This 2-disc release of tracks from both the UK and USA is a wonderful compendium of modern jazz from 1957.
Dundee-born Scots trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar (1930-93) appears on no less than four tracks on Disc 1, including the Ronnie Scott-led Jazz Couriers on Irving Berlin’s “Cheek To Cheek”. There is also a welcome contribution from the lesser-known Kenny Graham and His Afro-Cubists of Graham’s “Monkey Business” which exemplifies their pivotal role in introducing this style to British audiences.
Sir John Dankworth’s big band pieces “Firth Of Fourth” and “Top Score” round out the large group end of things, featuring top improvisations from Kenny Baker, Danny Moss, Joe Harriott, Jimmy Skidmore and the leader.
Disc 2 – Jazz USA, offers a blinding array of jazz innovators including the soulful drawling cry of Mississippian Mose Allison on “New Ground”, Jimmy Giuffre’s “The Train And The River” with Jim Hall and Ralph Pena scores highly as well with its folky rusticity. Vocalist Lorez Alexandria’s poignant reading of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Baltimore Oriole” is more an allegorical spoken verse conveying a wistful, melancholic sentiment.
Plaudits to Nick Ducket of R n B Records for enabling this unique powderkeg of timeless sounds, and to Simon Spillett, who, with his rich and perceptive knowledge of this important and innovative year in jazz history, has written the excellent and informative liner note.
A varied yet well-knit document of modern jazz. Grab it sooner rather than later!
