This Weeks Jazz from Geoff Blog :-

Is late, and hasn’t got much content. However, I do have a recommendation for you.

One of the joys of the past few years has been the visits to Hedsor Jazz of that fine trombone player Roy Williams. Sadly Roy was taken ill about a year a go, and is no longer able to play. This is a real loss to all who loved his amazing control over the slide trombone. He was a regular with The Alex Welsh band, and played alongside John Barnes in that great British band. When Alex ceased playing both Roy and John joined The Humphrey Lyttelton Band, and their unique combination continued for a number of years before John Barnes left, leaving Alan Barnes in his place. 

There are many fine recordings for us to remember Roy by. There is that wonderful Festival Hall Tribute to Louis Armstrong where Roy duets chorus after chorus with George Chisholm. Two trombones fighting it out to the end. 

But I had another one in my collection that showed what a wide ranging player Roy was. In the world of jazz we often try and tie individual players down to one particular style or even as being with one particular band. On a German Labelled CD “Live and Swinging” there are 5 musicians who have all played on more than one type of music.

Led by drummer Peter York, “Live and Swinging” has Roy Williams on trombone, Alan Barnes on saxophones various, and bass player Harvey Weston. Both Harvey and Roy had been with Alex Welsh Band. Alan Barnes had been with Humph when Roy was still part of it, and had been in the band alongside John Barnes. 

Peter himself had been in “The Spencer Davis Group”, a 1960’s rock, pop band,  and had then also spent 3 years with the Chris Barber Band. When Peter York decided to relocate to Germany, he often toured with the band on this 1998 recording. The band being completed by pianist Wolfgang Dalheimer. 

The album I have is on the Nagel Heyer label (CD091) and has the quintet paying with skill and enthusiasm. They are excellently cohesive, and obviously knew each other very well. It was a joy to hear Roy at the peak of his form with Alan still developing his playing ability. 

For me the only downside is that drummer Peter has to sing! Aside from that it’s a great jazz record. Alan features on “Istfahan“ and Roy on “All The Things You Are”. Peter of course just features!(after all he is the leader, and a drummer)! 

As a cd it is well worth you searching it out. Maybe the Amazon list price of £24 is a bit steep, but I’m sure you will find ways round that. It is well worth your trouble as it is a fine swinging record. And a tribute to the wonderful playing we used to have from Roy Williams.

Regarding the return of jazz to Hedsor Jazz, we have no news at the moment. As soon as we can get back to a lower lock down level we will put on some more live and swinging (socially distanced) jazz there, but until then, do try the canned variety.