Michael Garrick

Sad news. The world loses another visionary talent. If you're unaware of his remarkable contribution to British jazz, Mr Trunk had kindly posted the poignantly sublime 1963 track "Sketches Of Israel" as way of remembrance.

Rising Stars

...... delighted to see that this is finally getting a release in a nifty new bag although I do have a certain soft spot for the rather splendidly 'stiff upper lip' 1964 sleeve.

An Elizabethan Songbook

This is probably one of my favourite records. It took me quite a long time to find a copy but the wait was definitely worth it. It's a jazz record, a beautifully odd jazz record. At first glance, the record looks uninteresting but upon closer inspection, you begin to notice the clues. Maybe it's the strange combination of medieval and futuristic typography. Maybe it's the hip Elizabethan modette with pop art buttons. Maybe it's the list of great players such as Brian Moore (bass), Mike McNaught (piano), Mike Travis (drums), Jim Philip (flute). It's a very interesting listen and far rarer than you would think.  It took me a bloody ages to snag a copy.  I'm glad I persevered. It's both disappointing and strange that nobody has bothered to reissue it. Please listen to the deep modal track Orientis and the folk jazz oddity that is Scarborough Fair.  I think both are undiscovered gems that would fit perfectly on any Gilles Peterson compilation of British Jazz.