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Home , 10 Years Solo Live, Alan Barnes (musician), Andreya Triana, Andy Panayi, Annette Hanshaw, Anton Eger

THE RAG

ISSUE 140 SPRING 2016 UK £3.25 CONTENTS

EARL HINES A HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE NEW COLLECTION OF THE MUSIC OF THE GREAT JAZZ PIANIST - 7 CDS AND A DVD - ON IS REVIEWED ON PAGE 30.

4 NEWS

7 UPCOMING EVENTS

8 JAZZ RAG CHARTS NEW! CDS AND BOOKS SALES CHARTS

10 -SOLIHULL JAZZ FESTIVALS LINK UP

11 BRINGING JAZZ TO THE MILLIONS JAZZ PHOTOGRAPHS AT BIRMINGHAM'S SUPER-STATION

12 26 AND COUNTING SUBSCRIBE TO THE JAZZ RAG A NEW RECORDING OF AN ESTABLISHED SHOW THE NEXT SIX EDITIONS MAILED 14 NEW BRANCH OF THE JAZZ ARCHIVE DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR FOR ONLY NJA SOUTHEND OPENS £17.50* 16 THE 50 TOP JAZZ SINGERS? Simply send us your name. address and postcode along with your payment and we’ll commence the service from the next issue. COURTS CONTROVERSY OTHER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: EU £20.50 USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA £24.50 18 JAZZ FESTIVALS

Cheques / Postal orders payable to BIG BEAR MUSIC 21 REVIEW SECTION Please send to: LIVE AT SOUTHPORT, CDS AND FILM JAZZ RAG SUBSCRIPTIONS PO BOX 944 | Birmingham | England 32 BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT * to any UK address

THE JAZZ RAG PO BOX 944, Birmingham, B16 8UT, England UPFRONT Tel: 0121454 7020 FESTIVALS IN PERIL Fax: 0121 454 9996 Email: [email protected] In his latest Newsletter Chris Hodgkins, former head of Jazz Services, heads one item, ‘Ealing Jazz Festival under Threat’. He explains that the festival previously ran for eight Web: www.jazzrag.com days with 34 main stage concerts, then goes on: ‘Since outsourcing the management of the festival to a private contractor the Publisher / editor: Jim Simpson sponsorships have ended, admission charges have been introduced and now it is News / features: Ron Simpson proposed to cut the Festival to just two days. This is despite participation by top jazz Reviews editor: Nick Hart artists and attendance levels remaining high. The outsourced company is still involved. International editor: Yue Yang To add insult to injury the Council intends to dispense with the services of Dick Commercial Director: Tim Jennings Esmond, the co-founder and the Artistic Director.’ Subscriptions & accounts: Nick Hart Research: Michael Fort This seems a familiar story on two counts. While Jazz Rag has no wish to pillory local Designed by Nerys James councils and indeed is full of respect for the way many councils support jazz festivals, Printed by Warwick Printing there are two common blindspots in the Ealing story. Chris mentions the ‘hundreds www.warwickprinting.co.uk and thousands of people’ who have been attracted to Ealing by the festival. Councils often fail to realise the financial benefit to local shops, restaurants and hotels of a © 2016 THE JAZZ RAG. All original material including advertising artwork remains the sole copyright of the Publisher and may not be reproduced without permission Continued on page 4 THE JAZZ RAG 3 NEWS NEWS

Tom Cawley Jeff Barnhart historic buildings, though not all Sulzmann and (April Marlene VerPlanck of them sacred. Arve will be 24) and Rossano Sportiello (May joined by (samples) and 15). (guitar), with visuals Tel.: 01908 280800 from Anastasia Isachsen, in www.stables.org concerts at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford (May 11), St. KING PLEASURE AT George’s Bristol (12) and LSO St. HOME Luke’s, (13). Between the Stadsschouwburg, www.operanorth.co.uk Bruges on March 6 and the Riverboat Jazz Festival in JAZZ DIVAS AT ST. on June 24-25, King JAMES Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are A fine series of four concerts at on home territory, with dates JAZZ AT STAFFORD . The regular programme who is also curating a series of St. James Theatre, London, including Bristol International Sheffield Jazz operates, mainly on The long-established Stafford Jazz features such bands as the Frog concerts by hotly-tipped young highlights top singers Jazz and Festival (March Fridays, at three different venues, Society, now some 35 years old, Island Jazz Band (February 28), musicians. Already booked are under the banner of Jazz Divas 18), Jam House, Birmingham the most frequent being the meets every Sunday lunch-time at Matt Palmer with both his and . 2016. First off Joanna Eden is (April 7), Cornbow Hall, Millennium Hall at the Polish the White Eagle Club. Special Millennium Eagle Jazz Band www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk joined by and the Catholic Centre: Jason Rebello events in the upcoming months (March 6) and his Rhythmic Chris Ingham Trio on February (March 4), Jeff Williams Quintet include an evening session with Reeds with Christine Tyrrell 25. Clare Teal is accompanied by (April 10), and the evergreen (18), Tom Cawley’s Curios (April ’s Reeds & Rhythm TOUR pianist Jason Rebello on March 22), Vein Trio plus Greg Osby (with Sean Moyses and Dave Merseysippi Jazz Band (May 22). 31 and by Tel.: 01785 226950 Norwegian jazz trumpeter Arve (May 6) and the Allison Neale Browning - April 3), an extended on April 28 www.staffordjazz.org Quintet (20). The Kofi/Barnes lunch-time session of , Henriksen is to undertake a before Claire Martin, Aggregation (March 11) and Swing, Blues & Beyond with Jeff & short tour with a difference accompanied by the Gareth Malija (April 1) play the Crucible Anne Barnhart, Spats Langham JAMIE AT GREENWICH organised by Opera North. The Williams Trio, brings the series to Studio and the and Graham Smith (May 29) and The Greenwich Music Time multi-media concerts are inspired an end on May 26. Electric Quartet appears at the two concerts in the Festival (July 5-10) takes place at by his acclaimed 2013 , www.stjamestheatre.co.uk Foundry at Sheffield University Stafford Music Festival. Swingin’ the Old Royal Naval College with Places of Worship, which was Students Union on April 14. Jim’s Dance Band (May 8) is a variety of headline acts derived by sacred sites and ruins. FRIENDS OF UPTON followed a week later by the Appropriately enough, the www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk including Jo Bonamassa. Starring The monthly sessions of the Stafford Grammar School Big on the final night is concerts will take place in Friends of the Upton Jazz Continued from page 2 Festival, held at Hanley Castle High School, continue with the successful festival. Similarly the importance of an unsung and often underpaid director who brings knowledge and experience to the task and Basin Street Brawlers (March 11) is dedicated to quality rather than profit is often under-estimated. and the JJ Vinten Band (April 15). American guitarist All the above applies even to one of the most famous and longest established jazz festivals in the UK. survived the death of its features with a quartet on May inspirational founder, Jed Williams, in 2003 for a few years before plunging into a downward cycle during six or years of constant change and 13 and Dutch violinist Tim uncertainty. A missed year, the abortive take-over by Hay-on-Wye Festival, then it seemed that the Orchard Media and Entertainment Group Kliphuis brings his trio on June 3. had brought stability. After four years running the festival, the company has realised there is not enough money in it and has walked away, with Sadly the July 29 concert with the website expressing gratitude for what Orchard achieved. There seems to be no initiative forthcoming from the county has been council despite the festival’s boost to the economy of the town and and the Arts Council of appears at first sight to be rather muddled cancelled owing to his in its thinking. Last year ACW found £100,000 to support the festival - a mind-boggling sum to most organisers of jazz festivals - only to commitments in the United suggest in December that it would be a good idea for Brecon to take a year off now. However, ACW's response to our request for States. information suggests that it is well disposed to jazz and no more confused than the whole Brecon situation. ACW has committed no funding Tel.: 01684 593794 to Brecon as there is no body of the stature of Orchard to take on the administration of the festival, but is up to date with attempts by Brecon Jazz, the Cathedral and Theatr Brycheiniog to draw up some kind of a programme and would be sympathetic to applications for minor JAZZ AT THE STABLES funding. A comparable response came from Brecon Town Council. The Town Clerk told Jazz Rag: The Stables at Wavendon has an ‘Talks are ongoing with the stakeholder group about what is happening this year, though a festival is most certainly being planned. The Fringe outstanding jazz and jazz-related Festival is also certain to be going ahead.’ programme for the next three months. Evening concerts Pleasing as it is to receive an immediate and optimistic reply from the Town Council, reading between the lines suggests that the Fringe is include, among others, the Andy more certain than the main festival. So no doubt there will be jazz in Brecon on August 12-14, but will there be a Brecon Jazz Festival as we Panayi Trio with Tenor Madness know it? (March 8), the Puppini Sisters (15), the Jive Aces (25), Sax Similar stories of funding cuts and organisers struggling to maintain standards abound - to some extent, inevitably, with the pressure on local Appeal (April 3), Back to Basie councils to make cutbacks, but equally, unimaginatively, given that jazz festivals pay for their own grants by the money they bring into the (10), Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band community. Fortunately many festivals have boldly decided to ignore the cuts and offer a quality product. The best programme for years at the (May 4), Roy Ayers (11) and Wigan Jazz Festival and a Swansea Jazz Festival of undiminished scale and excellence both defy the financial situation. Birmingham, which is still Swinging at the Cotton Club (15). supported by the City Council, goes one step further and expands to take in Solihull. Sunday mornings also have a considerable jazz appeal with So there is plenty of life in the British jazz festival scene, but what will happen when an ageing cadre of apparently tireless organisers decides Brian Peerless in conversation that enough is enough? Will the local councils step in to protect a valuable resource? Not on the evidence of Geoff Matthews of Southport with (March Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend. Two years ago he retired, but found no local interest in taking over a very successful festival, so he withdrew his 20) and Enrico Tomasso (May 25) retirement and carried on. Now he has found an appropriate successor, Neil Hughes, both businessman and jazz enthusiast. The succession to and Live Jazz Matters sessions the Festival Director will be key to many of our jazz festivals. Make the wrong choice or no choice at all and Brecon will not the only major with Marlene VerPlanck and an festival in danger. all-star trio (March 13), Stan 4 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 5 NEWS UPCOMING EVENTS

Norma Winstone Gascoyne/Sebastiaan de Krom Goodman and Miller. Another continues with the Dave Newton Orchestra on April 24 in Sunday (6) and Spats Langham’s Hot 100 Years of Jazz and 1956 - A Trio (March 12), Keith Nichols’ lunch-time gigs at the Whalley Fingers (20) either side of an Jazz Jubilee follow later in the Septet with Classic Jazz Revisited ex-Servicemen’s Club. interesting bill under the name year. (April 9) and the Art Themen Tel.: 01942 243974/01925 727408 The Intimate Sinatra (13). Matt www.jazzrep.co.uk Quintet (May 7). www.wiganjazzclub.co.uk Ford is accompanied by the Tel.: 020 8429 1260 Tippett String Quartet, harpist JAZZ LONDON www.pinnerjazz.org.uk Jazz and jazz-influenced acts at the Cinnamon Club in Altrincham Hugh Webb and the Matt Skelton RADIO Quintet, with Callum Au, Dave Durham Gala Theatre presents include Clare Teal and her Trio Jazz London Radio has just Newton and Howard McGill. the duo of Graham Hardy and celebrating Doris Day (March appointed an advertising manager. April 27 is another no jazz week, Paul Edis in another of its 11), Dominic Halpin & the Sales Executive Jay Bennett popular lunch-time sessions on Hurricanes (17), Huw Jacob (18), with the Concorde Festival taking ([email protected]) can April 8. The Gala Big Band plays a the Jamie Leeming Trio featuring over in support of Care After give details of sponsorship and gig on home turf (April 28) and Emily Dankworth (May 1), Audrey Combat. The traditional Jazz advertising. Promoters wishing to James Pearson leads the Ronnie Mattis & Trio (21) and Dominic Night on Sundays also gives way publicise their gigs should contact Scott’s All Stars on May 12. Halpin & the Honey B’s (29). to special events on several [email protected]. Tel.: 0161926 8992 occasions, but March and April Interestingly Chris Hodgkins Fortnightly jazz at the Epsom www.thecinnamonclub.net features four jazz nights: the whose Jazz Then and Now slot Playhouse continues with Geoff Sussex Jazz Kings (March 13), features Jazz Rag choices, is now Cole’s Red Hot 5 (March 7) and Watermill Jazz at the Aviva Brian White’s French Quarter All also presenting a programme on the Gresty/White Ragtimers (21). Sports and Social Club in Stars (27), Jools and the Pure Jazz Radio in New York. Tel.: 01372 742555 Dorking continues with the Jazzaholics (April 3) and John www.jazzlondonradio.com/listen/ Maciek Pysz Quartet (March 10), Maddocks Jazzmen (10). to hear Jazz London Radio Sunday lunch-time sessions of the Geoff Eales Quartet (17), the Tel.: 023 80613989 Erith & Belvedere Jazz Club at Scott Hamilton Quartet (24) and www.theconcordeclub.com Park View Social Club, Welling, 's Sax Appeal (31). UPCOMING feature Band of Brothers (March April begins in fine style with JAZZ NORTH EAST EVENTS Alexander Bone 6) and Bob Dwyer’s Bix and Freddie Gavita playing the music Halesowen (8), the Carding Shed, header on March 20: the AT 50 Pieces (April 3). of Clifford Brown (7), followed by Holmfirth (9), DW Stadium, Swingshift Big band with Pete Newcastle’s Jazz Cafe features with the resident Mike Gordon the Corrie Dick Band of Jazz In its 50th anniversary year Jazz Dick Laurie’s regular Sunday Tel.: 020 8317 3837 Wigan (22), Spa Centre, Long and Marlene VerPlanck and the return of Soundbone playing Trio: Ben Lowman (9), Toby (14), Alan Barnes, Gilad Atzmon North East presents Greg Osby lunch-time residency with the the music of Led Zeppelin (April Scarborough (23), Stephen Joseph the Chris Holmes Trio. Afternoon Greenwood (16), Tina Wigan Jazz Club presents the Al and the Lowest Common (May 4) working with Swiss trio Elastic Band at the Half Moon, 1). Trio Subtonic from America Theatre, Scarborough (May 14), events follow with Andy Prior Featherstone (23) and Martin Wood Quintet in Denominator (21) and the Mark VEIN at the Literary and Putney, has been confirmed for visit the Tyneside venue on April Longfield Suite, Manchester (20), and Emma Holcroft joining the Jones and Matt Smith (30). April meets on March 27 Nightingale Big Band (28). Philosophical Society in the whole of 2016 on the 8 followed by Partikel (28) and Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis (28) Swingtime Big Band (April 17) brings Manjula led by singer and the Sandbach School Brass www.watermilljazz.co.uk Newcastle. Canadian trumpeter existing arrangement: the first the John Bailey Quintet (29). The and Greystones, Sheffield (June and Dave Tyas’ SK2 Jazz Vanessa Rani (6) and Adams, Boys and the Wigan Youth Jazz Ingrid Jensen visits the Black and third Sundays of every 11). Orchestra with the music of Stan former AC Milan footballer- Kemp & Gordon (20), plus two Swan, Newcastle Arts Centre, on month. Tel.: 0121 454 7020 Kenton (May 15). turned jazz guitarist Simone more sessions of the Mike www.kingpleasureandthebiscuitboys.com Tel.: 01704 541790 May 28, followed by Sue Gubbiotti flies in on May 13 and Gordon Trio, with Joel Purnell Richardson’s Chet Baker show The weekly Tuesday Jazz and pianist Dominic J. Marshall The Big www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk (13) and Jon Taylor (27). Swing at the Wilmslow (June 24) and Tim Richards’ appears on June 14. www.scarboroughjazz.co.uk MAJOR CONCERTS AT Conservative Club features such BLAYDON JAZZ CLUB Hextet (28). www.jazzcafe-newcastle.co.uk Band THE UNION CHAPEL www.jazznortheast.com favourites as Rosie Harrison and Emma Fisk’s new Hot Club du Bexley Jazz Club has an AGMP is promoting two Terry Brunt with the Vinnie The Royal Welsh College of Nord quartet, with James Birkett impressive line-up of quartets outstanding concerts at London’s JAZZ REP AT Parker Trio (March 8), Julie Music and Drama in is the 24 March on guitar, makes its debut at the (the likes of Dave Newton and 20 May Union Chapel during April. On Edwards and Kevin Dearden (15), venue for the Finals of the BBC Black Bull in Blaydon on April 10. CADOGAN HALL cropping up more Harrogate Theatre Middlesbrough Theatre April 14 the legendary Sun Ra BBQ, the Brownfield-Byrne Young Jazz Musician competition A varied schedule at Blaydon The Jazz Repertory Company, than once) led by Roger 7.30pm www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk Arkestra appears under the Quintet (29) and Bruce Adams on March 12. Last year’s winner, includes the Noel Dennis-Paul headed by Pete Long and Richard Beaujolais (March 7), Marlene www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk direction of its long-standing and Rosie Harrison with the saxophonist Alexander Bone, will Edis Quartet (May 15), the Alice Pite, has a programme of five VerPlanck (14), Pete Neighbour 27 May leader Marshall Allen. This is Steve Moore Trio (April 12). The be playing on the evening. Grace Quartet fronted by the concerts in 2016 at Cadogan Hall (21), Ted Beament (this one a trio 1 april followed by the Grammy award- first Thursday of each month see Lyme Regis Marine Theatre former NYJO vocalist (June 19) near Sloane Square. March 12 - 28), Alan Barnes (April 4), winning Roy Hargrove Quintet the Sinatra Swingers at Cheadle Wakefield Jazz goes up to the Tewkesbury The Roses Theatre www.marinetheatre.com and the Reunion Band (July 10), Martin Speake (11), Geoff Eales on April 19. and May 8 bring two established Hulme Conservative Club, with Easter break with the Geoff Eales 7.30pm featuring Hong Kong-based expat and very popular programmes, (18) and (25). www.unionchapel.org.uk guest singers Rosie Harrison Quartet featuring Noel Langley www.rosestheatre.org 17 June trumpeter Colin Aitchison and the 1938 (March 3), Marilyn Royle (April 7) (March 4) and Lee Gibson with Beckenham Italian clarinet virtuoso Franco Carnegie Hall Concert and 100 and Zoe Kyoti (May 5). Folkestone Jazz Club’s excellent 19 april BIG BANDS AND A the Chris Holmes Trio and John St Georges Parish Church Valussi. Years of Jazz in 99 Minutes, with Tel.: 01625 528336 weekly programme at the Tower Hallam (11). The sessions resume Bromley Churchill Theatre CELEBRATION Theatre, Shorncliffe, continues www.stgeorgesbeckenham.co.uk on April 8 with Gareth Williams 7.30pm Southport Melodic Jazz JAZZ AT THE with the JAZZ RAG CHARTS Trio, followed by John Law’s New www.churchilltheatre.co.uk 27 June celebrates its 25th birthday with CONCORDE Congregation (15), Noemi Nuti Band (March 3), Alex and Willie a four-stage event on June 18. The New for this issue, Jazz Rag is publishing charts of sales of jazz CDs Garnett (10), Jim Mullen Trio Bury St Edmunds The Apex Wednesday evenings at the Band featuring Quentin Collins 21 april and jazz books. The demise of the specialist record shop is often www.theapex.co.uk Cliff Ray Ensemble plays a full- (22) and the (17), Steve Waterman All Star Concorde Club, Eastleigh, predicted, but they continue to provide an invaluable service – and Wimborne Tivoli Theatre length afternoon gig, the two- Quintet (29). Septet (24), Roger Beaujolais continue with the Southampton 7.30pm guitar Hulme-Ormesher Trio jazz CDs still sell, as, increasingly, does vinyl, in many cases providing Tel.: 01977 680542 Quartet (31), Clark Tracey 9 July University Big Band (March 2), www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk accompanies the evening buffet a boost for the independents. This first chart draws on the sales of www.wakefiledjazz.org Quintet (April 7), Mick Foster Wigan Jazz Festival then, after a week without jazz, four independent specialist record shops: Jazz Rag would welcome and there’s jazz in the Lounge at resume with the Grant Stewart Sextet (14) and Jazzin’ Jolson, with www.wiganjazzclub.co.uk the end of the evening. As for the any additions to the list – simply email [email protected]. Scarborough Jazz, every such musicians as Enrico Tomasso 22 april Quartet (16), Ray Gelato’s The book chart is derived from the sales of Waterstone’s and Jazz main concert, that’s Alan Barnes, Enforcers (23) and Pete Long’s Wednesday at the Cask in and Julian Marc Stringle (21). Kings Theatre More performances to follow.... Rag is very grateful for the co-operation of both the book chain and For information check Gilad Atzmon and the Lowest Echoes of Ellington Orchestra Cambridge Terrace, hosts Seven Tel.: 01303 277175 7.30pm Common Denominator. Before the record shops. Pieces of Silver led by Paul Baxter www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk www.chrisbarber.net (30). April brings Derek See pages 8 and 9 the Birthday Bash a Big Band Nash/Dave Newton/Geoff on March 2. After that there are Pinner Jazz’s excellent monthly Season starts with a double four weeks of featured soloists programme in the Parish Church 6 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 7 THE JAZZ RAG TOP 20 THE JAZZ RAG TOP TEN BOOKS THE JAZZ RAG TOP 20 THE JAZZ RAG TOP TEN BOOKS UK JAZZ CD SALES CHART UK JAZZ BOOK BESTSELLER CHART

1 COMPLETE CONCERT BY THE SEA Columbia R.CRUMB'S HEROES FASHION: 1 OF BLUES, JAZZ 6 DRESSED TO KILL 2 KAMASI WASHINGTON THE EPIC Brainfeeder AND COUNTRY Virginia Bates & 3 METTE HENRIETTE METTE HENRIETTE ECM Records Robert Crumb Daisy Bates (Harry N. Abrams) (Rizzoli International 4 TUBBY HAYES MAN IN A HURRY Mono Media Films Publications)

5 KARRIN ALLYSON MANY A NEW DAY Motema/E1 EMPIRE OF SIN: A THE CHRONICLE 6 COUNT BASIE KURHAUS CONCERT Doctor Jazz 2 STORY OF SEX, JAZZ, 7 OF JAZZ & HIS ORCHESTRA MURDER, AND THE Mervyn Cooke BATTLE FOR MODERN 7 FOUR CLASSIC Avid Jazz (Abbeville Press Inc.) Gary Krist 8 ABE LINCOLN 18 FINEST 1953/57 Retrospective (Broadway Books) 9 A LOVE SUPREME - SUPER DELUXE EDITION Impulse! JAZZ. NEW YORK IN THE PENGUIN 10 REBECCA KILGORE TWO SONGBIRDS OF A FEATHER 3 THE ROARING 8 GUIDE TO JAZZ & NICKI PAROTT TWENTIES Brian Morton and Robert Nippoldt and Richard Cook 11 WARREN VACHE REMEMBERS BENNY CARTER Arbors Records Taschen Hans-Jurgen Schall (Penguin Books) (Taschen) 12 10 YEARS SOLO LIVE Nonesuch

13 GROOVE TRAVELS & THE DANISH RADIO 4 THE HISTORY OF JAZZ 9 R. CRUMB THE BIG BAND Ted Gioia COMPLETE RECORD COVER COLLECTION (Oxford University Press) 14 PEPPER ADAMS FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS Avid Jazz Robert Crumb (W. W. Norton & Company) 15 JAY MCSHANN HOOTIE'S BLUES 1941/55 Retrospective

16 BOB BROOKMEYER THE BLUES HOT & COLD Verve JAZZ COVERS BUT BEAUTIFUL: 17 TORD GUSTAVEN WHAT WAS SAID ECM Records 5 10 Joaquim Paulo A BOOK ABOUT JAZZ 18 TREASURY SHOWS VOL. 20 Storyville (Taschen) Geoff Dyer (Picador) 19 Colombia

20 PAT HALCOX REMEMBERING Lake Records

This chart is compiled from sales in the following record stores CRAZY JAZZ, Northampton www.crazyjazz.co.uk 01604 315287 Mail Order - www.crazyjazz.co.uk/main/orderform.pdf JUMBO RECORDS, Leeds www.jumborecords.co.uk 0113 245 5570 5-6 St Johns Centre, LS2 8LQ chart information supplied by Waterstones MUSIC INN, Nottingham www.themusicinn.co.uk 0115 978 4403 28-34 Alfreton Rd, NG7 3NG RAYS JAZZ AT FOYLES, London www.foyles.co.uk/rays-jazz-classical-music 020 7440 3205 107 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0EB www.waterstones.com

8 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 9 BIRMINGHAM-SOLIHULL LINK-UP BRINGING JAZZ TO THE MILLIONS BIRMINGHAM-SOLIHULL LINK-UP BRINGING JAZZ TO THE MILLIONS

Take two successful Midlands jazz and in organisation, with free no doubt of the value of the Orleans Jump Band. Newcomers In Birmingham’s spectacular New festivals, very different in their access to open performances newly expanded festival to her to the festival include the Street Station there is a histories, partly similar in their across the town/city. Essential town: Busquitos from Holland and Iva distinguished-looking plaque musical policies, less than 10 differences are that Solihull ‘Hot on the heels of Solihull and the Hotsy Totsy 5, led by Iva commemorating the visit of H.M. miles apart and programmed by operated as mainly an all-day Fashion Week which takes place Blazkova, formerly of the great The Queen to open the splendid the same company - and apply festival with limited evening this Spring we can’t wait to young band from Velke Losiny in complex in November last year. the logic! The result is that the events (Birmingham tends to run welcome another major event to the Czech Republic. American Between December 4 last year 32nd Birmingham Jazz & Blues for about 14 hours a day with the the town centre for the summer. bluesmen lined up for the festival and February 4 Her Majesty had Festival will now be the first occasional pause for rest and The Birmingham festival has include the Walter Trout Band to compete for the attention of Birmingham and Solihull Jazz and refreshment!) and Solihull relied become one of the biggest events and Joe Fournier. Surely the the 6,095,061 visitors to the Blues Festival. on two fixed stages, notably in of its kind in Europe and it’s great festival’s first band from India, the station with an exhibition of Mell Square, cannily sited in the that Solihull is now a major part Rajasthan Heritage is photographs of the 31st Birmingham’s history as one of prime shopping area of the town. of its plans with some of the this year’s most unusual inclusion Birmingham Jazz & Blues Festival the oldest-established and best most acclaimed jazz and blues in the programme. held in July 2015. (The regarded of UK jazz festivals is However, these differences don’t musicians performing here and surprisingly exact total is the well known, but it is only in the stop the two festivals being delighting town centre music The festival which will consist of official figure for users of the last few years that Solihull BID compatible; in fact, Solihull’s lovers.’ a minimum of 150 concerts, most busiest UK station outside has developed an excellent presence will enrich Birmingham of them free, will also feature London.) weekend festival over Spring with yet greater variety of events Possibly Birmingham’s prime such UK bands and musicians as Bank Holiday: in fact, the and audiences. The 2016 festival selling point has been the ability Alan Barnes, Art Themen, the The 52 photographs, ranging occasional Solihull concert has will see a change of normal dates to bring in European bands, many Broombusters, Bruce Adams, the from close-ups of musicians to long been a feature of the for both events, the Birmingham of them previously unknown in Catfish Kings, Derek Nash, Digby crowd shots to jitterbugging Birmingham festival which has festival always avoiding major this country, which then become Fairweather, the John Patrick Trio, dance troupe, attracted much always adopted a fairly football championships when festival favourites. Birmingham King Pleasure and the Biscuit attention from the passing expansionist interpretation of the there is a date clash. So lovers of patrons will be looking forward Boys, Remi Harris, Roy Forbes, crowd, though it is unlikely all six word ‘Birmingham’. jazz and football can enjoy the to the return of ’s Pepper , Tipitina and the million stopped for a look! European Championships and and the Jellies, the Schwings from Whiskey Brothers. Strongly represented was the The Solihull festival has from the then support the Birmingham and Lithuania, Saxitude from festival’s official photographer, start been programmed by Big Solihull Jazz Festival on July 15- Luxembourg, Les Zauto Check out further details on Merlin Daleman, but there were Bear Music which runs the 24. Stompers de Paris and the Sarah facebook.com/birminghamjazzfestival also fine photographs by a wide Birmingham festival so it is not Lenka Band from France, the range of photographers, from surprising that there are some Melanie Palmer, Executive Budapest Ragtime Band and, from Festival Director to local similarities, both in musical policy Director of the Solihull BID, has the Costa del Sol, the New students: Greg Gdowski, Bradley Pearce, Jim Simpson, Charlotte Webb and Graham Young. The whole exhibition was arranged and prepared by students of Debbie Jones and Justin Birmingham City University Randall of Tipitina at under the direction of Phil the exhibition. Thompson and part of the festival’s photography project supported by Arts Council The international team of student-curators (l-r) Casey Li (Ireland), Felicity Hall England. (Worcester), Nora Al-Hindi (Jordan), Francisca Borzea (Romania) Under this project photographers of all abilities of ages, abilities and experience were encouraged to work to a specific brief during the jazz festival. Given the brief by Festival Director Jim Simpson in advance, they then met with the festival’s photographer-at-large Merlin Daleman who enlarged on this brief and advised them on possible approaches to jazz photography. During the event he monitored their work and eventually, two weeks later, gave a final debrief – by Skype, with Merlin in Sicily, Charlotte Webb in London and six other photographers in the Blue in Birmingham! The New Street exhibition is a tribute to the success of the project, with excellent images from a variety of photographers. 10 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 11 26 AND COUNTING 26 AND COUNTING

without the need to include the Val Wiseman 26 AND COUNTING melodramatic and commercially motivated song that gave the RON SIMPSON discovers another anniversary, rather overlooked last year: show its title. And there’s still no shortage of fine songs to be 25 years since the UK’s favourite Lady Day tribute was first recorded. considered, giving the lie to the old theory that in the 1930s Billie Lady Sings the Blues 1990-style. was given all the second-rate songs to sing, though admittedly Eeny Meeny Miny Mo, the first track on the original album, is not ’s most sophisticated lyric!

No one is better placed than Digby Fairweather to compare the early tours of Lady Sings the Blues with the present day or the 1990 album with the soon-to-be- released Laughing at Life. Despite reservations about his own playing (reservations not shared by other listeners) he is clearly still immensely proud of the itself will be on a par with the the years, his reply is simple: ‘It’s Marc Stringle alongside Mr. earlier album: original M&B in 1987 loosened up a lot. We know the Fairweather and had a boom year where I shared trumpet duties arrangements so thoroughly that in 2015). Lady Sings the Blues kicks ‘Many of my friends still remark with Humph. The band excelled we can just concentrate on off the Laughing at Life Tour 2016 on it as one of their favourite themselves. Julian Marc Stringle keeping it fresh.’ This is true even with March dates at the Queens albums and Benny Green’s played wonderfully and to me when deps are required, as they Theatre, Hornchurch (12) and comment that it might even be Roy Williams is still our greatest will be over so many years and the Borough Theatre, better than the originals really jazz trombonist - I hear so many concerts: Digby pauses Abergavenny (16). At the time of meant something. It’s a everything in him I always did.’ to enthuse over Alan Barnes’ going to press, dates already fixed marvellous monument to such originality and star quality, but for May-July are: the Gatehouse 2015 was, of course, the year of remained the same - and, in show, while singing with Pete’s career took in many of the legends of the British jazz scene Digby was slightly surprised to Julian Stringle’s performance on Theatre, Stafford (May 19), Billie Holiday’s 100th birthday - truth, all the members of that undiminished quality. best traditional bands and two as and Al Gay.’ find how the choice of songs had Laughing at Life is the ultimate Waterside Arts Centre, Sale (June and, incidentally, ’s. original band stayed with the stints with before changed since 1990 and pointed proof of the importance of 9), Charter Theatre, Preston (18), If the first edition of Lady Sings Jazz Rag was not alone in finding show for many years, with the he developed a habit of founding About Laughing at Life Digby is out that the show was still quality deps. Norwich Playhouse (25), The the Blues drew on the elite of various ways to commemorate exception of drummer Eddie or co-founding a whole variety of remarkably sanguine. All the essentially the same, with many Castle, Wellingborough (July 2), British jazzers in the late 1980s, the anniversary and Lady Sings the Taylor who found joining George groups: Five-a-Slide, the Midnite things that he had imagined might of the original Pete Strange And now Val and the band are Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham the same is so today. Brian Dee is Blues, the most highly rated and Melly’s ever-busy accompanists, Follies Orchestra, the Great go wrong never materialised and arrangements. Songs come and preparing to get out on the road (15) and Hever Castle (31). most longest lasting of Billie ’s Feetwarmers, a masterly accompanist as well as British Jazz Band. A seriously he is even modestly delighted go from the programme and, of again, one of the few small an original soloist and the tenor tribute shows, took to the road committed him to a full-time job. underrated arranger, at the time with his own playing: course, the albums don’t cover swinging bands still doing so. Tel.: 0121 454 7020 with renewed vigour. The now sadly deceased Al Gay sax/clarinet part, often these days of Lady Sings the Blues he was well the full repertoire of the show. (Probably the busiest of them all, www.bigbearmusic.com and Brian Lemon contributed filled by Alan Barnes, was taken into a 21-year sojourn in the ‘It’s my best performance on a Asked how he feels Lady Sings the incidentally, is Digby’s Half In July Val Wiseman and her gloriously to Lady Sings the Blues superbly at Birmingham by Julian Humphrey Lyttelton Band that live album, I think, and the album Blues on stage has changed over Dozen, which includes Julian musicians found themselves until they retired from active Marc Stringle. The most recent ended with his death in 2004. performing in the Birmingham recruit on the recording, music-making and Jim Douglas Jazz and Blues Festival at the following in a distinguished line of was so closely identified with the The repertoire on the original Studio Theatre of Birmingham drummers, most recently Bobby guitar chair that, soon after he album leant decisively, though not MINGUS BIG BAND IN LEEDS Library where Big Bear Records Worth, is Eric Ford who began as became unavailable for touring, exclusively, towards songs of the made a live recording of the a pupil of acclaimed Birmingham the instrumental septet became a 1930s, with a bias towards the Immediately before a week's residency at 's the Mingus Big Band played a concert. Now, with the CD to be drummer and teacher Malcolm sextet, with a three-piece rhythm more cheerful songs, very released shortly under the title Garrett. Eric went on to play stunning concert at the Howard Assembly Room in Leeds on January 23rd. Tom Arber was section. welcome in view of the Laughing at Life, it seemed a good with MYJO and, since leaving perceptions of gloom and on the spot to photograph the band in full cry. time to re-visit the previous Lady Birmingham University, has But half of the eight musicians heartbreak that can surround Sings the Blues recording, also on embarked on a varied musical who assembled at Black Barn Billie’s memory. It’s interesting to Big Bear. Was it, we hoped, some journey that has included four were still there at Birmingham compare the repertoire of Lady kind of an anniversary? Well, sort years in Paris and playing on of. Val and the band (billed in Library 25 years later. Digby cruise ships. Now he is a member Sings the Blues 1990-style and those days as the LSTB Fairweather has led the band of the highly rated London-based 2015-style. Lover Man, What Shall I Orchestra) went into the Black indefatigably through the years trio, Partikel. Say? and Miss Brown to You are Barn Studio in February 1990 so and two of the most acclaimed of scheduled to reappear on the last year’s live recording could be British jazzmen of the 1990s, Roy Looking back at the original new live album, the latter two in seen as celebrating both Billie’s Williams and , are still credits for the 1990 recording, Pete Strange’s original 100th and the previous album’s among the best, as their it’s good (though sad) to be arrangements. Much of the rest 25th. consistently high placings in the reminded of another enormously has changed, from Laughing at Life, British Jazz Awards indicate. As talented stalwart of the period, the opening title track of the What is most remarkable about for Val Wiseman herself, in the trombonist/arranger Pete album to My Man, for years now the near-30 year existence of years since 1990 she has become Strange. He was responsible for the show’s dramatic finale. Over Lady Sings the Blues is that so more ambitious, launching out most of the arrangements and the years the concept of Lady many of the core personnel have into writing her own Bronte transcriptions of Billie’s songs. Sings the Blues has evolved, always 12 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 13 NEW BRANCH OF JAZZ ARCHIVE NEW BRANCH OF JAZZ ARCHIVE NEW BRANCH OF JAZZ ARCHIVE DIGBY FAIRWEATHER, founder of the National Jazz Archive, talks to Jazz Rag about the latest exciting developments.

from a local library which sadly had had to close its doors. That was a great start! But then the luck really started to happen! A big medical centre had just closed down too nearby, and its Director, Richard Campbell-Carr - who I've known since our schooldays- offered a complete suite of furniture including office chairs and desks, state-of-the-art PCs with full internet connections, tables - everything! Other people - including my dear friend Paul Richards who was Chairman of Governors at Southend High School when I was on the Board - came up with generous financial support too. So, Digby, there's a new places to set up our centre. rocked me on my heels a bit! But And really - with them and a fantastic team of fifteen department of the National of course I had to say no Humphrey Lyttelton's desk Jazz Archive? OK - but why the need for afterwards. The NJA has been at volunteers - we set up the whole extra space? Loughton for twenty eight years department in less than three jazz culture and that we should for years by my great friend Dan wrote for Melody Maker in its too. There literally wasn't a seat Yes; in the Beecroft Art Gallery in now and not only has fantastic months. go on collecting them in the Morgenstern. At Rutgers they golden years and later edited to be had and I thought, ‘This Victoria Avenue, Southend-on- Well, that's another story. Round collections but a high visibility on future. So we finally had to agree have the horns of , Kerrang magazine too. Currently could be the start of something So what's in it? Sea. about three years ago the the national jazz scene as we to differ on that one! Of course , Eddie Condon's Chris writes for Jazzwise and he's very big indeed!’ National Jazz Archive (which I set know. So to have uprooted it to it's important to remember, I guitar - dozens and dozens of the always been one of my A pretty formidable research An Art Gallery? That doesn't up in l988 in Loughton Central anywhere else, including think, that Loughton is currently instruments of now-legendary journalistic heroes! We had So will the Archive be open facility! Of course we have an sound like a home for a jazz Library, East London) was told by Southend, would have been completely out of space - and performers. They have Ella record and book sales, jazz on regularly? enormous collection of books, archive? its controlling authority absolutely traitorous - and luckily, Fitzgerald's on-stage dresses! film all day in our 100-seater periodicals and also a lot of rare that must, by definition, put tight County Council that any further as it turns out unnecessary too! rules on their collections policy. They have everything from cinema/lecture theatre and Simon Yes once a week every Saturday - No I agree, but there's a story. space for our collections was film. But we also have a lot of And their broad terms of cylinders and 78s to vinyl and Spillett came down - for free by although I hope the hours will be The Beecroft collections have now absolutely impossible. Essex marvellous museum items too; So after that? reference have always been CDs. They have jazz on film. And the way - to show the marvellous extended soon. It's a great place been recently re-housed in what County have always been everything from the 'Louis 'anything you can read or study of course they have one of the new documentary on Tubby to research - or actually just to was once the Central Library in marvellous to us ever since we It occurred to me that the NJA Armstrong Special' trumpet to hang out, listen to great jazz and on the subject of jazz' - which biggest research collections in Hayes produced by Mark Baxter Southend; a four-storey building opened, but of course they've not only had a huge amount of the complete Archives of have a coffee. And I've had lots really implies books, journals, the world too. So that would be (who was there too!) called A opened in l974. I actually suffered drastically from duplicate stocks housed at Brunel Humphrey Lyttelton - his roll- and lots of support from letters, posters, photographs and my dream for a National Jazz Man in a Hurry. Simon played too completed my librarian's career government cuts in recent years University (which they were top desk where he worked for all everyone from the BBC and local so on. And they take their remit Centre in the UK too. at the end of the day with a great in there before going off on the as all local authorities have. And - going to start charging us storage his life, his instruments and eight radio to enquiries from the Arts extremely seriously. So I hope band including Mick Foster, road in l977! Anyhow when our much against their will, I'm sure - fees for) but that there were also decades of his scrapbooks, Do you think that's possible? Council of England. So I suppose that Southend may be able to Dominic Ashworth, Len Skeat, brand-new library called 'The they've been forced to cut our smaller collections which we'd private correspondence, scripts, the word is, ‘Watch this space.’ open up more space for them to Alan Clarke - and I had a blow Forum' opened up two or three book fund from 3K to nil; to set up around the country for interviews, cartoons, recordings - Well, wouldn't that be wonderful? carry on with their specialisms - years ago the old library building serve notice on two of our research purposes but which had everything. That was given to the You never know... was left empty of course and the working areas, and also place never really taken off. So I Archive on permanent loan by his but also give us the chance to THE AGE OF THE MELODICA? Beecroft collections were moved one or two small question-marks thought, ‘Well, if we could get son Stephen and collected by our extend our own terms of So when did you open? in leaving quite a lot of spare over our permanent tenure at them all together at Southend Southend friends in very short reference in terms of what we After our recent coverage of the melodica it was good to read in space unused. So - thanks to my Loughton which could - at least we'd certainly have a very fine order before Stephen moved collect. We had our Grand Opening Day that wise, if eccentric, jazz magazine, Allegedly Hot News, of Stan good friend, the CEO at in theory - be terminated within second research centre in the house. We even have Sir John on Saturday February 6th - and it Robinson’s response when impressed by a young Brazilian Southend Borough Council, Rob a year. Of course that hasn't making.’ So several of the Dankworth's first-ever piano! How about recorded sound - was unbelievable. The Beecroft melodican (if that’s the right word). Having asked the price, Stan Tinlin and his team - we were happened and Loughton is still Loughton Trustees - including CDs, vinyl and so on? Art Gallery isn't - shall we say - opined, ‘If you miss going to Sainsbury’s once, you can afford one.’ able to take advantage of that. doing extremely well. In fact their Chairman Paul Kaufman and So a museum facility too? 'over-populated' on a daily basis Sadly, as with any jazz publication these days, the recently deceased they've just won a new HLF grant Nick Clarke amongst them - Well that's another thing. You see, but on our day we had more figure fairly prominently in the Winter 2015 issue of Allegedly Hot But why Southend and the for £83,000.00 which is packed up the books; brought Yes definitely - which caused a bit when the NJA was set up and than three hundred people News. Mike Pointon contributes memories of Micky Ashman and need for extra space? marvellous! But personally (a bit them down to Southend and we of a temporary rumpus with the opened in l988, we agreed not to through the doors and the place there are photos of the Rextravaganza celebrating the life of like Lester Young) I 'felt a draft' were away! NJA Trustees at Loughton. When collect jazz on record as that was was packed from the moment we drummer Rex Bennett who died last year aged 93. Well, Southend is my home-town when the cuts began! I acquired Humph's collections - officially covered by the National opened our doors! Our Lord of course - which helps. But it's How about the space at and the Dankworth piano - I was Sound Archive, a department of Mayor, Andrew Moring, cut the The usual collection of reviews includes John Latham of the Sandy close to London (two rail-lines So what did you do? Southend? told: 'that's out of order - and the British Library at Kings ribbon to open the department no more than an hour away from completely outside our Cross. But my view has always and everyone wanted to look at Brown Society writing appreciatively about David Binns’ new book, the City) and we also have a First of all I went to see Rob Well, Rob Tinlin and his arts team collections policy too!'. So I had a been that a National Jazz Archive the collections - and even play Sir Homes of the Hits, about Sandy’s sound recording studios. The marvellous new airport opened Tinlin. Rob is a marvellous man - Nick Harris and Rosemary bit of a public telling-off! But I felt should cover everything to do John's piano! Our local MP Sir customary mix of entertainment and instruction, the most recent up again for anyone who might and first of all said, 'Well, we'll be Pennington - started by giving us then - as I quite definitely feel with the culture - a bit like the David Amess came in full of edition does seem a little low on banjo jokes! want to fly in in the future! So I happy to accommodate the NJA a very big office space in the now - that such artefacts are Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies enthusiasm, and so did the great Email [email protected] think there could be a lot worse right here in Southend'. Which Beecroft and lots of shelving absolutely central to our British in Newark which was directed jazz journalist Chris Welch, who 14 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 15 THE 50 TOP JAZZ SINGERS? THE 50 TOP JAZZ SINGERS?

23) Irene Kral – Could anyone 35) Eddie Jefferson – Similar to Oscar Brown Jr. THE 50 TOP JAZZ SINGERS? sing ballads with the Hendricks, Jefferson on his heartbreaking sincerity and quiet vocalese lyrics could bring back by Scott Yanow passion of Irene Kral? the spirit and personality of many top horn players. The powers that be at the Jazz 2) – In addition 24) – Lee showed Rag suggested that, in answer to to being arguably the finest scat- Anita O’Day that one could sing with intensity 36) Diana Krall – The most the BBC’s listing of their choices singer, after the early 1940s and sensual passion at a low famous living jazz singer, her for the top 50 jazz musicians, I do nearly every one of Ella’s volume. vocalizing (inspired by Shirley the same. After quickly deciding interpretations of standards Horn and Peggy Lee) helped that this was impractical if not became definitive. Singers have 25) Shirley Horn – Her revive many swing standards. impossible (how does Chick learned how to sing hundreds of phrasing, expertise at slow Corea’s rank compare to James P. songs by listening to Ella’s ballads, and consistent warmth 37) Jimmy Witherspoon – In Johnson’s?), I offered a version. are still very influential. the 1950s and ‘60s, ‘Spoon’s light- compromise that is still a bit of a toned blues singing was a fool’s errand. Instead of ranking 3) – She 26) Cab Calloway – Can’s scat- contrast to the rougher sounding every jazz performer, I would possessed one of the most singing, over-the-top . He could sing jazz 45) Ann Hampton Callaway – Cole, Harry Connick, Jr., Chris restrict myself to jazz singers, still wondrous voices of the 20th performances and constant and blues with equal credibility. Her vocal talents have grown Connor, Ida Cox, Jamie Cullum, a near-impossible task. century and for over 40 years swinging made him a sensation steadily through the years and Meredith D’Ambrosio, Barbara never seemed to have an off ever since he hit it big in 1930. 38) Dianne Reeves – While today Callaway is capable of truly Dane, Blossom Dearie, Dena What is a jazz singer? I always night. her choice of material and styles dazzling vocalizing. DeRose, , Urszula thought of it as being someone 27) Kay Starr – Influenced by has remained erratic, when Dudziak, Dominique Eade, Billy who improvises through notes, 4 ) Billie Holiday – Although Dinah Washington but having her Reeves chooses to sing swinging 46) Cecile McLorin Salvant – Eckstine, Cliff Edwards, Ruth words, sounds and/or phrasing. her voice was small and her own Oklahoma twang, Starr was jazz, she approaches the level of The brightest new voice on the Etting, Nnenna Freelon, Dave at her best on swing standards. scene, Salvant is always creative, Scat-singing is not a must but improvising was pretty subtle by 9) – The top 16) Abbey Lincoln – A supper Vaughan and Ella. Frishberg, , Giacomo her later years, Lady Day’s even when tackling unlikely consistent spontaneity is male band singer of the swing club singer who became a Gates, Sara Gazarek, Harry ‘The behind-the-beat phrasing has led 28) Sheila Jordan – A master at 39) Karrin Allyson – A material from 1910. essential. Frank Sinatra, Tony era, Jimmy Rushing never protest singer with , Hipster’ Gibson, Astrud Gilberto, Bennett and Rosemary Clooney the way ever since the 1930s. improvising words and making up masterful bop singer who has , Babs Gonzales, recorded a bad record whether Lincoln in her later years was a 47) – Her (each beloved by many jazz stories on-the-spot while branched out over the years, Teddy Grace, , it was blues, standards or ballads. superb interpreter of a wide light and gentle but always singers) rarely improvised so they 5) – The Empress championing , Jordan has Allyson has always had her own , , variety of songs including many of swinging style made Sullivan a are off the list. The qualities that I of the Blues had the most been in her own special category sound and a very appealing style. Nancy Harrow, Johnny Hartman, 10) Dinah Washington – She her own. strong influence on Peggy Lee, looked for in compiling this list powerful voice of the 1920s and ever since her first recording. Clancy Hayes, Lena Horne, was proud of her ability to sing Rebecca Kilgore and all of the include the originality of the her passion still communicates to 17) Nat King Cole – Everyone 40) Annette Hanshaw – In the Alberta Hunter, Al Jarreau (if today’s listeners. pretty much anything, from blues 29) – Always singers. singer’s sound, their ability to loved Nat King Cole’s very warm late 1920s/early ‘30s, she was one only he had chosen jazz!), Etta and r& b to bop-oriented jazz underrated, Merrill’s recordings improvise, the quality of their and friendly voice, even when he of the very best at infusing pop Jones, Louis Jordan, Beverly 6) Anita O’Day – 100% and country-flavoured music. with Clifford Brown, Gil Evans, 48) Rebecca Kilgore – No work, and the influence that they de-emphasized swinging for songs with jazz singing. Kenny, Stacey Kent, King Pleasure, dedicated to swinging jazz, Anita Dick Katz and are matter what swing standards she have had on others. ballads in the 1950s. Nancy King, , Dave O’Day constantly took chances in 11) Joe Williams – Although he cool jazz classics. 41) Banu Gibson – The chooses to sing, Kilgore uplifts had few equals in singing blues, Lambert, Jeanne Lee, Julia Lee, Knowing that there is no possible her improvising and scatting, definitive classic jazz/swing singer the material with her gentle, Williams actually loved 18) Oscar Brown Jr – While Julie London, Carmen Lundy, way that a list such as this can always succeeding in the 1950s, 30) Jack Teagarden – Ranging of the past 30 years, Banu and infectious and subtle creativity. performing ballads the most. his singing was somewhat Gloria Lynne, Kevin Mahogany, avoid being controversial, I am her prime years. from vintage blues and her New Orleans Hot Jazz have overshadowed by his songwriting 49) Chet Baker – He never had Janis Mann, Claire Martin, Tina taking the plunge anyway. Many of abilities, Brown’s dramatic standards to the ballad 100 Years starred at scores of festivals and 7) Carmen McRae – Her 12) Mark Murphy – One of the the best voice but Baker’s May, Mary Ann McCall, Barbara these artists (17 males and 33 delivery and solid sense of swing From Today Mr. T. was as mighty a shown that there is plenty of life warm voice, distinctive phrasing most innovative jazz singers of laidback phrasing, melancholy Morrison,, Stephanie females) need no introduction as made his live performances a singer as he was a trombonist. to be found in songs of the 1920s and full understanding of bop the past 50 years, Murphy’s moods and honest singing has Nakasian, Lauren Newton, Alex far as their significance goes so I memorable and joyful and ‘30s. made her the perfect singer to scatting, phrasing and use of had a strong effect. Pangman, Gretchen Parlato, will just mention why they are experience. 31) Ernestine Anderson – In a words was quite unique. Rebecca Parris, Ottilie Patterson, ranked at this level. interpret songs. career that now dates back to 42) Nancy Wilson – Before she 50) – During her Louis Prima, , Barbara 19) Dee Dee Bridgewater – the late 1940s, Ernestine largely turned towards pop and 8) Mel Torme – Virtually the 13) – She came prime years of the 1950s and Rosene, Vanessa Rubin, Jackie 1 ) – One of the top jazz singers of the Anderson has reinvented herself away from jazz in the late 1960s, only singer to improve while he out of the classic blues world to ‘60s, Ross’ singing (whether with Ryan, Diane Schuur, Daryl Although he was not the first jazz past 25 years, the always-exciting a few times but is at her best Wilson was a delightful, subtle was in his sixties, Torme could become a superior interpreter of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross or Sherman, Janis Siegel, Nina singer (being preceded by Cliff Dee Dee has performed shows when she is bluesy and soulful. and swinging jazz singer. scat on Ella’s level, hold endless popular songs in the 1930s and her solo records) was irresistible. Simone, Carole Sloane, Luciana Edwards, Marion Harris and a few dedicated to Ella, Horace Silver long notes on ballads, and always ‘40s. 32) Roberta Gambarini – Her 43) Bobby McFerrin – If it Souza, Esperanza Spalding, Mary others) or the first scat-singer, and the music of Kurt Weill. Of course there have been many manage to sound like himself. beautiful voice and ease with were not for his long periods Stallings, Dakota Staton, Clark Armstrong’s horn-like phrasing more than 50 great jazz singers. 14) – The ultimate creative bebop and ballads make away from jazz, McFerrin would Terry, , Leon influenced virtually every jazz 20) Helen Humes – Whether Most painful for me was leaving crooner, Bing learned from Louis the under recorded Gambarini rank much higher. His Thomas, Kate-Hammett Vaughan, vocalist who followed. He performing blues, early r&b, swing (who would be #51) Armstrong and Jack Teagarden, one of today’s greats. unaccompanied solo concerts Marlene VerPlanck, Eddie permanently changed jazz and or ballads, Humes always sang out of the top 50. Here are 102 always loved New Orleans jazz, and ability to sound like two or ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson, Fats Waller, popular music. with a smile in her voice. other vocalists who deserve and could scat and swing with 33) Susannah McCorkle – In Leo Watson, Lee Wiley, three voices at once (making a honourable mention for their Louis Armstrong the best whenever he wanted. He 21) Big Joe Turner – He never the 1970s and ‘80s, she was , and Norma sound when he inhales) are often-remarkable careers: Lorez was the #1 influence on pop really changed his style from the among the first young singers to Winstone. unprecedented. Alexandria, Mose Allison, Ernie singers prior to Sinatra. 1930s to the ‘80s, and never come up with fresh Andrews, Susie Arioli, Fred needed to. Big Joe’s blues are interpretations of swing 44) Mildred Bailey – While her Scott Yanow has written 11 Astaire, Claire Austin, Patti 15) Betty Carter – Starting in timeless. standards and obscurities. influence has declined through books on jazz including The Austin, Alice Babs, Patricia Barber, bebop, by the 1970s Betty Carter Jazz Singers. He can be the years, the high-toned Bailey George Benson, Big Miller, Janice was avant-garde in the 22) Kurt Elling – The top male 34) Jon Hendricks – The genius contacted at was a major force in the 1930s Borla, Connie Boswell, Ruth unpredictable ways that she jazz singer since the deaths of of vocalese, Hendricks may not [email protected]. and ‘40s. Brown, Katie Bull, Blanche treated standards, never being Torme and Williams, Elling have had the strongest voice but Calloway, Thelma Carpenter, Eva content to merely state a melody. combined Mark Murphy’s it was one of the most adaptable, Let Jazz Rag know your list of Cassidy, , Jeannie innovations with his own often singing his lyrics at the top singers: email Cheatham, Jay Clayton, Freddy personality and inventive ideas. remarkable tempos. [email protected]. 16 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 17 JAZZ FESTIVALS JAZZ FESTIVALS

SOLIHULL JOINS BIRMINGHAM JAMIE AT JAZZ FESTIVALS In local politics the Borough of Solihull is always keen to Singing star Jamie Cullum is again Guest Director of the differentiate itself from its big brother, the neighbouring City of Cheltenham Jazz Festival (April 27-May 2), a guarantee of Birmingham, but as of 2016 the two jazz festivals are to become continuing quality for one of the country’s most highly rated and FESTIVAL LISTINGS MARCH-JUNE one. In recent years the Solihull BID has run a very successful comprehensive jazz festivals. Unusual in operating under the Spring Bank Holiday Festival, mainly consisting of all-day jazz on umbrella of a whole raft of festivals in a town uniquely suited to the BRISTOL JAZZ AND NEWCASTLE JAZZ GLASGOW JAZZ open stages in the town centre, and booked by Big Bear Music, festival experience, the jazz festival is hosted in a tented village in BLUES FESTIVAL AND BLUES FESTIVAL FESTIVAL Courtney Pine directors of the Birmingham festival. This July the Solihull Jazz Montpellier Gardens, with Big Top Stage, Jazz Arena and food, drink (MARCH 18-20) (MAY 27-30) (JUNE 22-26) Festival will be integrated into the Birmingham Jazz and Blues and market area. American visitors already confirmed include A packed star-studded weekend Newcastle-under-Lyme’s well The 30th Glasgow Jazz Festival is Festival which already runs at not far off 200 performances, nearly Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, New at and around the Colston Hall established Spring Bank Holiday a large-scale affair, using all free, thus giving the opportunity for all-day jazz over an even Yorkers ’s Snakeoil, ’s Electric Band and with Maceo Parker, Melody festival takes over the town’s Glasgow’s range of concert halls. wider area, though the Birmingham Festival has long reached out to the Becca Stevens Band, led by a rising singer-songwriter. A major Gardot, Courtney Pine, Pee Wee bars and restaurants with jazz Headlines already confirmed neighbouring outposts - in the Black Country, for instance. A new project is Let it be Told, exploring the music of South African Ellis and Fred Wesley and many and blues.Among those appearing include Joe Bonamassa and further temporary change this year: as usually happens when there exiles and receiving its UK premiere from composer Julian others, plus the Big Swing with are Tipitina, Roy Forbes and Little George Benson. is a clash with a major football competition, the festival moves from Arguelles, the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, and Steve King Pleasure and the Biscuit Jo and the Misfits. www.jazzfest.co.uk early July, so the first Birmingham and Solihull Jazz and Blues Arguelles. Boys. www.newcastlejazzandblues.co.uk Festival takes place from July 15 to 24, 2016. One thing never www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz www.bristoljazzandbluesfest.com LICHFIELD BLUES AND changes, the number of European jazzers who return year on year NEWPORT JAZZ JAZZ FESTIVAL as Birmingham festival favourites (plus a few new ones each year), Jamie Cullum NANTWICH JAZZ so fans of Pepper and the Jellies, Les Zauto Stompers and the rest WEEKEND (JUNE 24-26) AND BLUES FESTIVAL will not be disappointed. (JUNE 1-5) The festival features big band and www.birminghamjazzfestival.com (MARCH 24-28) Newport, Isle of Wight, clearly and funk in addition to Venues throughout the town believes in long (5 day!) top blues performers at venues Pepper & The Jellies include the Church, the Museum, weekends, but the jazz activity across the city. Civic Hall and Crown Hotel, for a around the town becomes more www.lichfieldarts.org.uk bill including the Jive Aces, Swing intense from Friday. Top-class COMMUNITY JAZZ Commanders, the headliners include Amy Roberts’ THAXTED FESTIVAL As well as venues in the Revolutionaries and Big Country. Magnificent Seven, Stacey Kent, (JUNE 24-JULY 17) Atrium of Clitheroe Castle www.nantwichjazz.com Robert Fowler and Karen Sharp. This year’s festival celebrates the and the Grand Hotel, the www.newportjazzweekend.co.uk 100th anniversary of Gustav Ribble Valley Jazz Festival GATESHEAD JAZZ Holst’s first concert in Thaxted has a Street Festival, Bandstand FESTIVAL KIRKCUDBRIGHT Church. A small jazz element Gigs, a Blues Stage and a (APRIL 15-17) JAZZ FESTIVAL includes a concert by Tim Buskers Stage. The May Day Bank Holiday event (April 28- The iconic Sage Gateshead, home (JUNE 9-12) Kliphuis. May 2) has developed as a to two concert halls and many The 17 bands providing over 80 www.thetrumpet.co.uk/community/ A FESTIVAL BEFORE A FESTIVAL thaxted-festival community-based event with other performance spaces, hosts hours of jazz throughout the Most people would consider a series of seven concerts, featuring Arts Council England support. such star names as Gregory town include the Penman the likes of the Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band, Clare Teal, the Pasadena Over 50 bands and 450 Porter, Courtney Pine, Zoe Jazzmen, the Big Easy and Spats EAST NEUK FESTIVAL Roof Orchestra, Keith Nichols and Dom Pipkin, Enrico Tomasso and musicians are making their way Rahman, Terence Blanchard, Liane Langham’s Hot Fingers. (JUNE 25-JULY 3) JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Pete Long, and Jeff Barnhart and Spats Langham, a pretty good to Lancashire’s beautiful Ribble festival in itself. However, that’s just the prelude to the 25th Carroll and Simon Spillett with www.kirkcudbrightjazzfestival.co.uk The festival spreads throughout Jazz festivals take so many varied forms - from breezy weekends at Valley, with headliners Jennings Keswick Jazz Festival (May 12-15). From May 8 the the music of Tubby Hayes. the picturesque East Neuk of the seaside to big city events to taking over half the licensed including Courtney Pine and Theatre by the Lake hands over its main auditorium and studio www.sagegateshead.com SWANSEA JAZZ Fife, with mostly classical premises of a small town - that it’s a real delight to welcome what Zoe Rahman, Claire Martin theatre to an excellent programme of jazz concerts, then on May concerts, but performances of bids fair to be a jazz festival with difference. The first Sugnall Jazz FESTIVAL with Ray Gelato, Martin Taylor 12 the main event starts! Described as the UK’s largest celebration PORTHCAWL JAZZ other musics, such as jazz, in and Blues (July 22-24) takes place in Sugnall Walled Garden, a (JUNE 17-19) and Arun Ghosh. of New Orleans and traditional jazz, mainstream and swing, Keswick settings as diverse as a cave and a historic garden nearly 300 years old which already hosts a wide FESTIVAL www.rvjazzandblues.co.uk does its celebrating in every way possible, from talks to dance With events across the whole potato barn! variety of events from traditional spoon carving to a Burns Night (APRIL 22-24) classes to parades through the town, with plenty of tribute and Marina area, especially centred on www.eastneukfestival.com supper, from plant hunting to a Great Gin Event! The jazz festival Six venues in the town, including repertory concerts alongside a line-up of regular bands that fits the Thomas Theatre, the will be by ticket on a daily basis, with the Saturday of the festival churches, hotels and the Grand firmly into the ‘too numerous to mention’ category. Swansea Jazz Festival covers a featuring no fewer than seven concerts. The programme will include Pavilion, host the likes of Claire ALAN BARNES GOES Alan www.keswickjazzfestival.com wide range of music under the such bands as Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen and King Pleasure Martin, Dave Newton and Ray FISHING Barnes direction of David Cottle, with and the Biscuit Boys. Gelato. headliners of the quality of the The final concert of the www.sugnallwalledgarden.co.uk Clare Teal www.porthcawl-jazz-festival.com Alan Barnes Octet, Pee Wee Ellis Cleethorpes Jazz Festival Funk Assembly, NYJO, Darius features an Alan Barnes suite ISLE OF BUTE JAZZ Brubeck, ’s commissioned by the festival and King Pleasure & The FESTIVAL Spanish Accents and 360, made celebrating the fishing heritage of Biscuit Boys up of original members of the Great Grimsby. Alan is joined by (APRIL 29-MAY 2) Average White Band. an octet described as ‘a diverse Beautiful Rothesay welcomes www.sjf.co.uk group of musicians’ in the such bands as the Savannah Jazz programme. The festival runs from Band, Richard White’s Fivers and June 24 to 26 in McCormacks the Teddy Bears Society Bar in a packed programme of Jazz Band to venues around three events on Friday evening followed by seven a day. The bands town. and musicians range from local youth orchestras to some of the top www.butejazz.com names in British jazz: Matt Skelton playing Basie and Ellington with an all star septet, solo, with a piano- less quartet of Robert Fowler, Arnie Somogyi and Steve Brown, Alan Barnes joining forces with Gilad Atzmon, etc. www.grimsbyjazz.com

18 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 19 JAZZ FESTIVALS LIVE

Georgia Mancio Enrico Tomasso Osian Roberts (r), It’s difficult to imagine anybody – nothing official, but the not enjoying Mads’ set, but the consensus of informed opinion with Frank Basile and other Scandinavian saxist was a was that we will now see more Steve Fishwick real opinion divider. It was Marius of Matt once more. DNA was full Neset’s third visit to the of fine Dave Newton Southport festival and he hasn’t compositions, now seldom heard, become any less and the whole concert was uncompromising. He is a marked by Iain’s impeccable prodigious technician and again control and lyricism and Dave’s he sounded as though he was inventiveness and ability to looking to discover and bring out switch from delicate sensitivity to every sound you could make with two-handed attack. A straw poll a tenor sax. Everything about among the cognoscenti found BESIDE THE SEASIDE Photo by Robert Burns Marius is in terms of contrasts. nothing better over the weekend There are several excellent, popular and long-running jazz festivals He received the biggest ovation than the pair’s improvisations on in coastal towns and resorts, but the Scarborough Jazz Festival 48 IN 31 JAZZ ON A WINTER'S Saturday was the day of the of the weekend, but had more All the Things You Are. (September 23-25) remains unique. The setting in the splendid The Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival, now in its 31st year, WEEKEND: Scandinavian saxes. First up was non-returnees after the interval Spa complex reminds us that Scarborough is the quintessential crams what a quick computation tots up as 48 bands or solo the wonderful Mads Mathias. In a than any other concert. He was Barnes-O’Higgins and the Sax Victorian resort - and the patter of compere Alan Barnes evokes performers in its one-evening-and-three-days time-slot (June 23- SOUTHPORT slightly less cutting-edge weekend the musician most likely to be Section hardly needs any memories of many an end-of-pier comedian! Not that there’s 26). Of course jazz chameleons such as Alan Barnes and Keith than usual, the first sensation was seeking out quiet fragments of comment beyond listing a few anything remotely old-fashioned about the music, including Alan Nichols appear in various different settings! The nine venues for FEBRUARY 5-7 an amiable young Dane who sound alone on stage and the songs (Benny Carter’s Doozy and himself playing in an all-star line-up with Mark Nightingale and Steve Upton include four marquees and a riverboat and extra events writes songs mostly in a musician who, with his quartet, Just a Mood, Topsy, Ko Ko and Our Waterman. Scarborough runs to a tight schedule, the main concerts include dance classes, parades and a church service. International Two years ago Geoff Matthews, conventional 32-bar form, with produced the loudest assault on Delight) and one or two of the all in the main Spa Hall, host to a succession of goodies throughout performers include the piano duo Stephanie Trick and Paolo Director of the Southport Jazz conversational idiomatic English the ears. He is the ultimate musicians: Robert Fowler the three days. As always this year’s Scarborough festival has plenty Alderighi and two bands from France, the Hot Antic Jazz Band and on a Winter’s Weekend, surprised lyrics and attractive melodies, as vindication of Geoff Matthews’ switching to alto as to the of established favourites (Liane Carroll, Georgia Mancio, Benn the Hippocampus Jass Gang. Among many favourites from Enrico everyone by announcing that he well as playing coolly swinging booking policy: he created a stir, manner born, Karen Sharp on Clatworthy, Dave O’Higgins) alongside unexpected delights. Charlie Tomasso’s Festival Band to Tom Langham’s Hot Fingers, the Good was stepping down, with no tenor sax. Mads manages the feat ‘What did you think of Marius baritone, to me always her most Parker on Dial seems especially interesting: directed by Alex Webb, Ol’ Spit and Dribble Jass Band stands out as the oddest name! successor in view. This rather of being simultaneously old- Neset?’ became the question of expressive instrument, the film combined with the music of a sextet including Nat Facey and www.uptonjazz.co.uk emotional response was brought fashioned and original. On My the weekend. muscular and flexible rhythm of Freddy Gavita. about by his frustration at lack of Favourite Kind of Girl he had the Geoff Gascoyne and Sebastiaan www.scarboroughspa.co.uk support, and he soon did an jaunty insouciance of a Harry Most of Marius’ numbers de Krom. Highlights included about turn. This year, in very Connick Jr, If I Were a Dancer represent, to use a modern Dave O’Higgins’ transcription of different mood, he made a similar carried the conviction of a real cliché, a journey. The first half and announcement, but this time the situation recounted with self- began with pianist solos for the section. JAZZ ON THE GOLD COAST Remi succession is assured, with Neil deprecating wit, Hen Pecked Man establishing a rhythm in repeated Bude in Cornwall received a Gold Award for a coastal resort in Harris Hughes of Altrincham’s was downright funny. Cleverest of patterns of sound; the second Other brief snapshots from a last year’s British travel awards, but that’s by no means the only Cinnamon Club taking over. As of all was Fool for Love, with adroit half began with Marius alone on festival where every concert was reason for a visit in August. The Bude Jazz Festival (August now he has no intention of word-play and a slightly more stage trying out saxophone good, but not all were 30-September 2) spreads through nine venues from hotels to making fundamental changes on complicated structure. Apart phrases. Each built into a memorable: the amazing night clubs to golf club to castle, all within walking distance of the basis of ‘If it ain’t broke...’. from the occasional over- sequence of melodies or sound response of a huge late-night the town centre. As always, one of the country’s longest ambitious tag, Mads kept it simple pictures, some of them gently audience to Alec Dankworth’s established and most popular festivals has a seemingly endless Geoff Matthews’ main vocally, resisting the temptation melodic or with an outdoor Spanish Accents (my first sight of list of the best in British traditional jazz, even though the achievement over 12 years has to scat until the second half and, Nordic feel. This was typical of a Spanish dancer on stage at a organisers express the ecumenical hope that ‘modernists’ will been to achieve remarkable when he did, he picked the right the whole concert. Sadly, jazz concert); Osian Roberts, by find something to enjoy. Take your pick from Jeremy Huggett’s audience figures while bringing in song and scatted accurately and especially in the second half, the far the most compelling soloist in Band of Gold, Richard Leach’s Seven Stars of Jazz, the Bateman musicians new to the patrons imaginatively. Tea for Two began final stage of the journey was an Anglo-American Brothers Jazz Band, the Remi Harris Trio, Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz alongside some tried and trusted with an expressive account of the often too explosive, too long, too sextet; the quality of individual Giants, Dave Moorwood’s Big Bear Stompers, and many more.... favourites. This year two of the verse (Mads’ regard for words, lacking in melody. One short musicians in the RNCM Big Band, www.jazzfestivalbude.co.uk 11 main concerts were total sell- his own or someone else’s, was beautiful exception began with alto saxist Caitlin Laing and outs, most of the others not far always obvious), then at increased Marius establishing the rhythm drummer Anthony Mann for two. off, and, as usual, the only thin tempo – not quite Anita O’Day simply by tapping the keys and attendances were during the late country – scat choruses followed the mouthpiece, oddly mesmeric, And then the perfect finale: night concerts where, round inevitably. before Ivo’s piano meshed in, established star (Jim Mullen) with THAT’S NOT ALL about midnight, patrons started sounding like in talented young musician (Neil Annette Hanshaw was the perky teenage singer the world fell in voting for sleep. There are plenty And Mads had a surprise for us – meditative mood. Amazingly Ivo, Burns), made the more poignant love with in the last 1920s, with her cute little sign-off to songs, of subsidiary reasons for this high or, rather, his accomplished bassist and drummer by the fact that Jim has mentored ‘That’s all.’ As time has passed, she has been recognised more as level of audience support (the pianist Peter Rosendal did in the played throughout as Neil for years and Robert Burns, a genuine jazz singer and less as a genuine teenage phenomenon Royal Clifton Hotel is a real form of a flugabone which is a though working with a wayward the excellent resident - she had taken nine years off her age! One of the delights of bonus), but the main one has variant on the trombone genius is a walk in the park. photographer at Southport, is Mike Durham’s Classic Jazz Party at the Village Hotel, been patrons’ trust in the developed for use in marching Neil’s father. The concert took Newcastle-upon-Tyne (November 4-6) is the enterprising organisers to bring in exciting bands – and for two numbers the Sunday was home-grown day and off from the moment that Jim set choice of themed and tribute programmes prepared, musicians with the certainty that quartet offered a stylish reminder included two outstanding sell-out about Just Friends with a flood of transcribed, arranged and played by a line-up of top classic jazz they will like at least some of of the piano-less Mulligan concerts. The David Newton-Iain notes and quotes. Neil gained in stylists from all over the world - and Annette Hanshaw is one of them. To carry that on will be Quartet with Bob Brookmeyer. Dixon Quartet was notable for assurance by the minute and this year’s less predictable selections, alongside the likes of UK- Neil Hughes’ biggest challenge – Completing the quartet on what reviving the music from a long- emerged as a real talent, Jim’s and, promisingly, one of the hits was generally a good weekend gone album, DNA, and also for wife Zoe dropped by for a few based bandleaders Jack Hylton and Fred Elizalde, West Coast Annette Hanshaw Territory Bands and the superb arranger Don Redman. Whitley of the 2016 weekend was a for bassists and drummers were the reappearance of Matt Miles, well-sung numbers and the Bay doesn’t neglect the obvious, either, and audiences can enjoy young singer/songwriter/ the excellent Morten Ankarfeldt bassist on the original album and Matthews era wound down in the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Dodds, Ragtime and the saxophonist whom he had and, perfectly at home after 24 teaming up with his erstwhile the right style. Ellington Small Groups. already booked at the Cinnamon hours in the band, James colleague Steve Brown as though www.whitleybayjazzfest.org Club. Maddren. the missing years had never been RON SIMPSON 20 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 21 ON RECORD REVIEWS

AMEEN SALEM reminiscent of . Add different style, with superb guitar Karen Sharp on baritone to take to this flexibility, a nice from Dominic Ashworth and the their chances too. THE GROOVE LAB interaction with his fellow other-worldly sound of Stringle’s musicians and you have a tasteful bass clarinet. Julian’s big-toned It was a good idea to open with Viva Veneto Jazz VVJ103 78:20 programme of standards that tenor sax is first heard on One for the bright-sounding Doozy by might have graced the dining the Family which is as Benny Carter and to lift his original arrangement, each player Ameen Salem is accomplished on room of a New York hotel or straightahead as Stringle Theory is taking turns, the section blend both acoustic and electric bass, after-hours club. oblique and fragmentary. With an spot-on, pianist Robin Aspland and leads a nonet which includes interesting choice of material again impressing with his lucidity Cyrus Chestnut on piano, Stacey The excellent bass playing of (including a rather odd choice of and swing. Just hearing them Dillard on tenor and soprano Steve Thompson and the subtle, sign-off track, a deconstruction of strut through The Chase in Dave saxes and Roy Hargreaves on unobtrusive drumming of the Strawberry Fair) and fine soloists O’Higgins’s bracing re- trumpet and flugelhorn. The ubiquitous Bobby Worth supported by a classy rhythm harmonisation of the original opening title Korinthis features contribute greatly to the relaxed team ( and Mike Dexter Gordon solo is like an Dillard on tenor saxophone who atmosphere of the session, Bradley), Swing Thing is highly exercise in total exhilaration, the emphasises the riffy theme leaving you with the feeling that Jonathan Vinten recommendable. ensemble like a miniature big opening the door for Salem's you are in safe hands. band, Seb De Krom on drums solo on upright bass, with RON SIMPSON weaves his improvisations around must make other trombonists and bassist Adam King swinging versatile finger work before Yet there are some surprises. the string quartet to great effect, despair. He performs with hard. No real need to focus on Dillard returns with an energetic The unusual chord progression BARNES / O’HIGGINS to make this highlight of the similar eloquence on the lovely any one soloist over the others solo on tenor and Chestnut lets underlying All The Things You Are album. Goodbye by Gordon Jenkins and I & THE SAX SECTION since each rises to every rip on piano. A good start; the for example and the two-handed liked his Pig Farm, a perky blues occasion. It’s the sense of all for second track Ephinany opens piano figure while Hoiby and Noble set such with pianist Jim Cox changing OH GEE! one and one for all that made the with chorded electric keyboard plays the theme on Caravan. On emphatic rhythm rolling that the over to Fender Rhodes where live set so enjoyable – the same which introduces Dillard on Sweet And Lovely the roles are absence of a drummer is barely Watrous bubbles along like a Woodville WVCD146 63.04 goes for the album as well. Ten soprano saxophone;this allows reversed so that the bass plays an noticeable and the solo work is simmering pot. His is the tracks, varied and vital, but all Chestnut to solo, but sadly the interesting figure behind the terrific; all three musicians principal voice heard here, his I’m reviewing this album just days marked by creative zest and fine electronics soon submerge his piano theme, the figure recurring compel attention throughout, accompanists relatively after hearing a virtually identical playing. Get this album now. undoubted personality (which is in the solos to give a nice making this an outstanding innocuous but always line up perform live at the obvious on his own recordings). continuity. Chopin’s Prelude in C release. appropriately supportive. A Southport Winter festival and a minor is played straight and with PETER VACHER trombone master-class by a very pleasing noise they made. As the listener moves through great sensitivity by Jonathan GREG MURPHY superlative technician. Happily that rewarding JACKIE PARIS the recording, it becomes before evolving unexpectedly experience is further confirmed increasingly clear that the into a bright samba. 15 satisfying BILL WATROUS PETER VACHER by the performances that make musicians are repeating familiar standards. up their album. THE LYRICS OF IRA patterns and any prospect of GERSHWIN/ THE SONG CORONARY TROMBOSSA! HUGH LEDIGO improvisation is stifled by the Don’t expect pyrotechnics, just The co-leaders dreamed up the IS PARIS floating patterns set up by the sit back, relax and enjoy. idea of creating an all saxophone rhythm. All titles have been Progressive PCD – 7153 48.59 SWING THING band plus rhythm, looked for the Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD composed or jointly composed HUGH LEDIGO right kind of tunes and set to it. 878 69.58 We reviewed an earlier by Saleem and, it must be said, HCL 005 59.15 There’s a commendable air of Progressive release by US monotony begins to creep in by MALIJA briskness evident throughout the Many years ago I heard a couple trombonist Bill Watrous in Jazz the mid-way mark. Hugh Ledigo, more usually on session and it is obvious that all of interesting songs by Jackie Rag 137 and here’s another from these pages as a reviewer, is best THE DAY I HAD concerned took great pleasure in Paris and remember liking his the same recording session with GREG MURPHY known currently as a pianist for bringing off these often concept, though I never had an EVERYTHING the backing quartet unchanged. his work with the Kenny/Keith challenging charts so successfully. album by him. Time changes This feast of virtuoso trombone Ball Band, but Swing Thing shows THE JONATHAN Edition EDN1064 56:05 Barnes on alto, soprano or things, and now these two playing extends in fact over three the breadth of his talents. 10 of clarinet and O’Higgins on tenor sessions from 1960 and 1962 in VINTEN TRIO separate albums. Originally 11 tracks are his compositions Malija are a drummerless trio are prominent obviously but they New York present a bit of a recorded for producer Harry and his poised and thoughtful don’t hog things, allowing their reviewing problem. LULLABY OF THE LEAVES comprising saxophonist Mark Lim’s Famous Door label in playing sets the tone for the Lockheart, double-bassist Jasper section chums, Sammy Mayne on Hollywood in December 1980, proceedings, though he never It was a bright idea to take a Høiby, and the pianist Liam alto, tenorist Judith O’Higgins www.jonathanvinten.com 73:27 they have all been reissued by hogs the spotlight: the other dozen sets of lyrics that Ira Noble. The cohesion to be heard [Mrs O’Higgins to you] and Progressive, one of the late members of a top-class quintet Gershwin supplied to music by A while back, Jonathan was here suggests familiarity with George Buck’s New Orleans- get plenty of solo space. I playing driving four-fisted piano in each other's work, (indeed, they based labels now overseen by suppose the album’s default John Chilton’s Footwarmers, have worked together in various Lars Edegran. position is defined by the title, supporting (perhaps in more ensembles), so easily do they but there is plenty of variety of ways than one) the inimitable establish a rapport. His playing informed by the composition and performance. . I seem to innovations first offered by JJ The title track kicks off in remember he was studying Art Blues follows regular blues Johnson, Watrous seldom dips Goodman small group style, the Tatum transcriptions at the time, harmony for Lockheart to quietly into the trombone’s lower impressively versatile Julian Marc an influence which is still evident explore, whilst Squared is a register and is not one to smear Stringle doing the clarinet on this CD. But he has clearly jaunty, bluegrassy jangle; Almost A or rough up a note. Instead, he honours; Magnolia reminds the extended his researches beyond Tango finds bass and keyboard has the kind of advanced listener of that foggy day in that pianistic icon so that, on this setting a rhythm that suggests technique that enables him to London and the inspiration for disc, you will also hear an eclectic , and One Of Us is achieve trumpet-like facility on a Honeysuckle Who? is pretty mix of chordal passages not reminiscent of the classic album fast-moving piece or to present a obvious! On the other hand the unlike , bits of Erroll Focus with a -like sound ballad feature like Blue and excellent Mambo de los Ledigos is Jackie Paris Garner, right-hand tremolos à la and the disciplined work of the Sentimental with a velvety tonal an attractive melody in quite a Jess Stacy and arpeggio patterns Ligeti String Quartet; Lockheart smoothness and consistency that 22 THE JAZZ RAG 23 ON RECORD REVIEWS

composers other than his utter. He should have been was technically the equal of any romantic and rhapsodic and quite number of tracks and adds great horns, and the bass/drums team making their own statements blues, Mr Yohe . Most of another brother George. I've only advised against wasting one track of his contemporaries and, remarkable considering his value whenever he appears, of Don Thompson and Terry without becoming overbearing. track is devoted to an incredibly encountered four of them before by not singing, but playing though not without a certain physical disadvantages. bringing his gift for lyric clarity, Clarke are equally at home. Ubuntu is an outstanding album, over-long Butler drum demo. - in better treatments. The other distinctly average acoustic guitar. affinity with , his light, this especially evident on his recommended without The two remaining items are eight have some very busy words The two I enjoyed are Cherry and crisp percussiveness often On the final tracks, mostly led by opening solo on the rather Apart from a three-part harmony reservation. very pleasant pianistics in trio to fit into the three-minute slots a good jazzing-up of Bernstein's displays, on this disc, a slightly guitarist Oscar Moore, Perkins sombre setting of Nuages by opening chorus (two horns and and solo settings. that were mostly the norm then, Tonight. choppy delivery reminiscent of demonstrates his ability to Delius. bowed bass) on Russian Lullaby GREG MURPHY though he gives the task his all. his fellow West coast performer integrate with another front line which sounds more like a New LES TOMKINS He presents a powerful, perhaps Jackie Paris lived till 2004, but his Russ Freeman. Underlying these instrument, and there are some McCreeth’s range is limited as is Orleans funeral, there are no theatrical voice, but there's an jazz-singer era was the 'fifties and influences, though, is a very moments of truly exciting, her animation but no matter for elaborate arrangements, the swinging, blues-infused jazz at its unavoidably dated feel to it all, 'sixties. As the note says: 'He personal understanding of the she has made some interesting emphasis resting on solo power. AND RAY BRYANT and his very earnestness just palls never built up the kind of in- blues idiom. best. song choices and taken care with Despite a recording date of 1981, after a while. group following other singers her settings. That said her version the repertoire is drawn mostly Xanadu Master Edition HUGH LEDIGO COMPLETE RECORDINGS did'. I think this CD illustrates The first half of the CD is a re- of Alison Rayner’s title track is from the likes of Ellington, Harry 906081 51.11 why. quite perky, from the wordless Edison, Hodges, with a sprinkling The 11 performances of The issue of Perkins’ only session Solar Records 4569966 3 CDs Song Is Paris are in different vein, under his own leadership SUE MCCREETH harmonised vocal line through to of standards. Similarly, the Pianist Dolo Coker teamed 78:57/76:31/76:18 if not necessarily in a good way. LES TOMKINS Introducing Carl Perkins. He is the shared solos between Shaw stylistic approach derives from an effectively with alto wizard Art The backgrounds on the first six supported by West Coast QUEER BIRD and McCarthy, the percussion earlier generation but the result Pepper on Intensity in 1960. Hawkins almost singlehandedly are more diverse, though the CARL PERKINS stalwarts on bass pattering along. Thereafter, it’s is five guys doing what they do Sixteen years later they were dragged the tenor saxophone out woodwind/strings ambience gets and drummer Lawrence Marable. Tru-Nu TNCD354 53.00 her husky, slightly nasal sound best. And a very good best it is. reunited, along with the same that predominates, the words of the slap-tongue, ricky-ticky rather irritating. Some increased INTRODUCING CARL Of the eleven tracks, five show drummer, , plus Leroy ‘twenties to establish it as a jazziness is evident, particularly in PERKINS the pianist as a quite distinctive I didn’t know Ms McCreeth carefully enunciated, no flights of HUGH LEDIGO Vinnegar on bass and Blue before but I’m glad that I do now. fancy offered, rather a respect for major voice in jazz. He created a the ultimate blues/song. composer of jazz themes. Other Mitchell on trumpet and free-floating, sometimes Phono 870233 75.11 than Gillespie’s Woody ‘n’ You, the She has a rather low-pitched the melody and the lyrics that IVAN MAZUZE flugelhorn for this Xanadu album vocal stance and sings in what compels attention. Interesting rhapsodic style, by turns robust That brings us to five final tracks remaining numbers are American in Dolo's name. It was, of course, and searing, smooth and tender. on which Jackie obviously felt he An alcoholic heroin addict with a Song Book standards. Perkins’ annotator Dave Gelly describes music with Shaw taking the UBUNTU intended to showcase Dolo's as ‘a deceptively simple style’. honours for me. was really getting down into it - deformed left arm which forced solo work is forthright, fluent and keyboard work, but as a declared Bryant, a consistent and She’s aided by a piano-less group, his sole accompanists being Hank him to hold his left hand parallel very much in the contemporary Losen Records LOS 139-2 devotee of Pepper power, I'm immaculate pianist, is not with just Pat McCarthy on PETER VACHER Jones on piano, George Duvivier to the keyboard and, on occasion, vein, ably propelled by drums and 53.47 disappointed that its hearing is particularly modern for his time, acoustic guitar and bassist Andy on bass and Roy Haynes on use his elbow as well as his bass, though the latter shows a limited here. despite recording with such as Cleyndert for company plus a drums. You shouldn't go far fingers! Not a propitious start marked lack of adventurousness SACKVILLE ALL STARS Ivan Mazuze is a native of Miles Davis and percussionist. While this might wrong with those ace swingers, for an aspiring musician. Carl in his own solos. Mozambique, currently based in The lively Coker opener has Art but, like Hawkins, he’s able to seem like a bare-bones and he was clearly having fun, Perkins nevertheless achieved SATURDAY NIGHT ; Ubuntu is his fourth on tenor, confirming that I prefer fuse his blues-based, gospel- accompaniment, trumpeter indicated by the frequent 'uh- considerable eminence during his Then there are four FUNCTION album and here his flute, alto, him on alto, on which he fully tinged delivery with cohorts of Martin Shaw is present on a exploits the solo space on three huh's he seemingly needs to brief career in the ‘Fifties. He unaccompanied ballads both tenor and soprano saxophones any persuasion. A strong soloist, tracks, including his own uppish Sackville Recordings SKCD2- are complemented by guitarist 3028 43.25 , pianists Michael Bloch and Siliso Makalisa, bassist All Star jam sessions have Peter Ndala, drummer Frank probably been around as long as Paco and, on Celebration, Sidiki jazz itself, an opportunity for like- Camara using the Balafon (a minded musos to strike sparks wooden xylophone-like device off each other. The Sackville All for percussive effects). Stars are highly accomplished jazzers, though the fact that four The album opens with the of the musicians shared a sounds of children laughing residency at the time, probably before Mazuze's haunting tone on helped to ensure the uniform soprano saxophone introduces quality of these tracks. Inta Mullhangela; the gentle phrasing produces a soporific Jim Galloway, a versatile reeds effect of which the faded ending man, plays soprano with great is the only jarring effect. The air command and not a little of well-being is carried over onto similarity to Hodges. He also Dancing with Malata; the dexterity contributes some excellent solos of Muzuze's saxophone is backed on baritone in a swinging pre- by some fine drumming by Frank Mulligan style while reserving his Paca and the rhythmic tenor for theme statements, underpinning of bassist Peter matching his tone with the big Ndala. The title track follows with sound of , the fifth some intruiging guitar work by member of the group. Tate’s Jacob Young , who performs a beefy yet melodic tenor makes a duet with Mazuze's soprano on major contribution to the My Two Northern Lights, perhaps proceedings, recalling his the album's stand-out track. prolonged spell with the Basie Band. The quality of the compositions is notable, full of melodic content The distinctive, blues-oriented and each gives ample opportunity piano of Jay McShann works well for improvisation whilst the bass with the muscular power of the and drums are outstanding, 24 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 25 ON RECORD REVIEWS

he is also a highly sympathetic The balance of CD3 showcases substantial. La Valse Grise, a who is to say they were wrong? Most notable is pianist Christian CYRILLE AIMEE accompanist. the work of whose sixteen minute exploration in 6/8 The co-principals had been Sands. A calm, reflective soul who crowd-raising exploits are a time, is mesmerising and Larry’s associates in LA’s first ever refuses to get hysterical on the LET'S GET LOST CD1 finds the two principals in matter of personal taste. Blues with Young on the bebop band in the 1940s and more flag-waving efforts which company with guitarist Kenny unfamiliar piano in a trio format they clearly relished this get- like most festival performances Mack Avenue MAC 1097 Burrell, one of the most fluent, So, three discs full of great solos, is a darkly, disturbing piece. together, McGhee in more seem to be mandatory. He is a 42.20 constructive performers of his lots of good tunes plus numerous settled form that was to be the musician who dictates his own period. There’s a very satisfying 12-bar blues. A wonderful The late Jack Bruce, of Cream pace. case with his later albums. He As I have hailed Madeleine compatibility about this line-up account of where these major fame, assessed Young as ‘the was a challenging player, always Peyroux, then Cecile McLorin and its programme of standards talents were, musically, in the McBride keeps a lid on greatest musician I have ever keen to place his hat in the ring. Salvant, now I hail a third brilliant and originals. ‘fifties. tendencies towards any J.A.T.P. played with’. Quite a tribute. It’s here that Bennett might have Franco-American performer - rumpuses and Gary Burton is served the sound better as it Cyrille Aimee - an equally After seven tracks, Tiny Grimes HUGH LEDIGO always a guarantee of sheer JOHN MARTIN lacks depth but no matter, this is notable talent. For me, these 13 takes the guitar chair. His heavily quality at any event and his valuable music as is , tracks are unremittingly blues-inclined style makes for a exposition of his own PAUL GONSALVES/ again with Newborn and Vinegar pleasurable listening. Each preponderance of originals in a composition All You Have To Be Is CLARK TERRY and back to the quartet format constituent part is top-notch. less premeditated, but You is an exemplary exercise in FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS that Edwards always most nonetheless the less exciting QUINTET sheer class. enjoyed. First the lady herself - Cyrille session. Avid Jazz AMSC 1179 has a distinctive jazz style and COMPLETE RECORDINGS Bravely, the band does not undoubted stars are the two ridiculously early age of 38 has sound, that generates happiness. On CD2 joins 76.59/81.11 PETER VACHER pander to the festival audience leaders, with Gonsalves’ smooth robbed us of possibility of a Her enjoyment of what she does the line-up for six tracks, lending Phono 870240 2 CDs 148.24 with tried and overdone tenor contrasting nicely with comeback and his recording is palpable, and she identifies fully a distinct Jazz At The Veteran -based MACK AVENUE ‘reliables’ but does its own stuff, Terry’s more precise and output has been criminally sparse with the aura of each song, Philharmonic flavour to the Put together two of the most bopper Edwards (1924-2003) has which is refreshing. sometimes puckish flugelhorn consisting only of re-issues. SUPERBAND embellishing where appropriate proceedings. The remains of talented members of the Duke not been that well served for (the sleeve says trumpet but However, Zev Feldman of with authentic musical scat. Also CD2 and three tracks of the final Ellington Orchestra and I’m likely reissues so this four-album The only number untypical in an most tracks seem to use flugel). LIVE FROM DETROIT JAZZ there is her very evident empathy disc feature a highly arranged to be ecstatic. It happened with Resonance has persuaded the double set from Avid is especially musically solid set, and the most FESTIVAL 2015 with her accompaniment. Here it eight-piece aggregate. Strangely, this double album, which Paris radio station ORTF to dig welcome. No longer revitalised successful with the festival The performances mix hearty is the second valuable element, though the line-up includes generously assembles three down in its vaults and come up by Dave Bennett’s expert touch, audience, is Up, the closing swingers with tender ballads, with Mack Avenue Records MAC 106 pared satisfyingly down just to modernists Pepper Adams, whole LPs by quintets and four with material for two CDs the sound is nonetheless mostly number; a rousing. solo-loaded strong hints of the blues in many two guitars, bass and drums. Jerome Richardson and Idrees bonus tracks by a sextet, all from recorded at the peak of the satisfactory, the four LPs reissued 55.11 affair. tracks. The repertoire consists Acoustic guitarists Adrien Sulieman, the orchestrations are the late fifties. The quintet tracks organist’s most creative period, comprising Teddy’s Ready, mainly of originals by Paul or Lively free swinging jazz from last Moignard and Michael Valeanu distinctly 1940-ish. But the solos also include fellow Ellingtonians, 1964 and ‘65. recorded in 1960 for JOHN MARTIN Clark, plus a few standards and evoke a Djangoesque feel, and are excellent. bassist Jimmy Woode and Contemporary, from year’s Detroit Jazz Festival by this some Ducal classics. One of the solo creditably here and there. drummer Sam Woodyard. The Young’s greatest claim is that he 1959 and 1960 on Pacific Jazz, six piece with guest Gary Burton. quintets (with French pianist freed the Hammond organ from Contemporary’s 1961 Edwards- Organised annually by master Bassist Sam Anning and drummer Raymond Fol) sensitively takes on the clutches of the formidable Howard McGhee reunion bassist Christian McBride, it is Rajiv Jayaweera enhance all the Thelonious Monk’s tribute to who, up to that Together Again and Good Gravy what you would expect from an Pannonica (twice). Gonsalves goes time, had his name written all also from 1961 and again on assorted group of musicians to town on Diminuendo and over the instrument. Young’s Lester Koenig’s Contemporary gathered together for a one-off Crescendo in Blue (with fewer influences were Coltrane and label. occasion—an opportunity to let choruses than in the Newport McCoy Tyner His was a modal go and enjoy themselves. Festival marathon!). Terry excels approach in contrast to Smith’s The opening album was once in such tracks as Willow Weep for bluesy style. named as his favourite recording Not that the music is scrappy or Me and Blues for the Champ of by Edwards and it’s easy to see meretricious but none of these Champs. Gonsalves and Terry take These tracks feature the organist why. He’s fronting a quartet with events can ever be totally evident pleasure in one another’s in group settings mainly with long local associates on organised. As it is the group company – a pleasure that time colleagues and piano, bassist Leroy Vinegar and acquits itself well and serves up a spreads to this listener. Nathan Davis with the odd the great drummer very palatable fare of enterprising European added on some of the and it’s clear from the opening contemporary jazz. TONY AUGARDE tracks.Shaw is the most dominant blues that these are Teddy’s kind player and the music is of people, tuned in to what he Apart from Burton and McBride, LARRY YOUNG uncompromisingly relentless and wanted to do and at one with the players are not well known exciting. This is high energy him. He was in his prime then, although Kirk Whalum’s brawny IN PARIS performance and insistently able to spin out clever tenor has contributed to a few inventive, often taken at a extemporisations, with Higgins important recording dates. THE ORTF RECORDINGS blistering pace. Nathan Davis, on and Vinegar laying down perfect Freddy Hendrix plays a spiky tenor, is not a familiar name to time and Castro always lively if trumpet with a startling range, Resonance INA HCD-2022 me but he is unfazed in this not in the premier league for straying up in the stratosphere 107.38 stellar company inserting himself ideas. Sunset Eyes is bluesier, the much of the time. into the mix easily and soloing tone deeper, with more emphasis The arc of Larry Young’s career with great confidence. (Many of on Teddy’s own tunes, most Altoist Tia Fuller is a delight. She somewhat resembled that of a the tracks were recorded under notably the title piece, a song has a forceful, keening tone on comet—a slow gradual ascent, his name.) Young’s organ is a much used by other players and the faster numbers and an then a masterpiece in the shape surging presence throughout and here played over a Latin beat. The assured command on the full of the Unity album, with its bold his staccato lines leap out of the Penguin Guiders thought the range of the instrument which extension of Coltrane’s harmonic ensembles sparring with Shaw’s Edwards & McGhee reunion one suggests she may have been concepts, according him almost declamatory horn. of the best mainstream albums of listening to Johnny Hodges. In legendary status, and then a slow the day and with Phineas contrast, her treatment of her descent into semi obscurity. Of The tunes draw on the musicians Newborn on piano, bassist Ray own composition Decisive Steps is course, his death at the for their source and are Brown and Ed Thigpen on drums, a thoughtful, controlled reverie.. 26 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 27 ON RECORD REVIEWS

George Mraz It is not, however, weighty or some solo space. Garvin arrangements. These manage to this is precisely where Billie’s Add together the sum total of his Arts Centre in spring 1984. It is gloomy despite the ominous contributes a sparkling solo to sound both subtle and Bounce and A Foggy Day were endeavours and you begin to an intimate and relaxed set of opening track, Praeludium the up-tempo Fifteen, where Mraz uncomplicated, leaving a lot of committed to tape. This Falcon’s understand the scale of his good songs, well played by first Mysterium. The title track, placed plays the bass with lightning space for the solos.. The final Lair session is one for the contribution as musician, band- class musicians - think Hackett precision. George plucks his way number is Sonny Stitt’s Whoops leader, arranger, author, journalist, and Hines or Braff and Larkins. second, makes it clear that completist. requirements for the ideal through I Should Care and Easy and it is a joyous frolic. broadcaster, and founder of both listener include a sense of Living almost unaided, with just a The British Jazz Archive and the The session kicks off with Blue RUSSELL CORBETT humour as well as an open mind little help from the piano. And his To me, this is what jazz is all Association of British Jazz Room, chugging along nicely with and a keen ear – and, as optional feature on I Remember Clifford is about; great ensemble playing, Musicians. Digby’s nimble trumpet work extra, a knowledge of Scriabin’s sensitive and poignant. The only intelligent, forthright solos and DIGBY FAIRWEATHER underpinned by Stan’s rhythmic music. Berlin’s classic bounces problem is that the bass’s clever, unfussy arrangements. AND STAN BARKER One of Digby’s many long- piano playing and punchy soloing. along with witty new words pitching occasionally tends to standing partnerships was with This leads to a stand-out Go get it! pianist Stan Barker, an excellent performance on an extended apropos Scriabin, a raggy rhythm waver. This album is an obvious THE DEFINITIVE DUETS and plenty of chords unknown to purchase for bassists, but anyone pianist who would certainly have down home rendition of Tin Roof Tin Pan Alley. interested in intelligent jazz JOHN MARTIN been better-known had he Blues. Several of the tunes are should enjoy it. Rose Cottage RCR 006 62.44 moved outside of his native associated with Billie Holiday, Of 14 tracks nine are adapted for SONNY ROLLINS & Lancashire. This is an interesting including a romp through Mean to jazz trio (with Jonty Fisher bass TONY AUGARDE THE MJQ/TEDDY Where would British Jazz be collection of Digby and Stan Me, an expansive Lover Man and without Digby Fairweather? duets, recorded live at Southport reputedly Billie’s favourite song, and Paul Cavaciuti drums) by EDWARDS pianist David Gordon from the PETER AND WILL works of Alexander Scriabin, the ANDERSON controversial Russian composer SONNY ROLLINS AT MUSIC who died 100 years before this INN/TEDDY EDWARDS AT A SAX SUPREME recording was made in 2015. In FALCON’S LAIR WITH JOE modes, whether swinging or real star of the session is many cases the non-Scriabin CASTRO SteepleChase Records SCCD otherwise. supposedly Dexter Gordon, tracks are among the most although he combines superbly in appealing, Debussy’s Cakewalk 33122. 43.54 Dream Covers 6099 79.29 The third and vital ingredient is an unaccompanied duet with Al from Children’s Corner, elusively the choice of material. A Cohn in On the Trail. melodic and jauntily rhythmic. Of There are ‘new kids on the block’ Ten of the twelve tracks are from Sondheim show tune, Live Alone three pieces from Central and and they are identical twins. Peter two club sessions recorded at And Like It and such worthy Each LP comprised three long South America, Romeu’s danzon and Will Anderson are two sax- the Music Inn, Lenox, standards as Three Little Words , tracks with long solos, which you Tres Lindas Cubanas is particularly playing brothers from Massachusetts in 1958 reuniting Lazy Afternoon and Let's Get Lost may feel outlast your patience, delightful. Gordon’s affinity with Washington D.C., Peter plays Rollins with the Modern Jazz tenor and Will plays alto. They are vividly brought to life. Just despite noteworthy contributions Latin music – his previous CD on Quartet. The recording quality have studied and played with one read-through of That Old from and Barry Nimbus was of Latin music – leaves something to be desired. many respected masters including Feeling is a feelingful gem in itself. Harris. There are some awkward shows in several of the Scriabin Rollins is heard without difficulty Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Cyrille's four originals display moments, like the cluttered adaptations such as the Opus 8 but the MJQ deserved better. and , and another aspect of her command. ensemble which opens Lady Bird. Famous Etude re-cast totally Originally issued on two separate they have been described by the Samois A Moi is a romantic ballad And ’ busy drumming successfully as a rumba. On this labels (MetroJazz and Atlantic) New York Tines as ‘virtuosos on sung enchantingly in French. can be intrusive. But ballads like album Gordon proves himself a this reissue is nevertheless a clarinet and saxophone’. Three in Engish have clever lyrics How Deep Is The Ocean? ( fluent improviser with the touch worthwhile purchase for those and tell impelling stories. Words is excellent here) show that these and artistic hinterland of a eager to hear a relaxed Rollins The Danish label has caught them a forceful closer to an musicians can deliver sensitive classical pianist. shortly before establishing his outstanding album. readings of standards. Basically at a ‘live’ concert (not named) , in concert hall career. a four sax front line-up with the this is an enjoyable album for RON SIMPSON LES TOMKINS anyone who likes jazzmen Canadian Grant Stewart and Original liner notes by Leonard guest Ken Peplowski., both on improvising at length on a variety GEORGE MRAZ TRIO Feather and Gunther Schuller AL COHN/DEXTER of material in a relaxed, jam tenors. place the sessions in the context session atmosphere. of their time referring to Rollins’ GORDON PLUCKING AND BOWING The brothers both have strong, penchant for humorous, TONY AUGARDE muscular tones, tightly disciplined mischievous solos. is, TRUE BLUE/SILVER BLUE Progressive PCD 7038 43.57 phrasing and a direct delivery The of course, more than up to the DAVID GORDON saxes are, mainly, featured playing mark in responding to anything Elemental 906080 2 CDs George Mraz’s double bass is in unison and the effect is clever, thrown at him. Percy Heath and 80.02 TRIO foremost from the start on this direct and energetic. Four saxes Connie Kay are as immaculate as 1978 CD, as he introduces Giant in unison are always an exciting one would expect and the MJQ This double CD contains two LPs ALEXANDER SCRIABIN’S Steps with some pizzicato. There’s sound. Grant Stewart’s hard flourish on several tracks without recorded on one day in 1976. RAGTIME BAND a lot of plucking and bowing on sound lends vigour to the Rollins’ participation. Doxy hears Producer Don Schlitten wanted this album, and the bass is ensembles and Peplowski’s savvy Rollins in complete command of to welcome Dexter Gordon back Mister Sam Records SAMCD recorded well up in the mix. You is a major asset. his instrument, somehow finding to the US after a 14-year stint in 004 72.21 may be convinced of the something new to say. A medley . He planned a jam excellent sound quality when the Professionalism is the hallmark of without the saxophonist hears session featuring Dexter with I was already familiar with drums suddenly speed from one this encounter. The ballad the MJQ in typically elegant form another tenorist (Al Cohn), Alexander Scriabin’s Ragtime Band speaker to the other. medley of unhackneyed songs, on Stardust, I Can’t Get Started and trumpeters Blue Mitchell and from an advance copy, but the including Ray Noble’s Love Locked Lover Man. , and a rhythm section final commercial release is a So this might be a conventional Out and the elegant Some Other that was prominent in more polished affair, both in the piano-trio album except for the Spring, are particular standouts., Teddy Edwards’ contribution is ’s quintet – disposition of the music and in prominence of the bass. But each of the players showing a restricted to two tracks , and the liner notes which are most pianist Tom Garvin and drummer particular sensitivity in this form. recorded in Los Angeles in 1959. Louis Hayes. The listing of the helpful with what is a challenging Peter Donald fulfil their roles What is especially attractive is It isn’t every day a jazz musician leaders’ names is strange, as the and sometimes perplexing album. admirably, and are each given the high standard of the gets to record in a mansion yet 28 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 29 REVIEWS FILM

Easy Living. The album winds up Hampton, the New Yorker went Misty stays true to the melody. A mainly with a quintet on eight Nina that she eventually ended up in of the Netflix documentary-- and heart-rending renditions of with a 16 minute medley of into the studio with the trio of respectful but spirited take on tracks, on which he was Simone hospital. Simone emigrated to Liberia, such songs as I Loves You Porgy tunes, leaving pianist Barry Harris, bassist Sam ’s Prince Albert partnered by altoist Jimmy where she spent some happy and My Baby Just Cares For Me. the listener, as were the Jones and drummer Albert closes the set. Woods. Though Gordon plays Life wounded Simone in many years, only to inexplicably pull up The documentary also sheds light audience, wanting more. Heath. with a full sound and inventive other ways,when heroes and those African roots and settle in on Simone’s life via audio tapes, The seven tunes on Cuber Libre style, I find Woods a drawback friends like Malcolm X, . She sang and recorded home movies, and archival Well, as this is Volume One, the In his liner notes at the time Ira are hardy perennials. By accident Luther King and Stokely because his playing tends to be sporadically during those years of footage, plus interviews with the guess is that what comes next Gitler writes, ‘This album is or design this provides the over-noisy and his tone is often Carmichael were murdered, exile, but plagued by mental likes of Stanley Crouch, George will be Volume Two. strictly for blowing’. Reading this listener with familiar reference rather sour. He is at his best along with their dreams of a illness (she was bi-polar and Wein–and even the wife-beating raised expectations and upon points making any evaluation of when uniting with Gordon on more just, equitable society. The depressive), became more and Andy Stroud. WILLIAM JAMES listening to this reissue they Cuber as band leader a pleasure. ensembles rather than soloing. A distraught and disillusioned more reclusive. She died alone in weren’t dampened one bit. Hard Cubre Libre offers straight ahead, welcome respite is Heleen ,a Simone had a nervous 2003. This deeply probing, scrupulously RONNIE CUBER blowing, swinging baritone is an swinging, bluesy, bop-infused jazz. solo ballad feature for Gordon. breakdown, the result of which art and Cuber, thirty four years was a decision on her part to Don’t think, though, that What honest, beautifully-made film pays worthy tribute to the jazz titan CUBER LIBRE of age at the time, comes out RUSSELL CORBETT The other five tracks, from a abandon the USA. Happened Miss Simone? is all swinging on Cuber Libre. Clear Woods album, seem somewhat sturm and drang. There’s a lot of Nina Simone. Elemental Music Xanadu articulation on this most JOE GORDON superficial. Gordon only appears Taking her young daughter–-who bubbly, joyous footage of Simone WILLARD MANUS Master Edition Series 906079 unwieldy instrument is evident on two of them, and an additional later became one of the in her prime, when she came to from the off. Tootie Heath, of trumpetman is added. Woods' WHAT HAPPENED producers and key talking-heads fame with her fiercely individual [email protected] 52.03 LAST SESSIONS Cuber’s generation, propels the sound seems as unpalatable on a MISS SIMONE? quartet with the precision and ballad segment as it is on two up- Baritone saxophonist Ronnie Fresh Sound Records FSR-CD invention that have long since tempo compositions of his, and a Cuber’s recording debut as a 879 63.18 The question, first asked in a become trade marks. Cuber tears poorly-conceived version of leader for in poem by Maya Angelou, is into Rifftide and the others go Circus , a one-time beguine by 1976 found him in A-list Joe Gordon was one of several answered memorably in Liz with him. Samba D’Orfeo switches Louis Alter. company. Having occupied the trumpet players who led active Garbus’ new documentary about from samba to swing time and baritone chair in a slew of first but sadly short lives. As per the the famed singer. Produced by back with great facility and the LES TOMKINS rate outfits, including those of title, these were his swan songs Netflix, the bio-pic paints a leader’s measured playing on Maynard Ferguson and Lionel in 1961, recorded in Los Angeles startling portrait of the talented and tortured Nina Simone, one of the most unique artists ever to EARL HINES with an early amplified electric Muggsy’s lead is on the money. to 1959 with the Earl Hines gain prominence in the (1940!) called a Storytone, Darnell Howard, who served in Quartet holding sway on a One world. PIANO GENIUS AT WORK a device that failed to catch on, Earl Hines’ Big Band is on fire and Night Stand broadcast from no doubt partly due to it Hines is ebullient throughout, London House in Chicago. Hines, Simone was born in 1933 in the Jim Crow south. Eunice Waymon Storyville Records 108 8615 weighing a ton-and-a-half. clearly heard on the ensemble fronting a younger band with (her real name) was a child 7CDs,68.56/72.49/73.54/ driving the band that extra mile. guitarist Calvin Newborn, Carl The second CD opens with a prodigy whose dream was to 71.22/66.21/55.56/55.04 Pruitt on bass and drummer Bill jump forward to 1974, a year in The next CD, also from The English, was clearly feeling very become a classical pianist and + DVD which he recorded no less than Hangover Club (1954) features relaxed in this company, perform Bach at Carnegie Hall. 16 albums, pretty impressive for a The Earl Hines Esquire All Stars dominating proceedings That dream was shattered when Without doubt, Earl Hines was a the Curtis School of Music man in his 71st year. Here he is recorded over 6 weekly imperiously. Newborn gets in monumental figure in jazz, and in refused for racial reasons to on peak form in a solo recital broadcasts. This is a good-time, some fine solos, very much in the the eyes of many, the most accept her as a student. To make dedicated to the music of Harold hard riffing, tough soloing swing Wes Montgomery style while the influential figure in the Arlen. The set continues by going a living, Simone had to take a job band, driven by a rowdy Eddie rhythm team swing as they development of modern jazz back to 1948 and a radio Burns on drums. Hines is in playing and warbling in an Atlantic should. piano. This impressive 7 CD box broadcast from the Blue Note in ebullient form throughout, not City gay bar. Although she went set comes together with a DVD on to achieve success as a Chicago with his musical sparring more so than on his Grand Those good folk at Storyville, not and a 28 page booklet with partner Louis Armstrong and his chanteuse–’The High Priestess of Terrace feature Piano Man (very satisfied with a near 7 ½ hours of splendid photography, liner notes All Stars. All in all, his time with much like Krupa’s Drummin’ Man) Soul,’ was one of her labels– obscure Earl Hines recordings, by Dan Morgenstern and focuses The All Stars was not a happy where, following the band’s group Simone never truly got over that have also included a DVD on lesser-known, sometimes one, but there seems to be vocal, he gets down to business first rejection. The resentment featuring his solo piano and unknown, recordings of his work nothing but joy on this with six sparkling, gloriously burned deep inside her, erupting vocals. It runs for 26 minutes and in a wide variety of settings over rumbustuous memorial concert inventive, choruses that take the with a ferocity during the Civil four of the seven selections are five decades. for writer Damon Runyon. Hines band out on a high. Rights era when she became a shines throughout, of course, on from the pen of the pianist whom Black Power leader and sang such The first disc features 24 solo his party piece Boogie on St Louis The same venue is the setting for Hines always spoke of with militant anthems as Mississippi piano recordings from 1928 to Blues. Earl Hines Dixieland All Stars the affection, Fats Waller. Goddamn and To Be Young, Gifted 1940. Fascinating stuff, with what following year. This is loose, and Black. was to become familiar as the There is a difference of opinion swinging Dixieland of the highest It’s not just the virtuosity of Hines style clearly there from the regarding where the 15 tracks on order. Trumpet man Marty Hines that captivates. It’s the That stance came at great outset, though interesting to see Disc 3 were recorded. Some say Marsala, brother of reedman Joe, two-fisted excitement he can personal cost, as the film shows. a little of Tatum’s influence an un-named Chicago club in is authoritative, putting in a bring along with the unconcealed Her husband and manager, an ex- creeping in over the later period. 1954, others, as seems more strong shift, Jimmy Archey enjoys enthusiasm and his sheer huge New York detective named Andy The eight tracks from 1928 are likely opt for a 1952 radio shot the romp and Darnell Howard appetite for the music. This Stroud, was a politically- all Hines originals, probably at the from The Hangover Club in San again tears up the house. Once extremely varied collection conservative African-American behest of the recording company. Francisco. It’s probably of little again, it’s the Piano Man that featuring so many aggregations who wanted her to play it safe, There’s an early appearance of importance, but what is shines, Earl Hines doing what he across the years, will be of stick to pop music, where the his perennial A Monday Date, a important is the swashbuckling does best- playing piano like Earl serious interest to any lover of money was. When Simone play on his surname with Fifty- set of 15 Dixieland standard Hines. jazz piano. refused to compromise her Seven Varieties, two quite different delivered by the Earl principles, Stroud became takes of Rosetta and three tracks Hines/Muggsy Spanier All Stars. With CDs 6 and 7 we move on WILLIAM JAMES abusive, beating her up so often 30 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 31 BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT BEGINNING TO CD LIGHT

typical Abdullah Ibrahim mix of and lyrical – then three years admirable George Coleman on Performance and he has written RON SIMPSON’S ROUND-UP OF RECENT CDS rhapsodic meditation, bebop, later the same three joined up tenor, one of only two loyalists to studies of time signatures, subtly dancing rhythms and for Flute ‘n Oboe. Coop’s play on all four albums here polyrhythms and harmony. That WARREN KIME AND HIS band with four drummers. In the rolling churchy chords. However, arrangements for a nine-piece covering the years 1959-61. tells you much about his new Bill Holman BRASS IMPACT sax section for the Los Angeles the second album is even more including string quartet are more Generous programming throws album. Boogie is his default ORCHESTRA (BMCD 865: branch of Jazz Greats was Bill interesting: Jazz Epistle – Verse 1 chamber music than jazz, but in a couple of nonet tracks from position, but shifting rhythms, key 79.16) does what it says on the Holman and other members of by the Jazz Epistles, with the beautifully done, and there are 1962, with Hubbard back on changes and rhapsodic interludes can. Three albums from 1966 to that band (Candoli, Herb Geller, outstanding front line of Hugh three uptempo strings-free board. WARM WOODS break things up. This approach is 1968 mass flugelhorns, trumpets, etc.) show up on an excellent Masakela, already a very numbers where he makes the (Phono 870239: 72.17) by Phil heard at its most delightful on trombones and percussion to double album, THE ORIGINAL accomplished player, the fiercely oboe sound almost like a jazz Woods is well named, a 1957 the opening Ain’t Misbehavin’ attack (sometimes with some BILL HOLMAN BIG BAND: aggressive trombonist Jonas instrument. Shifting Winds uses album of mainly ballads: Easy where he shifts around keys, subtlety) a highly eclectic set of COMPLETE RECORDINGS Gwangwa and the totally four multi-tasking woodwinds in Living, Like Someone in Love, etc. harmonies and rhythms with numbers, 30 in 79 minutes! (Phono 870238: 2 CDs, distinctive alto saxist, Kippie fine arrangements, mostly of Woods is in fine form, warmer great glee. At the other extreme Oddly enough the solitary 75.28/74.11), ‘original’ in this case Moeketsi. Sadly, whereas Brand, standards, with Coop and more lyrical than in many is a delicately soulful Memories of saxophone (Phil Bodner again) meaning his first three big band Masakela and Gwangwa went on demonstrating that Round other sessions of the time. The You, dedicated to his shines most in his brief solos, but albums from 1957 to 1960, with to long international careers, Midnight might have been written other musicians are pretty much Composition teacher, the late the brass team, with the likes of bonus tracks from his 1954 octet Moeketsi, possibly the most for cor anglais. And on Coop! we accompanists: though pianist Bob Morten Eide Pedersen. TEN and Ernie Royal, has playing a programme of Holman talented, subsided into alcohol can just sit back and enjoy his Corwin has reasonably long and (Prophone PCD 155: 75.02) the promised impact. The ‘girl compositions. The big band abuse, poverty and early death. tenor sax in a superb group with reasonably interesting solos, it’s celebrates 10 years of the Anna singers’, so called, are less repertoire is split between Jerome Richardson’s the likes of the Candolis, Frank very much Woods’ album. Bonus Lundqvist Quintet, originally a tracks are also from 1957, with a quartet. All the songs are pleasing to the ear. originals and a sometimes COMPLETE 1958-1962 Rosolino and Victor Feldman. septet featuring Eddie Costa and Lundqvist’s own compositions, surprising choice of familiar RECORDINGS (Fresh Sound Perhaps George Wallington is FSR CD 874: 2 CDs, 75.09/55.26) something of a neglected name, Eddie Bert, and a sextet which some with co-lyricist Lovisa Interesting to find many of the numbers. Holman as a composer is another highly recommendable too, owing to his retirement from may have been originally credited Taver, and, rather than their key figures from the Sonn album is at his most ambitious on The reissue, both for rarity and music at the height of his success to Nat Pierce. Incidentally the melodic qualities, the listener is (Brookmeyer, Cohn, Albam) Big Street, 16 minutes long, with a showing up again on a terrific musical quality. Richardson was in 1960, but COMPLETE LIVE same combination of tracks drawn to the intensity and bluesy middle section between collection from the same period: consistently underrated, partly, I AT THE CAFE BOHEMIA appeared not too long ago on intelligence of the performance. two uptempo movements, with FOUR CLASSIC ALBUMS suspect, because his versatility (Phono 870237: 2 CDs, Lone Hill. Anna Lundqvist is regularly Mel Lewis in fine form. Holman (Avid AMSC 1178: 2 CDs, tended to obscure his ability as a 67.30/64.19) is as exhilarating a referred as being part of the the sax soloist is heard at his 73.05/81.43) by . tenor saxist. Here are his three chunk of 1950s bebop as you’ll As it happens, only two new band, the fifth instrument, and it’s best on the 1958 album, Big Band It’s a particular delight to be albums under his own name from find. Apart from Wallington’s Bud recordings made their way into perfectly true: the opening two Surprisingly often, on 1950s big the personnel. Warren Barker in a Jazz Orbit, where he and the reminded of Manny Albam & the that period. Midnight Oil begins Powell-ish piano this column’s in-tray this issue. melodies even sound like band recordings, the musicians was a highly rated splendid Jack Sheldon are the Jazz Greats, two separate albums, with a powerful original, Minorally, and, especially, Jackie McLean are David Arthur Skinner’s saxophone improvisations. In and arrangers are still huge composer/conductor/arranger in prime soloists, despite the East Coast and West Coast, with with trombonist Jimmy Cleveland in explosive form – and Paul CUBISTIC BOOGIE (Losen return the band complements names in jazz history, but the the television studios. POP presence of Candoli and Richie personnel to live up to the title. excelling alongside Richardson’s Chambers and are no Records LOS 140-2: 43.36) is an her perfectly and it’s easy to see leader is all but forgotten. So it is AND TV THEMES GO JAZZ Kamuca. Albam’s compositions and tenor sax. Thereafter it’s the flute slouches in support. Ironically the enjoyable album by a very what attracted her to the coolly with THE SOUND OF (BMCD 862: 73.00) puts together arrangements of standards for for Richardson, most evocatively first track is Johnny One Note as talented pianist, the mild muscular tenor sax of Bjorn LARRY SONN (Fresh Sound three 1959 albums, two of This time many reissues of small the 10-piece are inventive and on Caravan. Roamin’ with torrents of notes pour from both eccentricities of which fit into Almgren who became the FSR CD 877: 2 CDs, television themes, one a mix of group jazz have great historic original, but leave plenty of space Richardson sees him as the only horns. The ‘complete’ refers to place after a visit to Wikipedia. quintet’s fifth member. This is not 77.19/75.43). Between 1955 and Barker originals and quality interest and/or originality of for high-quality solos, and the front line instrument – often extra versions of the already Skinner studied at Leeds College the most attractively melodic standards under the title Warren approach. The two LPs on 1959 Sonn led a big band with Al musicians are clearly relaxed, as baritone sax – and Going to the generally available six tracks: the of Music before moving to vocal CD around, but it’s a Barker is In. Barker proves a classy DOLLAR BRAND PLAYS Cohn as a regular and the likes of on a lovely easy-tempoed Jive at Movies is a live session with Les band played two sets on the Norway a decade ago. He is testament to a good hard- arranger, especially distinctive on Nat Pierce, Hal McKusick, Milt Five, with contrasted muted SPHERE JAZZ (Phono 870235: Spann’s doubling of flute and same night in 1955 and the predominantly a stride and working band in live performance the In album, though corniness Hinton and Osie Johnson trumpet from and 78.58), for instance, both guitar enabling all kinds of alternative versions are here. The boogie pianist, but his degrees in in three different jazz clubs. breaks in at the end of the CD appearing with some frequency. the composer, . The recorded in early 1960, take us different sounds, alongside second CD is completed by the Norway cover Classical with 77 Sunset Strip and an Edd Then, despite living into his 90s, other two albums are fine, too: back to the first recordings by Richardson’s three reeds. Also bonus album, George Wallington Composition as well as Jazz ‘Kookie’ Byrnes monologue. Jazz he disappeared from the jazz Jazz Workshop, with some quirky Dollar Brand (Abdullah Ibrahim) here is a strange session with a Showcase, with a smart septet and content is sporadic, tracks are scene, back to Latin music and, arrangements of unlikely and the very beginnings of sextet in Belgrade, then Quincy Jones arrangements – limited in length (only 5 of 27 finally, relocating to Mexico. With standards alongside the originals, recorded jazz in South Africa. The Yugoslavia, with Julius Watkins’ nice, but not as exciting as an above 3 minutes), but there is top arrangers supplementing his and The Drum Suite, written by trio album, mostly originals, but French horn joining him in the evening at the Cafe Bohemia! nice work from the likes of Don own scores, this is all good stuff, Albam and for a big with a brisk re-harmonised front line. Richardson is as direct COMPLETE STUDIO Fagerquist and Milt Bernhart. apart from some dubious vocals, version of Just Me, Just You, has a as ever and the young local vibes RECORDINGS (Phono Despite the presence of Milt but the fact that two-thirds of player, Bosko Petrovic, impresses. 870244: 2 CDs, 78.25/77.48) by Hinton and Al Caiola and some the tracks are below three Jerome Richardson Similarly Bob Cooper’s restless the Slide Hampton Octet is pleasing incursions from Phil minutes doesn’t help, though ability to do so much so well has well worth investing in, but the Bodner on tenor sax and flute, there is room for some fine oddly obscured his status as a billing is slightly misleading. FLY ME TO THE MOON tenor sax solos. Much of the jazz great. FOUR CLASSIC ‘Featuring and AND THE BOSSA NOVA music is Basie-lite and the more ALBUMS (Avid Jazz AMSC Booker Little’ proclaims the POPS (BMCD 863: 62.54) by distinctive tracks include Manny 1180: 2 CDs, 60.54/81.43) is a booklet cover and the only album Joe Harnell has even less Albam’s neat arrangements of wonderful summary of what he they both play on, Slide Hampton currency among jazz listeners. some great standards and some was up to between 1954 and and his Horn of Plenty is a fine Harnell had a long career as MD compositions and arrangements 1957, on four very different album, but the two great for some excellent singers by Cohn and Bob Brookmeyer, albums. Essentially two are trumpeters are hardly featured. (including Peggy Lee) and in the with plenty of solo time for the straightahead jazz with Coop on (Hubbard also plays on Sister television studios. Two albums arranger in each case. Blue Moon saxes and two are experimental Salvation.) Hampton’s from 1962-63 feature his piano has come up with a series of big with him on unlikely jazz compositions and arrangements and an orchestra heavy on strings band/orchestra albums from the instruments. In 1954 he led a suggest a much bigger band with in short (24 tracks in 62 minutes) 1950s and 1960s, very attractively sextet with Bud Shank and sonorities added by euphonium cocktail bossa versions of some packaged, interesting historically, guitarist in a set and tuba, and the main solo good songs – Stan Getz and but not strong on jazz content of originals and standards – voice, apart from Hampton’s it ain’t! Finally despite some promising names in instantly accessible, both swinging gruffly melodic trombone, is the 32 THE JAZZ RAG THE JAZZ RAG 33 The Saxophone Specialist Yanagisawa Conn-Selmer Walstein Bauhaus Apollo plus Vintage & Classic Part Exchanges & Commission Sales considered Saxophones Clarinets Flutes Trumpets Trombones Flugels MOUTHPIECE CONSULTANTS Link Lawton Larsen Meyer Runyon Selmer Vandoren Guardala Yanagisawa Bach Wick www.saxophoneheaven.com 01865 798165 www.brassheaven.co.uk 404 Marston Road Marston Oxford OX3 0JE

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