Assagai Afro Rock Festival

As I promised some weeks ago here's a digitised version of the OOP Afro Rock Festival featuring the Dudu Pukwana-led Assagai along with Simba also featuring Pukwana, some early Osibisa tracks, and two a piece from afro-rock bands Chaka and Grutz.

The title of the record shouldn't lead you to think this is a recording of a music festival celebrating the early years of British afro-rock. This is 'festival' as in "a compilation of tracks from bands that are vaguely connected musically to try and capitalise on the popularity of one of the bands after they left our label". The front cover is indicative of the sorts of simplistic notions of African music and musicians commonly deployed in the UK at the time, and thus the way a whole continent of music was rammed into a narrow cultural and economic niche.

This isn't the sort of music which usually gets posted at ISol, but you will enjoy it if you like rythmically-driven jazz improvisations with an afro-beat flavour. If you are a completist for the music of Dudu Pukwana, Louis Moholo and Mongezi Feza then here's one that (as far as I can tell) is not available in blog-land. It has been sitting undigitised in my collection, and it is a very long time since I last listened to it, but it is far better than my memory of playing it last suggested. It did lead me on to Pukwana's Spear records, and then to the Blue Notes and free jazz experiments, and I rather assigned this earlier record to the 'exoticised pop' category

Afro-rock was a marketing term coined in Britain in the early 1970s to describe the music of Osibisa who popularised African music with a dance beat to rock and pop loving Brits. Osibisa were remarkably successful, with chart hits, sell out tours and lots of music press coverage. Pukwana went after the same market with far less success with Assagai, and rock-hybrid Simba.

There's virtually nothing of the Kwela-influenced jazz, let alone free improvisation associated with Pukwana's other projects. However, there is some great playing on both the two Assagai tracks and the collaborations with progressive rock band, Jade Warrior, as Simba (yes, even on the cover of Louie Louie).

1973 Assagai, Chaka, Grutz, Simba and Osibisa Afro Rock Festival

Simba:
Dudu Pukwana (alto and piano)
Mongezi Feza (tenor)
Bizo Muggikana (tenor)
Fred Frederick (tenor/baratone)
Tony Duhig (guitar)
Jon Field (bass guitar)
Glyn Havard (flute/percussion)

Assagai:
Dudu Pukwana (alto and piano)
Mongezi Feza (tenor)
Bizo Muggikana (tenor)
Fred Frederick (tenor/baratone)
Fred Coker (guitar)
Charles Cuonogbo ? (bass guitar)
Louis Moholo (drums)
Terry Quaye (conga)
Smiley de Jonnes (congas/percussion)
Martha Mdenge (vocals)
with: Tony Duhig, Jon Field, and Glyn Havard (from prog rock band Jade Warrior)

1. African Rhapsody Part 1 (by Chaka)
2. Black Ant (by Osibisa)
3. Kotoka (by Osibisa)
4. Movin’ (by Simba)
5. Louie Louie (by Simba)
6. Kondo (by Assagai)
7. Jabula (by Assagai)
8. Tiksh Billa (by Grutz)
9. Listen Here (by Grutz)
10. African Rhapsody Part 2 (by Chaka)

Johnny Mbizo Dyani - Witchdoctor's Son 'Together'

Following Dudu Pukwana's Zila, here's Johnny Mbizo Dyani's Witchdoctor's Son. This is not to be confused with the Witchdoctor's Son that came out on the Steeplechase label with a different line-up, though with Dudu Pukwana in both. This here is a Swedish - South African crew assembled by Mbizo for a session in Stockholm in late 1979 - early 1980. Most of the South Africans on the record were living in Sweden at the time, including Mbizo while Pukwana flew in from London for the session. Kenny Haakonson, guitarist with the prog rock outfit Kebnekajse was roped in as well as drummer Bosse Skoglund, old chums of Mbizo.

What we have here is one side of Mbizo compositions drawing on the popular SA music of the 50s and later, one traditional (in fact the same tune as the one on the Zila album posted previously), one quickie fusion number and then the odd one out, I thought, "Kalahari", named after the Botswana desert. Here Haakonson gets to do a proggish uptempo piece which would not out of place on a Kebnekajse record from the 70s, though normally not associated with Mbizo, though . Mbizo has vacated the bass for keyboards and handles vocal duties on this record.

All in all, this is eminently danceable and groovable, and an appropriate follow-up to Zila, of which there'll be more later (and more Dyani, of course).

Basic facts:

1. Together
2. Johnny's Kwela
3. Marabi Soweto
4. High Priest
5. Kalahari
6. Crossroads
7. Tula Tula

All compositions by Johnny Mbizo Dyani, except 7, traditional, arranged by JMD.

Johnny Mbizo Dyani - keyboards, vocals
Dudu Pukwana - altosax, whistles
Virimuje Shimmy Radise - tenor sax
Kenny Hakansson - electric guitars
Hassan Ban - congas
Bosse Skoglund - drums
Felix Perrera - South African trad. harp

Produced by Stanley Koonin at Sound City Studios, Stockholm, Dec.1979-Jan.1980.

This was released posthumously on the Cadillac label in 1987 and label head John Jack is listed as executive producer, though whether he may have had anything to do with the original sessions is not clear.

Chris McGregor Quintet + RAI Big Band - Live in Mestre '80

This is the fourth event/concert organized by the Italian RAI
(during 1980), with its own B.B. supporting the work of some
great contemporary composers/arrangers.
Even without D.Pukwana/M.Osborne/G.Windo/etc, McGregor
was able to produce some noteworthy music.

here the complete list of all concerts.

Rec. live at "Teatro Corso", Mestre, Italy,
on April 2, 1980 (radio broadcast)

Chris McGregor,piano,conductor
Radu Malfatti,trombone
Harry Miller,bass
Louis Moholo,drums
Jean-Claude Montredon,percussions
+
RAI Big Band :
Nino Culasso/Doriano Beltrame/Cicci Santucci/Michele
Lacerenza,tp - Giancarlo Beccattini/Ernesto Pumpo/
Marco Pellacani/Gennaro Baldino,tb - Gianni Oddi/Baldo
Maestri/Sal Genovese/Beppe Carrieri/Carlo Metallo,reeds
- Sergio Coppetelli/Pino Rucher,gt - Maurizio Majorana,b -
Carlo Zoffoli,vib - Roberto Pregadio,p - Roberto Zappulla,dr

1. Track #1 (06:00)
2. Track #2 (11:05)
3. Track #3 (15:04)
4. Track #4 (09:25)
5. Track #5 (06:29)
6. Track #6 (15:39)

Total Time 1:03:44

Oliver Lake - Live in Berkeley '77

This recording brings back the "heroic loft jazz scene" of the
Seventies : when making and listening to the music was an
easier and more spontaneus gesture.

Rec. live At "Mapenzi Club", Berkeley, CA, on
February 19, 1977 (radio broadcast)

Oliver Lake,alto & soprano saxophones,
flute,percussions,poetry

01. Track #1 (06:01)
02. Track #2 (06:14)
03. Track #3 (06:00)
04. Track #4 (09:16)
05. Track #5 (31:13)
06. Track #6 (07:22)

Total Time 1:06:09

Old And New Dreams - Live in Nervi '79

"A virtual reincarnation of Ornette Coleman's first ensembles, the
cooperative Old and New Dreams brought together trumpeter Don
Cherry, tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden,
and drummer Ed Blackwell to reinterpret the master's early repertoire.
By the time their first album was released in 1978, ECM's Old and New
Dreams, all four musicians were leaders with their own projects;
this perhaps explains the intermittent nature of their ensuing
collaboration (four albums in ten years).
The quality of the group's recordings was uniformly high;
the two ECM albums benefit from that label's characteristic clarity
of sound. With the deaths of Cherry and Blackwell in the '90s,
further collaborations of course became impossible.
However, the band's limited yet superb output is an important
complement to the work they did under Coleman's leadership
in the late '50s and early '60s."

Rec. live in Nervi, Italy, on July 21, 1979
(mix recording)

Dewey Redman,tenor saxophone,musette
Don Cherry,trumpet,piano
Charlie Haden,bass
Eddie Blackwell,drums

01. Happy House [O.Coleman] (13:58)
02. Chairman Mao [C.Haden] (14:29)
03. Dewey's Tune [D.Redman] (11:05)
04. Guinea [D.Cherry] (05:07)
05. Lonely Woman/Open Or Close [O.Coleman] (18:41)

Total Time 1:03:22

Ornette Coleman's Original Quartet - Live in Reggio Emilia '90

In 1990 the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy held a three-days "Portrait
of the Artist" featuring the Coleman's "Original Quartet" with Don
Cherry, Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins. The festival also presented
performances of his "Prime Time" and the symphonic "Skies Of
America".
Titles as listed by radio announcer.

Rec. live at "Teatro Municipale Valli", Reggio Emilia, Italy,
on April 24, 1990 (mono radio broadcast)

Ornette Coleman,alto saxophone
Don Cherry,trumpet
Charlie Haden,bass
Billy Higgins,drums

01. Telescope (04:54)
02. Him And Her (08:30)
03. Buckminster Fuller (07:38)
04. Magic (08:36)
05. Dancing Flower (06:35)
06. If You Could See My Eyes (09:36)
07. Spelling The Alphabet (07:53)
08. Word For Bird (08:22)
09. Latin Genetics (12:26)
10. Singing In The Shower (10:06)
11. Lonely Woman (12:27)
12. The Sphinx (05:32)

Total Time 1:42:44

Dave Holland - Live in Rome '81 [New Links]

Continue this solo series with another master bass
player (here also on cello), taped by our friend "Ilario".

Rec. live at "Murales", Rome, Italy, on April 1, 1981
(mics recording)

Dave Holland,cello,bass

1. Cello (15:26)
2. Bass (11:10)

Total Time 26:37

Derek Bailey - Live in Pisa '79

Some more notes from Derek's musical bag.

Rec. live in Pisa, Italy, on June 28, 1979
(mics recording)

Derek Bailey,guitar

1. Four Improvisations (27:07)

Wes Brown - Live in Florence '79

When this solo performance was recorded, W.Brown was
the bassist in the wonderful Wadada Leo Smith's Ensemble.
Nowadays he is a regular member of the Royal Hartigan
Quartet, the Fred Ho's Afro-Asian Ensemble and the
Monkey Orchestra.

Rec. live in Florence, Italy, on July 3, 1979
(mics recording)

Wes Brown,bass,African flute,piano

1. Bass #1 (7:10)
2. Bass #2 (6:30)
3. Flute #1 (4:19)
4. Flute #2 (3:46)
5. Piano (6:28)
6. Bass #3 (6:01)
7. Flute #3 (5:19)

Total Time 39:36

Kent Carter - Live in Pisa '79

Well known for his long-lasting work in S.Lacy's groups
until 1982, here K.Carter can be listened in a rare solo
performance where his magistral technique is evident
from the first to the final note.

Rec. live in Pisa, Italy, on June 29, 1979
(mics recording)

Kent Carter,bass

1. Improvisation #1 (20:28)
2. Improvisation #2 (04:45)
3. Improvisation #3 (01:50)

Total Time 27:04

Dudu Pukwana - Sounds Zila

Some more dance music coming up here, this time Dudu Pukwana's 80s band, Zila. This was the first of three lps on his and Barbara Pukwana's own label, Jika, and there was a final record, a cd out in 1990. A live recording from the 100 Club in London in 1981, here's the band in a festive mood, some riveting up-tempo numbers, some smoochers and a little traditional South African music adapted for the band. This is Dudu taking his band in a more explicit danceable direction, perhaps not as interesting as his 70s recordings with Spear from the jazz point of view, but as with the Francois Tusques' Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra, attempting to strike a sort of balance between the head and the feet, which is a good combination, particularly for a live performance. Party music, in other words.

Not a top copy, this one - a bit of crackle and some nasty scratches here and there, but it's what I found, so it's what we'll have to make do with for now.

Basic facts:

Dudu Pukwana - Sounds Zila (Jika ZL1, 1981)

A Side
Zila (Dudu Pukwana)
Uyini (Dudu Pukwana)
Chandeliers & Mirrors (Harry Beckett)

B Side
Suite Sweet Nowami (Dudu Pukwana)
Thula Sana (traditional arranged by Dudu Pukwana)
B My Dear (Dudu Pukwana)
Dudu Layi Layi (Dudu Pukwana)

ZILA

Dudu Pukwana - alto, soprano saxes, leader
Harry Beckett - trumpet, flugelhorn
Dave Defries - trumpet, flugelhorn
Errol Clarke - piano
Mark Wood - guitar
Eric Richardson - bass
Churchill Jolobe - drums
Smiley de Jones - congas
Peggy Phango - vocals

Special guests

George Lee - tenor sax, flute
Pinise Saul - vocals
Sonia Matabane - backing vocals
Linda Conco - backing vocals
Tiny Conco - backing vocals
Peter Segono - trumpet
Phil Kember - trombone
Ernest Mothle - bass


Produced by Dudu and Barbara Pukwana
Recorded live at the 100 Club, London, 16th January 1981
Liner notes by Val Wilmer

Suite Sweet Nowami was composed and performed with the support of a Jazz Bursary from the Arts Council of Great Britain

Enjoy! More Zila available from your blogger if you want it!

Roscoe Mitchell's Cards For Orchestra Project - Live in S.Anna Arresi '09

I admit that about R.Mitchell i'm very impartial : any of his
compositions/performances deserve a careful listening, even
this kind of "chamber music".

Rec. live at Piazza del Nuraghe, Sant'Anna Arresi, Italy,
on August 30, 2009 (radio broadcast)

Roscoe Mitchell,composer/conductor
David Boykin,tenor saxophone
Greg Ward,alto saxophone
Robert Griffin,trumpet
Nicole Mitchell,flute,vocal
Mankwe Ndosi,vocal
Tomeka Reid,cello
Renee Baker,violin
Maia,harp
Myra Melford,piano
Josh Abrams,bass
Marcus Evans,drums

1. Quintet N°1 For Eleven (26:069
2. Cards For Orchestra (14:17)
3. Quintet N°9 For Eleven

Total Time 59:37

Pharoah Sanders Quartet - Live in La Spezia '79

The music of this set goes from free to mainstream
(mainly maistream) maintainig always a fine level
of intensity and poetry, mostly on the two ballads.

Rec. live in La Spezia, Italy, on July 7, 1979
(mics recording)

Pharoah Sanders,tenor saxophone,vocal
Waheem Young,piano
Steve Neil,bass
Greg Bandy,drums

1. You've Got To Have Freedom [Sanders] (27:43)
2. Soul Eyes [Waldron] (11:25)
3. The Creator Has A Master Plan [Sanders/Thomas] (10:36)
4. Body And Soul [Green/Heyman/Sour/Eaton] (18:53)
5. You've Got To Have Freedom (Reprise) [Sanders] (05:04)
6. On A Misty Night (Encore) [Dameron] (14:07)

Total Time 1:27:50

Michel Pilz/Buschi Niebergall/Paul Lovens Trio - Live in Imola '78

Few days ago (01/09) it was the twentieth anniversary of
Niebergall's death : this post is dedicated to the memory of
one of the first and most influential European free jazz player.

Rec. live at "Rocca Sforzesca", Imola, Italy, on July 13, 1978
(mics recording)

Michel Pilz,bass clarinet
Buschi Niebergall,bass
Paul Lovens,drums

1. Track #1 (22:24)
2. Track #2 (13:36)
3. Track #3 (04:39)

Total Time 40:40

Cecil Taylor and Tony Oxley - Live in Prato '04

A classic Duo : one of the longer-lasting working relationship in
all Taylor's career, this performance (very well recorded) comes
from "Ilario" collection.

Rec. live at "Teatro Metastasio", Prato (Florence), Italy
on February 23, 2004 (mix recording)

Cecil Taylor,piano
Tony Oxley,percussions

1. Improvisation #1 (1:01:03)
2. Improvisation #2 (04:55)
3. Improvisation #3 (06:19)
4. Improvisation #4 (24:26)
5. Improvisation #5 (01:57)

Total Time 1:38:41

Betty Carter Quartet - Live in Milan '79

I know that a lot of people here love Betty Carter, so i'm happy
to share another my recording of the Great singer.

Rec. live at "Teatro Ciak", Milan, Italy, on October 29, 1979
(mics recording)

Betty Carter,vocal
John Hicks,piano
Curtis Lundy,bass
Kenny Washington,drums

01. Trio Intro (15:40)
02. I Could Write A Book (03:24)
03. I'll Buy You A Star (01:51)
04. Caribbean Sun (04:19)
05. I Think I Got It Now (03:34)
06. Tight (03:11)
07. Every Time We Say Goodbye ( 04:16)
08. Fake (03:55)
09. The Trolley Song (03:07)
10. I Was Telling Him About You (06:42)
11. Medley : Just Friends/I Should Care/Star Eyes (06:26)
12. Unknown (03:58)
13. Every Things I Have Is Yours (06:40)
14. My Favorite Things (03:48)
15. Open The Door (05:25)
16. Sounds [Inc.] (04:16)

Total Time 1:20:38

Francois Tusques Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra Vol.4 - Jo Maka

Francois Tusques Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra Vol.4 - Jo Maka
(Vendemiaire VD33124 Ad 37)

Hommage à Jo Maka

Following up the last post, here is vol.4 of the Intercommunal Free Dance Music Orchestra, led by pianist Francois Tusques. As with the former, this is an opportunity for Tusques to reflect the wider musical landscape beyond the Western horizon of jazz, though the root feeling is in jazz, as seen from their rendition of the Mingus classic "Fable of Faubus". On top of that, inspiration is from North Africa and all the way down the continent, from Latin America and the Caribbean and from French history with reminescences of the Paris commune. And at the end of the second track, there's a snip of a well-known tune which one unfortunately doesn't get to hear very often these days. I do think I hear touches of the South African Blue Notes on this record, though it may be wishful thinking on my part.

All in all, a very enjoyable record and if anyone knows of more, please say so in the comments, though these things are becoming hard to get. I will certainly keep an eye out for more.

Les facts:

1. Vive la commune (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), S.Kassap (tenor), F. Tusques (piano), J.J. Avenel (bass)
Recorded at Dunois 28 September 1981

2. Poses ton fardeau and remets la machine en route (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), Jo Maka and Sylvain Kassap (alto), Jacques Thollot (drums), Kilikus (darbuka), F.Tusques (piano)
Recorded at Dunois 29 October 1980

3. 7 rue des Precheurs (F.T.)
A. Winkler (tb), S. Kassap (tenor), B. Vitet (bugle), J.J. Avenel (bass), Kilikus, S.Atera and Carlos Andreou (percussion), F. Tusques (piano)
Recorded at Dunois 29 June 1981

4. Fable of Faubus (Charlie Mingus)
Same as on track 2 minus Kilikus

5. Mazir
A.Winkler (tb), Jo Maka (soprano), Michel Marre (tp), Sam Ateba and Kilikus (percussion), F.Tusques (piano)
Recorded at "Moulin" in Prades Le Lez in 1977

This disc is dedicated to Jo Maka (and do listen to the very fine solo on "Mazir).

Mario Schiano : Partenza Di Pulcinella Per La Luna (1974)

I've found, among my old tapes, this exhilarating OOP disc
by the late Mario Schiano : just digitalized and ready to share.

Rec. at RCA Studios, Rome, Italy, on May 20/21/22/24, 1974
[RCA TPL1 1117 series "Vista" n.7 (LP)]

Mario Schiano,alto sax,vocal (2,5,6),piano (6,8),elettric piano (12),organ (5)
Tommaso Vittorini,tenor sax (1,3,5,10,12,14,15),soprano sax (7,13), piano (2,4,9),elettric piano (7),organ (14)
Gianni Basso,tenor sax (5,9,11)
Gaetano Delfini,trumpet (1,7,15)
Puccio Sboto,piano (1,15),melodica (12),vibraphone (7,10,13,14)
Bruno Tommaso,bass (-4,6,8,9)
Alessio Urso,bass (9,10,14)
Gege' Munari,drums (-4,6)
Donatina De Carolis,vocal (10,14)
Toni Cosenza,reciting voice (14)

01. E' Sempre Primavera [M.Schiano] (0:23)
02. Matrice Due [T.Vittorini] (1:27)
03. Mais Notre Mai Continue [M.Schiano] (7:35)
04. All'Alba Di Un Altro Di' [T.Vittorini] (0:32)
05. You're My Last Bus [Schiano-Vittorini] (2:18)
06. Lord, Our Daily Bread Is Too Expansive : Let Us Know Why [M.Schiano] (0:26)
07. Stando Cosi' Le Cose [T.Vittorini] (3:13)
08. Matrice Uno [M.Schiano] (0:28)
09. Featuring [T.Vittorini] (4:59)
10. Diecimila Amori Proibiti [M.Schiano] (3:55)
11. E-Scala-Tion [M.Schiano] (3:30)
12. Descubrimiento Del Quarto, Quinto Y Sexto Mundo [M.Schiano] (2:25)
13. Moon Line : No Trespassing [M.Schiano] (5:23)
14. Lontano E Vicino [M.Schiano]/E' Sempre Primavera [M.Schiano] (4:03)

Total Time 40:43

Jimmy Lyons Quartet - Live in Rome '80

Jimmy Lyons led this quartet, with his wife Karen, for ten years
until the untimely death (1986), even so the official recordings
are very limited : i hope you'll enjoy this addition.
(Recorded by "Ilario")

Rec. live in Rome, Italy, on September 25, 1980
(mics recording)

Jimmy Lyons,alto saxophone
Karen Borca,bassoon
Jay Oliver,bass
Paul Murphy,drums

1. Track #1 (19:52)
2. Track #2 (22:55)
3. Track #3 (13:43)
4. Track #4 (29:39)

Total Time 1:26:10

Sam Rivers Quartet - Live in Nervi '78

The improvisation's title, "Una Giornata A Genova", was suggested by
the same Rivers just before the concert. The sequence, in this case,
is : soprano-piano-flute-tenor with Holland playing for long the cello.

Rec. live in Nervi (Genoa), Italy, on July 22, 1978
(mix recording)

Sam Rivers,tenor & soprano sax,piano,flute
Joe Daley,tuba,baritone horn
Dave Holland,bass,cello
Bobby Battle,drums

1. A Day In Genoa Suite (1:17:59)

Francois Tusques - L'intercommunal free dance music orchestra - Volume 1

Here's some more Francois Tusques - though quite different from what we have posted before here. Both Free Jazz and Le Nouveau Jazz were early European excursions into the new thing, though firmly jazz-based. Tusques, moreover, guested on a couple of Sunny Murray's albums, a self-titled one and Big Chief and finally, was the leader of his own Intercommunal Music. All of these three were meeting points between American visitors, some of whom were eventually to settle down in Europe, and European players, mostly French. The last, intercommunal, album might hint at some sort of similarity with this posting, but in reality, this Intercommunal group is quite different.

This was a typical 70s brand of "tiersmondisme", a connecting up with musical idioms beyond jazz and beyond the North-American - European nexus, first and foremost African - Caribbean popular styles. This was a "world music" type fusion project, before there was a word for it and it gives an initial signal of what was to be a new musical direction for Tusques - a deliberate attempt to go popular and not to become semi-permanently anchored within a closeted avant-gardish framework. There are interesting parallels with Michel Portal here who would always leave a little space for his bandoneon. This is music for the feet and the body as much as for the head and listening to this, the musicians are having a ball and the audience is lapping it up. This is a live recording, what may be called an audience recording, so don't expect too much high fidelity. What it lacks in sonics, it compensates in atmospherics.

Basic facts:

1. On n'est pas chez les colonels.
2. Intercommunal blues
3. Nazir
4. Kan-ha-diskan we shall overcome
5. African rythm-n-ology

Francois Tusques - piano
Jo Maka - sax
Guem - percussion
Michel Marre - baryton horn
Adolphe winkler - trombone

Recorded at Moulin de Prades, Le Lez, on 28 May 1971.

This was out on a small French label, Vendemiaire (with the logo "Disques d'expression sociale") as Volume 1. I'm planning to post Volume 4 next, but if anyone has or knows anything about Vols. 2 and 3, I would definitely be interested in posting them here on this blog.

The Joe Harriott Quintet - Abstract

We had a request for this a while back, and from what I can see, it's becoming hard to find. The cd reissue of this record, that is. I don't have the cd, so this will take us back to the early 60s lp version of this one, out on the Capitol label in the US. Hope folks don't mind the original sound of this record, though it may not be up the sonic standard of remastered cds.

What to say about "Abstract"? Well, it's a classic (alongside the earlier Free Form), though not truly recognised as such, but we will fly the Harriott flag on this blog, and do our bit towards better recognition. We've posted several Hariott records in the past, all very out of print, and should Free Form suffer the same fate, we'll put up that one, too.

A brief description of what this music is about, can be found in the attached liner notes on the back of the sleeve, with track by track annotations from the man himself. (Just click on the picture and it will blow up to a legible size.) As the man says, don't expect all of this music to swing, it isn't meant to. But it is exciting and to these ears, still fresh, though not as revelatory as it might have been back in the days of be bop hegemony.

1. Subject
2. Subject
3. Oleo
4. Modal
5. Tonal
6. Pictures
7. Idioms
8. Compound

Personnel:
Joe Harriott - alto sax
Shake Keane - trumpet
Pat Smythe - piano
Coleridge Goode - bass
Bobby Orr - drums (1-4)
Phil Seamen - drums (5 - 8)
Frank Holder - bongos (5,8)

1-4 recorded May 10, 1962, in London; 5-8 November 22, 1961, in London.
Cover painting: Yvonne Miranda

Charles Mingus Quintet - The Last Tour In Italy (1977) [NEW MP3 LINKS]

Today (January 5th) is the 31th anniversary of Mingus' death :
this post wants to be a tribute to the memory of one of the
Greatest in all the jazz history.

The photo above was taken in La Spezia (July 9,1977) while the
band was playing the "Cumbia & Jazz Fusion" suite.

[1,2,8,9] Rec. live in Aosta, Italy, on July 7, 1977
(mix recording)
[3,4,7,12] Rec. live in Orta (NO), Italy, on July 8, 1977
(mix recording)
[5,6,10,11] Rec. live in La Spezia, Italy, on July 9, 1977
(mics recording)

Charles Mingus,bass
Ricky Ford,tenor saxophone
Jack Walrath,trumpet
Bob Neloms,piano
Dannie Richmond,drums

01. For Harry Carney (18:33)
02. Remember Rockefeller At Attica (12:30)
03. Cumbia & Jazz Fusion (25:19)
04. Nooddin’ Ya Head Blues (07:17)
05. Three Or Four Shades Of Blues (10:02)
06. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (10:11)
07. Cherokee (01:06)
08. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat [Alt. Take] (09:52)
09. Three Or Four Shades Of Blues [Alt. Take Inc.] (06:38)
10. For Harry Carney [Alt. Take] (16:14)
11. Cumbia & Jazz Fusion [Alt. Take Inc.] (09:01)
12. Remember Rockefeller At Attica [Alt. Take] (08:36)

Total Time 2:15:23

Max Roach & Anthony Braxton - Live in Alassio '78 (World Première)

Just finished the recording of "Birth And Rebirth" for Black Saint,
the "special duo" was projected on the Alassio Festival's stage for
his first live performance : an encounter between Giants!

Rec. live at "Belvedere S.Croce", Alassio, Italy,
on September 8, 1978 (mics recording)

Max Roach,drums
Anthony Braxton,alto,soprano & sopranino saxophones,clarinet

1. Max Intro (02:33)
2. Duo #1 (47:33)
3. Anthony Solo (04:58)
4. Max Solo (06:21)
5. Duo #2 (22:52)

Total Time 1:24:16

Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band - Jazz The African Sound

Following up Riccardo's fine series of big band recordings, here's another one, going back to 1963 and South Africa. This is from a cd re-release in 1991 of the original lp released on Teal Records back then, though listening to it, it sounds as if it was sourced from the original vinyl. This came into my hands via several intermediaries, originating with Chris McGregor's son, if I remember correctly. Thanks to all and sundry. This is one that belongs up on the blogs. It was posted in the past, but this should in any case be an audio upgrade.

The basic facts:

Chris McGregor & The Castle Lager Big Band - Jazz - The African Sound (1991 Teal TELCD 2300)

1. Switch (Kippie Moeketsi)
2. Kippie (Dollar Brand)
3. Eclipse At Dawn (Dollar Brand)
4. Early Bird (Chris McGregor)
5. I Remember Billy (Kippie Moeketsi)
6. Now (Chris McGregor)

saxes:
Dudu Pukwana (Lead alto), Barney Rachabane (2nd alto), Nick Moyake (tenor), Christopher Columbus Ngcukane(baritone) and Kippie Moeketsi (alto and clarinet)

trombones:
Bob Tizzard (lead), Blyth Mbityana and Willie Nettie

trumpets:
Dennis Mpali (lead), Ebbie Creswell, Mongesi Feza and Noel Jones

bass:
Sammy Maritz

drums:
Early Mabusa

Piano:
Chris McGregor

Recorded 16th and 17th September 1963 by Alan Boyle

Remastering Richard Austen, Downtown Studios



Castle Lager is, as one can see above, a South African brewery, and the promoter of an annual jazz festival, the Cold Castle Jazz Festival, at which the band played in 1963. The brewery also agreed to sponsor a 17-piece big band with musicians of McGregor's choice. But finding concert outlets were more difficult as the brewery was only prepared to sponsor concerts in the black townships, but not in the "white" venues which would have given much better exposure for the band, nationally as well as overeseas. But with the initiative and tenacity of Maxine McGregor, two concerts was organised in the Johannesburg Playhouse and were a resounding success, according to reviews in the papers. All of this is vividly recounted in Maxine's McGregor's biography, "Chris McGregor and the Brotherhood of Breath", published by Bamberger Books in 1995. Required reading for the whole story of the Blue Notes and the Brotherhood, up to the death of McGregor in 1990.

Here's a picture from the book:



Musically, the blend of styles was apparent - southstream as derived from mainstream, but yet different. As one reviewer put it; "While admitting the obvious influence of American jazz on its South African counterpart (it is impossible to discount the tremendous impact of Ellington alone), South African jazz has a character and expression of its own - gay, warm, exceedingly good-humoured, uninhibited and vital". And, "this is a big bustling, muscular blending of the old familiar swing with a flavour which anybody who has listened to African music in recent years will recognise as springing straight from the townships. At times this flavour is most subtly imparted, but it is always there".

So, with these few words, a happy new year to all ... and cheers!

Julius Hemphill Big Band - Live in New York '80

For the end of the year (and for closing this little ex-cursus about
the 70s/80s Big Bands) i want to propose one of the rare recordings
of the J.Hemphill B.B. : God Bless Julius!
And Happy New Year To You All.

Rec. live at "The Public Theatre", NYC, on November 1980
(mics recording)

Julius Hemphill,reeds,composer,conductor
Stan Strickland/John Purcell/Marty Ehrlich/Henry Threadgill,reeds
Baikida Carroll/John Clarice/Charles Stephens/Erritt McDonald,brasses
Ed Schuller,bass
Warren Smith,marimba
Pheeroan akLaff,drums

1. The Hard Blues (16:47)
2. For Billie (08:51)
3. Open Air (02:23)
4. Border Town (11:56)
5. All Harmony (15:07)
6. Unknown [inc.] (02:43)

Total Time 57:49

George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band - Live in Stuttgart '78

"George Gruntz's Concert Jazz Band, an orchestra that sticks to
originals by bandmembers (both past and present) and the leader's
arrangements, has long been one of the most stimulating of all jazz
big bands." Scott Yanow

Rec. live in Stuttgart, Germany, on September 30, 1978
(radio broadcast)

George Gruntz,keyboards,arranger,conductor
Franco Ambrosetti/Palle Mikkelborg/Woody Shaw/Earl Gardner,trumpets
Runo Erickson/Jimmy Knepper/Eje Thelin/Michael Zwerin,trombones
Jerry Dodgion/Bennie Wallace/Alan Skidmore/Lew Tabackin,reeds
Howard Johnson,tuba
John Scofield,guitar
Mike Richmond,bass
Lois Colin,harp
Elvin Jones,drums

1. Destiny [G.Perla] (12:11)
2. Napoleon Blown Apart [F.Ambrosetti] (14:31)
3. The Age Of Prominence [F.Ambrosetti] (23:21)

Total Time 50:05

Gil Evans Orchestra feat. R.R. Kirk - Live in Dortmund '76

The Big Bands probably will never return, but we can still
re-listen to those recorded in the 70s and 80s : in this case
the great Gil Evans Orchestra with a "special" guest.

Rec. Live at "Westfalenhalle", Dortmund, Germany, on
October 30, 1976 (radio broadcast)

Gil Evans,piano,conductor,arranger
George Adams,tenor saxophone
John Faddis/Lew Soloff,trumpets
Janice Robinson,trombone
John Clark,French horn
Bob Stewart,tuba
Van Manacas,guitar
Pete Levin,synth
Mike Richmond,bass
Sue Evans,drums,tympani
+
Rahsaan Roland Kirk,reeds,harmonica (2,3)

1. Intro/Thoroughbred [B.Harper] (14:00)
2. Intro/Rhythm-A-Ning [T.Monk] (07:10)
3. Theme For The Eulipians [R.R.Kirk] (10:02)
4. Freedom [J.Hendrix] (10:13)
5. Priestess [B.Harper] (19:08)

Total Time 1:00:36

George Russell + RAI Big Band - Live in Rome '80

"how much significant music was sponsored and broadcast in Western
Europe...in the 60's and 70's ( and still)"
from the previous post by Spazz numbNuts.

In this case the Italian RAI was the co-producer of a series of 11 events
involving many great composers/arrangers and its own Orchestra
(the now defunct RAI Big Band).
See the complete program by clicking on the image above.

Re-listening to this concert, i've remembered a J.E.Berendt's article
(about the 60's Big Bands) concluding with a question :
"will ever return the Big Bands?"

Rec. live at Quercia del Tasso in Rome on June 6, 1980.
(radio broadcast)

George Russell, conductor, arranger
Alice Norbury, co-conductor (4)
Lew Soloff, trumpet, flugelhorn
Robert Moore, tenor & soprano saxophone
Bobo Stenson, piano
J.F.Jenny Clarke, bass
Keith Copeland, drums
+
RAI Big Band :
Nino Culasso/Doriano Beltrame/Cicci Santucci/Michele
Lacerenza,tp - Giancarlo Beccattini/Ernesto Pumpo/
Marco Pellacani/Gennaro Baldino,tb - Gianni Oddi/Baldo
Maestri/Sal Genovese/Beppe Carrieri/Carlo Metallo,reeds
- Sergio Coppetelli/Pino Rucher,gt - Maurizio Majorana,b -
Carlo Zoffoli,vib - Roberto Pregadio,p - Roberto Zappulla,dr

1. Ezz-Thetic (15:41)
2. Two Dimensions (13:23)
3. All About Rosie (11:54)
4. Living Time [Events V and VI] (22:50)
5. Time Spiral (24:10)
6. Listen To The Silence [Encore] (09:55)

Total Time 1:37:56

Happy Christmas To Everybody !

BRÖTZMANN-LACY-BREUKER-TCHICAI-PARKER-KOCH-SOMMER "SAXOPHONE SPECIAL" (East Berlin-28-3-1978)

Here's a TERRIFIC show gleaned online.... one of the many great German Free Music broadcasts of the 70's that have been preserved by Tapers and Trader's over the years.
To non Europeans ,even those whose radio arts programs are Government funded, its pleasantly odd and constantly amazing , just how much significant music was sponsored and broadcast in Western Europe...in the 60's and 70's ( and still)

help spread the goodness by sharing whatever you download ... and Buying as much as possible, all involved save for Steve Lacy are still alive and making great music.... all have extensive discographies.

Ive only Just re listened to this ..... a jaw dropingly stunning gig.....amazing shit... all improvs plus a great version of Lacy's bone!
the sound quality is very good....

Thanks to the Original Dime-a-Dozen Seeder Mbutchko... and whomever had the, for sight to record it !!

SAXOPHONE SPECIAL
Jazz ín der Kammer 1978
Kammerspiele
East Berlin, Germany
3/28/78

fm->cd trade->eac->tlh->flac

Peter Brotzmann-ss/ts/as
Evan Parker-ss/ts
Willem Brueker-ss/ts/bcl
John Tchicai-ss/as
Steve Lacy-ss
Klaus Koch-bass
Gunter Sommer-drums

1. Group Improv (KK/GS out) 7:48
2. Trio Improv (JT/KK/GS) 6:33 ->
3. Evan Parker solo 5:50 ->
4. Duo Improv (SL/WB) 6:45
5. Duo Improv (PB/GS) 5:35
6. Duo Improv (WB/EP) 6:47 ->
7. Bone (Lacy) (SL/KK/GS) 6:10 ->
8. Klaus Koch solo 4:41 ->
9. Duo Improv (JT/PB) 5:49
10.Willem Breuker Solo 5:47
11.Group Improv 10:57
---
TT 72:46

Enjoy .... share freely DO NOT SELL!!
youll find some relevant info about all of the performers (other than Lacy)... and links to labels where you can Buy their official releases....
here
http://www.efi.group.shef.ac.uk/

ENJOY!!

BTW- a great disc of the same name ....'saxophone Special' under Lacy's leadership can be found here
http://emanemdisc.com/E4024.html
highly recommended!

IVO PERELMAN - WILLIAM PARKER - RASHIED ALI "LIVE" (ZERO IN, 1996)

Hello again, Here's a belated , rather fitting tribute to Rashied Ali who died a few Months ago....

this is a repost by request in Flac , the original mp3 links( 224 kbs) are still functional as far as i can tell.

One track ,a truncated edit of about 40 minutes duration , obviously a completely free improvisation.
blisteringly intense it is too...!!

the mp3's are (links gone! as of 2017) still here
http://inconstantsol.blogspot.com/2007/03/ivo-perelman-william-parker-rashied-ali.html

recorded at the Knitting factory NYC on the 19th of june 1996... (to my knowledge still comercially unavailable)
i thought it fitting that this be reposted here... as opposed to 9 grey chairs .

Ivo Perelman, tenor saxophone
William Parker, bass
Rashied Ali, drums

1. Untitled 47:21

Zero In 2

those interested in this might be well advised to purchase, the amazing 'studio ' release Sad Life, on Leo Feigins Leo imprint, by this same trio ... its much better recorded than this and one of the very best discs in this vein period.

ENJOY!!

String Trio Of New York - Live in Moers '79

I've taped this brief
performance during
the 8th edition of the
Moers Festival :
during those years
the German Festival
was really a "special
place" where, first or
after, all the emergent
players would be passed.









Rec. live at the 8th "Moers Festival", Moers, Germany,
on June 3, 1979 (mics recording)

Billy Bang,violin
James Emery,guitar
John Lindberg,bass

1. Bang's Bounce (20:57)
2. Abjunctinuity (07:46)
3. Subway Ride With Giuseppi Logan (06:47)
4. Encore (03:11)

Total Time 38:43

Lol Coxhill - Live in Rome '09

This concert was broadcasted the last Tuesday evening (15.12),
knowing that many people follow Coxhill's work with great passion
i've thought to post it quickly. Lol Coxhill Soirèe.

Rec. live at "Sala A - Via Asiago", Rome, Italy,
on October 19, 2009 (radio broadcast)

Lol Coxhill,soprano saxophone
Roberto Bellatalla,bass (2,4)
Luca Venitucci,piano,accordion (2,4)
Luca Tilli,cello (2,4)
Mike Cooper,guitar,electronics (3,4)
Fabrizio Spera,drums (3,4)

1. Solo (08:15)
2. Quartet (12:47)
3. Trio (21:34)
4. Sextet 09:08)

Total Time 51:45

Sun Ra Archestra - Live in Rome '80

Having listened to many Sun Ra concerts during the years
(Arkestra,small combos,solo), i can say that the level/quality
was very inconstant, from very good to tedious : this one is
good (in my opinion).
Taped by "Ilario" during the March 1980 tour.

Thanks to c & nikos for having titled the tracks !

Rec. live at "Teatro Giulio Cesare", Rome, Italy,
on March 29, 1980 (mix recording)

Sun Ra,piano,organ,synth,conductor
Michael Ray,trumpet,flugelhorn
Marshall Allen,alto saxophone,oboe,flute
Noel Scott,alto & baritone saxophone,flute
John Gilmore,tenor saxophone,clarinet,percussions
Danny Ray Thompson,baritone saxophone,flute
Kenny Williams,tenor & baritone saxophone,flute
Eric "Samurai" Walker/Chris Henderson,drums,percussions
June Tyson,vocals

01. Medley : Improv > Pleiades > Improv > Tapestry From An Asteroid > Improv > Astro Black > Strange Worlds > The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise > The Living Myth > Mystery, Mr. Ra > Discipline 27 (36:03)
02. Inside The Blues (02:08)
03. Blues (03:20)
04. Big John's Special (03:00)
05. Yeah Man! (02:30)
06. Springtime Again (06:20)
07. Limehouse Blues (03:46)
08. Watusi (07:44)
09. Lights On A Satellite (05:45)
10. Enlightenment (02:15)
11. Space Is The Place (08:55)
12. They'll Come Back (04:26)
13. Medley : Calling Planet Earth > On Jupiter > Hit That Jive Jack (15:21)
14. [cuts in >] Exotic Forest [incomplete] (01:57)
15. King Porter Stomp (04:03)
16. Sun Ra and His Band From Outer Space (01:02)

Total Time 1:48:41

Amalgam - Play Blackwell & Higgins

Continuing with the Amalgam/Jeff Clyne-oriented posts, this was recorded after the "Prayer for Peace" we posted here before. After this recording, Amalgam was to head off in a more explicit fusion direction with a change in personnel with John Stevens vacating the drum chair and Jeff Clyne leaving the bass to others. Interestingly, Clyne became a member of Nucleus and in the mid-70s started his own fusion project under the name of Turning Point. Stevens himself started the band Away, but we'll get to all of that in due course.

Meanwhile, here they are all in tribute mode - to the drummers of the early Ornette Coleman combos and to Coleman himself, of course. In the liner notes, Watts credits the natural melody and the pure rhythm approach of Coleman and the influence both drummers had on the evolution of Stevens. This is not tribute by way of emulation, but by feel - by playing what's right in the given context. Only two tracks here, both recorded live with Stevens down in the steam room, the bassists plying lightly in the background and Watts up front with short bursts of melodic rhythm. Perhaps that is a key characteristic of Watts - the sense of rhythm - strongly explored in later years with his various percussive combos under the moniker of Moire music. Still active, I'm happy to say and just recorded for the Berlin-based Jazz Werkstatt label. Amalgam was a vehicle for the development of the more convential side of the duo's playing; the Spontaneous Music Ensemble another vehicle for going beyond the conventions. And Stevens is a thrill here - his stamina is just amazing!

1. Blackwell (Stevens). Live at Birmingham Arts Lab 23.3.1972
Trevor Watts - alto, John Stevens - drums, Ron Herman - bass
2. Higgins (Stevens) Live at Phoenix, London 24.1.1973
Trevor Watts - alto, John Stevens - drums, Jeff Clyne - bass

This is off a 2004 cd rerelease on FMR Records, originally issued in 1973 on the A label.

Recorded by Trevor Watts, re-mix by Dave Pickett and sleeve design by Margaret Richards

Rev. Frank Wright Quintet - Live in Moers '81

Just come back from Rome where i've spent some nice
days with "Ilario", drunk the bottle of "Brunello di
Montalcino" and copied some great recordings from
"Ilario"'s archive.
I want to start with Rev. Frank thinking this will make
many people happy.

Rec. live at the 10th "Moers Festival", Moers, Germany,
on June 6, 1981 (mics recording)

Frank Wright,tenor saxophone,bass clarinet,vocal
Arthur Jones,alto saxophone
Bobby Few,piano
Jean Jacques Avenel,bass
Muhammad Ali,drums

1. Burkhard Hennen Intro (0:45)
2. Track #1 (25:29)
3. Track #2 (12:10)
4. Track #3 (28:03)

Total Time 1:06:29

Muhal Richard Abrams - Live in Rome '79 [2]

I've already posted here the first of two evenings with the Great Muhal
at the Roman Jazz Club "C.J. St.Louis". Here's the second with some music even more fascinating.
The photo above (January '80) was taken in Muhal's apartment at Manhattan Plaza, NYC.

Rec. live at "Centro Jazz St. Louis", Rome, Italy, on February 11th, 1979
(mix recording)

Muhal Richard Abrams,piano

1. Track #1 (44:47)
2. Track #2 (35:18)

Total Time 1:20:05

Wadada Leo Smith & Steve Lacy - Live in Pisa '78

A set of music completely improvised and full of risks (no agreement was
taken among the Two before the concert) but the result was of clear beauty.

Rec. live at "Piazza dei Cavalieri", Pisa, Italy, on
July 10, 1978 (mics recording)

Wadala Leo Smith,trumpet,flugelhorn,pocket trumpet
Steve Lacy,soprano saxophone

1. Track #1 (23:57)
2. Track #2 (16:02)
3. Track #3 (11:26)

Total Time 51:26

D.Gillespie/J.Moody/M.Roach feat. WDR Big Band - live in Moers '81 "Charlie Parker Memorial Concert"

This comes from a request the taper of the concert ("Ilario") made me,
having i a copy of the recording while he has lost the original. I was in
doubt about the request : this could be considered a privatistic use of
the blog, but when "Ilario" promised me a rare bottle of "Brunello di
Montalcino" for the upload, i've changed my opinion...

BTW, not avant-garde, but a very good concert that opened the 10th
Moers Festival : the "glorious" WDR Big Band strengthened by three
icons of the BeBop era in a program dedicated to Bird.

The photo above (taken at the concert) is by the great photographer
and dear friend of us : Luigi Zanon.

Rec. live at the 10th "Moers Festival", Moers, Germany,
on June 5, 1981 (mics recording)

Dizzy Gillespie,trumpet
James Moody,alto saxophone
Max Roach,drums

WDR Big Band : Werner Müller,conductor — Bob Coassin/Rick Kiefer/
Heinz Schachtner/Jupp Keuser,tp — Jiggs Wigham/Dave Horler/Heinz
Zimmermann/Hugo Dörfler,tb — R.Warleigh/Eddi Reisner,as — Harald
Rosenstein/Heiner Wiberny, ts — Paul Peucker,bs — Bora Rokovic,p —
Jean Warland,b — Milan Lulic,gt — Spiro Karras,dr

01. Now's The Time (03:50)
02. Barbados (06:25)
03. Lover Man (04:20)
04. Cool Blues (06:38)
05. 'Round Midnight (08:36)
06. J.C.Moses (04:52)
07. Ornithology (07:17)
08. Moose The Mooche (05:37)
09. Out Of Nowhere (04:20)
10. A Night In Tunisia (10:03)
11. Parker's Mood (05:12)
12. Drums Solo (04:25)
13. Now's The Time (11:31)
14. Bird Of Paradise (09:21)
15. Scrapple From The Apple (05:09)
16. Dexterity (04:18)

Total Time 1:43:49