1. |
Chet Baker in Paris - CHET BAKER
For the quartet tracks, which feature Baker at his best, over Twardzik's chiming dissonances, on the enigmatic compositions of Bob Zeiss. Pretty marvellous, to be honest. |
| 2. |
The Great Lars Gullin - Vol 5 - DANNY DREAM and MANCHESTER FOG
Another great European improviser: here establishing something distinctly European (or even Swedish). A better Baritone player than Mulligan or Chaloff in my opinion. Lovely music. |
| 3. |
Same - HAROLD McNAIR
Sorry to go for an obscure one, but if enough people show interest maybe we can get it re-issued. McNair was the Sonny Rollins of the flute. For my money the best jazz flautist ever. |
| 4. |
Four Compositions for Sextet - TONY OXLEY
At a time when the efforts of other British musicians of the period were being hailed (Don Rendell, Ian Carr), these are the one's that really went on to make a mark on the world stage. |
| 5. |
Pakistani Pomade - ALEX VON SCHLIPPENBACH
First record from a great trio - "Sun Luck Night Rain" the key track, Evan breaking ahead of the pack. |
| 6. |
Duo - DEREK BAILEY and TRISTAN HONSINGER
Just re-released on CD, with some (earlier) extra tracks, the most striking thing about the music is how exciting it is (yes, Improvised music is exciting- doubters!). |
| 7. |
Spirits Rejoice - LOUIS MOHOLO
With Evan Parker, Kenny Wheeler, Keith Tippet, Johnny Dyani.
A great record from a great period - Wedding Hymn" should be in everyone's Top Ten. |
| 8. |
Sunday Best - GARRY TODD and ROGER TURNER
Garry showed me that you could find a way to improvise on the saxophone while remaining true to your own influences and tastes - it didn't have to be like Evan or Brotzmann. |
| 9. |
Pleistozaen Mit Wasser - CECIL TAYLOR and DEREK BAILEY
Miraculous. A true meeting of giants EVERYBODY should own this. |
| 10. |
Nailed - CECIL TAYLOR, EVAN PARKER, BARRY GUY and TONY OXLEY
Demolishes any arguments about the gap between American & European improvisers, and (again) demonstrates that the best Brits have been playing with the Americans for years. |
