The Tony Kinsey Collection 1953-61

Drummer Tony Kinsey is one of the true godfathers of British post-war modern jazz, and even now in 2012, well into his eighties, is still playing gigs and writing innovative music. We have worked with Tony to put together this almost complete anthology of his recordings during the frenetic decade from the early 50s through to the early 60s, when his skill and influence in putting together successive influential line-ups of small groups, especially during his lengthy residency at London’s legendary Flamingo Club, gave him a unique role in the genre. This 6-CD set pulls together a remarkable range or material, and features a veritable who’s-who of top jazz names from the era, including the likes of Joe Harriott, Tubby Hayes, Bill Le Sage, Tommy Whittle, Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell, Lennie Bush, Jimmy Deuchar, and many more, in the various groups he led during that time. It’s not only a hugely entertaining selection of music, but also a great showcase for Tony’s understated but always swinging and grooving drum technique, and a tribute to his huge influence on British jazz.