If you think the fusion infested 70s (when everyone from Hancock to Miles to Corea was plugging in) was a tough time for acoustic jazz musicians to make a living, think how tough it was in the UK where the fan base was even smaller! Here are a couple of gents that deserve a second and third listen.
Welsh born Dill Jones was blessed with a clean and spry touch, and this 1972 studio session has him in a solo session, so you get to enjoy it without any distraction. A jovial bounce on “Limehouse Blues” and “Jitterbug Waltz” give a hint of Jay McShann, while “A Nightgale Sang…” is as refreshing as the morning sun on dew blessed leaves. His reading of Billy Strayhorn’s deep “Chelsea Bridge” is warmly reflective, while his own “Blues for G.W.” and “Something for Luckey” show the heart of a lion. You’re going to really like this guy!
England born and bred pianist Michael Garrick leads his quartet of Chris Laurence/b and Alan Jackson/dr along with Dexter Gordon influenced tenor saxist Don Weller on this hard swinging gig from 1978. Adventurous and assertive material like Charles Lloyd’s “Third Floor Richard” and Thelonious Monk’s “Rhythm-a-ning” have long tall Weller throwing in clever quotes during his lanky solos. His tone glows on “You’ve Changed,” while Garrick himself shows his wares on his trio piece “Michael’s Song” and the melodious “Like Someone in Love,” both which highlight his perfectly balanced mix of drive and lyricism. Fresh acoustic music that stands the test of time when the fusion music from the same era comes off as incredibly dated.
Both discs include booklets that give interesting background info on guys that should be better appreciated and known.
Hep Jazz Records