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| After bebop - 1954... |
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There was an increase in British jazz recorded in this year compared to all previous years. Ronnie Scott and Victor Feldman featured on a number of sessions, Joe Harriott made his first quartet records and also appeared on a number of records with Tony Kinsey. Don Rendell recorded under his own name with his sextet for the first time and Tubby Hayes, aged just eighteen, can be heard soloing on record for the first time with a big band. This was the Vic Lewis Orchestra and happily these tracks are available on CD. The increase in recording activity was due entirely to the number of records produced by the independent Esquire label who's records accounted for three quarters of the sessions listed below. It is a sad fact that almost none of these Esquire records has been commercially re-issued in CD format!
This was the first of a number of Jack Parnell's big band recordings during 1954. For details of the others... Jack Parnell and his Band - January 6th, 1954 (Parlophone PMD1053^) Hank Shaw, Ronnie Simmonds, Jo Hunter, Terry Lewis (tp), Mac Minshull, Bobby Lamb, Robin Kay, Jimmy Tobbett (tb), Bob Burns, Jimmy Phillips (as), Joe Temperley, Ronnie Keene (ts), Don Honeywell (bs), Max Harris (p), Kenny Napper (b), Jack Parnell, Phil Seamen (d), Dennis Hale (voc). Skin Deep^/Devil's Eyes (DH vcl). Vic Lewis had not recorded since 1952 when he recorded an LP for Decca entitled 'Mulligan's Music' featuring the compositions of Gerry Mulligan. The record featured a number of fine solos from a young Tubby Hayes... Vic Lewis and his Orchestra - January 13th/14th, 1954 (Decca LF1157) Dave Loban, Ronnie Baker, Les Condon, Colin Wright (tp), Laddy Busby, John Watson, Jack Botterill, Laurie Franklin (tb), Ronnie Chamberlain (as,cl,sop), Bernard Allen (as), Les Wigfield (ts), Tubby Hayes (ts,bs), Brian Rodgerson (bs), Don Riddle (p), Dave Willis (b), Kenny Hollick (d), Vic Lewis (dir). Bweebida Bobbida/Nights At The Turntable/Sextet/Limelight/Walkin' Shoes/Line For Lyons. January 20th, 1954 (Decca LF1157) Personnel as January 13th/14th. Westwood Walk/Bark For Barksdale. This was the first of a number of Johnny Dankworth's big band recordings during 1954. For details of the others... Johnny Dankworth Orchestra - January 21st, 1954 (Parlophone) Derek Abbott, Eddie Blair, Bill Metcalf, George Boocock (tp), Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie, Eddie Harvey, Gib Wallace (tb), Johnny Dankworth, Lew Smith, Maurice Owen (as), Rex Morris, Freddy Courteney (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Allan Ganley (d). My Buddy/Runnin' Wild/The Jerky Thing. Ten days after the Decca recording the Vic Lewis Orchestra was recorded 'live' in Sheffield, some tracks appearing on the 'Hep' label entitled 'In concert', There was a staggering list of arrangers including Shorty Rogers, Bill Russo, Gerry Mulligan, Bill Holman, Pete Rugolo, Johnny Keating and Dave Lindup. The tracks listed are those appearing on the 'Hep' disc Vic Lewis and his Orchestra - January 23rd, 1954 (Hep 20) Dave Loban, Ronnie Baker, Dave Power, Colin Wright (tp), Laurie Franklin, John Watson, Jack Botterill, Alec Gould (tb), Ronnie Chamberlain (as,cl,sop), Bernard Allen (as), Les Wigfield (ts), Tubby Hayes (ts,bs), Brian Rodgerson (bs), Don Riddle (p), Dave Willis (b), Kenny Hollick (d), Vic Lewis (dir). Bill's Blues/Harlem Nocturne/Jolly Rogers/Moonlight In Vermont/Too Marvellous For Words (Tubby Hayes + rhythm only)/Bweebida Bobbida/Peanut Vendor/Feerless Fosdick/Sextet/Jump For Joe/The Creep/Walkin' Shoes/Limelight/ Bark For Barksdale/Intermission Riff. An odd record designed to show off the talents of Britain's premier jazz musicians of the time. The musicians appear in various combinations not all playing on every title... Music In the Making - January 27th, 1954 (Vogue LDE051) combined personnel: Jo Hunter, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Jimmy Skidmore, Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell (ts), Dave Smith, Ralph Dollimore (p), Sammy Stokes, Johnny Hawksworth (b), Phil Seamen, Allan Ganley (d). Ice Fall/Straw Thatch/I'm Beginning To See The Light/Mountain Sunset/Where Or When/Best Keller/Presque Cubain/Ghost Of A Chance/Coraline. Joe Harriott's first recordings under his own name... Joe Harriott Quartet - February, 1954 (Melodisc EPM7-117) (JMC10) Joe Harriott (as), Dill Jones (p), Jack Fallon (b), Phil Seamen (d). Summertime/April In Paris/Cherokee/Out Of Nowhere. The first of a number of Ronnie Scott recordings for Esquire made during the year. Ronnie Scott Orchestra - February 1st, 1954 (Esquire) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). I Get A Kick Out Of You/Cymbalism/Humble Pie/Dear Old Southland. These were the last recordings made by Tito Burns and his Sextet although Burns himself did record again in 1954 and 1955 with the Melody Maker All-Stars... Tito Burns and his Sextet - February 26th, 1954 (Esquire) Andy Tweed (tp), Don Savage (as), Norman Gondall (ts), Tito Burns (acc), Johnny Weed (p), Stan Wasser (b), Dougie Cooper (d). Riff Concotion (2 takes)/Midnight Sun/Pinky/Budo/Skin Deep (parts 1 and 2). The next five items come from a National Jazz Federation concert at the Festival Hall in London on February 28th. Esquire Records release two 12" LPs featuring lengthy excerpts from the proceedings... Derek Smith Trio With Don Rendell And Ronnie Ross - February 28th, 1954 (All titles on Esquire 32-004 - (1)EP41 - (2)EP42) (JJ4) Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell (ts), Derek Smith (p), Jack Fallon (b), Lennie Hastings (d). Best Keller(1)/China Mina(1)/Hearsay(2)/Minor Tor(2). Tommy Whittle with The Tony Kinsey Trio - February 28th, 1954 (Esquire 32-004(part), EP44) (JMC8/JJ4) Tommy Whittle (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Zoot's Suite/Deed I Do. Jazz Today Unit - February 28th, 1954 (Esquire 32-005) Dickie Hawdon (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Bruce Turner (as), Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Dill Jones (p), Jack Fallon (b), Allan Ganley (d). Going To Minton's/I'm Beginning To See the Light. Jazz Today Unit - February 28th, 1954 (Esquire 32-005, EP44) (JMC8/JJ4) Keith Christie (tb), Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Dill Jones (p), Jack Fallon (b), Allan Ganley (d). I Can't Give You Anything But Love. Victor Feldman Trio - February 28th, 1954 (Esquire 32-005 (part), EP43) (JMC8/JJ4) Victor Feldman (vib), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Sometimes I'm Happy/Crazy Rhythm. The usual LP featuring the Melody Maker poll winners of the year... The 1954 Melody Maker All-Stars - March 7th, 1954 (Esquire 20-031* ) Kenny Baker (tp), Don Lusher (tb), Vic Ash (cl), Johnny Dankworth (as), Ronnie Chamberlain, (ts,sops), Ronnie Scott (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Vic Feldman (vib), Bill McGuffie (p), Tito Burns (acc), Ivor Mairants (g), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Eric Delaney (d). For Voters Only (2 takes, one take on*)/Gallop Poll (2 takes, one take on*)/Swingdido*. This was a regular working unit at the time and the group made several other records in the year. Details... Tommy Whittle with The Tony Kinsey Trio - March 12th, 1954 (Esquire) Tommy Whittle (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Symphony/Deed I do. This was a BBC World Service broadcast from the "Criterion Restaurant" in London. Ronnie Scott Orchestra - March 17th, 1954. (Esquire 32.003) (JJ4) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Fast And Loose/Body Beautiful/Yardbird Suite(1)/If I Should Lose You/In The Land Of Nimbupani/Laura(2)/Oo-Shoo-Be-Do-Be(rs,pk voc)/This Can't Be Love(3)/Dear Old Southland/El Sino(4)/I Wished On The Moon/Nemo (1) JD, DH + rhythm only. (2) RS + rhythm only. (3) VF (vibes) + b + d only. (4) KW, PK, BG + TC (pno) + b + d. Besided this session Victor Feldman recorded a number of trio and quartet sessions for Esquire during 1954. Details... Victor Feldman Quartet - March 19th, 1954 (Esquire) Victor Feldman (vib), Stan Watson (g), Lennie Bush (b), Freddie Manton (d). Evening In Pakistan/Kashmir/Harem Scarem/Pakistan. This was a 10" LP titled 'Kenny Baker with The Melody Maker's Modern Group'. An odd name for a group that included Bruce Turner and Dill Jones in it's personnel... The Melody Maker's Modern Group - April 7th, 1954 (Esquire 20-030) Kenny Baker (tp,flhrn), Jimmy Deuchar (tp,fhr), Bruce Turner (as), Tommy Whittle (ts), Vic Feldman (vib), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). If I Could Be With You (2 takes)/Young And Healthy (2 takes)/A Long K.B. Blues. With the popularity of his 'Shearing type' quintet waning, a trumpet and accordian were added to the vibes/piano line up and all former band members were replaced. Norman Burns Band - April 9th, 1954 (Esquire) John Harris (tp), Gordon Langford (vib), Dave Davani (accor), Les Allen (p), Barry Fox (g), Brian Short (b), Norman Burns (d). Jeepers Creepers/Happy Lobster/I Get A Kick Out Of You/Three O'clock In The Morning. The titles on this session were Jimmy Deuchar's first solo session for Esquire and ably demonstrate his sensitive ballad playing abilities... Jimmy Deuchar Quartet - April 20th, 1954 (Esquire EP53*) (JMC4) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Victor Feldman (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). They Can't Take That Away (2 takes, *take1)/Close As Pages In A Book*/The Folks Who Live On The Hill/Thou Swell (2 takes, *take2) Other takes and titles appeared on LP S330 "Thou Swell). The inclusion of Dizzy Reece and Joe Harriott made these recordings amongst the best that Kenny Graham made... Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists - April 27th, 1954 (Esquire) Dizzy Reece (tp), Kenny Graham (ts), Joe Harriott (as), Eddie Mordue (bs), Freddy Logan (b), Ginger Johnson (d). The Continental/Cottontail/Fascinating Rhythm/Blues In The Night. Ronnie Scott Quartet - April 28th, 1954 (Esquire) Ronnie Scott (ts), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Sunshine On A Dull Day/Fools Rush In/Poor Butterfly/Perfidia. Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - May 13th, 1954 (Esquire EP82) (JMC6) Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Last Resort/Best Behaviour/How Deep Is The Ocean/I Get Happy. Ronnie Scott Orchestra - May 17th, 1954 (Esquire) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Ken Wray (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Perdido/Cherokee/In The Land Of Nimbupani/Fast And Loose. Kenny Baker and his Band - June 4th, 1954 (Parlophone) Kenny Baker (tp,fl-h), Stan Tracey (p), Cliff Ball (b), Don Lawson (d). Wanted/I Speak To The Stars. Don Rendell formed his first sextet in 1954 and it remained in existence for about a year before breaking up mid 1955. He was later to lead a number of other sextets and quintets but despite the high levels of musicianship and technical ability commercial success proved elusive... Don Rendell Sextet - June 9th, 1954 (Tempo EXA16) Dickie Hawdon (fh), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (ts), Damian Robinson (p), Ashley Kozac (b), Derek Hogg (d). My Heart Belongs to Daddy/Little Boy Green/Cool June (unissued)/Jerry The Joker (unissued). Tommy Whittle Quintet - August 17th, 1954 (Esquire EP37 one take of each title) Tommy Whittle (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Dill Jones (p), Joe Muddel (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Martini (2 takes), Zythum (2 takes), Yesterdays (2 takes), Debut (2 takes). Kenny Graham again altered his line-up in the search for success that still eluded him... Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists - August 23rd, 1954 (Esquire) Kenny Graham (ts), Dave Goldberg (g), Arthur Watts (b), Phil Seamen (d), + conga. Good Bait/Bike Up The Strand. This was volume 4 in the 'Ronnie Scott Jazz Club series and a number of titles featured small groups from within the band... Ronnie Scott Orchestra - September 7th, 1954 (Esquire 32.006) Ronnie Scott (ts), Derek Humble (as), Pete King (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Mac Minshull (tb), Benny Green (bs), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Fine And Dandy/Things Ain't What They Used To Be/Serenade In Blue/Humble Pie/'Cuse These Bloos/Perdido/Tenderly/Fuller Bop Man/Nice Work If You Can Get It/Tin Tin Deo/Fools Rush In/In The Land Of Nimbupani. From the album above... Jimmy Deuchar/Derek Humble - September 7th, 1954 (Esquire 32.006) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Derek Humble (as), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Phil Seamen (d). Bouncing With Bud. Ken Moule formed his Seven in 1953 and this was the first recording session by his group. Ken Moule Seven - September 20th, 1954 (Esquire) Dave Usden (tp), Keith Barr, Roy Sidwell (ts), Don Cooper (bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Lennie Breslow (d), Cab Kaye (vcl)*. Jelly Jelly Blues*/When I Hear That Conga Drum*/Bensonality/Hallelujah. Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - September 22nd, 1954 (Esquire) Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Jump For Me/Can't We Be Friends/Raymond/Nice Work If You Can Get It. After this session the band were to record only one more session in early 1955 before disbanding... Norman Burns Band - October 7th, 1954 (Esquire) Ian Cameron (tp), Les Brown (vib), Dave Davani (accor), Gordon Langford (p), Ken Wade (g), Dan Haggerty (b), Norman Burns (d). If You Were The Only Girl/How About You/This Can't Be Love/Bill's Blues. Ronnie Scott Quintet - October 15th, 1954 (Esquire) Ronnie Scott (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Victor Feldman (p), Lennie Bush (b), Tony Crombie (d). Falling In Love With Love/I Remember You/Influence/Flying Scott. These titles were recorded during the lifetime of the Tommy Whittle Quintet of which Klein, Jones and Taylor were members. Vic Ash replaced Whittle and played with warmth and conviction. Harry Klein Quintet - October 26, 1954 (Columbia SEG7647) (JMC12) Harry Klein (bs), Vic Ash (cl), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Eddie Taylor (d). Pentagon/Poinciana. The following three listings come from a concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London. It was the first appearance in London by Tony Crombie's Orchestra... Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - October 30th, 1954 (Decca LK4087) (JMC9) Dizzy Reece, Les Condon (tp), Joe Temperley, Sammy Walker (ts), Lennie Dawes (bs), Harry South (p), Ashley Kozak (b), Tony Crombie (d). Good Bait/Ahmed/Compos Mentis/Down Under. Don Rendell Sextet - October 30th, 1954 (Decca LK4087) (JMC9) Dickie Hawdon (tp,fh), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Damian Robinson (p), Pete Elderfield (b), Benny Goodman (d). My Honey's Lovin' Arms/Give Me The Simple Life/Roomin' With Moomin/Chelsea Bridge. Ken Moule Six - October 30th, 1954 (Decca LK4087) Dave Usden (tp), Keith Barr, Roy Sidwell (ts), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Lennie Breslow (d). Waterloo Bridge/Hallelujah/I'm Beginning To See The Light. Ronnie Scott Orchestra - November 2nd, 1954 (Esquire EP31*) 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). Taboo/Second Helping/Seamen's Mission*/Lester Leaps In*. Jimmy Deuchar Quartet - November 12th, 1954 (Esquire) (JMC10/11) Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Alan Clare (p), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Why Do I Love You* (2 takes)/The Things We Did Last Summer* (2 takes)/This Can't Be Love* (2 takes)/Just One Of Those Things* (2 takes) (One take of each on LP S330, One take of * on EP93). Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - November 18th, 1954 (Decca) Dizzy Reece, Les Condon (tp), Joe Temperley, Sammy Walker (ts), Lennie Dawes (bs), Harry South (p), Ashley Kozak (b), Tony Crombie (d). Perdido/Stop It/Love You Madly (vocal Annie Ross)All Of Me (vocal Boby Breen). Tommy Whittle Quintet - December 1st, 1954 (Esquire) Personnel as August 17th. Archer's Treat/Pyramid/Willow Weep For Me (2 takes)/Crazy Rhythm. Kenny Graham's Afro Cubists - December 3rd, 1954 (Esquire) Kenny Graham (ts), Dave Goldberg (g), Freddy Logan, + maracas and conga. Jeepers Creepers/Sunday, Monday or Always/The Nearness Of You/Lover Come Back To Me. Tony Kinsey Trio with Joe Harriott - December 9th, 1954 (Esquire EP52* - EP36^) (JMC7) Joe Harriott (as), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Kinsey (d). Chirracahua^/Teddi^/The Song Is You*/It Don't Mean A Thing*. Derek Smith Trio Featuring Harry Klein - Winter, 1954 (Decca) (JMC1) Harry Klein (bs), Derek Smith (p), Freddy Logan (b), Allan Ganley (d). Play Fiddle Play/Our Love Is Here To Stay/Let's Call The Whole Thing Off/Candy. |