sidewinder

It is a superb set. Warmly recommended.

Somehow that big band LP has eluded me too, need to put that right. I have his ‘Return of Jazz 625’ recorded off of the TV - a good evening to watch it again I think. Nice small group performance in B&W (original atmosphere recreation) featuring Jean Toussaint. Here’s a bit of film of him perusing the LP racks at the old ‘Ray’s Jazz’ In London. Ray and Charlie were old friends I believe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GTwLagDmL0

There’s also that big band he put together which recorded ‘Live at Fulham Town Hall’, packed with British jazz talent. Plus his tribute book project in memory of Charlie Parker. He was a dedicated jazz enthusiast, especially bop, by all accounts.

Need to dig that one out - as well as Stitt’s ‘In Walked Sonny’.

Yes, it was only a week ago that it was announced that he would not be participating in their forthcoming tour. Sounded ominous at the time but I was just hoping it was just a break for a routine op. Saw him just the one occasion about 30 years ago, with the Stones at a North American gig (huge crowd). He looked in good enough shape and enjoying it playing on that fairly recent Jazz 625 tribute on BBC4, about 2 years ago.

Sad news, just heard it announced on the radio news.

I have it recorded for future viewing. High culture today with ‘Its a Mad Mad Mad World’. First time I’ve ever seen it.

Sad news, RIP. Like the poet Michael Horowitz (who also passed away very recently) he seemed ageless. I enjoyed his book on Lennie Tristano and will dig it out for another read. Never got to his Bass Clef Club but it sounds like a most worthy endeavour.

Steeplechase 180g

Yeah, I didn’t learn anything particularly new but it was an enjoyable enough listen though, even though maybe a bit hyped up.

McCoy Tyner ‘Essence’ (French Milestone 2LP). No usable cover graphics on the internet.

Worth a listen ! One thing I noticed after visiting the Lighthouse in more recent times was the old wooden band platform. Assuming it was the same one (and I have no reason to doubt that it wasn’t) there was a noticeable boominess. Nothing excessive but it was a sound characteristic that I noticed as familiar from recordings. I think they have also reoriented that stage from its position in the space that it would have been in 1970. The club was probably also packed out right through the engagement and I guess Dino and his 4-track must have been squeezed into a booth somewhere less than optimum. Indeed the audio mentions ‘The man in the booth’ at some point. Morgan also refers to ‘Duke’ in one of his announcements so presumably Duke Pearson had also been flown over to supervise proceedings?

Agreed on that. He was still on drums I think in a Gillespie Reunion/Tribute Big Band I saw in the 90s but will have to check. As was Billy Root ! (In the saxes)

Listened to quite a bit of the new extended issue today streaming on Spotify. Impressed with just how strong much of the previously unissued tracks are. The sound obviously cleaned up quite a bit too, bags of presence. This set now reminds me a bit of the Miles ‘Plugged Nickel’ being a warts and all in depth examination of a band at its prime presented over several nights. Can’t wait to hear this now on physical media !

and a young Lee Morgan featured on trumpet !

Some good stuff in that box !

Hope the van doesn’t break down ! Enjoy !

Yes, the ‘Windmill Tilter’ LP insert has a good bio write up for Kenny. He emigrated not too long after completing Royal Conservatory studies in Toronto. A big gain for us over here.

It will be interesting to hear how the sound compares with the old 3CD set. Presumably warmer/less trebly? Not that the old set is bad - I was impressed with it soundwise tonight.

Early 1950s I believe. At a time when it was easier to move to the UK than the US for Canadians, thanks to the old Empire links.

Up on Spotify as well..

Looks like ‘The Lighthouse’ is high profile on here today.

Definitely catch Norma, if you get the chance. I caught Kenny’s 80th tour as well. No Norma on that one but a very fine Italian vocalist whose name escapes me for the moment (Diana Torto).

I remember seeing Norma singing with Wheeler and Orchestra during Kenny’s 75th Birthday tour. Also saw them a few times with Azimuth.