This one came out of left field and is an absolute historical gem. Recorded live over a number of sessions at the Airport Social Club, Newcastle in 1988, it serves as a timely reminder of two of the north east's finest mainstream players both of whom are sadly no longer with us.
Stan Martin and Norman Rudd formed a musical affinity way back in the day when they were members of the legendary Panama Jazzmen. An affinity that remained very much in evidence when these numbers were recorded maybe 30/40 years later.
Martin, unlike most local clarinetists back then, didn't seek to emulate either Johnny Dodds or, at the other extreme, Buddy DeFranco but opted instead for the husky tones of Pee Wee Russell or Archie Semple. Likewise, on tenor his role model was most likely Ben Webster - he had the same growly sound albeit with not quite as full a tone although close.
Rudd (Norman) came from the same era - Fats Waller, Joe Sullivan, Teddy Wilson, Dill Jones - in Harlem he'd have been an in-demand regular at neighbourhood rent parties. His solo feature on Here's That Rainy Day is just about as good as it gets.
Rudd (Alan) and Bob Arkley are employed mainly in a supportive role which in no way lessens their importance. The rhythm flows unobtrusively giving the soloists the perfect cushion.
You want to have some fun? subject a jazz friend to a blindfold test and slip one of these tracks in. I guarantee that, after his failure to guess correctly, his next question will be: "How can I get hold of a copy?"
Well, Alan Rudd, who took advantage of the enforced lockdown to put this compilation together, tells me that once Classic Swing get playing live again he will have copies available at gigs or direct from: ar.music@virginmedia.com
It's a landmark in north east jazz history and, amazingly well recorded. Lance
1 comment :
Great quartet used to go often. Stan also came and sat in with us at The Porthole. Anyone remember when on piano he only liked playing the black notes?!
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