0047 Ronnie Scott [Ronnie Scott Orchestra] FLAC 4(12.58)

Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
These are the only 4 tracks recorded commercially by the Ronnie Scott Big Band formed in August 1955. They date from 11 October 1955 and include a host of British jazz stars including Joe Harriott. Also making a rare appearance is Pete King on tenor (not to be confused with the other Peter King who plays mainly alto). Pete was the business partner of Ronnie Scott and played a huge part in the formation and running of Ronnie's various clubs. He sold out his interests in the present Ronnie Scott's Club a few years ago and sadly died in December 2009 after a long illness.
Ronnie later said that forming the big band was disastrous from a financial and musical point of view. There was much infighting between the musicians and Harriott, the featured soloist, in particular, was a disturbing influence and would not accept that he was subordinate to the lead alto, Dougie Robinson. Phil Seamen the drummer would today be described as a 'wind-up merchant' and he and Dave Usden, one of the trumpeters, actually came to blows on the stage at a New Year's Eve gig at Morecambe much to the dismay of the revellers. The band only lasted a few months and disbanded in early 1956. These tracks show Harriott in fine form and the whole band swings mightily thanks to Phil Seamen.

Jimmy Watson - trumpet
Stan Palmer - trumpet
Hank Shaw - trumpet
Dave Usden - trumpet
Ken Wray - trombone
Jack Botterill - trombone
Mac Minshull - trombone
Robin Kaye - trombone
Dougie Robinson - alto
Joe Harriott - alto
Ronnie Scott - tenor
Pete King - tenor
Benny Green - baritone
Norman Stenfalt - piano
Eric Peter - bass
Phil Seamen - drums

01 Bang
02 With Every Breath I Take
03 A Night in Tunisia
04 The Big Fist

Label: Esquire EP 85
Recorded: October 11 1955