sidewinder

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.

Not a reissue but Sky Arts on UK Freeview TV is currently broadcasting the Charlie Watts Orchestra Live at Fulham Town Hall video from 1986. Such a great lineup of musicians, many of whom sadly are now no longer with us. The lineup is very diverse - from a young Courtney Pyne to veterans such as Bill Le Sage and Jimmy Deuchar. Watts on drums also flanked by John Stevens and Bill Eyden.

Notable rare outing with guest Donald Byrd featured on ‘El Dorado’.

First spin - a welcome release. 3LP set German pressing, mastered by Bernie Grundman. Yes, the piano tuning sucks but Elvin is captured really well, as is the occasion. An unexpected gem. The large format booklet is excellent too, with some great memories. A time capsule - of Pookie’s in 1967 and Elvin at a key period of career/life transition.

Heck, I’m still working my way through the humongous Black and White set but I’ll be in for this one I think. Nice that there’s that tempting early bird discount too, which would go some way to offsetting shipping costs. Wonder when JazzMessengers will get this one in stock?

2LP version - some good live Hubbard on this one, with a fine band.

When I looked there was just an XXL in white left. Ridiculous - I can only assume that it was listed earlier in the week and the word got round. 🤔

Yeah. I’ve got the feeling that the photo is from a Gene Norman produced session. On the photo I have the trumpeter’s arm is in shot so likely within seconds of the more famous shot. Wardell’s pose is hardly changed. Wish I’d asked Ray for his recollections.

Wish they had continued with that Singles series as most of them are very good. I saw her once at the Hollywood Bowl. Wasn’t particularly a fan beforehand but was afterwards. Great stage presence and classy performer. Ironically it was with a Cannonball Tribute group backing her, including George Duke I think. Also not a scheduled appearance but something of a surprise.

That shot is one of a sequence of session photos of Wardell by the late Ray Avery. I acquired one of these from Ray himself which he signed but got the date wrong ('61) - it is framed on my wall. I think the trumpeter on the RHS is Conte Candoli so not the same session.

Liberty stereo

Tone Poet of this one just arrived so it will be interesting to compare. A very enjoyable session. Also pending a listen - Elvin’s ‘Live at Pookies’ 3LP. A&M Horizon