Alexander Hawkins

I think Braxton is still making relevant music; as are many of the people who play with him. I think the Braxton example gives the lie to the composition/improvisation dichotomy people have averted to above. People have been conquering this issue for a long while now (Ellington, Braxton, Threadgill, etc.)

'Jello on springs'

The complication with Ronnie's tapes is that the co-founder was a guy called Pete (rather than Peter King) King... p.s. I don't know that Georgie Fame, so have no idea about the reference there!

I don't think it fits the whole way - it's a C over the F chord; C# over the F+; D over the F6; and then I think the D best stays (over an F# in the bass) for a D8, before a ii-V back to F. Or something like that (can't really remember - haven't played it for an age). In any case, I agree - it's a cool line!

I don't think it fits the whole way - it's a C over the F chord; C# over the F+; D over the F6; and then I think the D best satys (over an F# in the bass) for a D8, before a ii-V back to F. Or something like that (can't really remember - haven't played it for an age). In any case, I agree - it's a cool line!

Bean Stalkin' from Coleman Hawkins and Roy Eldridge JATP 1957 is based on it, I believe. Nice easy blowing changes!

That was my recollection of the programme as well, although I can't remember who I heard it from, but a few people have said that's a bit of a caricature - I think he might quite have cared for some of the music. And the way he plays with Louis - he's got serious affinity for the freer end of his stuff.

In other words, jazz is overrated? definitely, didn't you know? it's not even good entertainment! Oops... I don't think it'd be possible to overrate that lot.

For sure!

It's certainly well worth it! I've only just got it myself, but Louis is a force of nature on this, and works absolutely great with Stan. p.s. did anyone see the BBC programme recently where Julian Joseph interviewed Stan, Tippett, Kirk Lightsey, Huw Warren and Gwilym Simcock about the piano? Some great (and not so great...) stuff on there. Stan, Tippett and Lightsey were inspirational IMHO.

The 2004 duo with Louis Moholo is stunning. Khumbula, on Ogun.

Albert Ammons and Meade Lux - The First Day Monk - Genius vol.1 Bud - Time Waits Nichols - Trio Cecil - Conquistador Dolphy - Out to Lunch Hill - Point of Departure Rollins - Night at the VV Rollins - Newk's Time Dorham - Bohemia v.1

I wonder if this album gets any attention outside the UK? Over here, it's thought of as one of the few 'stone' classics from this country (certainly in a relatively mainstream setting - a broader cast would surely catch some Harriott, Bailey, Parker, etc.) What happened to Jackie Dougan? Certainly the other 3 are still playing. And Stan, at 80-odd, still pretty much at the peak of his powers.

Great choice. One of the great piano players - certainly in the top 4-5 this country has produced. People will doubtless here rehearse Rollins' (well deserved) praise for him. 'Starless and Bible Black' is (perhaps) the 'theme song' of British jazz. p.s. Typical Stan answers in that interview excerpt...

Absolutely! And for a saxophone/saxophone/saxophone recording, Braxton's 'For Trio'.

I'm not sure the distinction between West Coast and crazy ass euro style free improv (sic) is that useful either - check out Evan and Braxton playing duos (London, early 90s, released on Leo).

I've just got 'Point of No Return' (Moers, 1977) and it's nothing short of astonishing.

Jim - my thoughts exactly. Great minds etc...

Let's not forget Funny Rat itself numbers amongst the Brotzmann drummer duos... That cover is great. Looks like the work of the wonderful trumpeter/cartoonist Mazen Kerbaj...

The stuff the kills me - the tunes with Kippie Moeketse.

...to boot, it's got him on bass clarinet, and he's got a f-ing huge sound on that horn, too!

I have a weakness for the Harry Carney with strings session...

Sounds cool! I definitely like the name, like I say - that was just the obvious 'next question'. I also like the fact that you're making it stylistically inclusive. Sadly unusual these days, IMHO! All the best with it!

This sounds really exciting. I like the 'Jazz and Beyond' brand - but it does beg a question: namely, in what sense 'beyond?' I think this might be an important consideration...

Wow - not familiar with Runswick. Jeff Clyne is still playing as far as I know. I think he's in one of Steve Waterman's groups, for instance.