Today I went to Darlo.

It was a sunny day and my wanderlust found me in Darlington. A mighty fine town is Darlington. Not huge but big enough to have two jazz clubs (sometimes more) and a locally based big band.

I let the train take the strain and set off on the trek to the town centre. The sign post indicated that it was a 12 minute journey on foot which it may well have been for some Ethiopian athlete who had been training at altitude - it took me somewhat longer. Nevertheless, the journey was worthwhile when I discovered three previously unread (by me) Robert B. Parker novels all for a total of £2.

However, even that acquisition paled into insignificance when I passed through the portals of Saxosoul on Bondgate. Wall to wall vinyl and a lot of jazz at various prices i.e. £1, £3, £5 up to sell-your-house. Needless to say I concentrated on the one-pounders finally settling on the 1953 Jazz Studio 1 album pictured.

A 12" LP with but one track per side which allowed for lots of extended solos. 

Paul Quinichette, Frank Foster (tenor sax); Joe Newman (trumpet); Benny Green (trombone); Hank Jones (piano); Eddie Jones (bass); Kenny Clarke (drums) and Sir Jonathan Gasser on guitar who turned out to be Johnny Smith in disguise. 

Interesting to compare the two tenors with Quinichette the more Lestorian of the two. Newman and Green really go for it whilst Jones' elegance is only surpassed by that of "Sir Jonathan" particularly on Tenderly. Let's Split has the tenors duelling, Jones and Smith emulating the famous JATP rabble rouser between Nat Cole and Les Paul and the finale with all the cats chasing their tail. Newman's quite amazing and a lot more extrovert than in his Basie days.

Methinks that Darlo will soon be beckoning me once more and next time I'll make sure I have £3 to spend! Lance