Don Rendell discography...
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Don Rendell discography - 1 (prior to 1964)...
Born in Plymouth in 1926 Don Rendell took part in a jam session with Stephane Grapelli in 1942 while still at school and playing alto sax. He had formed a band called the Rhythm Racketeers with friends Denny Termer on piano, Stan Watson, guitar and drummer Laurie Morgan later to take part in the formation of Club Eleven. They gigged locally until Termer's uncle took them into his show band playing variety theatres all over the country. Later they worked in night clubs and US army bases and by 1945 Don had switched to tenor sax.

Dance hall work with Duncan Whytes band at the Astoria Ballroom in central London followed but this did give the opportunity for musicians to visit the Soho night clubs to play swing when the ballroom closed. This was around 1945 and Rendell remembers visiting The Bag O'Nails, The Kit Kat, The Florida, The Nuthouse and The Blue Lagoon. He also visited the Downbeat Club held at Mac's rehearsal rooms where he played with visiting American musicians. Around 1947 he was with George Evans ten saxophone band at the Hammersmith Palais. By 1948 he was playing with the Oscar Rabin band, and played his first long recorded solo on Cherokee. In the band at the time was trumpeter Leon Calvert, who became a regular at Club Eleven when it opened later in the year.

Towards the end of the life of Club Eleven in 1949 Ronnie Scott left for a trip to the US and Rendell replaced him for a short time. Here he worked with Johnny Dankworth and was a founder member of Dankworth's ground breaking seven piece group formed in 1950. After three years of the Seven Dankworth formed his big band and Rendell went his own way. From 1953 to 1955 he played around the clubs before forming a sextet with Ronnie Ross and when that folded he took the remnants of his group into Tony Crombie's band. This was followed by a six month spell with Ted Heath, but left because there was little opportunity to play his kind of jazz.
In 1956 Stan Kenton came to the UK to tour Europe and needed a couple of replacement saxophone players. Harry Klein and Don Rendell were hired. Rendell worked with the band for two or three months and rates it as one of the highlights of his career. After Kenton he played with Tony Kinsey for a few months before forming another sextet known as the Jazz Six. He toured with Woody Herman's Anglo-American Herd in 1959 and from then from 1960 led his own groups.

In 1961 he formed a quintet with Graham Bond and it was about this time that he heard John Coltrane whose style of playing led to a dramatic change in Rendell's own style. From 1963 to 1969 he led a quintet with trumpeter Ian Carr. The quintet with Carr is regarded as a highspot in Rendell's career. During the time they were together the personnel of the band changed hardly at all, and recorded a number of well received records. The quintet used a lot of material written by group members and over the years built a remarkable sense of unity. By now Rendell was playing soprano sax and flute as well as tenor and had developed a harder edge to his sound as he was influenced by Sonny Rollins, Johnny Griffin and John Coltrane. The group ended when Rendell became reluctant to continue travelling around the world and his perceived lack of ambition led to a parting of the ways.
Don Rendell (1969)
From the 1970s he played concerts, festivals and jazz clubs as a featured soloist and also got into teaching in schools and colleges. Through the 1990s he taught saxophone on the jazz courses at the Guildhall School of Music in London as well as writing books for grade exams, all while continuing to compose. He has established a reputation as a jazz educator and was involved with the annual Jazz Summer School in Barry, South Wales for many years and shared the teaching at the Royal Academy of Music with John Dankworth. He died on 20th October, 2015 at the age of 89.

He recorded from the early 1950's in a warm melodic style initially derived from Lester Young, Zoot Sims and Stan Getz but later developed a harder edge as he was influenced by Sonny Rollins, Johnny Griffin and John Coltrane. Rendell's style altered considerably when he formed the quintet with Carr. From the time with this quintet through to the 1990s he started to play virtually all the reed instruments and the records from this period are very different to those made in his tenor sax days.

Don Rendell's early groups...
Rendell on the London clubs...
Thoughts on Denis Rose...
The Dankworth Seven...


Ken Austin: I took my wife to a Billie Holiday concert in Manchester's Free Trade Hall (1955). The first half of the concert was a set by a group of bop musicians which included Tony Kinsey & Don Rendell. Some of these players returned in the second half to back Billie and did a thoroughly good job. After the concert my wife and I went backstage to see Billie. We caught her on the staircase leading to the dressing rooms. but didn't get much chance to speak to her because all she could say was, "who's that horn player". Don was fetched and presented to her, still on that cold, concrete staircase. I don't know if Don has ever mentioned it to anyone but I bet he's never forgotten it.
Don has never forgotten it. In an interview in 2000 for Jazz Journal he said: The opportunity to play a few notes behind her vocals on a couple of numbers that evening gave me some moments that I never dreamed possible and ever since I have regretted that I never had a second chance to improve my part in her performance that night...



Thanks to David M. Harding for his detailed help in preparing these two Don Rendell discographical pages. This page covers the period to the end of 1962. A second page covers from 1964 onwards...


Oscar Rabin And His Band - February 22nd, 1949 (Parlophone F2358)
13 piece dance band, including Don Rendell (ts)...
Cherokee/Shine.

Johnny Dankworth Seven - May 18th, 1950 (Jazz Parade)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Joe Muddel (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Lightly Politely*^/Strike Up The Band*/Marmaduke*/Little Benny*.
(*Jasmine CD - Bop-in' Britain Vol 1)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

July 29th, 1950 (Esquire)
personnel as May 18th except that Eric Dawson replaced Joe Muddel, add Marion Williams (vcl).
Sam's Song (MW vcl)/Haunted Ballroom Theme (JD plays cl)/Seven Not Out*/Cherokee*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

October 14th, 1950 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th except Frank Holder replaces Marion Williams.
Perhaps/*Get Happy*/Lament And Wild Dance/Don't Blame Me (FH vcl)^.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

April 27th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th, 1950.
Marching Through Georgia/Blue Moon (vocal Alan Dean)/So In Love/Stardust.

July 12th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as July 29th, 1950.
I Hear Music*^/Leon Bismark*^/The Slider*^#/Webb City*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

November 8th, 1951 (Esquire)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Eddie Taylor (d), Cleo Laine (vcl).
Mr And Mississippi (vcl CL)^/Lush Life (vcl CL)^/Strictly Confidential*^/Allen's Alley*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

December 17th, 1951 (Esquire)
personnel as above.
It's No Sin (vcl CL)/Wedding Of The Painted Doll/Stomping At The Savoy*/Myob*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)

March 4th, 1952 (Esquire)
personnel as November 8th 1951, add Frank Holder (vcl) and Cleo Laine (vcl).
I've Got You Under My Skin (vcl FH)/The Very Thought Of You (vcl CL)^/Bopscotch*/Our Delight*.
(*Charly/Esquire 4 CD box set - bebop IN BRITAIN - issued in 1991 currently only available second hand...)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)

Jimmy Deuchar Showcase - January 27th, 1953 (Vogue LDE023)
Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Derek Humble (as), Don Rendell (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Magoo*/Spain*/Toot Suite*/Early*/Climbing The Bush*/Someone To Watch Over Me*/Time Was*/Stormy Weather*.
(*Jasmine CD - Jimmy Deuchar Showcase)

Johnny Dankworth Seven - February 10th, 1953 (Parlophone)
Johnny Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Blair (tp), Eddie Harvey (tb), Bill Le Sage (p), Eric Dawson (b), Tony Kinsey (d), Frank Holder (bgo-1), Cleo Laine (voc-2).
Two Ticks*/Moon Flowers(1)*/Honeysuckle Rose(2)*#/Swingin'*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


Jazz at The Flamingo - March, 1953 (Decca) (JMC1)
Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Tommy Whittle, Don Rendell (ts), Benny Green (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Tony Crombie (d,leader).
Jump For Jeff*/Tres Gai*#/All Star Special^.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell - Playtime)
(#Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute)
(^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection)

Johnny Dankworth Seven - May 6th, 1953 (Parlophone)
Personnel as February 10th, + Frank Holder (vcl), Cleo Laine (vcl).
Easy Living(vcl CL)*^#/Oo-De Boop*/I Get A Kick Out Of You(vcl FH)*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)
(^Salvo 4CD Box set - I Hear Music - A Celebration of the Life and Work of Cleo Laine & John Dankworth)
(#EMI 2 CD set - The Best Of Johnny Dankworth)


Music In the Making - January 27th, 1954 (Vogue LDE051)
This is an interesting LP that includes the following personnel: Jo Hunter, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Jimmy Skidmore, Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell (ts), Derek Smith, Ralph Dollimore, Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes, Johnny Hawksworth (b), Phil Seamen, Allan Ganley (d). Full LP/CD detail

Jo Hunter, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Jimmy Skidmore, Don Rendell (ts), Ralph Dollimore (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Ice Fall*
Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ralph Dollimore (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Mountain Sunset*
Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell (ts), Derek Smith (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Best Koller*
Jo Hunter, Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Keith Christie (tb), Jimmy Skidmore, Don Rendell (ts), Derek Smith (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Straw Thatch*
Don Rendell (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
A Ghost Of a Chance*
Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Dill Jones (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b) Allan Ganley (d).
Coraline*
Keith Christie (tb), Don Rendell (ts), Derek Smith (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
I'm Beginning to See The Light*
Jo Hunter (tp), Jimmy Skidmore, Don Rendell (ts), Dill Jones (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Presqe Cubain*
(*Jasmine CD - Music In the Making)

Derek Smith Trio With Don Rendell And Ronnie Ross - NJF concert at the Festival Hall London on 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).

Aces Anonymous or Mike Nevard's Melody Maker All Stars - May 13th, 1954 (The Cool Europeans - MGME3157)
Don Rendell (ts), Johnny Dankworth (as), Albert Hall (tp), Ralph Dollimore (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Deep Purple*/Rhumblues/I'll Remember April/Amalgam/Two Sleepy People.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Cleo Laine & John Dankworth: Three Early LPs & More)

Aces Annonymous or Mike Nevard's Melody Maker All Stars - May 15th, 1954 (New sounds from Olde England - Blue Note BLP5052
John Dankworth (as), Don Rendell (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Albert Hall (tp), Ralph Dollimore (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Quick Returns*/Crystal/I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket(1)/Jazz Club USA/Nom De Plume/Epigram.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Cleo Laine & John Dankworth: Three Early LPs & More)


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).
(*Jasmine CD - Meet Don Rendell)
(^Ember CD - The Best Of British Jazz featuring the stars of the British modern jazz scene from the 1950s and 1960s)

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*.
(*Jasmine CD - Modern Jazz At The Royal Festival Hall - 1954)
(#Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Johnny Dankworth revived the 'Seven' for a live broadcast by the BBC
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*.
(*Avid 2 CD set - Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine - Spread a Little Happiness)

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).
Didn't We*/Muskrat Ramble*/Thames Walk*/Dance Of The Ooblies*.
(*Jasmine CD - Meet Don Rendell)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

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*^.
(*Jasmine CD - Meet Don Rendell)
(^Fantastic Voyage 2 CD set - Ember Jazz - The Flamingo Connection)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Don Rendell - Bobby Jasper - March 17th, 1955 (Vogue LDE144)
Don Rendell, Bobby Jasper (ts), Dave Amram (frhrn), Maurice Vander (p), Sacha Distel (g), Guy Pedersen (b), Jean-Baptiste Reilles (d).
A Long Way From Home/Olympia/Pot Luck/Dave Andapos/'s Blues/King Fish/Thou Swell.

Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - March 31st, 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, Art Baxter (vcl).
Baby Mine (AB vcl)/Flying Home/Early One Morning#/Tiptoe Through The Tulips/The Fish (AR vcl)*/Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean (AR vcl)*
(#Ember CD - The Best Of British Jazz featuring the stars of the British modern jazz scene from the 1950s and 1960s)
(#Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute)
(*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted)

Don Rendell Quartet - May 2nd, 1955 (Tempo - (1)LAP1 - (2)TAP10 - (3)TAP17 - (4)TAP21)
Don Rendell (ts), Damian Robinson (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Benny Goodman (d).
Top Hat, White Tie And Tails(1)*#/That Old Feeling(1)*#/New Orleans(1)(3)*#/From This Moment On(1)*#/Body And Soul(2)*/Blow Mr Dexter(4)*.
(*Jasmine CD - Meet Don Rendell)
(#Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

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*.
(*Jasmine CD - Meet Don Rendell)
(#Giant Steps 2CD set - Soho After Dark 'London's '50s Modern Jazz Scene')

Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - July 7th, 1955 (Decca)
personnel as March 31st.
Flying Hickory/String Of Pearls.

Ted Heath and his Music - August 25, 1955 (Decca) - Ted Heath
In the summer of 1955 Don Rendell joined Ted Heath and had a couple of solo spots on a live recording of the final Palladium swing session on August 21st,1955. The titles were 'My Funny Valentine' and 'I Did'nt Know What Time It Was'. These have been released on a Ted Heath CD...

He is also featured on a Ted Heath single record, (Decca 45-F10624), recorded in August and September, 1955. The titles are : Cloudburst/Malaguena. He also played on other Heath 'non jazz' records around this time, titles include Ballyhoo. In January, 1956 he recorded Siboney...

Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - September 28th, 1955 (Decca)
Personnel as March 31st.
I Want You To Be My Baby (AR vcl)*/Hawk-eye (unissued)/Three Little Words (AR vcl).
(*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted)

Hawksworth-Verrell Jazz Group - November 18th, 1955 (Decca FJ10663)
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Frank Horrox (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Get Happy/Always (unissued)/Ring Dem Bells (unissued)/RJ Boogie.

Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - December 29th, 1955 (Decca)
Personnel as March 31st.
Only You (AR vcl)*/Cry Me A River (AR vcl)*.
(*Jasmine CD - Annie Ross - Twisted)

Tony Crombie And His Orchestra - c1955/1956 (Israel Radio broadcast)
Probable personnel: 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 (p,d), Johnny Grant, Annie Ross (vcl).
Short Stop*/C'est Si Bon (AR vcl)*^/Don't Worry About Me (AR vcl)*^/You Go To My Head (JG vcl)*/I Can't Believe (AR vcl)*^.
(*Ember CD - Tony Crombie - A Tribute)
(^Ember CD - Annie Ross sings a handful of songs)

Hawksworth-Verrell Jazz Group - March 5th, 1956 (Decca FJ10726)
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p,bells), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Always/Ring Dem Bells.

Johnny Keating All Stars - March 19th and 20th, 1956 (British Jazz - Oriole MG20011)
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Strictly For Kyx*/Good Life*.
Don Lusher, George Chisholm, Maurice Pratt, Keith Christie (tb), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Fair Diana*.
Eddie Blair (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Eddie Blair's Picnic*.
Eddie Blair, Bobby Pratt (tp), Jimmy Wilson (tb), Ian Powell (tu), Ronnie Chamberlain (as), Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d), Dizzy Reece (bgo-1).
Gibraltar Rocks*/Piccadilly Jumps* (1).
Eddie Blair (tp), Ronnie Chamberlain (as), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Lazy*.
Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle (ts), Bill Le Sage (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Ronnie Verrell (d).
Last Resort*.
(*Vocalion CD - British Jazz & Swinging Scots)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Don Rendell Quartet - March 22nd, 1956 (Tenorama - Nixa NJL4)
Don Rendell (ts), Damian Robinson (p), Pete Elderfield (b), Don Lawson (d).
Don't You Know I Care*/Curio*.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six / Tenorama Highlights)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - 1956 (BBC Jazz Club)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Love For Sale*/Wednesday Night Special*/Supper Party*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Recorded live at the 'Concert House' Stockholm, Sweden. David Harding states that this record is available on a Sounds of Yesteryear CD DSOY640...
Stan Kenton Orchestra - April 16th, 1956 (Swedish Radio Jazz Years - SRJCD - 104)
Vinnie Tano, Phil Gilbert, Lee Katzman, Sam Noto (tp), Bob Fitzpatrick, Carl Fontana, Kent Larsen (tb), Don Kelly (b-tb), Lennie Niehaus (as), Bill Perkins, Don Rendell (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Fred Fox, Irving Rosenthal (frhrn), Jay McAllister (tu), Stan Kenton (p), Ralph Blaze (g), Curtis Counce (b), Mel Lewis (d).
Artistry In Rhythm/Love For Sale/Swing House/Yesterdays/Out Of Nowhere/Royal Blue/Solitaire/23 Degrees North, 82 Degrees West/Concerto to End All Concertos/Intermission Riff/Polka Dots And Moonbeams/Carl/Stella By Starlight/Cherokee.

Martial Solal and The Kentonians Sidemen - May 3rd, 1956 (Escale A Paris - Vogue LAE12028)
Vinnie Tano (tp), Carl Fontana (tb), Don Rendell (ts), Martial Solal (p), Curtis Counce (b), Mel Lewis (d).
Why Not/Flamingo (unissued)/Steeplechase/I Remember You/Blues Martial/The Way You Look Tonight/They Say It's Wonderful*/Jive At Five. (*Rendell out)

According to the producer of this record, Daniel Filipacchi, it was never released although David Harding has a download...
Carl Fontana with The Kentonians - May 4th, 1956 (Unit from The Stan Kenton Band)
Dickie Mills (tp), Carl Fontana (tb), Don Rendell (ts), Henri Renaud (p), Curtis Counce (b), Wes Ilcken (d).
Daniel's Blues/Scrapple From The Apple/Buhaina/These Foolish Things/You Go To My Head/Darn That Dream/I Cover The Waterfront.

Although titled "Live at the Festival Hall" this LP was actually recorded in West Berlin...
Stan Kenton Orchestra - cMay, 1956 (Live at the Festival Hall - Artistry Records AR2 100)
Ed Leddy, Vinnie Tano, Phil Gilbert, Lee Katzman, Sam Noto (tp), Bob Fitzpatrick, Carl Fontana, Dan Kelly, Kent Larsen (tb), Lennie Niehaus (as), Bill Perkins, Don Rendell (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Fred Fox, Irving Rosenthal (frhrn), Jay McAllister (tu), Stan Kenton (p), Ralph Blaze (g), Curtis Counce (b), Mel Lewis (d).
Artistry In Rhythm/Stompin' At The Savoy/Collaboration/Love For Sale/Swing House/Yesterdays/Out Of Nowhere/Royal Blue/Solitaire/23'N 82'W/Concerto To End All Concertos/Intermission/Polka Dots And Moonbeams/Carl/Peanut Vendor/Stella By Starlight/Cherokee/Young Blood.

David Harding has sent information about two other Kenton/Rendell CDs. April 23rd, 1956 - Stan Kenton - "Live in Rosengarten", Mannheim, Germany (Sounds of Yesteryear DSOY839) and 26th April, 1956 "Live at Ernst Merche Halle", Hamburg (Sounds of Yesteryear CD DSOY822). Neither of these two recordings are listed in "Lord's Jazz Discography"...

Don Rendell Quartet - July 6th, 1956 (US, MGM Jazz Brittania)(JM1157)
Don Rendell (ts), Damian Robinson (p), Sammy Stokes (b), Don Lawson (d).
Don't Get Around Much Any More*/Juno*. (other tracks on the LP do not include Don Rendell)
(*Harkit CD - Jazz Britannia '56!)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - October 18th, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Mean To Me*/Supper Party*.
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - November 8th, 1956 (Decca)
personnel as October 18th.
Caravan*/Cambridge Blues*/Love For Sale*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Ken Moule Arranges For: - November 22nd, 1956 (Decca)
Leon Calvert (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Dougie Robinson (as), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Son Of Ponckle*/Nice Work If You Can Get It*/Prelude To A Kiss*.
(*Vocalion CD - Jazz At Toad Hall/Ken Moule Arranges For)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - November 30th, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
In A Mellow Tone*/You Are Too Beautiful*/Nice Work If You Can Get It*/Sweet And Lovely*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Ken Moule Arranges For: - December 6th, 1956 (Decca)
Leon Calvert (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Dougie Robinson (as), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Allan Ganley (d).
You've Done Something To My Heart*/Makin Whopee*.
(*Vocalion CD - Jazz At Toad Hall/Ken Moule Arranges For)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - December 31st, 1956 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
No Name Flyer*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Don Rendell Jazz Six - January 15th, 1957 (Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six - Nixa NJL7)
Kenny Wheeler (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (as,bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Don Lawson (d).
Jack O'Lantern*/Will O' The Wisp*/I Saw Stars*/Limehouse Blues*.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six / Tenorama Highlights)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Ken Moule Arranges For: - January 17th, 1957 (Decca)
Leon Calvert (tp), George Chisholm (tb), Dougie Robinson (as), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Luulaby Of The Leaves*/The Tired Badger*/Cobbly*/Lulu's Back In Town*/My Funny Valentine*/High Ratio*.
(*Vocalion CD - Jazz At Toad Hall/Ken Moule Arranges For)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Tony Kinsey Quintet - January 18th, 1957 (Decca)
Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (p,vib), Pete Blannin (b), Tony Kinsey (d).
Take The A Train*.
(*Vocalion CD - Introducing Tony Kinsey Quintet/Jazz At The Flamingo)
(*Acrobat 6CD set - The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953 - 1961)

Don Rendell Jazz Six - January 18th and 31st, 1957 (Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six - Nixa NJL7)
Kenny Wheeler(#only), Bert Courtley (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (as,bs), Ken Moule (p), Arthur Watts (b), Don Lawson (d).
Out Of Nowhere#*/Ignis Fatuus*/Star Eyes^*/I Know Why*/Takin' A Chance On Love*.
(^Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six / Tenorama Highlights)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Lita Roza was a popular vocalist with the Ted Heath band and the session below used several Heath sidemen...
Lita Roza with Bill Munn's All Stars - February 11th, 14th and 15th, 1957 (Between the devil and the deep blue sea -Decca LK4218)
Ronnie Hughes (tp), George Chisholm, Ken Wray (tb), George Hunter (as), Don Rendell (ts), Alan Clare (p), Bill Le Sage (vib), Ike Isaacs (g), Joe Muddel or Lennie Bush (b), Eddie Taylor or Jack Peach (d).
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea*/Willow Weep For Me*/Little White Lies*/Moon Song*/Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams*/I Only Have Eyes For You*/You Turned The Tables On Me*/I Cover The Waterfront*/You're Driving Me Crazy*/Moonglow*/You Took Advantage Of Me*/No Moon At All*/My One And Only Love*.
(*Vocalion CD - Between the devil and the deep blue sea / A Lita Roza Ted Heath singles compilation)

Humphrey Lyttelton and his Band - September 5th, 1957 (Decca LK4276)
Humphrey Lyttelton, Bert Courtley (tp), Maurice Pratt, Rick Kennedy, Alec McGuinness (tb), Ronnie Ross (as), Jimmy Skidmore, Don Rendell (ts), Alex Leslie (bs), Ron Davey (vib), Ian Armit (p), Brian Brocklehurst (b), Eddie Taylor (d).
Manhattan/Singin' The Blues/Sweethearts On Parade.

Don Rendell Jazz Six - September 24th, 1957 (Nixa NJE1044 - *NJT509) (JM0358)
Bert Courtley (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (as,bs), Eddie Harvey (tb,p), Kenny Napper (b), Phil Seamen (d).
Rambo/Doggin' Around/Salamander Stroll/Rush Job*.
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell presents the Jazz Six / Tenorama Highlights)

The Melody Maker's All-Stars - October, 1957 (Nixa NJT509 )
Kenny Baker, Eddie Blair, Bert Courtley (tp), George Chisholm, Keith Christie, Don Lusher (tb), Joe Harriott (as), Don Rendell, Jimmy Skidmore (ts), Harry Klein (bs), Bill Le Sage (vib), Dave Lee (p), Johnny Hawksworth (b), Allan Ganley (d).
Top score*/Mood Indigo*. (Other titles on LP by others).
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Alan Clare Trio + others - February 4th/5th, 1958 (Decca LK4260)
Don Rendell (ts), Alan Clare (p), Kenny Napper (b), Eddie Taylor (d).
I'm Old Fashioned* (Don Rendell plays on just the one title on the LP and CD).
(*Vocalion CD - The Alan Clare Trio - Jazz Around The Clock)

Don Rendell Jazz Six - March 13th/14th, 1958 (Decca LK4265 - DFE6501^)
Bert Courtley (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Ronnie Ross (as,bs), Eddie Harvey (tb,p), Pete Blannin (b), Andy White (d).
It's Playtime*/Johnny Come Lately*/Hit The Road To Dreamland*/The Lady Is A Tramp*/Packet Of Blues^*/Dolly Mixture*/My Friend Tom^*/This Can't Be Love*/By-pass*/Tickletoe^*.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell - Playtime)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Ronnie Ross Seven Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

Ted Heath and his Music - August 25, 1955 (Our kind of jazz - Decca LK4262) - Ted Heath

Kenny Baker and his Band - February 23rd/24th, 1959 (Columbia 33S1140)
Kenny Baker, Albert Hall, Stan Reynolds, Ronnie Simmons (tp), Eddie Harvey, Ken Wray (tb), Ray Premru (bs-tp, bs-tb), Mike Senn (as), Don Rendell, Art Ellefson (ts), Johnny Scott (fl,ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Bill Le Sage (vib), Norman Stenfalt (p), Jack Seymour (b), Jackie Dougan (d).
Blowin' Up A Storm/More Than You Know/Call Of The Flute/Cambridge Blues/Influential Character/Jazzmen/Threesome/Sunrise Serenade/Too Cool For The Blues*.
(*Castle 3CD box set - Too Hot - The Best of British Mainstream Jazz)

Jazz Committee - March 24th, 1959 (Decca DFE6587) (JM1159)
Bert Courtley (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Eddie Harvey (p), Pete Blannin (b), John Dougan (d).
The Minutes*/Founder Member*/Board Meeting*.
(*Vocalion CD - Don Rendell - Playtime)

Jazz Committee - March 24th, 1959 (Decca DFE6602) (JM0260)
Bert Courtley (tp), Don Rendell (not*) (ts), Eddie Harvey (p), Pete Blannin (b), John Dougan/Eddie Taylor* (d).
Jones/Tenderley/Bertrands Bugle*.

This was a combined US/UK band that Woody Herman put together for a European concert tour...
Woody Herman's Anglo-American Herd - April, 1959 (?)
Nat Adderley, Les Condon, Bert Courtley, Renauld Jones, Kenny Wheeler (tp), Bill Harris, Eddie Harvey, Ken Wray (tb), Woody Herman (cl,as), Art Ellefson, Don Rendell, Ronnie Ross, Johnny Scott (saxes), Charlie Byrd (g), Vince Guaraldi (p), Keeter Betts (b), Jimmy Cambell (d).
The Preacher/Like Some Blues Man, Like/From Pillar To Post/Four Brothers/Opus De Funk/Early Autumn/Playgirl Stroll/Wood Chopper's Ball.

Frank Horrox Quintet - c1959 (Jazz Session - Embassy WEP1038)
Albert Hall (tp), Don Rendell (ts), Frank Horrox (p), Jeff Sothcott (b), Don Lawson (d).
After You've Gone/Deep Purple/Just You, Just Me/How About You.

The New Don Rendell Quintet - June 17th, 1961 (Jazzland JLP51)
Don Rendell (ts), Graham Bond (as), John Burch (p), Tony Archer (b), Phil Kinorra (d).
Blue Monk*/Jeannine*/You Loomed Out Of Loch Ness*/So What/The Haunt*.
(*BGP CD - Roarin')
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

The New Don Rendell Quintet - August 29th, 1961 (Jazzland JLP51)
personnel as June 17th.
Bring Back The Burch*/Manumission*.
(*BGP CD - Roarin')
(*Real Gone Jazz 4 CD set - Don Rendell Six Classic Albums plus bonus tracks)

The BBC recording detailed below was made at a BBC studio in 1962 but was not released on record. In June, 2010 Gearbox Records issued a limited edition 10" EP titled Manumission...
The Don Rendell Quintet - 1962 (Unissued)
Don Rendell (ts), Graham Bond (as), John Burch (p), Tony Archer (b), Ted Pope (d).
Bring Back The Burch/Manumission/Frankinsense.

The Jazz Stars - September 6th, 1962 (Pye 7NJ2059)
Don Rendell (sop), Joe Harriott (as), Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott (ts), Ronnie Ross (bs), Terry Shannon (p), Lennie Bush (b), Allan Ganley (d), Steve Race (arr,cond).
The Jazz Scene*+/Have Jazz Will Travel*.
(*Acrobat 2 CD set - Soho Blues - The Ronnie Scott Anthology 1956-62)
(+Acrobat CD - British Modern Jazz Singles, EP tracks & Rarities 1960 - 62)

The period after 1962 is covered on another page: Don Rendell discography - 2, which covers the period from 1964...

This page was last updated during October, 2015.
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