Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
Bill McGuffie was never really regarded as a jazz pianist because he wasn't. He was a very successful pianist in a light music vein and was associated with the BBC radio programmes for many years as resident pianist/orchestra leader for numerous variety shows.
He was, however, voted as top pianist in the Melody Maker Polls for the third year running when these recordings were made in 1955. A sad reflection on the British jazz piano scene or had all the pianists gone to the USA?
He made a rather good big band album in 1972 but this session is with his quartet. It is one of the few recordings he made which was near jazz. Great technique but just lacking a little something to make it special and stand out.
Judge for yourselves.
Bill McGuffie - piano
Alan Metcalfe - guitar
Jack Collier - bass
Jock Cummings - drums
01 Just One of Those Things
02 Violets for Your Furs
03 Fascination
04 Rose Room
Label: Philips BBE 12279 - EP
Recorded: March 1955
Lineage: EP>FLAC
Bill McGuffie....any contribution from delmonico must be worth a listen. Don't recall having heard of Bill which makes it all the more interesting. Thanks once again.
ReplyDeletejason
Anonymous communication received:-
ReplyDelete"Hi BritJazz,
Jazz pianist or not, I always liked what I heard of his. Tasty stuff.
I remember seeing, when I was a youngster, a short movie featuring Bill McGuffie and I noticed that he had a finger missing. It didn't faze him, though.
Thanks to you and to delmonico (who seems to have a fantastic record collection) for sharing this EP."
to which I replied:-
"Didn't know that about his finger being missing. Plenty of pianists overcame similar difficulties I believe, Milt Jackson played well despite something like that which persuaded him to take up the vibes. Horace Parlan another with some difficulty. Must be many more but I can't recall any Brits at the moment. Russ Conway? Hardly jazz though!"
BILL McGUFFIE
ReplyDeleteJust listened to it and I would definitely classify this EP as jazz. Now, whether one likes his style or not is a different matter.
Excellent sound reproduction, I must say! Very well done.
Link is dead!
ReplyDeleteP.S.: Sorry, but i browse whole blog!
Thank you!
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