Acrobat Music

Complete Recordings 1958-9
Complete Recordings 1958-9

The Tommy Whittle Quintet
Styles: Jazz
Catalogue Number: ACMCD4355
Tommy Whittle is one of the key figures in post-war British modern and mainstream jazz. Although perhaps less well-known than high profile contemporaries like Dankworth, Scott and Hayes, he had a central role in London's emerging modern jazz scene of the '50s, performing with a string of his own line-ups and recording with all the top names, having paid his dues with the Ted Heath Band in the post-war years. Through the profile created by his solo spots on the three-times-a-week radio broadcasts by Cyril Stapleton's BBC Show Band, he was voted top jazz tenor sax player by Musical Express and Melody Maker in 1955 and 1956, knocking Ronnie Scott off the top spot. These recordings represent the entire output of his Quintet line-up from 1958 and ?59, comprising the complete 'Easy Listening' album made for Ember, comprising all original compositions, and the Saga EP 'A Touch Of Latin'. They are appearing on CD for the first time and are especially notable for the involvement of brilliant pianist Eddie Thompson and the fine baritone sax player Harry Klein (later famous for his sax parts with Ronnie Scott on The Beatles' 'Lady Madonna'). It is a thoroughly enjoyable snapshot of a well-honed outfit, featuring as its leader one of the true tenor sax stylists of his day. The package has been put together with the co-operation and involvement of Tommy Whittle. Tracks 1-9 were recorded in May 1959 and were released in July 1960 on the Ember LP 'Easy Listening with Tommy Whittle & Friends' EMB3305. Tracks 10-13 were recorded on July17th 1958 and were originally released on the Saga EP 'A Touch of Latin' (ESAG7008) Personnel : Tommy Whittle (tenor sax); Harry Klein (baritone sax); Eddie Thompson (piano); Ken Sprang (bass); Jackie Dougan (drums)

Disk 1:
Track Title Artist
1 Lady Bee The Tommy Whittle Quintet
2 Howl The Tommy Whittle Quintet
3 Lullabye The Tommy Whittle Quintet
4 Mine Still The Tommy Whittle Quintet
5 12 By 5 The Tommy Whittle Quintet
6 New Horizons The Tommy Whittle Quintet
7 Blues In The Dark The Tommy Whittle Quintet
8 Loving Man The Tommy Whittle Quintet
9 Heard And Seen The Tommy Whittle Quintet
10 You Stepped Out Of A Dream The Tommy Whittle Quintet
11 Dearly Beloved The Tommy Whittle Quintet
12 Poinciana The Tommy Whittle Quintet
13 Broadway The Tommy Whittle Quintet
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