Soho Blues: The Ronnie Scott Anthology 1956-62

Before he opened the internationally renowned club that bears his name, Ronnie Scott had already carved a formidable reputation as one of the UK’s finest jazz musicians. However, Scott’s natural diffidence meant that his recorded appearances were few and far between, with several of his early LPs becoming sought-after rarities. This 2 CD set aims to redress the balance and includes all the albums Scott recorded under his own name from 1956 to 1961 together with a selection of featured recordings made under the leadership of others. These 28 tracks (of which 22 appear on CD for the first time) present some of the best known names in British jazz, including Jimmy Deuchar, Tubby Hayes, Joe Harriott, Dizzy Reece, Stan Tracey and Phil Seamen. Scott is also heard going head to head with one of his heroes, Zoot Sims, on one of three numbers recorded at the very first Ronnie Scott club in Soho’s Gerrard Street.This anthology also contains a comprehensive booklet essay by noted jazz saxophonist and writer Simon Spillett. Indispensable listening for all British jazz fans!