Michael King e Miki Dandy annunciano per inizio dicembre tre eccellenti nuove pubblicazioni per Reel Recordings, con materiali storici e d'archivio completamente inediti e recuperati dai nastri originali con scrupolosa fedeltà sonora:
1 ~ COMMAND ALL STARS "CURIOSITIES 1972" (RR010)
In February 1972, a group of young jazz musicians gathered in London's Command Studios, with producer Robert Fripp, to record a double album intended for Ronnie Scott's Productions. The cast, consisting of pianist Keith Tippett, saxophonist Elton Dean, trombonist Nick Evans, trumpeter Mark Charig, and bassists Harry Miller & Johnny Dyani, with drummer Keith Bailey, unquestionably qualify the moniker All Stars. When the results were rejected as "no commercial potential", the master tapes were reused and the project forgotten, until Nick Evans, prompted by Reel Recordings, found copy reels for two of the four sides. What was discovered were diverse collective improvisations in a variety of group settings occasioned with unlikely instrumentation (Tippett - electric piano, Dean - sopranino, Miller - African flute). These tracks amount to much more than a series of curiosities as its title suggests, and open-hearted listening to this spontaneous music making reveals a plethora of riches. Of special note is the emotionally deep playing and interaction from South African bassists Harry Miller and Johnny Dyani. Recorded documents that add to the important history of British Jazz do not surface very often, and this rare All Star session commands its cultural recognition!
2 ~ BOB DOWNES OPEN MUSIC "CROSSING BORDERS" (RR011)
Bob Downes is a multi-instrumentalist composer processing a distinctive musical personality and prowess. Through bodily breath emanates sublime sounds from an array of flutes, poignant patterns from his alto and tenor saxophone performances, and engaging expressions of complimentary vocalizations. Open Music is the moniker under which Bob has produced an eclectic range of records since 1968. However none of the above prepares the listener for the profoundly engrossing experience that is Crossing Borders. Composed during an extended tour throughout South America in 1973, and evocative of the exotic locales encountered, Crossing Borders is a compendium of musical precision, mysticism,and tranquility. During the late seventies Bob Downes produced a beautifully warm analogue recording of his programmatic vision, colluding with contemporaries: guitarist Brian Godding, trombonist Paul Rutherford (1943-2007), bassists Barry Guy, Mark Meggido and Paul Bridge (1941-1998), and drummers Denis Smith and John Stevens (1943-1994). Thirty years later this unreleased record finally sees the light of day, and it has aged like a fine wine. A recording this special comes deservedly wrapped with our highest recommendation for everyone prepared to cross musical borders!
3 ~ HARRY MILLER'S ISIPINGO "FULL STEAM AHEAD" (RR012)
South African bassist Harry Miller (1941-1983) retains stature as an internationally recognized player who possessed both technical virtuosity and limitless musicality. One needs to only consider his gorgeous bass playing within the Mike Westbrook Concert Band and the legendary Brotherhood of Breath, to cite but two. During the mid-seventies Harry Miller formed Isipingo, a sextet crucible for his joyfully infectious Kwela inspired compositions. The musicians in the fray of these previously unreleased studio recordings read as a "who's who" of classic British Jazz; alto saxophonist Mike Osborne (1943-2007), pianists Stan Tracey or Keith Tippett, trumpeters Mongezi Feza (1945-1975) or Mark Charig, trombonists Nick Evans or Malcolm Griffiths, with the other half of Harry's heartbeat, drummer Louis Moholo, stoking the fiery coals. These men stampede through Harry Miller's vibrant compositions, two of which appear here for the first time. Born out of numerous sweaty nights in London's Peanuts, Phoenix and 100 Club, these undeniably exhilarating recordings of Harry Miller's Isipingo remains a proud clarion for the present generation of jazz lovers. Reel Recordings, in cooperation with Hazel Miller's Ogun Records, unfurl the legendary Isipingo banner and march proudly into the 21st century ~ Full Steam Ahead!
"A wealth of tremendous music making is there for the adventurous listener. Be assured that, as with all Reel Recordings releases, every care has been taken towards preserving and presenting the characteristics that are unique to the analogue recording medium. By virtue of eschewing hyper-compression and digital processing the listener is able to raise the volume towards a naturally dynamic musical experience.
We are very honored to have cared for, and to present such wonderful music. We hope you share in our enthusiasm. Yours in music!" (Michael King & Miki Dandy)
Ron Sweetman will be profiling Reel Recordings on his radio show, In A Mellow Tone, November 26, 2008 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., EST.
