Jazz has long been the subject of searches for those enthusiasts seeking that legendary pot of musical gold. The Buddy Bolden cylinder, did it ever exist? Hawkins trying to cut those Kansas City cats - did any one record it? Did anyone actually record the session where Jo Jones threw his cymbal at Charlie Parker? Closer to home, the rumour persists of a Roland Kirk tape from a Newcastle Jazz Festival back in the 1970s. None of these have ever been found and the question arises - did they ever exist - or is this a jazz take on a tree falling in a forest?
However, some recently discovered, privately recorded, four tracks by the late and much revered Roy Willox are, without doubt, absolutely 100% authentic.
Roy, who later became a mainstay of the Ted Heath Orchestra, Kenny Baker and many other bands recorded these sides in 1945/6 when he was only 16. With future Heath drummer Ronnie Verrell, then 19, on drums and 22 year-old Arthur Greenslade on piano the three youngsters told the world they were on their way.
The 78s had been hidden away and only found after Roy's death. They were in poor condition but close friends of Roy had them cleaned up and transferred to CD.
The results are superb. Hearing a major player on the UK scene at such a young age is incredible. Roy's sax teacher was Harry Hayes who, famously declared upon hearing Roy: "I think we have a find". I thought so too when I heard these tracks. Lance
Contact one of Roy's closest friends, Eileen Mann, for more information:
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