Drummer and bandleader Matt Skelton has put together a new programme for quintet, in celebration of the work of drumming legend Shelly Manne, and of the five volumes of ‘At the Blackhawk’ records that are – Matt says “the centrepiece of inspiration to my own group“. Their next performance will be on Saturday 26 April at the Bear Club, Luton. Matt tells the story of how this music left its mark on him…
UK Jazz News: What first drew you to Shelly Manne?
Matt Skelton: I discovered jazz through big band music having seen the Glenn Miller Story when I was around 10 or 11. This experience led me towards Basie, Ellington and so on where I heard the great soloists and rhythm section players who have gone on to be such an inspiration to later generations of jazz instrumentalists and composers.
I first heard Shelly Manne on a Woody Herman compilation LP when I was about 12 or 13. He just completely knocked me out. What I can now describe in detailed terms, beyond my first visceral reaction, are the combination of his cymbal beat, feel, sound, language and creative spirit, always a great ensemble player, whatever the forces or context.
The Herman 2nd Herd band of the late 40s was a powerhouse of great writers, and also soloists and section players (an art in itself): Shorty Rogers, Serge Chaloff, Sonny Bergman, Ernie Royal and Gene Ammons, for example. These are amazing recordings that have lost nothing with age in terms of music played with daring, fire and passion. Shelly was very much a crucial ingredient of this during his time with the band.
UKJN: And were there decisive Shelly Manne moments in you own professional life?
MS: It was only later when I met Don Rendell during the Guildhall Summer School of 1987 and he recommended the first big band recordings of Dizzy Gillespie’s own big band from ‘46 that I realized where this had come from and that Herman’s band was hugely influenced by these recordings.
UKJN: For newbies, can you point us in the direction of a couple of tracks and what you admire particularly?
MS: His range of discography is extraordinary. Hollywood film scores, pop records, orchestral dates and an in-house drummer for Contemporary Records. From the original Pink Panther theme to “Tomorrow is the Question” with Ornette Coleman. Incisive, articulate, perfectly judged interplay and always swinging and supportive. Andre Previn, with whom Shelly collaborated on that classic My Fair Lady record said of him: “He kept time for everyone and never had a bad word to say”. I love that: A genuine polymath whose ways of unselfish collaboration have given a completely unique sound and texture to the world of jazz. Records I’m never far away from include:
- Way Out West with Sonny Rollins with Ray Brown.
- Simple Matter of Conviction with the Bill Evans Trio
- The 20s Bit with Benny Carter and Earl Hines.
- Lush Life by Nancy Wilson.
And of course, the five volumes of At the Blackhawk records that are the centrepiece of inspiration to my own group.
UKJN: What stage is the group at, and when do you next appear together?
MS: This is a newly reformed and revived project. We’ve recently played Dorking Watermill and Market Harborough Jazz. Our next date is the Bear Club in Luton on 26 April. I’m hustling like crazy, currently doing the rounds of emails and calls to see who else might like to have us.
UKJN: And it also sounds like fun…
MS: We have such a great time playing. It’s a boundless source of joy to share this music with the people in the band and the audiences we meet.
UKJN: Is there an intention to do an album?
MS: I’m not intending to record for the time being. The definitive recordings are so great. We’re kinda an ‘in the moment’ band. Come hear us. Perhaps we may record an album if we start playing original arrangements inspired by the transcriptions from the record that frame, with thanks to Tom Smith!
Matt Skelton’s instagram profile has updates, news of appearances and more.
Matt Skelton’s Blackhawk Quintet will be playing at the Bear Club, Luton on Saturday 26 April at 19:00.
