Suggested (R&B) Listening: https://www.discogs.com/release/5308204-Sam-The-Man-Taylor-Back-Beat-The-Rhythm-Of-The-Blues-Vol-5 (Disregarding his "misty" etc. MOR output. )

November 21 Rainer Brüninghaus - 1949

I saw Coleman with this group in late 79 or early 1980 at Ronnie's and they played much of the material from 'Amsterdam After Dark'. He - and the group - were phenomenal. From memory it was Herbie Lewis on bass but I did see the group with Ruiz and Higgins several times over the 79-83 period and tried to catch at least one gig during each of their 'seasons' at the club. I think Ronnie Scott Club must have had an agreement with Wim Wigt during that period. I have a copy of that Coleman at Ronnie Scotts LP on Pye somewhere in the racks. Around that time, Coleman also brought his Octet over to the club (with Idris Muhammad on drums plus Sal Nistico, Danny Moore and Mario Rivera - with Mabern on piano).

The programme has been low-key and gradual but is certainly not 'dead', thanks to Tony Higgins' good work with Decca. December sees the long awaited reissue of Neil Ardley 'Greek Variations' and 'Lola' is also imminent. John Cameron 'Off Centre' also got a fairly recent reissue in the series, with new sleeve notes. Plus we have the two Mike Taylors, so some good reissues this year.