Howard Riley

[romualdo]

picked up the 6CD set last year

do like his work (old & new)

how well is he known in the UK - is he better known on the continent? (Lithuania)

[sidewinder]

I first posted in this thread ... eight years ago! Finally found, and purchased, the CD of Angle. I must say, I think it's just as good as The Day Will Come. The later record likely has more memorable compositions — melodically, that is — and it feels more cohesive as a whole, but the earlier record is a little wilder, and in a good way. Barry Guy's playing is just phenomenal. The stand-alone duo track on Angle (Riley on piano, and Barbara Thompson on flute) is not a distraction, as I initially thought it might be. In fact, it's a very nice reprieve from the high energy of the proceedings. It's through-composed, and very short, even though it's in three movements. Sounds very much like contemporary classical, which isn't actually surprising given Riley's education and interests.

Recently read that the original intention was for John McLaughlin to be featured on some of the tracks on 'Angle' - but he had already left for Germany (to play with Gunter Hampel) by the time that the recording date came up.

Finally picked up the 'Discussions' CD today. What a gem ! - and very interesting to compare it with Mike Taylor's 'Trio' session of similar vintage.

Edited September 5, 2014 by sidewinder

[clifford_thornton]

Ha, wow - that would have been something! Sort of a counter to Ray Russell's Dragon Hill in spots. Still want to hear the McLaughlin/Hampel tapes (which featured Han Bennink on drums).

Discussions is excellent!

[sidewinder]

Yeah, apparently McLaughlin/Riley was a working group for a while - Howard was interviewed for the recent McLaughlin book. Both from Yorkshire so sounds like quite a natural mix.

According to the book Hampel had/has a whole lounge full of tapes featuring that 60s McLaughlin band and others. He recorded much of what they performed.

I guess the 'Discussions' on Jazzprint must now have gone OOP? Was suprised to see it today, glad I was able to finally get a copy. A Sawano LP would be nice though (not that I would ever get to see an original 'Opportunity' pressing).

Edited September 5, 2014 by sidewinder

[clifford_thornton]

yeah, the Sawano LP is what I have, bought it a long time ago. I think the Jazzprint CD went OOP very quickly. Was offered an OG for $1000 in 2002, shoulda taken the plunge!

[sidewinder]

Wow !

There are some mythical stories out there of people finding copies of this in car boot sales and charity shops. Hard to believe with only 99 copies.

I suspect that the Sawano sounds better than the real thing. Really glad to have picked up the CD, was pretty amazed to see it still for sale.

[clifford_thornton]

yeah, Mats Gustafsson has two copies.

[sidewinder]

yeah, Mats Gustafsson has two copies.

Hmmmm.........