Retro rummaging in Hexham

It was one of those sunny spring days that I thought I'd never see the like of again so, just in case it was a one off event, I took a bus from Newcastle to Hexham enjoying the beautiful views, the rolling hills and meadows to the right and left bringing back many memories of days spent cycling on those very same roads.

I'd almost forgotten how delightful a market town Hexham is even though today wasn't an actual market day.

However, like any town or city, rural or urban, there's always a plethora of charity shops and vinyl-wise the ones in Hexham all delivered the goods and whence I did depart (after indulging my taste buds at a local eatery), my bag was heavy laden. Hexham is one hip town.

Nine, including a double album, all of which will be revealed over the next week or two starting with this one.

Shorty Rogers Courts the Count (HMV CLP 1041)

Shorty Rogers, Conrad Gozzo, Maynard Ferguson, Harry Edison, Clyde Reasinger (trumpets); Milt Bernhart, Harry Betts, Bob Enevoldsen (trombones); Jimmy Giuffre, Zoot Sims, Bob Cooper, Herb Geller, Bud Shank (saxes); John Graas (French horn); Paul Sarmento (tuba); Curtis Counce (bass); Marty Paich (piano); Shelly Manne (drums). 

On some tracks Pete Candoli replaces Reasinger, Bob Gordon replaces Sims and Bill Holman replaces Cooper. Candoli and Ferguson in the trumpet section - hold on to your roofs!

As the title implies it's the cream of the west coast class of '54 playing numbers associated with Count Basie and it's just about as good as it gets. Rogers takes all of the trumpet solos (well he is the leader!) Enevoldsen plays valve trombone and the sax solos are spread around and although I've never taken to Giuffre's clarinet playing he makes up for it on tenor.

Jump For Me; Topsy; It's Sand, Man; Basie Eyes; Doggin' Around; Down For Double; Over and Out; H & J; Taps Miller; Tickletoe; Swingin' the Blues; Walk, Don't Run.

All this for 50p! Lance