Tubby Hayes England's Late Jazz Great CD

One of the top tenor saxophonists to emerge from England, Tubby Hayes could play as fast as Johnny Griffin, had his own hard bop sound, and accomplished a great deal in a short period of time before his death in 1973 at the age of 38. The rarities collected together on this IAJRC CD feature Hayes in top form. The first six selections match him with fellow tenor Ronnie Scott in a 1957-1959 quintet called the Jazz Couriers. Some of those performances are really burning (particularly "I Keep Thinking It's Thursday") and find the group recalling Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons. Hayes also doubles on vibes quite effectively. Other numbers showcase him with the Harry South Orchestra, in great form with a quartet also including pianist Victor Feldman and heading big bands in 1961, 1965, and 1969. Even a 1972 version of "I Thought About You" (which was late in his brief life) finds Hayes playing in superb shape. Tubby Hayes deserves to be much better known for he was on the level of a Dexter Gordon. England's Late Jazz Great serves as a perfect introduction to his brand of boppish straight-ahead jazz. ~ Scott Yanow

This 17 track CD contains selected broadcast performances made between 1957 and 1972 by British jazz musician Tubby Hayes, who plays tenor saxophone, flute and vibes on various tracks. He is featured with his Quartet, Quintet, Jazz Couriers and Big Band

Liner Note Author: Victor Hall.

Arrangers: Jimmy Deuchar; Tubby Hayes.

Personnel: Tubby Hayes (flute, tenor saxophone, vibraphone); Louis Stewart (guitar); Victor Ash (clarinet, saxophone); Alan Branscombe, Joe Harriott (alto saxophone); Ronnie Scott's Quintet, Alan Skidmore, Bobby Wellins (tenor saxophone); Harry Klein, Jack Sharpe, Ronnie Ross (baritone saxophone); Greg Bowen, Bert Courtley, Ian Hamer, Derrick Abbott, Les Condon, Jimmy Deuchar, Eddie Blair (trumpet); Ken Wray (trombone, valve trombone); Jimmy Wilson , Raymond Premru, Dave Horler, Keith Christie (trombone); Victor Feldman, Mike Pyne, Harry South, Terry Shannon, Stan Tracey (piano); Bill Eyden, Allan Ganley, Tony Kinsey, Spike Wells, Jackie Dougan (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Gary Baldassari.