MO FOSTER & for good measure. His work from this period is a score of singers and has Montgomery dive in to such SARAH MOULE unusual fare as Ross’s modal been raised on the South Funen FRIENDS not easy to come by in the contributed scores to TV shows The recorded sound is excellent cooker Last of the Wine. Audio- Archipelago, a place of wondrous commercial market which makes STORMY EMOTIONS such as and IN CONCERT and everyone makes telling wise, these tracks are also top beauty, the remembrance of this offering of interest to the . Wider contributions to the group’s notch, with everything revealed in which ‘is paired with her strong 33 Records 33JAZZ285 48.13 recognition must be on the way. Right Track Records RTR171CD sound. Particular favourites for pin-sharp accuracy. impressionistic genes and 2 CDs: 57:40/61:56 Willie Smith transformed into music.’ me are Some Echoes from Mike WILLIE SMITH For the past 24 years Sarah But back to the singer. Sarah Gibbs and Sing Me Softly Of The Moule, in conjunction with her Moule has never disappointed. Sadly, there’s a little too much For anyone like me who was This is fascinating programmatic Blues from the pen of Carla Bley. husband, Simon Wallace, has She has great taste and always candour on the Blu-Ray footage, lucky enough to see this group ALTO SAX ALL-TIME GREAT: music, doleful for the most part, been championing the cause makes a good choice of material. which ostensibly features a live in concert in Birmingham in HIS 48 FINEST 1934-1956 unsettling and demanding. A Both Mo Foster and Ray Russell of the American poet, lyricist This, to date, is her finest album. ‘rehearsal’ for the radio material. November 2019, or indeed at any subdued aquamarine palette has have enjoyed long and illustrious Retrospective RTS 4368 2 CDs and performance artist, Fran While Montgomery plays as of their other live appearances, been smeared expressionistically careers in the session world, 77:25/79:56 Landesman. This is the fifth The last track, Stormy Emotions, imperturbably as ever, one of this 2 CD set will be a welcome across a rough canvas to capture so it is a particular joy to hear album of Landesman’s work is the first song which Fran and the UK players is clearly very reminder of a wonderful night the living ocean, its emotional them in a jazz setting where they The album title certainly makes a which Sarah has recorded. Simon worked on together and worse for wear, delivering a of music-making. With the currents, its turbid ebb and flow, really belong. Buy this album - sweeping statement and I’m not Nothing is Mine Now was their last performance that is downright exception of one title, all pieces its unfathomable depths and satisfaction is guaranteed. qualified to disagree. However, For the last 18 years of Fran collaboration. The song was finally embarrassing. A minor caveat were recorded live and this is distant gleams. it is a claim which might take Landesman’s life (she died in completed on the afternoon of then on what is otherwise where the group excels. ALAN MUSSON some living up to. Hyperbole or 2011) Simon and Fran met every the day that Fran died. an exceptional issue, one The orchestra’s first album not, there is plenty to enjoy in week for Simon to fit his music recommended to all straight- Alongside Foster on bass guitar Aircraft, released in 2015, won this set. to Fran’s eloquent and highly JOHN MARTIN ahead jazz fans. we have Ray Russell on guitar, the Danish New Jazz Artist of Chris Biscoe on soprano and alto SIMON SPILLETT The Year award. Latency, released

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more than makes up for it with , Sidney Bechet partner on the CD, Fonnesbæk, Ploug’s performances are musicians is striking, especially There’s something of an echo of established performer for this infectious enthusiasm. and Red Allen. exhibits similar qualities. unfailingly melodic, technically the unorthodox front line of that composition in the opening (somewhat abbreviated) CD is Pieranunzi contributes five challenging, but to the listener (Hans Ulrik) and of Life Goes On, on which Steve her fifth, and her credits include RUSSELL CORBETT Today he is recognised as a compositions, Fonnesbæk three, deceptively simple. To me the harmonica (Mathias Heise). Swallow’s graceful bass guitar and periods as an actress in daytime seminal figure in American music, alongside the duo’s two co- outstanding track is a stunning Ulrik’s excellence is a given, but ’s breathy, delicate soap operas and stints in musical a brilliant innovator, who unified written charts. Our Foolish Hearts version of You Are My Sunshine, Heise is equally impressive, a tenor around each theatre on and off Broadway. ragtime, blues, spirituals, brass is their sublime reworking of slowed right down, with no loss focussed and inventive soloist other. And that in itself might Her accompanists are classy, the band instrumentals and pop in a Victor Young’s My Foolish Heart. of joy, elaborate figures finally who contributes greatly to one be a good way to sum up the trio led by pianist Quinn Johnson sophisticated whole, energising This Stunt Records album will blending into a serene, almost of the more delicate delights of entire album: considered music, including Trey Henry, bass, and them with shots of stop time appeal to fans of Bill Evans with oriental pattern. the album, Beautiful as a Spirit. sometimes sidelong and ironic Tierney Sutton’s drummer Ray and double time, adding what Fonnesbæk dedicating The Real Even better in the same vein is To (hear the witty put-ons of US Brinker, with added percussion he called a ‘Spanish tinge’, the You to Evans’ bassist Scott LaFaro And it’s followed by the most Lars, a gently affecting piece in the patriotism on Beautiful Telephones), and extra rhythm on a couple habanera-influenced bassline that who was tragically killed in a car affectingly simple performance hands of Thomas Fonnesbaek (a very often starkly lovely, always of numbers. FRENCH replaces ragtime rigidity with accident at the age of 25. on the album: Jens Rosendal and bassist in the great Scandinavian highly concentrated. PRESERVATION a swing. Indeed, he is credited Per Warming’s Du kom med alt tradition) and Lars Jansson, In fact, if I were to recommend NEW ORLEANS with writing the first stomp, King RUSSELL CORBETT det der var dig. Interestingly, in his poised and authoritative in Occasionally, the instrumentation the album to Rag readers it JAZZ BAND Porter Stomp, and the first swing notes, Ploug constantly credits Emborg’s piano chair. and interplay recall Thelonious would be principally for the tune, Georgia Swing. the writers of the words or Monk’s Monk’s Mood session with excellent instrumental work that A TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN JELLY ROLL original poems, often quoting or Swan Songs is nicely balanced, Coltrane (On). Elsewhere (And underpins White’s rather lived-in JOHN HANDY MORTON Highlights of this collection of summarising them. A Cowsome Loneboy playful, Then One Day) they seem to be vocalisms. In effect, she is an old- DR JAZZ 51 of his finest include Dr Jazz, Upbeat Jazz URCD303 63:50 Why Bother recapturing the channelling Erik Satie through style supper-club singer, fronting Grandpa’s Spells, Wolverine Blues, Despite virtuosic flourishes such insouciance of the opener and a glass darkly, but Bley being these varied songs in somewhat Retrospective: RTS4376 2 CDs Sidewalk Blues, King Porter Stomp as the opening harmonics on four songs featuring the lyrics Bley even at their most sombre tremulous style, the jazz artistry In the 1920s Captain John Handy 78:42/79:59 played clarinet in New Orleans. and The Pearls, unsurpassed Under stjernerne pa Himlen this is of Emborg’s long-time associate, there is something quietly quite limited. masterpieces of early Jazz. never only about technique or Lisa Freeman, and the precise hopeful about everything. Indeed, Some years later Mississippi New Orleans-born Ferdinand born Handy switched to alto Just listen to the breath-taking even the creation of a mood – the and assured vocals of Sinne Eeg although recorded in May 2019 It’s hard to listen to Mose Joseph LaMothe, Jelly Roll transitions in Shreveport Stomp, positivity comes from the meaning. – Remember being one of the – pre-Covid, as it were – one Allison’s Ever Since The World saxophone and found himself Morton as we know the virtuoso in the right place at the right the sudden startling key changes defining tracks of the album. can’t help but feel the album’s Ended without hearing Mose’s pianist and composer, soberly RON SIMPSON time to take advantage of the of The Chant, the tonal subtleties title might have been thought up laconic sound in the mind’s ear, asserted that he invented jazz, of Mournful Serenade if for a MIKKEL PLOUG The variety in Jurgen Emborg specifically with our uncertain, whereas White seems to want revivalists’ determination to in 1902. Born in 1890, he would revisit the Dixieland era. second you doubt his genius. Greatest is too much to chart in locked-down world in mind. to turn it into a blowsy blues. have been twelve at the time of BALCONY LULLABIES what is mainly a review of the White says she saw the album the creative moment. Did he also Fast forward to the twenty ANDREW LIDDLE 2020 recording, but stand by The brief sleeve annotation session as a glimpse of normalcy invent hype? Stunt Records STUCD 20102: first century where Jean Pierre for an aggressive jazz-funk start certainly helps support this during lockdown. Good for her. 47.52 with February Crystals (Emborg assumption, asking ‘Could Alessi set about making it his Yet it is certain that his Jelly Roll life’s work to not only play the on keyboard rather than piano), this be the ending or just the Top musicianship, forgettable Blues, arguably the first written This totally delightful album is music of Handy but to play the plenty of examples of his skill in beginning of life without music vocals. What more can I say? jazz composition, was published also a serious tract for our times. American’s ! supporting singers and, of course, or fun?’ With this debate still to in 1915, fully two years before the It grew out of the covid crisis PETER VACHER In July 2019 Alessi acquired being Scandinavia, some superb be settled, this album makes a ODJB released Livery Stable Blues. and is an effective response to the instrument (quite how is bass solos. charming distraction. that crisis. In early 2020 Mikkel another matter). One thing is By the late 1930s when he was Ploug’s frustration at the isolation abundantly clear, the Frenchman RON SIMPSON If you know Bley, Swallow or making the claim, he had almost of lockdown led to nightly lullaby has boundless enthusiasm for his JORGEN EMBORG Sheppard in any context do become a caricature of himself, performances on the balcony of idol and the release of the French please check this out. It’s a portrayed as a washed-up his apartment in Copenhagen. SWAN SONGS Preservation New Orleans Jazz record that sings softly, and not diamond-toothed hustler, ridiculed He built so strong an audience, Band’s latest album is testament just of the blues. for self-aggrandising and robbed initially among his neighbours, Stunt Records STUCD 20052: 2 to it. PIERANUNZI of his royalties. Fortunately his FONNESBÆK DUO that in three weeks he succeeded CDs, 64.25/76.19 SIMON SPILLETT reputation did recover and his in crowdfunding this album, A Tribute to Captain John Handy music speaks for itself. THE REAL YOU recorded in May last year. Swan Songs is a well-conceived was recorded in a Perignat barn double tribute to Danish pianist/ in October 2019 in the presence He was the first jazz composer Stunt Records STUCD 20132 The result is a solo guitar album, composer Jorgen Emborg who of an enthusiastic audience, an to so methodically contrive 65:16 mostly electric guitar like his found at the turn of the year enthusiasm matched only by the MAYNARD introductions, multiple themes, balcony performances, with 2019/2020 that his Parkinson’s irrepressible Alessi and his band FERGUSON changes in texture and tempo Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi a consistent mood, soothing, disease had worsened to the mates. Alessi’s approach is to for an ‘orchestra’, his Red Hot and Danish bassist Thomas but not bland, gently uplifting. extent that he could no longer LIVE AND WELL IN charge headlong into the material CARLA BLEY Peppers - which boasted some Fonnesbæk released a first duo Several of the songs are in fact play the piano. Recorded early in LONDON without ever thinking he should major talents, not least at various recording in 2017 and this follow literally lullabies – two of them 2020, Swan Songs consists of 12 LIFE GOES ON apply the brakes. Across 11 tracks times and among others, Kid Ory, up album, dedicated to Bill Evans, apparently among Denmark’s of his compositions performed Sleepy Night Records SN spanning some 63 minutes the Omer Simeon, Johnny St. Cyr, maintains the exceptionally high favourite lullabies – but one under his supervision by a classy ECM 2669 56.43 RCD19 2 CDs 71:22/32:48 pace is relentless. Pianist Cyrille Barney Bigard, Johnny Dodds and standard of their debut outing. of the striking features of the Danish sextet. The second half of Ouanich’s muscular, boogie- Baby Dodds. Two of Bill Evans’ compositions album is the variety of material the tribute, titled Jorgen Emborg How long it is since Carla I confess. I am confused. And that woogie style suits the occasion, LAUREN WHITE - Only Child and Interplay - and absorbed into the prevailing Greatest, is exactly that, 12 of his Bley was introduced to British is because, with this package, I as does Jacques Bourdi’s This budget-priced two CD set Phil Markowitz’s Sno’ Peas, which mood: Danish songs range from best recordings with different jazz listeners with a Melody EVER SINCE THE WORLD don’t know what I am reviewing. propulsive drumming. from Retrospective traces his the revered American pianist two by the great composer Carl groups from 1979 onwards. Maker article titled (rather ENDED genius from these early Red Hot recorded in 1979, feature on a Nielsen to the 1993 Eurovision chauvinistically) The Good Looks Let me try to explain. A Columbia The tracks are regulation Peppers recordings, made in disc of 13 tunes spanning some Song Contest entry (nine Emborg is a highly accessible, of The New Wave. Mind you, even Café Pacific Records CPCD album bearing the title Alive and fare: Handy’s Boogie, Hindustan, 1920s Chicago, to the revivalist 65 minutes. points, apparently!), non-Danish genuinely melodic composer, back in 1965 she’d already began 5020 30.52 Well in London first saw the light Caldonia, Ice Cream, Washington stomps and marches cut in New composers range from Hoagy as evidenced as the band to contribute significant themes of day in 1971. This was Maynard’s and Lee Swing. Alessi isn’t the York in 1940, a year before he Pieranunzi’s elegance emulates Carmichael to John Lennon. sprints into the opening to the jazz songbook, namely Ms White is an LA-based singer, stab at tackling a selection of greatest technician but what died, in the company of such as that of Evans and his musical Running. The integration of the Sing Me Softly of The Blues. new to me, but evidently a well- pop songs. Subsequently, another he lacks in the way of ability he

24 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 25 ON RECORD REVIEWS

album was released in the UK So, the company thinks that these album will be a limited edition of years as a sort of nautical Major pieces to sound like my old nine Helen Humes on hand and who under the same title on CBS and tapes must have been recorded 500. Good luck with that, guys! and these CDs give piece band so I could get the could hold their own in front of yet another released on the small at ‘that live gig at The 100 Club’. a pretty thorough impression of a same effect and I got this by the band. label Wounded Bird in 2005, this Are you with me so far? Oh, by the way. The live session is largely forgotten bandleader. choosing the right guys. I wasn’t time on CD. O.K if you make allowances for looking for a big sound. I was Amazing, too, to see those classic So what is this? Well, there are the sound quality. I almost wrote The problem, posterity-wise, is looking for a tight sound’. numbers, Every Tub, Swinging the This record is none of the above. some tracks that may have been 100 Club instead of live session, that assured, but rather bland, Blues, Jumping at the Woodside recorded at Lansdowne Studios, but who knows? versions of popular songs may The second element which and, their one big hit at the time, This one is titled Live and Well to which Maynard later added sell well, but don’t buy you a defined their sound was the One O’clock Jump, all still in the in London (note the difference) some overdubs, and, according to JOHN MARTIN place in the musical histories. In familiarity of the musicians with repertoire 50 years on. but confused reviewers are still the sleeve cover (which shows the years after World War Two each other, and, consequently, reviewing under both titles and the beaming bandleader standing Donahue’s records were often with each other’s playing. Most So here is where it all started (and that is because the information outside the Pheasantry Jazz hits, but even as knowledgeable of Basie’s players stayed with the continued) with the band which put out by the record company, Club in Chelsea) some other a writer as Scott Yanow opined band for long periods. Incredibly, has been called ‘The Magnificent Sleepy Night, is confusing and recordings ‘may’ have been made they didn’t create much of a stir. the guitarist, Freddie Green, was Swing Machine’. It is 84 years ago none of the tracks on this album there (although I am not entirely A rather stolid I Never Knew, a with him for 50 years. since Basie recorded these tunes are the same tracks that are on clear about that). Number 2 hit, squares the circle but there is no need to make the original Columbia album. The between those two views. But there were other reasons allowances for the passage of tracks on this album have either So, here’s what this mystery is: why the Basie band sounded time. Here they are again in 2021 been re-recorded or are missing. So what we have in this so different from all the others, and still fresh as daisies, thanks Side 1. This seems to be what we admirable collection is a apart from his unerring choice to brilliant re-mastering by, that However, the record company think - or rather what the record reminder of the work of an of soloists. That was the peerless doyen of sound engineers, the late thinks those ‘new re-recorded company thinks - is the 100 Club accomplished arranger, capable rhythm section of , John RT Davies. tracks’ may have been recorded set….but they are not sure. So, SAM DONAHUE composer and versatile tenor bass, Freddie Green, guitar and Jo at a live gig that Maynard’s neither are we. saxist whose bands were Jones, drums - a rhythm section Paul Watts has contributed British big band played at COLLECTION 1940-48 stronger on section work than which, many think, has never comprehensive sleeve notes, London’s 100 Club somewhere Side 2 is 8 tracks, of which 5 are in solo power (Donahue himself Eight tracks with the Navy A and B sides of Basie’s earliest been eclipsed. although, in my copy the pages are in the past. BUT the record outtakes and one is a rehearsal. I Acrobat ADDCD 3370: 2 CDs, the prime soloist) and who could Dance Band are a real highspot: band recorded during its Decca out of sequence. A small matter! company is not sure of that don’t know what the eighth track 71.12/73.35 do the swing thing better than longer, with more solo space period, 1937 to 1939. Listening to these sides again because, when the tapes is. I haven’t had the courage to most when he got the chance. (and good soloists, too, though is to realise just how big a part JOHN MARTIN It is hard now to imagine what came into its possession, the continue that far. For me Sam Donahue has always Donahue’s reputation in 1940 unnamed), swingers such as Page’s unfaltering bass played was the sensational impact on only evidence it has for that meant one thing in particular, his was such that Count Basie C Jam Blues and Moten Swing in the identity of the band at the New York jazz world when assumption, is that the outer To further persuade us to part stint in charge of the highly rated guested to fine effect with the and a fine arrangement of I that time. The soloists, Buck Bill Basie and his Kansas City packaging had the words ‘100’ with good money, the record Navy Dance Band. But you can’t band on It Counts a Lot, but too Found a New Baby. After three Clayton, , Herschel band arrived there in 1935, scrawled on the outside. company informs us that this make a career on a couple of many mediocre songs followed. tracks by a smart septet with Evans, Dicky Wells and Harry John Best and Willie Smith on breathing fire. Edison were all outstanding and board it’s back to the big band with styles which were, above This rough and ready assortment: Donahue raising the all, distinctive. temperature on Suicide Leap, Bill combination simply blew away Lockwood giving his all on mostly everyone who heard them, All, except Evans who died young, forgettable songs and a rather pushing a style of basic blues- were destined to become major appealing Red Wing moving from based, riff-laden roaring big names in the future. A hugely Millerish opening ensembles to band jazz. Basie, the King of popular feature of the band TOMMY FLANAGAN Native American effects. Jazz, though, sadly, uncrowned was ‘the battle of the tenors’, a (that title had been mistakenly musical gunfight between the IN HIS OWN SWEET TIME RON SIMPSON awarded to Benny Goodman) cool, laid back style of Young and was in town to stake his claim. the gutsy big-tone of Evans, a fake Enja ENJ-96872 53.00 The top two bands at that time, enmity which the wily bandleader on the East Coast, were led by secretly encouraged. While there is no shortage of the urbane Duke Ellington and ‘name’ albums by Tommy Flanagan the highly organised Jimmie The close friendship of the (1930-2001) among his extensive Lunceford and they offered their musicians encouraged a unique discography, this solo recording own versions of big band swing spontaneity where they were does feel extra-special. Recorded able to construct riffs on the in October 1994 at the Birdland But the Basie band was different. spot, and Basie’s one finger Jazz Club in Neuburg in Germany It sounded impromptu and prompts helped to point the way. on the club’s Bosendorfer grand immediate. It had a strong sense In that time Basie played much piano, it radiates class. of the value of dynamics. This more piano and it is a delight was a band which could roar to hear more of him on the 6 The notes make it clear that COUNT BASIE AND and whisper. tracks with just the piano and the Flanagan was reluctant to take on HIS ORCHESTRA rhythm section. the idea of a solo recital and he But no-one was prepared for this may well have been dissatisfied COLLECTION 1937—39 wild and spontaneous bunch of The bandleader was, also, with the results, hence the out of towners, although there fortunate to have superior lengthy delay in their appearance. Acrobat Music ACTRCD105 3 were rumours that there was arrangers in Eddie Durham, Don Happily the proprietor of Enja CDs 51.45/52.51/53.40 something very special coming Redman and Jimmy Mundy who Records felt no such reservations out of Kansas City. knew his style, intimately, and and it has thus belatedly become Nothing could be more welcome wrote to suit. In the Thirties, the tenth release by Flanagan on than the re-release of this superb Basically the two elements which singers were essential parts of his label. collection of 78s which have been were the secret of the band’s big bands and Basie was very out of the catalogues for some success were, firstly, as Basie lucky to have and It was at the suggestion of time. These 63 gems are all the himself told it, ‘I wanted my 13 Diana, his wife and manager, that 26 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 27 ON RECORD REVIEWS

the pianist chose to perform group is guitarist Cyril Magubane. London’s Little Theatre Club Valley receives more decorous Riders Band. It’s churlish to ten standard songs and slower Crippled by polio, he can be seen supported the attempts of treatment, the improvisation quibble because this is wonderful Muggsy Spanier pieces rather than the nifty in his wheelchair on the cover Stevens and others to forge a quite spacious and harmonically stuff, the bands full on, in their post-bop originals that might photograph, a sardonic parody of new music at a time precious canny, Holland’s pin-point solo element, as at ease as if parading have been expected. Even so, he Abbey Road, but there’s nothing few other venues were willing the perfect commentary. along a sunny Bourbon Street or infuses each composition with sardonic about his music. to do. The Prince Albert in steaming down the big river. an implied pulse and the kind of Greenwich did offer the SME Essential music. harmonic niceties that a player Four of five tracks are his a gig (June 22nd 1966 to be No one is ever more full-on of his pedigree should deploy, compositions, attractively simple precise), the session was PETER VACHER than Kid Thomas who is happily taking each song for a pleasing and optimistic, with Lazy Bones recorded and it forms the basis on 9 of the 14 tracks. Of special excursion, this embodied by having a particularly traditional feel. of Question and Answer 1966, a mention is the gloriously free his reading of ’s His solos are the most considered two-disc release from Rhythm 14-strong ensemble formed Smooth As The Wind where he and melodic on the album, with and Blues Records. Stevens when the Japanese New Orleans even interpolates a momentary an extended solo on Amabutho teamed up with like-minded Rascals keep company with the hint or two of stride. a highlight, his ringing tone in souls Trevor Watts alto sax, – DAVE HOLLAND Mouldy Five, Big Jim and Kid contrast to the counterpoint of Paul Rutherford, trombone, and TRIO Sheik, and burn off on You Rascal He follows with more Dameron bassist Ernest Mothle. You. This is what the pros in the bassist Bruce Cale to explore WITHOUT DECEPTION via If You Could See Me Now, Crescent City call a hot plate! the possibilities of a new are very short (2 ½ minutes second up on this stimulating nursing this lovely melody The Sithole brothers provide approach to music first signalled Dare 2 Records DR2-011 65.35 typically) and why the repertoire and ultimately intriguing album. through a gentle makeover, the the more avant-garde elements, ANDREW LIDDLE by Ornette Coleman. Their is so predictable, with boisterous Led off by Irish tenorist Riley technique and touch impeccable, Henry in particular prone to efforts on the night of June I was fortunate enough to see 1920s numbers predominating. Stone-Lonergan with bassist nothing rushed or irregular. His joyous or agonised shrieks and 22nd, in a typical pub setting, a slightly different version of Eddie Myer and veteran own Untired Blues, intricate and wails, both sounding excitingly were committed to tape and it this trio at Ronnie Scott’s as VARIOUS ARTISTS Muggsy plays with crisply drummer Spike Wells alongside, almost quirky, is a standout too, a on the brink, the wilder free is only now that we can hear the part of their Piano Trio Festival edgy power, soloing briefly the initial inclination is to cast verdict that serves to sum up the jazz elements never losing the NEW ORLEANS LEGENDS previously unreleased material. in August 2019 just two weeks but incisively, both open and this as a kind of tribute to album in its entirety. intense focus of their playing. prior to the recording of this muted, and leading the line with and his penchant And drummer Nelson Magwaza Disc One comprises some thirty Upbeat URCD309 72:28 album in New York. Baron’s unfussy authority. A bonus is the for recording in such pared- Worth waiting for? Definitely. is simply terrific, a driving pulse eight minutes of music followed bassist then was Kiyoshi presence of ex-Ragtimer George down circumstances. Maybe with undertones of African by a lengthy Q & A played out Jazz Crusade was the label Kitagawa; here it’s Dave Holland, Brunis, a fine ensemble player so, and Stone-Lonergan’s PETER VACHER rhythm, but controlled and against a low level hubbub for the second generation with drummer Johnathan Blake and a controversial, but always glorious sound and desire to capable of subtlety. punctuated by the ringing of the of revivalists, providing a as the constant. So what entertaining, soloist, going from explore every pore of a piece pub’s cash register. The music rich treasure trove of New changed in that fortnight, apart circus trombone on The Saints is certainly reminiscent of the It’s shaming to think I had never comprises four tracks: two by Orleans music, produced by from 3000 miles of cross- to smooth lyricism on Ja-Da now-retired master, but put that even heard of the Heshoo Beshoo unknown composers (the first Big Bill Bissonnette. As its Atlantic travel? MUGGSY SPANIER (Muggsy’s lyrical side also apparent consideration aside for what we Group who made just this one of them titled Unknown) and two name suggests, it was aimed at proselytising and preserving EXTREME RARITIES: THE here). Peanuts Hucko, on the first have is something refreshingly album – but what an album! by Watts. If you were present on Well, repertoire for a start, traditional jazz. It constitutes JUKE BOX SESSIONS session only, shines on Clarinet original. the night and didn’t take notes it’s for nothing here was heard Marmalade and Floyd Bean’s RON SIMPSON unlikely that some 55 years later a priceless archive of over 250 there. And, candidly, the extra high-quality recordings. Upbeat URCD 310: 75.12 urbane piano recalls Billy Kyle. Consider Slow Boat to China, you’ll be able to recall in detail energy and urgency that’s taken at a pleasing lope, the the titles of the improvisations! apparent in Barron’s own playing Upbeat have been re-releasing The bonus tracks, with a capable tenor spacious and ingratiating, The music could be described as In a way Muggsy Spanier had a once back on home ground some of them recently and sextet from 1954, have no Myer’s line buoyant, Wells tucked regulation high octane free jazz strange career. For 40 years he compared with that at Frith now bring out a sampler, restriction on time and the final in nicely. If the tenorist tends interspersed with moments of was much loved by all as a hot Street; not a criticism in itself, mostly featuring the late two tracks are quite possibly to open proceedings on these THE HESHOO quiet reflection. cornet player, ‘direct, honest the apparent difference perhaps contemporaries of the ci- and vital’ according to George T. the highlight of the album: pieces by elbowing the theme, BESHOO GROUP understandable at the end of a Muggsy’s blues playing at its giving it a prod you could say, Disc Two features more devant 1940s revivalists, playing Simon, quoted in Mike Pointon’s European tour. best on Memphis Blues and an then either Myer or Wells will ARMITAGE ROAD from the Prince Albert and standards of the genre. There liner notes, yet he is remembered are also younger musicians, not primarily for just two wonderful, exhilarating, if somewhat hectic, respond in their own adept a session at an unknown Anyway, here’s the 76-year old We Are Busy Bodies WABB 063: least our own Sammy Rimington, but short-lived, bands in the Royal Garden Blues. ways, making each performance London recording studio dated master in prime form, refreshed, 45.00 relishing the opportunity to play middle of his career (1939-1940). seem fresh, the swing implied, August 30th 1966. A lack of lucid and dynamic, the epitome of with those who inspired them, The Bechet-Spanier Big Four, RON SIMPSON the outcomes unexpected. discographical information adds jazz piano creativity as he works Armitage Road, produced by John like George Lewis, Kid Thomas, assembled solely for recording, THE SPONTANEOUS to the romance of it all. through some cleverly structured S. Norwell in 1970, appeared on Captain John Handy, Albert made a triumphant success out Just to hear Billie’s God Bless The MUSIC ENSEMBLE original pieces, rising to each Child at solemn pace, with Myer’s various EMI subsidiaries in the The question and answer Burbank, Manny Paul. of an unlikely pairing and The challenge with a palpable degree expansive bass followed by early 1970s, but this 2020 release QUESTION AND ANSWER session will appeal to the Great 16 squared that as the of drive and zest. He’s reunited Stone-Lonergan’s rich re-entry on the Canadian label We Are 1966 serious student of improvised In addition to these luminaries number of tracks recorded by on record with Holland for the is to sense real spontaneity. Busy Bodies is the first in 46 music: a combination of we also find Big Jim Robinson, Muggsy Spanier and his Ragtime first time since their duo album Same goes for the up-beat It’s years – and one can only ask why! RnB Records RANDB068 2 CDs earnest, inquiring minds and Victoria Spivey, Punch Miller, Band, a superb Chicago/Dixieland Art of Conversation made in 2014 All Right With Me, the ebb and This is uplifting, spirited, frequently 69:35/62:35 the musicians’ considered yet Sammy Penn, , Alvin band that heavily influenced the and their collaboration is a joy flow quite captivating, Wells wild and sometimes lyrical music, informal responses sketch Alcorn, Polo Barnes, Kid Sheik upcoming Revivalist movement. in itself, which when framed by surging underfoot, Myer flying distinctively African, but in touch The Spontaneous Music Ensemble a picture of musician and and ‘Slow Drag’ Pavageau among Blake’s rhythmic variety makes before Stone-Lonergan re-enters with the contemporary trends in enjoys mythical status, not least audience experiencing a counter others. These are legendary Probably Muggsy spent too this recording a true three- and shakes the old song to bits. American jazz. among free jazz devotees. Its culture happening. The SME’s names to aficionados. long in not strictly jazz settings way enterprise. Wow! driving force, drummer John improvisations will meet with (notably with Ted Lewis) to build The Heshoo Beshoo Group was Stevens, determined early in his It is a pity that the recordings his recording career consistently, QOW TRIO the approval of the free jazz/ As usual, Barron picks a Monk a five-piece of 20-somethings career to focus upon ‘free’ and are not dated, but for the most so it’s a joy to encounter these Nothing routine here: just music improv aficionado. tune: this time it’s Worry QOW TRIO based in Soweto. Brothers ‘improvised’ music. From the mid- part they belong to the 1963- rarities, though there is an in the moment. Sleeve-note Later, rhythmically turbulent Henry and Stanley Sithole are sixties until his untimely death 69 period, when Bissonnette’s obvious limitation. 18 of the writer Daniel Spicer calls it ‘an RUSSELL CORBETT at first, before he opens up in Ubuntu UBU0078 50.07 a compelling combination on in 1994, Stevens’ story is one of studios were a magnet for New tracks were recorded in two infectiously joyful compendium’ animated fashion, percussive, alto and tenor sax respectively, creative achievement with little in Orleans’ musicians to come sessions in 1956 for juke box use, and he’s right. the odd Monk-ian hint thrown The trio’s title is taken from a but the presiding genius of the the way of financial reward. and record, often with his Easy which explains why most of them in. In contrast, Duke’s Warm Dewey Redman number that is PETER VACHER 28 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 29 ON RECORD

consider I’m Just a Lucky So and cumbersome but more accurate, So, all easy swing and subdued re- because the musicians play fast Veronica invention, the vocal momentarily and loose with those evergreens. Swift JAZZ ON BIG BEAR RECORDS reminiscent of Diana Krall, The thinking is just let’s start and elegantly poised. Even her playing and see where we go. BIG BEAR RECORDS CD OFFER scatting on this is just right, as is ALL CDS £8 EACH OR 3 FOR £16 Cohen’s sprightly solo. We know that with Fonnesbaek we can always expect virtuosity INCLUDING P&P TO ANY UK ADDRESS Grab this and you’ll be in on the and he doesn’t let us down. beginning of a career that seems But Kauflin is a revelation. His destined for fame. influence seems to be ; a presumptuous ambition for PETER VACHER any pianist, but Kauflin, like ANAÏS RENO Tatum, blind since the age of 11, seems unfazed by what LOVESOME THING many would have thought Following her Confessions album was an unreachable target. on the Mack Avenue label, This Harbinger Records HCD 3701 Bitter Earth recorded during 2020 JAZZ CITY UK VOLUME 2: THE JAM SESSIONS 53.08 Yet Tatum’s phrasing and reflects the world in crisis, with awesome technique is the title song sensitively delivered Well, here is something of a there and these dazzling by Swift and talented pianist surprise, for this US singer is Lady Sings The Blues Nomy Rosenberg Various Artists Various Artists arpeggios are pure Tatum. Emmet Cohen. Theirs is a winning Laughing at Life Nomy Rosenberg Trio Jazz City UK Volume 1 Jazz City UK Volume 2 just seventeen years old and collaboration which reverberates has embarked on a 12-track Six top British jazz musicians Gypsy guitar genius from “Don’t miss this album, it Two legendary Birmingham Like Tatum, he can, sometimes, be throughout this album. programme of songs by Ellington and the remarkable Val Holland – classic Django contains more aesthetic sessions featuring 21 of the tempted into over-elaboration, and Strayhorn for her debut CD. Wiseman interpret Billie at its best vitamins than Holland finest British Jazz Musicians but what he offers is never It’s an album of contrasts. Swift Ambitious? For sure. Holiday repertoire & Barratts” – Digby FONNESBAEK tasteless. The only word to can disarm you with her subtle Fairweather describe this youngster’s brio is approach to challenging lyrics; What’s more, she has attracted a & KAUFLIN astonishing. I hope to hear much you sense the irony in How Lovely booklet essay by Will Friedwald, STANDARDS more from him in the future. To Be A Woman, a super swinger a leading US commentator on all with vocals firing at full range things vocal, and is accompanied Storyville 1018488 55.09 JOHN MARTIN and in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s by pianist Emmet Cohen, now racially aware You’ve Got To Be highly prominent on the New The combination of the Carefully Taught, producing some York scene. Both Reno and American pianist Justin Kauflin sparky bebop with Cohen and Cohen come garlanded with and Danish master-bassist, the creative rhythm section; and awards so one is inclined to Thomas Fonnesbaek makes this she can charm you with Getting expect good things. Happily, any an album to go searching for. To Know You in waltz time, before such expectations are, if anything, This is the second outing by the switching the pace to a high exceeded. duo — the first was Synesthesia energy swinger. Bill Allred’s Good Time Duncan Swift Bruce Adams/Alan Bruce Adams/Alan which was well received. This is Jazz Band The Broadwood Concert Barnes Quintet Barnes Quintet Caravan opens with a suitably even better with their uncanny There’s a masterly reading of Swing That Music! Possibly the finest Let’s Face The Music Side Steppin’ Middle Eastern-style wordless interweaving being even more Gershwin classic The Man I Love Red-hot, straight-ahead practitioner of Harlem Storming Bebop to Swing, Landmark debut album for vocal over drum taps before impressive. Fonnesbaek is as with superb solo from bassist jazz from these storming Stride piano the UK has with Brian Dee, Len Skeat tremendous bebop quintet Reno moves into the familiar much to the fore as his partner Yasushi Nakamura, followed by 8 piece Dixielanders from ever produced and Bobby Orr theme, band riffs leading into a as they have fun challenging each an explosive delivery of You’re VERONICA SWIFT Orlando, Florida. klezmer-like solo from tenorist other with teasing exchanges. The Dangerous Type with quick Tivon Pennicott, over a Latin THIS BITTER EARTH fire lyrics and scat choruses beat, a piano pattern persisting The record came about almost reminiscent of Annie Ross! before a final vocal. Phew! by accident. In a casual warm up Mack Avenue Records for the Synesthesia session the MAC1177 61:13 Every track is vibrant and Mood Indigo is more stately, as it two musicians played around with refreshing, with humour from should be, the vocal measured, several standard tunes unaware Veronica Swift is a revelation. the pen of Sammy Cahn, bold the depth of sound and maturity that they were being recorded. Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia statements in Carol King’s of approach on Reno’s part by her parents, acclaimed bebop provocative He Hit Me performed quite astonishing, her mother, Later, when the record company pianist Hod O’Brien and vocalist in duo with guitarist Armand violinist Juliet Kurtzman, soloing executives played the tapes Stephanie Nakasian, she was Hirsch and the mesmerizing appropriately too. Still in Love, back, they realised that they performing with them and closing track Sing. Stand outs for a rarely-performed Strayhorn had something special in this making albums from a very early me are As Long As He Needs Me, composition, comes across as impromptu recording of two age. With prestigious awards beautifully rendered with brilliant King Pleasure & The Tipitina Howard McCrary The Whiskey Brothers a parlour piece, taken at an musicians, working uninhibitedly under her belt, a bachelor’s changes and a powerful Prisoner Biscuit Boys I Wish I Was In New Orleans Moments Like This Bottle Up And Go even-pace with Cohen playing with no audience or recording degree and headlining with the of Love. Live At Last Fascinating debut of “Top class The music of 1930s and stride and it’s a gem. Chelsea pressures, and decided to release likes of Wynton Marsalis, Chris Their first live recording Lancashire band performing performed with verve and 1940s American juke joints Bridge is conjoined with A Flower the recording entirely unedited. Botti and Michael Feinstein, this Veronica Swift’s extraordinary since the Ronnie the blues, boogie woogie charm” – Just Jazz – The Whiskey Brothers are Is a Lovesome Thing, Pennicott’s 27 year old singer has already ability could embrace any Scotts classic of 1993. and swing of New Orleans. the real deal plaintive tenor alongside. Although the title Standards made her mark. Stylistically, she is musical genre. The field of Another classic. suggests familiar and long- up there with all the greats; Ella, jazz she chooses to inhabit A clever mix of the familiar loved tunes, the melodies are Sarah, Dinah, Anita - you name is all the richer for it. Highly (A Train) with the less-heard hard to find. A more accurate them! She carries their musical recommended. To order, send a cheque payable to Big Bear Music to PO Box 944, Birmingham B16 8UT (UMMG) allied to thoughtful title would have been ‘based DNA in her bones. To pay by card phone 0121 454 7020 or visit www.bigbearmusic.com/cds and enter the code routines is enough to make on the chords of Standards’, VAL WISEMAN Reno’s debut a highlight. Just JRLOCKDOWN8 to purchase one CD for £8 or JRLOCKDOWN16 to purchase three for £16 30 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 31 Pearl Dickson, born Dixon was spirited, infectious and ‘kinda indecent for that day, Almost nothing is known of in Somerville in 1903, only rocked along nicely, and it’s but not for today. We were a D.H Bert Bilbro except that recorded four songs, two a mystery that she wasn’t to little ahead of our time. We he was white and from the HENRY’S BLUESLETTER of which remain unissued. record again. The finisher is had a lot of fun, played a lot of Piedmont region and his only Here we have Twelve Pound Bobbie Cadillac with Carbolic house-parties, small dances.’ recordings are those included Daddy and Little Rock Blues Acid Blues, well-sung, but in this set. This harmonica singing lewd songs in public. Disc 4: Country Girls 1926-29 recorded in Memphis for with disturbing lyrics: ‘She Disc 6: DeFord Bailey & Bert style is not dissimilar from MORE MASTERS OF BLUES Based on the explicit nature of An interesting collection of Columbia in 1927. looked at me with burning Bilbro (1927-31) that of DeFord Bailey and his many of his songs, the clever pretty much unknown singers eyes, throwed carbolic acid in Although DeFord Bailey was terrific opener is also a train Matchbox Bluesmasters – Set 3 (Saydisc) money is on the latter. Jazz with all but one, Pearl Dixon Laura Hendon was a big- my face.’ black, he was best-known song, C. & N. W. Blues. Of musicians Joe King Oliver, from Tennessee, either from voiced gospel singer whose for his 15 years with The the five songs Bert recorded 2021 seems to be shaping his pyrotechnics on Beale Eddie Lang and Clarence or associated with Texas. recordings consisted of Disc 5: Rufus & Ben Quillan Grand Ole Opry, He favoured are a couple with him singing up to be a good year for folk Street Breakdown, one of Williams make an appearance The first five tracks feature the tracks recorded for (1929 – 1931) his Marine Band harmonica and playing harmonica to who are interested in those the ten tracks that feature on some tracks. a blues girl with attitude, Columbia in 1928 in Dallas, Singer and pianist Rufus and found fun in ‘imitating guitar accompaniment on Yes, earliest recorded blues, with both this band and his Lillian Miller of whom almost accompanied by unknown and singer Ben Quillan were everything I heard – hens, Indeed I Do and We’re Gonna the release of seven CD Beale Street Jug Band. His Disc 3: Ramblin’ Thomas nothing is known. On the piano, guitar and brass members of a family of ten foxes, hounds, turkeys, Hear It Go On Time Tonight sets, each set comprising classic How Long, How Long 1928 – 32 opener, Kitchen Blues, she is bass, and four more cut for from Gainesville, Georgia. As everything around me. In the which have a decidedly Swiss Matchbox of six CDs, in the recorded in The Peabody The 16 tracks come from accompanied by the tasteful Brunswick the following year the Blue Harmony Boys, they evenings we’d call the cows Alpine feel, recorded in Atlanta Bluesmaster series. This Hotel is included here as well sessions in Chicago in piano-playing of 16-year-old in Kansas City. On there she are joined by singer James and goats with cow and ox in 1929 and they are real sing- month sees the release of the as the splendid I’m Sitting February and November 1928 Hersal Thomas, who died of is backed by Bennie Moten McCrary and an unknown horns.’ His train songs are alongs – a surprising ending third set, and the remaining on Top of The World, sung and from 1938 in Dallas, all food-poisoning shortly after on piano, Eddie Durham on guitarist for a set of good- remarkable, capturing in some to a surprising CD set! four will see the light of day by Too Tight Henry Castle. of them featuring Willard the Chicago session. His elder guitar and Joe Page, who was natured, slick harmony, detail the sounds of individual later this year. A fine dose of romping and Ramblin’ Thomas singing brother, George W. Thomas, actually Walter or Vernon, on hokum blues. Ben recalled trains, Pan American Blues JIM SIMPSON stomping Memphis Jug and playing guitar. He sings takes over the piano duties double bass. Laura’s singing that most of their songs were and Dixie Flyer Blues. The series concentrates music, that includes Jed’s of enjoying Chicago so much on her remaining tougher largely on the little-known and famous harmonica imitation of that he stayed there for an tracks which include Dead the almost totally unknown a piccolo and rare snapshots entire week, whereas he didn’t Drunk Blues which was later Still in her teens, Victoria was appearing in Galveston and singers and musicians who of his trumpet and tin find Dallas as accommodating associated with Ma Rainey. Houston saloons, gambling clubs and sporting houses with were among the first blues whistle playing. as conveyed in his Hard There are two songs credited HENRY’S BLUES PROFILES Blind Lemon Jefferson. She reached St. Louis, Missouri, in performers to be recorded – Dallas Blues. In his inventive to Hattie Hudson with Willie VICTORIA SPIVEY 1920, recorded for Okeh Records and stayed in the city as and it’s fascinating stuff. Disc 2. Texas Alexander songs, many of which was Tyson on piano and I wish staff writer for the St Louis Publishing Company. 1928-29 drawn from his experiences, there were more. Hattie’s real One afternoon back in 1973, I took an unexpected A lot of the music is quite Texas Alexander had a he sang of being imprisoned name was probably Burleson, telephone call. It was Victoria Spivey. Considering that we Back on the road, sometimes calling herself Queen Victoria, primitive, but in most cases primitive, powerful voice that for vagrancy. ‘Man, don’t and her singing is outstanding had only previously been in contact by letter, and that had no doubt in reference to her middle name, she appeared in the musicians had been echoed the field hollers, work never make Dallas your on two good songs, Dog mostly been about business, she was extremely chatty, revues, in the Minsky Burlesque, at Smalls Paradise and The scraping a living playing on shouts and prison songs of home.’ As well as writing well- Gone My Good Luck Soul and friendly and most entertaining. She was telling me about the Apollo and recorded in 1929 in New York for Victor Records. street corners for nickels and the early 1900s. With regard constructed songs, he also Black Hand Blues. guys she had worked with – remarkably she had recorded Somewhere along the way, in 1936, she recorded for Decca dimes, performing a gruelling to his prison songs, it could accompanied his tough, hard- with Louis Armstrong who she toured with in the 1930s, in Chicago using the name Jane Lucas – there must be a four- or six-hour stint at be said that he might well edged vocals with inventive On the same day, December King Oliver, Luis Russell and Clarence Williams as well as so story there. parties or if they were more have brought some personal slide guitar using a clasp 6th 1927, Gertrude Perkins many great bluesmen. The conversation must have gone on fortunate, appearing in a experience to the table. It is knife or bottleneck. Thomas took over from Hattie, adding for nearly an hour, so long that I beginning to worry about In 1950 Victoria retired, to sing, play pipe organ and lead vaudeville or medicine show. reported variously that he generally delivers slower an unknown guitar (probably the telephone bill she was running up. Suddenly she said the choir in church, but by the end of the decade was was sentenced to six years blues, though his jumping Coley Jones) and Octave that she had better ring off now, she was using ‘the phone Disc 1: The Complete back playing countless one-nighters, many of them with in the state penitentiary for Shake It Girl demonstrates Gaspard on brass bass for the of the guy who runs the drug store on the corner.’ Recordings in Chronological her then husband [she had a total of four] the dancer Billy the murder of his wife, or that he would also cater for defiant No Easy Ride Blues Order of Noah Lewis and alternatively, he could have Gold Daddy Blues Despite the best of intentions, we never did manage to get Adams. She appeared as Missy Rose in the all-black dancers in the jukes and and , both Hallelujah Jed Davenport been sentenced to a spell that tour together; it would have been a real high-spot for musical movie and was featured in musicals parties he played. credited to Burleson. Country Hellzapoppin’ This opens with three in a Prison Work Farm for Blues singer and songwriter Big Bear. including . unaccompanied solo harmonica tracks nicely Victoria Spivey Victoria Regina Spivey was one of God’s more interesting In 1962 she launched Spivey Records and recorded, amongst showcasing the intricate characters. Equally at home in jazz and blues settings, she others, Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Sippie Wallace, Roosevelt and expressive playing sang, played piano, was a prolific and witty songwriter, Sykes and a young Bob Dylan singing backing vocals and of Lewis, one of the more an inveterate tourer who worked right up until the end, a playing harmonica with Spivey herself and Big Joe Williams. important pre-World War 2 shrewd businesswoman, one-time club owner and boss of blues harmonica players who her own Spivey Records label. Born in 1906 in Houston, In 1963 she toured Europe with The American Folk Blues sowed the seeds for the more Texas, where her father, Grant, played in the family string Festival and appeared on French and UK TV. sophisticated players that band, she was one of eight children, at least three of whom Black were to come. were singers. She showed an early interest in piano and Spivey wrote dozens of songs. The first recorded was by the age of seven was entertaining at local parties and in Snake Blues for Okeh in 1926. Her TB Blues drew attention to Dope Head Noah Lewis’ Jugband bars and barrelhouses. the 1920s prevalence of the disease, maybe her Blues features guitarist Sleepy John was the first to warn against cocaine use while her Organ Grinder Blues Estes, mandolin player Yank By the time she was twelve she was playing piano at The was a comment on the erotic. Rachel and jug blower Ham Lincoln Theatre in Dallas and it wasn’t long before she was – for Hambone – Lewis for a appearing in Vaudeville and barrelhouses, often teamed with Victoria Spivey died in New York in 1976, nowhere near as stomping Ticket Agent Blues her two sisters, Elton Island Spivey, known as The Za Zu well-known as her talent warranted. and New Minglewood Blues. Girl, and Addie Spivey, known as Sweet Peas. JIM SIMPSON The Beale Street Rounders were founded by Mississippi- Read more of Henry’s Blues Profiles on Henry’s Blueshouse weekly online Bluesletter - born Jed Davenport on to subscribe free of charge email [email protected] harmonica – just check out 32 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 33 THE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC THE YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC RUSSELL CORBETT reviews a year of livestreaming in the North East.

Throughout the pandemic some audience numbers to attend gigs. three albums, the first of which bassist Mario Caribé on July 16. of us have been to hundreds of The irrepressible Nigel Price will be released later this year. Jazz North East also promotes gigs. All perfectly above board, made the trip north to play a concerts at the Westgate Road of course, the live stream - or is Jazz Co-op gig in the company of Throughout lockdown many venue. A double bill featuring it the livestream? - has afforded Vasilis Xenopoulos, Ross Stanley virtual gig-goers posted improvising pianist Paul Taylor the opportunity to tour many of (Hammond and Leslie cabinet!) comments, frequently saying and the bass-reeds duo of Andy the world’s famous and not so and drummer Joel Barford. hello to friends they hadn’t Champion and Graeme Wilson famous jazz venues. It has been One word best describes the seen for some time and looking is scheduled for the evening of possible to watch performances occasion: incendiary! forward to the time everyone July 9, the first of many concerts round the clock from near and can meet up again at a real, live during the year. far. The quality of the audio- Newcastle Arts Centre got in gig. That time is almost upon us. visual presentation has varied on the act with live streams Musicians, promoters and venues Lockdown has had the positive enormously and, it would seem, by vocalist Alice Grace, multi- are beginning to confirm dates effect of encouraging the stay- it’s not solely down to financial reeds virtuoso Sue Ferris and for the resumption of gigs and at-home jazz fan to search resources. The online experience Berklee student drummer residencies. The Vieux Carré online for jazz elsewhere, home has enabled promoters and Matt MacKellar, riding out the Jazzmen were first out of the and abroad. Last year’s virtual venues to offer musicians paid pandemic at his Tyneside home. blocks in announcing a socially London Jazz Festival presented gig opportunities. Once we’re Gosforth Civic Theatre, a not- distanced outdoor gig set for numerous performances and through the other side of this for-profit community venture, April 29. The Holystone pub on more recently the Aberdeen Jazz long pandemic tunnel the live has done its bit, recently hosting North Tyneside hosts the VCJ’s Festival featured some big hitters stream will continue. The smaller the album launch of Teesside weekly residency and an enclosed including Brian Kellock, Tommy venue, regularly attracting, say, based trumpeter Noel Dennis’ beer garden is available to the Smith and . Live 40 to 50 patrons (perhaps cherished Aurora project, band until indoor gigs can resume streams from established London approaching its capacity) is recording music inspired by Tom (presently set for May 17). The venues, including Ronnie Scott’s, constantly mindful of pitching Harrell. On June 25, when all long established Vieux Carré are continue to be of the highest the price of admission to match lockdown restrictions could be set to return to Whitley Bay’s quality, musically and in terms the budget of the gig-goer. The a thing of the past, Archipelago iconic Spanish City (Sundays of online presentation. A nightly emergence of a global online will launch their latest album, from May 23) and Cullercoats (11:00pm BST) virtual trip across audience offers the prospect of a Echoes to the Sky, at the same Crescent Club (Wednesdays the Atlantic to Smalls, NYC, has regular additional income stream. venue. Prohibition Bar, formerly from June 2). become eye-opening required Newcastle’s Jazz Cafe, opened its viewing. An endless parade of The Globe (Newcastle Jazz doors to musicians, with one of In the coming weeks Newcastle’s A-list musicians live streaming Co-op) has presented online its Sunday afternoon live streams Literary and Philosophical from the Greenwich Village venue concerts on a weekly basis and attracting the attention of the Society (an independent library reaffirms the view that the Big BACK ON THE ROAD AND READY TO ROCK intends to continue doing so long local constabulary. Mid-tune, known to all as the Lit and Phil) Apple remains the jazz capital into the future, pandemic or no bobbies on the beat ducked plans to reopen its doors to of the world. That said, in this LADY SINGS KING PLEASURE & THE WHISKEY pandemic. This model is certain under the Pink Lane premises’ the public. The historic venue year of the pandemic, Kansas THE BLUES THE BISCUIT BOYS TIPITINA BROTHERS to be replicated throughout the half-raised shutters to inquire (in 1815 George Stephenson Smitty’s streams from London’s country. The Globe’s community in time-honoured fashion: ‘Ello, first demonstrated the miner’s Spitalfields Market have been ethos has seen musicians from ‘Ello, ‘Ello, what’s going on ‘ere safety lamp and in 1881 Joseph consistently excellent with many across the region and, when ever- then?’ The proprietor explained Swan lit the world’s first public highly talented, young musicians changing regulations permitted, that everything was in order, room with electric light) presents coming to the fore. One of many from further afield, perform government guidelines were a successful monthly Friday names to keep an eye on is Ella to a previously unimagined being adhered to, and with that, lunchtime jazz concert series. Hohnen-Ford. A recent graduate worldwide audience. Recent our law enforcement officers Award-winning vocalist Georgia of the Royal Academy of Music, pre-Conservatoire status Leeds went on their way! Cécile is due to appear with vocalist Ms Hohnen-Ford is a College of Music graduates pianist Euan Stephenson and rare talent. Abbie Finn and Harry Keeble Musicians streaming from Celebrating the music of Modestly billed as The best in New Authentic old Juke have seized the opportunity attics, bedrooms and kitchens, Billie Holiday The Greatest Swing Orleans barrelhouse, Joint blues Band on This Planet blues and boogie to present their music to the determined to maintain a world. Live streams and proactive presence on the scene and links social media engagement has with their audience, became a led to airplay on Jazz FM, local regular occurrence. Streaming FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO LISTEN TO SAMPLES, community radio stations in a big band set from multiple VISIT WWW.BIGBEARMUSIC.COM/ARTIST-AGENCY/ Newcastle and Newton Aycliffe locations, the aforementioned and elsewhere. Similarly, All Party attics, bedrooms and kitchens, Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation can’t be anything other than For bookings call Tim Jennings on 0121 454 7020 Group award-winning vocalist difficult. That didn’t stop Zoë Gilby graced the same stage Dave Hignett’s Tyne Valley Big or email [email protected] on Railway Street, as did one of Band putting something out BIG BEAR MUSIC AGENCY the region’s Honourary Geordies, online, ditto Michael Lamb’s American trumpeter Pete Tanton Strictly Smokin’ Big Band. PO Box 944, Birmingham, England B16 8UT working with his Riviera Quartet. The SSBB’s other lockdown In autumn 2020 an all-too-brief activities included a successful window permitted limited crowdfunding campaign to record Nigel Price REAL MUSIC – PROPERLY PLAYED

34 THE JAZZ RAG

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