sidewinder

Major Minor, mono

Argo 2LP. I think our late good friend board member JohnS mentioned that he was at this concert recording held in 1974-ish at Southwark Cathedral.

In retrospect, not sure that the sound is that much better than the ‘Rare Groove’ LP or the Mosaic for that matter but it is a nice production. The gatefold photo format seems to have been taken forward by the Tone Poet series. Chitinous Ensemble ‘Chitinous (Deram). About time this one had a spin.

Welcome !

Pleased to have a copy of this 2LP set. All of the material is on the fine Mosaic Select but the sound is even better I think. Gatefold with photos is up to Tone Poet standards. In fact, it is almost like a prototype Tone Poet.

First time I saw him was with Blakey circa 1979/80, I think Ponomarev might have been on trumpet first time and next tour I think it was Bill Hardman. Next time was around 1993 for a couple of nights with ‘Horizon’. From my recollections, Blakey was low key here in the 70s until ‘Gypsy Folk Tales’ came out on Pye. Earlier in the decade he had been featured on those Sonet LPs and in the ‘Giants of Jazz’ tour.

This one originally came out around 1976 with the Corky McCoy cover. Miles had entered his quiet period so the issue of 60s material was a surprise, I guess Teo Macero was the driving force in putting it out. Recorded extremely well, Tony Williams’ shimmering drums were rarely captured better. I bought this one at the time on UK CBS. The ‘I Love Jazz’ reissue was from the vinyl nadir period of the 80s/90s. I picked it up for peanuts not expecting much but the (thin) vinyl sounds great. I’ve had similar experience with others in this series. No question about it that this is a good album !

An amazingly good sounding pressing, considering.

Yes - R&B Records did a Morrissey/Witherspoon release on CD some months ago. Don’t yet have a copy. Ah yes - I think you are right. I always think of it as being recorded at the Bull’s Head as the first time I heard a track from it on the radio it was introduced as such. I do have a copy of that Jazzhus recording.

Still got my Atlantic 45rpm of 'Pick up the Pieces' from 1975. One of the first records I ever got !

I’ll have to dig out the ‘Storm Warning’ Fontana LP today. Since the original post I got a nice copy, not an easy one to come across. Maybe it was put out in mono only due to the live location recording? If we are lucky, maybe Decca will unearth a stereo version and put it out in their reissue series. Have to say, I’m not a fan of vocal based groups of this vintage in general but that is likely just me. Agree that Terry Smith is excellent - his Philips LP is underrated and undeservedly obscure (with superb big band lineup and Harry South arrangements). Agree also re: Jim Mullen. ’If’s’ two sax lineup looks like a forerunner of Average White Band, who are a bit more to my liking (prepares to be flamed..)

Great find - never been a fan of ‘If’, nor of Colosseum for that matter, very much of its time but it is great that this film exists. I guess you had to be there. As mentioned, the audience shots are priceless and almost out of central casting and stage set decor with obligatory use of brown and orange.

RIP - we lost her this year.

For as long as I can remember, it was always an older demographic who were into straight-ahead Classic jazz, either mainstream, modern or avant-garde. My impression is that the ‘lighter’ MOR-y stuff tends to have a strong following, by and large, amongst a younger demographic. Listening to ‘J to Z’ on the radio this afternoon, virtually nothing played interested me personally but there must be a significant following for such stuff out there. Bill - Maybe Smalls operates like Ronnie’s used to do by seating young whippersnappers visible at the front. Old non-photogenic gits get placed at the back well away from cameras. 😀

CD5 - Merry Go Round.

Remember seeing him with a small group circa 1993/94. Fine player.

UK RCA - my old copy from 1976, still near mint !

Surprisingly good sound on this 2LP Verve reissue.

London Jazz Collector has just posted a pic of the forthcoming Andrew Hill Tone Poet. Looks stunning..

TAP 22 also unusual amongst Tempos in being ubiquitous on LP back in the day. Reissued on budget label MFP and available in Woolies along with Bob Downes’ ‘Deep Dark Heavy’ ! Just spinning the new copy. Yes, there is a bit of crunchiness during Joe Farrell’s flute solo. Not too bad but a bit annoying ! Have to say, Elvin’s drums are captured extremely well in this release. Amazing that it was recorded per the story in the notes, thank goodness it was.

I have this one on the King pressing but will probably capitulate ! Didn’t notice any problem but will re-check. All 3 LPs on my first copy were fine. The cover had a couple of dings though so back it has gone for replacement (just arrived).

Yeah, saw that. We are in with a chance then ! To be honest, I prefer their sweatshirts and have a nice one on its way in the post.