HUMPHREY LYTTLETON - Humphrey Lyttelton in Canada
Sackville SK 3033
Humphrey Littleton ( tpt / clt ) Jim Galloway ( sop / bar /clt ) Ed Bickert ( gtr ) Neil Swainson ( bass ) Terry Clarke ( drs )
Recorded Toronto, Canada, 26th & 27th July 1983
The Humphrey Lyttelton Band along with the Alex Band were probably the two best bands to emerge from the traditional jazz background in the UK. Whereas the Alex Welsh Band continued to play very much in the Chicago style the Humphrey Lyttelton Band passed through many varied stages and eventually ended up it was loosely regarded as a mainstream style but never sacrificing good taste for trends and changes in jazz.
Throughout all the changes Humph continued to play excellent trumpet heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong but in later years there was more than a smattering of Buck Clayton who was to guest and record with the band. Many other American musicians were to guest and play sing with Humph including Buddy Tate, Jimmy Witherspoon and Jimmy Rushing.
On this occasion Humph is teamed with Scotsman Jim Galloway who played in resided in Canada where this album was recorded using three Canadians in the rhythm section. Jim Galloway is equally at home on soprano saxophone, baritone or clarinet and this enhances the variety of music the group is able to play.
All the compositions on the album were written by Humph who is a prolific writer for his own band.
Humph plays muted trumpet on the first three tracks on the album and on the opening track Jim Galloway plays soprano which owes much to Sidney Bechet and Ed Bickert’s guitar is much evidence. Neil Swainson has much to contribute with an interesting bass solo his experience in playing alongside the pianist George Shearing was well spent.
There is some fine interplay between Humph and Jim Galloway on soprano on the fast paced “Squiggles” with Jim Galloway creating some intricate patterns.
Ed Bickert’s guitar sets the scene for the slow burner “Looking for Turner” and also contributes a super chordal solo but it’s Humph’s open trumpet that steals the show as a builds an exciting solo.
Jim Galloway brings out his baritone for “Rain” and with all the frontline giving of their best this is a track to be savoured.
The penultimate track “Leisure Palace” is the most exciting track on the album with Jim Galloway playing some booting baritone with drumming of Terry Clarke spurring on the group. Humph’s trumpet solo is poised but adds much to the excitement.
On the Caribbean flavoured “Caribana Queen” both Humph and Jim Galloway move to clarinet and bring the album to a fitting climax.
There is much to be admired on this album with all the participants playing at the top of their form and is to be recommended.
Sackville SK 3033
Humphrey Littleton ( tpt / clt ) Jim Galloway ( sop / bar /clt ) Ed Bickert ( gtr ) Neil Swainson ( bass ) Terry Clarke ( drs )
Recorded Toronto, Canada, 26th & 27th July 1983
The Humphrey Lyttelton Band along with the Alex Band were probably the two best bands to emerge from the traditional jazz background in the UK. Whereas the Alex Welsh Band continued to play very much in the Chicago style the Humphrey Lyttelton Band passed through many varied stages and eventually ended up it was loosely regarded as a mainstream style but never sacrificing good taste for trends and changes in jazz.
Throughout all the changes Humph continued to play excellent trumpet heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong but in later years there was more than a smattering of Buck Clayton who was to guest and record with the band. Many other American musicians were to guest and play sing with Humph including Buddy Tate, Jimmy Witherspoon and Jimmy Rushing.
On this occasion Humph is teamed with Scotsman Jim Galloway who played in resided in Canada where this album was recorded using three Canadians in the rhythm section. Jim Galloway is equally at home on soprano saxophone, baritone or clarinet and this enhances the variety of music the group is able to play.
All the compositions on the album were written by Humph who is a prolific writer for his own band.
Humph plays muted trumpet on the first three tracks on the album and on the opening track Jim Galloway plays soprano which owes much to Sidney Bechet and Ed Bickert’s guitar is much evidence. Neil Swainson has much to contribute with an interesting bass solo his experience in playing alongside the pianist George Shearing was well spent.
There is some fine interplay between Humph and Jim Galloway on soprano on the fast paced “Squiggles” with Jim Galloway creating some intricate patterns.
Ed Bickert’s guitar sets the scene for the slow burner “Looking for Turner” and also contributes a super chordal solo but it’s Humph’s open trumpet that steals the show as a builds an exciting solo.
Jim Galloway brings out his baritone for “Rain” and with all the frontline giving of their best this is a track to be savoured.
The penultimate track “Leisure Palace” is the most exciting track on the album with Jim Galloway playing some booting baritone with drumming of Terry Clarke spurring on the group. Humph’s trumpet solo is poised but adds much to the excitement.
On the Caribbean flavoured “Caribana Queen” both Humph and Jim Galloway move to clarinet and bring the album to a fitting climax.
There is much to be admired on this album with all the participants playing at the top of their form and is to be recommended.
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Reviewed by Roy Booth
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