Jazz on Talking Pictures

Talking Pictures is the TV Channel to watch if, like me, you have a penchant for old British black and white movies. Whilst few, if any, may have picked up an Oscar they do, on occasion, throw up a surprise or two.

Such was the case this morning with Nowhere to go, a 1958 Ealing/MGM film described by David Meeker as an 'Above average thriller' which was about right. However, the icing on the cake was the soundtrack by Dizzy Reece and performed by his quartet - Dizzy Reece (trumpet); Tubby Hayes (tenor/baritone sax); Lloyd Thompson (bass); Phil Seaman (drums).

The writing and the trumpet playing are evocative adding an extra dimension to the action on screen.

By way of a contrast and adding authenticity to the period there's a brief shot of the legendary London busking band the Happy Wanderers playing When the Saints go Marching in,

Although the movie has been described as the first Ealing film to use a jazz soundtrack, Dizzy Reece didn't get credited on the poster. Nevertheless, it's well worth catching next time it comes around. Lance