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| After bebop - 1955... |
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1955 was a memorable year for jazz records with Tubby Hayes and Dizzy Reece recording for the first time with their own groups. Although we did not realise it at the time this was to be the last year that Esquire recorded British modern jazz. On the other hand this was the first year that Tempo recorded the modern music, although they had been releasing the more traditional forms of jazz for some years. A look down this list reveals that, as in 1954, virtually none of the Esquire records has been re-issued in CD format, which in turn means that no Ronnie Scott recordings from the year are available. A snapshot of 1955 from the Melody Maker...
Vic Ash made a number of quartet recordings during the year with pianist Eddie Thompson. Although the musicianship was superb many thought that the group lacked warmth or any real jazz spirit. The first record date was as below. For details of the others... Vic Ash Quartet - January 3rd, 1955 (*Columbia SEG7634 (JMC13)/(^Polygon JTE100 (JMC14) Vic Ash (cl), Eddie Thompson (p), Bill Sutcliffe (b), Allan Ganley (d). Good Bait*/Dream A Little Dream Of Me*/Jeepers Creepers^/Blue Jeans^. This was the year in which the fabulous nine piece Ronnie Scott Orchestra made it's last records... Ronnie Scott Orchestra - January 4th, 1955 (Esquire) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Evening In Paris/After You've Gone/But Not For Me/Serenity. This was the first recording of the year for the Dankworth Orchestra. Other recording dates followed through the year. For details of the others... Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - January 6th/7th, 1955 (Capitol) Derek Abbott, Bill Metcalf, Douggie Roberts, Jimmy Venn (tp), Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie, Bill Geldard, Danny Elwood (tb), Johnny Dankworth, Maurice Owen, Dougie Robinson (as), Rex Morris, Don Pashley (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Derek Smith (p), Bill Sutcliffe (b), Allan Ganley (d). Singin' In The Rain/Waterloo Walk/Non-stop London. An odd looking 'pick-up' group with a live recording from the Royal Festival Hall in London... 'In Town' Jazz Group - January 9th, 1955 (Decca LF1217) Dizzy Reece (tp), Johnny Rogers (as), Kathleen Stobart (ts), Eddie Thompson (p), Jack Fallon (b), Don Lawson (d). I've Got You Under My Skin/I Can't Get Started/Good Queen Bess/52nd Street Theme. Vic Lewis continued to record in the Stan Kenton style with arrangements by Shorty Rogers, Bill Holman, Gerry Mulligan and others associated with Stan Kenton with whom Lewis had strong links. This LP for Decca entitled 'Progressive Jazz at the Royal Festival' was recorded live, again with arrangements by Rogers, Holman and Mulligan. Vic Lewis and his Orchestra - January 9th, 1955 (Decca LF1216) Dave Loban, Ronnie Baker, Johnny Brown, Trevor Lannigan (tp), John Watson, Rusty Hurren, Andy Wilson, Alec Gould (tb), Ronnie Chamberlain (as,cl,sop), Bernard Allen (as), Brian Gray, Howard Morgan (ts), Brian Rodgerson (bs), Red Mitchell (p), Len Edwards (b), Andy White (d), Vic Lewis (dir). Swinghouse/Chino/Star Eyes/Coup de Graas/Duo/Bark For Barksdale/Dancing In The Dark/Short Stop/Peanut Vendor. These titles were recorded during the lifetime of the Tommy Whittle Quintet of which Klein and Taylor were members. Stan Tracey is the most original soloist. Harry Klein Quintet - January 19th, 1955 (Columbia SEG7647) (JMC12) Harry Klein (bs), Vic Ash (cl), Stan Tracey (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Monument/Euphony. Johnny Dankworth revived the 'Seven' for a live broadcast by the BBC. they have recently been released on CD and are included here for that reason... Johnny Dankworth Seven - January 31st, 1955 (BBC) Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Maurice Pratt (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Joe Muddel (b), Tony Kinsey (d), Frank Holder (voc-1), Cleo Laine (voc-2). Easy Living(2)/Scrapple From The Apple/Too Marvelous For Words(1)/Lover Man/Deed I Do(2)/Body And Soul(1)/Marmaduke. Kenny Baker led a number of recording sessions that featured modern jazz musicians in a mainstream setting. For details of the others... Kenny Baker and Jazz Today Unit - February 16th, 1955 (Polygon JTL2) Kenny Baker (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Bruce Turner (as), Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Ike Isaacs (g), Frank Clarke (b), Benny Goodman (d). Farewell Blues/Blue Feeling. Don Rendell Sextet - February 22nd, 1955 (Tempo EXA12) Dickie Hawdon (tp,fh), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Pete Elderfield (b), Don Lawson (d). Did'nt We/Muskrat Ramble/Thames Walk/Dance Of The Ooblies. These quartet recordings were made at the same session as the sextet titles above. They were an experiment but proved so successful that more were recorded a few months later. For details of the others... Don Rendell Quartet - February 22nd, 1955 (Tempo EXA11 - LAP1) Don Rendell (ts), Damian Robinson (p), Pete Elderfield (b), Don Lawson (d). You Stepped Out Of A Dream/Sometimes I'm Happy/Slow Boat To China/Yesterdays. Ken Moule recorded two sessions in February that proved to be the last Seven records. For details of the other... Ken Moule Seven - February 22nd, 1955 (Decca EP6261* others Decca 78) Dave Usden (tp), Keith Barr, Roy Sidwell (ts), Don Cooper (bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Lennie Breslow (d). Times A-wastin*/Get Happy*/Main Stem/High Lift/Get Happy (unissued). Ronnie Scott Orchestra - February 23rd, 1955 (Esquire EP61) (JMC22) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Parisian Thoroughfare/Don't Worry 'Bout Me/Quicksilver+/Time After Time. (+ Different take to original 78) Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quartet - March 3rd, 1955 (Esquire EP84) (JMC17) Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). How Deep Is The Ocean. Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quintet - March 3rd, 1955 (Esquire EP64) (JMC2) Derek Humble (as), Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Bird's Last Flight. Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Septet - March 3rd, 1955 (Esquire EP64* (JMC2) / (EP84^ (JMC17) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Dizzy Reece (tp), Derek Humble (as), Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Typhoon^/UMF*. Melody Maker's All-Stars - March 7th, 1955 (Esquire EP56* others 10-436 ) Kenny Baker (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Vic Ash (cl), Johnny Dankworth (as), Ronnie Chamberlain, (ts,sops), Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (as,bs), Vic Feldman (vib), Bill McGuffie (p), Tito Burns (acc), Bert Weedon (g), Joe Muddel (b), Eric Delaney (d). Gershwin Ballad Medley: (Summertime*/Someone To Watch Over Me*/Love Walked In*/Embraceable You*)/Waxing The Winners (Part 1)/Waxing The Winners (Part 2). Ronnie Scott Quintet - March 9th, 1955 (Esquire EP65) (JMC22) Ronnie Scott (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Fidelius+/They Can't Convince Me/Short Circuit+/Don't Take Your Love From Me. (+ Different take to original 78) Tubby Hayes first recording session under his own name. This was a band that Tubby took on the road but although a roaring musical success it endured periods of financial hardship before breaking up... Tubby Hayes & His Orchestra - March 10th, 1955 (Tempo EXA14) Tubby Hayes (ts), Jimmy Deuchar, Dickie Hawdon (tp), Mike Senn (as,bs), Jackie Sharpe (ts,bs), Harry South (p), Pete Blannin (b), Lennie Breslaw (d). Jordu/Orient Line/Man Ray/Monsoon. Tony Crombie had six dates in 1955, with virtually the same personnel, to record an album for Decca that included Annie Ross on some titles. Some Annie Ross titles were issued under her name. For Details of the dates... Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - March 13th - September, 1955 (Decca) Jimmy Deuchar, Les Condon (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Derek Humble (as), Don Rendell, Al Cornish (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d), Annie Ross (vcl). Eddie Thompson Trio - March 17th, 1955 (Polygon JTE101) Eddie Thompson (p), Bill Sutcliffe (b), Allan Ganley (d). Perdido/Rose Room. A working quintet, musically immaculate with five musicians all with with a considerable technique... Tommy Whittle Quintet - March 22nd, 1955 (Esquire EP67* JMC25*) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Joe Muddel (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Ten-bar Gait*/The Finisher*/Someone To Watch Over Me/Harry's Blues. This was the final date in the recording studios for a group that had a long life without ever setting the jazz world alight. when the band folded Norman Burns freelanced for a while before emigrating to Australia, quitting the music business altogether. Norman Burns Band - March 25th, 1955 (Esquire) Ian Cameron (tp), Martin Slavin (vib), Dave Davani (accor), John Smith (p), Judd Foster (g), Peter Hugget (b), Norman Burns (d). Davani's Design/Wooftide/Yesterdays/Without A Shout. West Indian born Bertie King played a major role in the 1940s with the black British swing bands playing through the second world war and into the late 1940s. Bertie King Jazz Group - April 6th, 1955 (Polygon JTL5) Kenny Baker (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Bertie King (as,cl), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Cedric West (g), Frank Clarke (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Blues In My Heart/Blue Lou/Once Upon A Time. Ronnie Scott Orchestra - April 13th, 1955 (Esquire EP81) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). S'il Vous Plait+/Jordu+/Pearl+/This Heart Of Mine. Jimmy Deuchar Ensemble - April 26th, 1955 (Tempo LAP2) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Tubby Hayes (ts), Derek Humble (as,bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Treble Gold/Bass House/I.P.A. Special/Final Selection. Tubby Hayes & His Orchestra - April 29th, 1955 (Tempo - (1)EXA17) Tubby Hayes (ts), Dave Usden, Dickie Hawdon (tp), Mike Senn (as,bs), Jackie Sharpe (ts,bs), Harry South (p), Pete Blannin (b), Lennie Breslaw (d). Sophisticated Lady(1)/I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart(1)/Deuces Wild. This was the first of a number of record dates for this popular band during 1955. For details of the others... Kenny Baker and his Dozen - May 6th and 10th, 1955 (Nixa NPT19003) Kenny Baker, Freddy Clayton (tp), George Chisholm (tb), EO Pogson, Harry Hayes, Harry Klein, Keith Bird, Freddie Ballerini (reeds), Bill McGuffie (p), Martin Slavin (vib), Joe Muddel (b), Eric Delaney (d). Baker's Boogie/Ev'ntide/Phil The Flutter's Ball/Bugle Call Rag/Harlem Twist/Blues I Love To Sing/Mean Dog Blues/Delerium. Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists - May 6th, 1955 (Esquire EP83*) (JMC17*/25^) Leo Wright (tp), Kenny Graham, Eddie Mordue, Pete King, Alan Rowe (ts), Bill Andrews (bs), Lennie Metcalfe (p), Victor Feldman (vib,conga), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d). Caravan*/Kings Cross Climax*/When Your Lover Has Gone^/When A Bodgie Meets A Widgie^. The first record under his own name... Dizzy Reece Quintet - May 16th, 1955 (Tempo LAP3) Dizzy Reece (tp), Sammy Walker (ts), Tony Crombie (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). O Moon/Butch/Bang!/This Is Always. Don Rendell Quintet - May 16th, 1955 (Tempo EXA20) Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Benny Goodman (d). The Griffin/Cool Sparks/Carolet/Some Of Us. Tony Kinsey Quartet - May 17th, 1955 (Decca DFE6282* JMC31* ) Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Introduction/Harlem/She's Funny That Way/Fascinating Rhythm. Harry Klein Quartet - May 25th, 1955 (Polygon JTE105) (JMC20/32) Harry Klein (bs), Max Harris (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Eddie Taylor (d). I'll Remember April/I Can't Get Started/I'm Coming Virginia. Ronnie Scott Quintet - June 7th, 1955 (Esquire EP94*) (^JMC28) Ronnie Scott (ts), Hank Shaw (tp), Victor Feldman (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d). Split Kick*/It Don't Mean A Thing*/Samson^/I'll Never Smile Again^. Joe Harriott Quartet - June 21st, 1955 (Columbia DC701) Joe Harriott (as), Max Harris (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d). Don't Blame Me/What Is This Thing Called Love/Dickybird/My Old Flame. Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quartet - July 11th, 1955 (Esquire EP104*, EP114^) (JMC19/30) Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Takin' A Chance On Love^/The Man I Love^/Item From Carmen*/Dream*/Diggin For Diz^. Dizzy Reece Quintet - July 14th, 1955 (Tempo LAP3) Dizzy Reece (tp), Tubby Hayes (ts), Harry South (p), Pete Blannin (b), Bill Eyden (d). Now's The Time/Please Call. Tubby Hayes & His Orchestra - July 14th, 1955 (Tempo EXA17) Tubby Hayes (ts), Dave Usden, Dickie Hawdon (tp), Mike Senn (as,bs), Jackie Sharpe (ts,bs), Harry South (p), Pete Blannin (b), Bill Eyden (d). Fidelius/Tootsie Roll. Keith Christie Quartet - July 26, 1955 (Esquire 20-047) (JMC27) Keith Christie (tb), Johnny Dankworth ("Dee") (as), Bill Sutcliffe (b), Allan Ganley (d). Sultry Serenade/Baby Please Stop/Cottontail/Never No Lament/Mainstem/I Got It Bad/Drop Me Off at Harlem/It Don't Mean a Thing. After the break up of his eight piece orchestra Tubby Hayes led a quartet that produced some superb music... Tubby Hayes Quartet - July 29th, 1955 (Tempo - (1)EXA27 - (2)EXA28 - (3)TAP10) (JMC11/32) Tubby Hayes (ts), Harry South (p), Pete Blannin (b), Bill Eyden (d). Evil Eyes(1)*/Dance Of The Aerophragytes(1)*/Imagination(1)(3)*/Straight Life(1)*/Peace Pipe(2)"*/There'll Never Be Another You(2)/Opus De Funk(2)/There's No You(2). Tony Kinsey Quartet - August 3rd, 1955 (Decca DFE6285^) (*JMC32) Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Close Your Eyes*/Pierrot*/Makin' Whopee^/I Never Knew^. Tommy Whittle Quintet - August 4th, 1955 (Esquire 20-048*) (JMC26/30) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Dave Willis (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Flamingo/Ghost Of A chance/I'll Remember April*/You've Done Something To My Heart*/Stars Fell On Alabama*/Cherokee*. Vic Feldman, multi recording - August 11th and 12th, 1955 (Esquire 20-046) (JMC16) Victor Feldman (vib,p,d), Lennie Bush (b). Stella By Starlight/Sue-Side Jump/Lullaby/Grove For Two (two takes). Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quintet/Septet - August 18th, 1955 (Tempo LAP5) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Dizzy Reece (tp), Derek Humble (as), Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Brawl For All/The Big Fist/Sunshine On a Dull Day/Sonor/Hand In Hand/When? (omit Deuchar and Humble). Joe Harriott Quartet - August 24th, 1955 (Nixa) Joe Harriott (as), Max Harris (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d). Everything Happens To Me/Just Friends. Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists - September 8th, 1955 (Esquire 20-064) (JMC18) Kenny Graham (ts), Victor Feldman (vib,conga,p,d), Ray Dempsey (g), Eric Peter (b), Phil Seamen (d,vib), + maracas and conga. Mogambo/Keep Happy/Algo Bueno/SOS. This recording date proved to be the last by the British bebop pioneer Tommy Pollard... Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quartet - September 12th, 1955 (Tempo LAP6) Tommy Pollard (p), Victor Feldman (vib), Eric Peter (b), Tony Crombie (d). Monody#/Minore/Habanera/Epilogue#/Time Will Tell/Deep In A Dream. (#Pollard omitted). Vic Feldman Big Band - September 21st, 1955 (Tempo EXA29) (JMC29) 14 piece band including Dizzy Reece & Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Derek Humble (as), Ronny Scott & Tubby Hayes (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Norman Stenfalt (p), Victor Feldman (vib, d), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Elegy/Big Top/Cabaletto/Introduction/Maenya. Vic Feldman Modern Jazz Quartet - September 21st, 1955 (Tempo LAP5) Victor Feldman (vib), Norman Stenfalt (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Duffle Coat/Easy To Love. Jimmy Deuchar Quartet - October 4th, 1955 (Esquire 20-059) (JMC15) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Terry Shannon (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Dance Little Lady/Dancing In The Dark/Dancing On The Ceiling/Dance Of The Infidels. In 1955 Ronnie Scott formed a big band which lasted barely a year, an experience that he described as the worst of his musical life. Four of its library were preserved on one Esquire EP... Ronnie Scott Orchestra - October 11th, 1955 (Esquire EP85) (*JMC28) Stan Palmer, Hank Shaw, Dave Usden, Jimmy Watson, (tp) Jack Botterill, Robin Kaye, Mac Minshull, Ken Wray (tb), Joe Harriott, Doug Robinson (as), Pete King, Ronnie Scott (ts), Benny Green (bs), Norman Stenfalt (p), Eric Peter (b), Phil Seamen (d). Bang/With Every Breath I Take/A Night In Tunisia/The Big Fist. Tony Kinsey Quartet - October 18th, 1955 (Decca) (*JMC28) Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Hey There*/Starboard Bow/Ballet*/Body And Soul. Tommy Whittle Orchestra - November 9th, 1955 (Esquire 20-061) (JMC23/24) Kenny Wheeler (tp), Keith Christie (tb, v-tb), Ronnie Baker (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Joe Temperley (bs), Don Riddell (p), Freddie Logan (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Laura/Lester Leaps In/Jive At Five/How High The Moon. Harry Klein Orchestra - November 28th, 1955 (Nixa NJE1009) (JMC29) Jimmy Watson (tp), Ken Wray, Keith Christie (tb), Jack Ellery (fl), Dougie Robinson (as), Harry Klein, Benny Green (bs), Derek Smith (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Jim Powell (tu), Allan Ganley (d). Big Ben/Nightwork. |