John Surman - John Surman / How Many Clouds Can You See? / Tales Of The Algonquin

[mjzee]

Release date August 29:

English jazz musician John Surman's three albums for Deram, dating from 1969, 1970 and 1971. A talented saxophonist, clarinet and synthesizer player, Surman made his name playing and recording with the likes of Mike Westbrook, Graham Collier and Alexis Korner before being signed to Deram. Recording for a variety of labels, Surman signed for ECM in 1979 and is still with them to this day. Digitally remastered and slipcased. Extensive new notes by Charles Waring.

[clifford_thornton]

Great records. An essential trilogy in my opinion.

[T.D.]

Thanks. I noticed this release at DG recently. I have the Algonquin album (only) and was wondering if the other 2 albums make this reissue worth acquiring. (I very much enjoy the recent Way Back When release on Cuneiform.)

Edited Friday at 01:54 PM by T.D.

[felser]

Looks good!  I have the Deram CD's Clouds and Tales and some sort of official gold CD-R of the first album, but glad to pick this up for the remastering and space savings.  What label is this on?  The design  and concept look like BGO, but I don't see this listed on their upcoming releases on their website.

[T.D.]

1 hour ago, felser said:

Looks good!  I have the Deram CD's Clouds and Tales and some sort of official gold CD-R of the first album, but glad to pick this up for the remastering and space savings.  What label is this on?  The design  and concept look like BGO, but I don't see this listed on their upcoming releases on their website.

DG said BGO on their "Coming Soon" page.

https://www.dustygroove.com/item/219698/John-Surman:John-Surman-How-Many-Clouds-Can-You-See-Tales-Of-The-Algonquin

 

[Holy Ghost]

Like him in good company, especially with brass; who is his company?

[T.D.]

24 minutes ago, Holy Ghost said:

Like him in good company, especially with brass; who is his company?

Credits at:

John Surman – John Surman | Releases | Discogs

John Surman – How Many Clouds Can You See? | Releases | Discogs

John Surman / John Warren – Tales Of The Algonquin | Releases | Discogs

 

Edited Sunday at 03:13 AM by T.D.

[Holy Ghost]

3 minutes ago, T.D. said:

Credits at:

John Surman – How Many Clouds Can You See? | Releases | Discogs

John Surman / John Warren – Tales Of The Algonquin | Releases | Discogs

 

Not a trumpet guy, got it, thank you. 

[adh1907]

The first album is odd, half of it is in a calypso jazz style. Not sure who thought that was a good idea. It wasn’t!

Edited Sunday at 07:27 PM by adh1907

[clifford_thornton]

2 minutes ago, adh1907 said:

The first album is odd, half of it is in an odd calypso jazz style. Not sure who thought that was a good idea. It wasn’t!

Definitely a label move because of what was popular at the time, but I think he makes it work -- the London calypso ensemble that was put together is quite enjoyable, and his solos are effective. The tunes themselves I can call up in my mind right now! But staying for the second half is well worth the price of admission.

[JSngry]

All three are non-small group, correct?

Is that for colouring or is it integral to the pieces?

[clifford_thornton]

4 hours ago, JSngry said:

All three are non-small group, correct?

Is that for colouring or is it integral to the pieces?

Mixture of smaller & larger groups on the first two, Algonquin is a bigger band throughout. I’d say it’s integral in either case!

[ejp626]

Any news on packaging, etc.?  I'm assuming it is probably 3 albums on 2 CDs rather than 3 CDs with appropriate slipcases.  Am tempted either way.  Thanks!

[T.D.]

Presto Music's website (UK dealer I mostly know for classical) says 2 CDs. I can't find anything on packaging specifics...IMO could be digipack or gatefold (the latter with or without internal slipcases). I'm not at home so can't check packaging of BGOs I own, but only single CD releases come to mind.

[felser]

I have dozens of their sets.  From experience, it will be a slimline double jewel case with an informative booklet and tray card, with an outer cardboard case to slip the jewel case into.