Jazz Festival Memories 4: Clark Terry Y Su Orquesta @ Vlll festival internacional de JAZZ de san sebastián - 24 de Julio, 1973

In 1972 the Newcastle Big Band had caroused their way by land, sea and vin ordinaire from the sunny sands of Byker to the even sunnier shores of San Sebastián where, under the baton of maestro Andy Hudson they'd opened the festival in the Plaza de la Trinidad. 

Laudable as our performance was, by comparision it paled into insignificance the following year alongside one of the greatest big band performances that I've ever witnessed - the 18 piece big band led by Clark Terry. 

It didn't matter that it was raining in the Plaza de la Trinidad - it was warm rain - and even though I didn't have the luxury of a golf umbrella like the legendary French critic Hughes Panassié such was the quality of the music I wouldn't have complained if it had snowed!

It was a mouthwatering line up although, almost 50 years on, I can't recall all of the names: Clark Terry (trumpet, flugel); Richard Williams, ? Martinez + 2  (trumpet); Richard Boone, Jimmy Wilkins + 3 (trombone); Arnie Lawrence, Chris Woods (alto sax); Jimmy Heath, Ernie Wilkins (tenor sax); ? (bari sax); Horace Parlan (piano); Eddie Jones (bass); Grady Tate (drums).

Ah the memories! Lance