This is a successful record on several counts. First, there are Stan Tracey’s compositions, most of which have considerable substance, melodic charm, and, of course, suitability for jazz improvisations. Secondly there is the playing of Bobby Wellins and Stan Tracey himself. Neither is exactly a frequent visitor to the recording studios, which makes this record all the more welcome. Both must be numbered amongst Britain’s most original jazz musicians, and both play extremely well on this record – in fact I cannot recall a finer example of Wellins’ talents. Whoever did the persuading necessary to make this record possible also deserves a bouquet.
There is a definite place in jazz for programmatic music (witness the success of Johnny Dankworth’s What The Dickens, to mention another British example) but whether Tracey has succeeded in capturing the spirit of Dylan Thomas in his music I do not feel qualified to judge. However, there is no doubt in my mind as to whether the music is successful as jazz. The answer is a resounding ‘yes’. Tracey’s writing has much of the piquancy and rhythmic unexpectedness of Monk’s, and is strong melodically. His own playing is probably more rhythmically advanced and complex than that of any other British musician, and now shows no signs of American influences.
Wellins is probably the most talented and least appreciated of British modern saxophonists. Like Rollins, he is never content merely to run the changes, and sometimes this leaves slightly uncomfortable gaps in his melodic line. However, there is certainly no British musician who is better at developing a solo, so that it gradually unfolds to a logical and exciting climax. This is particularly evident on the fast twelve-bar that ends the record, A. M. Mayhem. The rhythm section of Jeff Clyne and Jackie Dougan is very good. It is a pity that the bass is somewhat under-recorded.
This record is thoroughly recommended for its originality and swing, and should make a few people sit up and take notice of Stan Tracey and Bobby Wellins.
Discography
Cockle Row; Starless And Bible Black; I Lost My Step In Nantucket; No Good Boyo (19 min) – Penpals; Llareggub; Under Milk Wood; A. M. Mayhem (21½ min)
Bobby Wellins (ten); Stan Tracey (p); Jeff Clyne (bs): Jackie Dougan (d). London, 1965.
(Columbia 33SX 1774 32s.)
