Tommy Whittle or Bobby Wellins (ten); Harold McNair (alt/fl); Gordon Beck (pno/hpsc); Malcolm Cecil (bs); Tony Crombie (dms). 1961.
In the days before Ronnie's the Flamingo on Wardour St was the place to be and I spent many a night as a callow youth enthralled by the music that was then so new to me. This long-awaited reissue from the old Ember label is more than welcome. Not only does it bring back memories of living and working in London but it also makes me realise just how much wonderful modern jazz was around at the time. Imagine taking bands like this one, The Jazz Couriers, The Eddie Thompson Trio, The Ronnie Ross Quintet for granted! I was in heaven and didn't know it!
I digress - the CD! Where do I begin? An early example of the late and very great Gordon Beck on piano (and harpsichord), Emcee Five bassist Malcolm Cecil, rare Harold McNair flute and alto, Tommy Whittle and Bobby Wellins blowing fine tenor and some truly melodic compositions from drummer/leader Crombie. That's right - a drummer thinking and writing melodically!
Seriously it's a great album proving that even 50 years ago, despite the tunnel-visioned British jazz critics of the time, British Jazz could compete on the world stage.
I wish I could look back in anger and be there all over again but, in the absence of a time machine, this disc will do very nicely thank you very much.
Lance.
PS: and Tommy and Bobby are still blowing great tenor!
Tony Crombie and his Friends - Whole Lotta Tony is due for release on December 5, 2011 on the Fantastic Voyage label.
Lance, Could Tony Crombie be related to Keith Crombie? Could anyone be related to Keith Crombie, or is he too much of a one off?
ReplyDeleteBoth are/were one offs! Tony Crombie's skills were somewhat different to Keith's.
ReplyDelete