Another gem from my recent trip to Hexham. A double album by the Alex Welsh Band of 1971 recorded live in Dresden's Hygiene Museum. Forget about Lyttelton, Barber and the rest the Welsh band could outswing them all as this album proves.
The leader's trumpet, both driving and lyrical, led the ensemble with panache without playing to the gallery. He didn't need to - judging by the applause they came to him.
Roy Williams and Johnny Barnes on 'bone and bari' respectively were well-featured and never more so than on Bob Brookmeyer's Open Country and inspired by the second Gerry Mulligan Quartet which, for a Dixieland band in 1971, was quite a radical step. Williams is terrific. I'm sure Barnes is too but he is very much under-recorded so his magnificent sound on baritone - second only to that of Harry Carney - isn't heard to its best advantage whilst his flute, clarinet and alto solos could have taken place in another room. Nevertheless, even though you may have to turn up the volume on the appropriate channel of your vintage hi-fi to hear him the class still exudes.
Talking of class, they didn't come any classier than Fred Hunt. Back then the finest pre-bop pianist on the UK scene he is the ideal accompanist/soloist for any swingster. His feature on St. Louis Blues is world class and the dexterity of his seemingly endless right handed trill (or it could have been his left) on 9.20 Special is awesome.
Likewise Jim Douglas, he could even make a banjo sound like a musical instrument although, in truth, I still preferred his guitar playing. Harvey Weston was the bassist when it came to Dixieland and its surrounding genres as was 'Herr' Lennie Hastings who inserted his usual quota of "Oo yah Oo yah"s into his breaks and solos. Presumably he didn't do his German officer impression in Dresden.
The vocals are by Welsh, Barnes and Williams. The trombonist's vocal and his solo on Tangerine are absolutely breathtaking for both the player and the listener!
The concert may have taken place in a museum but it didn't hang around and if you encounter the album on your travels, don't walk on by but buy it. Lance
Chinatown my Chinatown; I Want a Little Girl; Dapper Dan; Oh Baby; Open Country; Dippermouth Blues; Maple Leaf Rag; Sleepy Time Down South; Tangerine; St. Louis Blues; If I Had a Talking Picture of You; 9.20 Special
4 comments :
I remember a concert by the band at The County Hotel in Neville Street. They were absolutely great. No wonder they had so many admirers. Roly.
I remember going with Mike to an Alex Welsh concert during my early years up here - I think it was in Hexham at the Club Fandango, probably in the late 1960s. That was a great one too - it really was a top class, swinging band.
I remember asking Roy Williams if Lennie did his German officer routine when the band played in Germany and he confirmed that he did. Apparently the Germans fell about with laughter and used to request it!
Park Hotel, Tynemouth (late 60's/early 70's). Alex Welsh Band with Roy W, John B, Fred H and Lennie on drums - incredible band. fantastic concert.
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