For All Tubby Hayes Fans

[SimonSpill]

The Ellington recording is extremely lo-fi (think the worst Parker airshots and you get the picture) so it's unlikely that it will receive commercial release.

[RogerFarbey]

The latest Tubbs vinyl has hit the shops in the UK, or more accurately, shop. I bought this for the rather eye-watering price of £27.99 ($44) from Sister Ray, Berwick Street this week. It is a limited edition pressing (only 500 copies) and is also available via other sources such as Amazon and eBay (but for a few quid more) plus other International stockists such as Dusty Groove (see website link below). The music is unsurprisingly first class and the mono recording is pretty good - the back line occasionally suffers from ambient audience noise when piano solos, for example, tend to be less audible than the horns. The line up and track list can be viewed here:

http://www.gearboxrecords.com/Site/vinyllist_3.html

The sleeve notes are as always with Gearbox excellent (Mr Spillett again) and there is an extra paper sleeve note inserted, accompanying the vinyl.

Standout tracks include the title "Tippin'" and "Cherokee / The Theme" and it's a great purchase for Tubbs completists. This is another of the unearthed live recordings in the canon of British jazz that has been thankfully remastered (or perhaps that should be mastered) and released and is yet more evidence of Gearbox's serious intent to preserve the vinyl format and revere jazz as it was heard in its hard bop heyday. One slight plea/question. Why not also release these recordings in a digital downloadable format, then the vinyl addicts can buy the vinyl and the rest of the world can hear these ultra rare recordings?

[Piano Red]

Originally Posted by SimonSpill

The Ellington recording is extremely lo-fi (think the worst Parker airshots and you get the picture) so it's unlikely that it will receive commercial release.

Thanks for the info, Simon. That's a shame - though I'd still buy it in a heartbeat!

[SimonSpill]

Gearbox tell me they've already shifted 300 of the 500 limited edition Couriers LP, so if you haven't yet done so.....go get it!

I also think there is something deliciously ironic that this album has sold more in three weeks than some of the original Couriers Tempo LP's sold throughout their catalogue life span!

[SimonSpill]

Rumour of another Tubby box set.....

[WestUpperZombie]

Yeah Simon, keep 'em coming!!

And any chance some more from you? The first two were great, and we've been looking forward to more.

[RogerFarbey]

Originally Posted by WestUpperZombie

Yeah Simon, keep 'em coming!!

And any chance some more from you? The first two were great, and we've been looking forward to more.

and on the subject of Mr S, he has kindly allowed me access to a chapter of his forthcoming book. I must say I was really impressed. This book is going to be invaluable to all jazz fans not just Tubbs or British ones. I know that the publishing industry is in something of a nervous state but I also know that Simon would very much appreciate hearing from any publisher or perhaps a jazz-loving entrepreneur who would like to publish his book. I should emphasise that judging by the chapter I read this will be one of the best selling jazz books ever (quite seriously). So...any offers? If interested contact Simon via his website or pm him via the Board. This book needs to be published...soon! I want to read it all!!!

[SimonSpill]

Thank you Roger, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

It would be great to get the book out for June 2013, which will mark the 40th anniversary of Tubby's death. Fingers crossed!

On the subject of another recording from me, I'm afraid that it's far from on the cards for a number of reasons.

[andyw129@yahoo.co.uk]

hey Simon, that last post came across as a bit negative, hope you're keeping your reed wet, and start planning more gigs & that 3rd album.

I keep meaning to email you about a guy I used to talk to who knew the guy who owned Tubby's original mk6 tenor, some old guy in central Scotland somewhere.
(I know one of the UK shops has Tubby's 2nd mk6) . Might be a laugh trying to find it and prove it, but if there's one guy that deserves to be playing it it, it's Simon S..

-andy-

[WestUpperZombie]

I saw Simon play at our local club about 3 weeks ago. He was, as usual, excellent. I always look forward to his gigs, great saxophone and a dry humour not unlike Ronnie's always makes for a very enjoyable evening.
I'm hoping I can get up to town for his gig at the Spice of Life next Friday lunchtime, but circumstance is making this look unlikely. Pity.

[SimonSpill]

Thanks Ray and Andy. Yes, still gigging. I take it you saw me at the Barge WUZ? I didn't make the Spice gig either - I wasn't well that day but Art Themen depped for me I'm told.

Various factors have decided that there will be no new records from me - couldn't stand the last one, which was a huge mistake, so I've decided not to repeat the exercise! I prefer playing live anyway. What gigs there are will be listed in the usual places.

On the Tubby front, promised this autumn into next year are a new 4 CD set, some live quartet recordings from 1969 and 1972, a Savage-Solweig of the big band and, fingers crossed, some ultra-rare live material from the late-1950s.

[SimonSpill]

Acrobat are releasing a new CD which is a MUST for all Tubby Hayes fans.

Jazz From London 1957 is a previously unreleased concert recording by an all-star British jazz unit including Tubby Hayes, Hank Shaw, Bert Courtley, Ken Wray, Vic Ash, Jimmy Skidmore, Dill Jones, Lennie Bush and Bill Eyden.

The album dates from spring 1957 and is the earliest recorded example of Tubby playing the vibraphone - which he'd taken up just weeks before! Needless to say, his playing is stunningly accomplished. There is also a magical two tenor duel with Jimmy Skidmore.

This recording - only recently discovered - is one of the most important British jazz finds of recent years, documenting nine of the UK's top modernists at the peak of their powers.

The CD comes with a 5000 word booklet (written by SS), providing background and context to the concert, as well as photographs and ephemera from the original concert programme.

The catalogue number is ACMCD 4368 and the release date is Monday September 17th.

www.acrobatmusic.net

[SimonSpill]

Discovered this morning - literally - a previously unknown acetate featuring Tubby playing the soprano saxophone. Details are not confirmed yet but this looks strongly like it was intended to be released as a single by Fontana, circa. 1962.
Recording quality is excellent and Tubbs plays the smaller horn with typical dexterity and taste. Watch this space!

[David P]

Originally Posted by SimonSpill

Discovered this morning - literally - a previously unknown acetate featuring Tubby playing the soprano saxophone. Details are not confirmed yet but this looks strongly like it was intended to be released as a single by Fontana, circa. 1962.
Recording quality is excellent and Tubbs plays the smaller horn with typical dexterity and taste. Watch this space!

The only recording of Tubbs on soprano I can recall was "In the night" on the "Down in the Village" album. Are there others?

[SimonSpill]

Originally Posted by David P

The only recording of Tubbs on soprano I can recall was "In the night" on the "Down in the Village" album. Are there others?

Yes. This is a "heads up" about a new discovery of him playing In the Night on the soprano. it is a studio recording unrelated to the live version on Down in The Village. In fact, it knocks that one into a cocked hat!