0330 Various Artists [Americans In Europe] FLAC 10(39.01)

Contributed by Grumpy

(01 06 10)
Bud Freeman - tenor (01 10)
Eddie Miller - tenor (01 06)
Fred Hunt - piano
Jim Douglas - guitar
Ron Rae - bass
Lennie Hastings - drums
(02 08)
Jimmy Witherspoon - vocal
Dick Morrissey - tenor
Harry South - piano
Phil Bates - bass
Phil Seamen - drums
(03)
Earl Hines - piano
Lennie Hastings - drums
(04)
Bud Freeman - tenor
Dick Katz - piano
Spike Heatley - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
(05)
Wild Bill Davison - cornet
Fred Hunt - piano
Jim Douglas - guitar
Ron Rae - bass
Lennie Hastings - drums
(07)
Earl Hines - piano
Jim Douglas - guitar
Ron Mathewson - bass
Lennie Hastings - drums
(09)
Sir Charles Thompson - piano
Bill Pemberton - bass
Oliver Jackson - drums

01 Bud Meets Eddie (2:50)
02 Things Are Getting Tougher Than Tough (2:25)
03 Time On My Hands (Adamson, Gordon, Youmans) (5:40)
04 Laura (Raksin, Mercer) (4:00)
05 I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me (Gaskill, McHugh) (4:55)
06 Diane (Rapee, Pollack) (3:41)
07 Can't We Talk It Over (Young) (4:20)
08 I'll Be So Glad (Sigler) (3:40)
09 Church House Blues (Parth, Carr) (3:45)
10 La Rosita (Stuart, Dupont) (3:45)

Label: Fontana SFJL 916
Recorded: May 23 (02 07 08) 31 (03) June 09 (04) December 13 (05) 1966 March 12 (09) April 16 (01 06 10) 1967

0322 Tony Crombie [Drums! Drums! Drums!] FLAC 12(31.08)

Contributed by bluebird, who writes:-
Probably of marginal interest to purist jazz fans but Crombie had this fine small jazzy/rock/blues band in the late 1950s/early 1960s and had great commercial success with it. In one respect it was sad perhaps that Crombie had to extend his musical horizons to play this kind of music in order to make a living during this difficult period for jazz but understandable.
You often see comments from critics, who should know better, saying that a certain musician has 'gone commercial'. Wes Montgomery is a good example of this criticism but Wes never deserted jazz, jazz deserted Wes. The jazz gigs dried up and with a family to feed and rent to pay what does a musician do? He takes whatever pays him.
Lots of drums, as one would expect from the title, and none of the musicians are identified. The label has a published date of 1960 on it and the front sleeve has great 1950s cover art.
You can hear tenor sax (possibly two in places), guitar, piano, bass and Crombie on drums so put on your blue suede shoes and rock away.

Tony Crombie - drums
with others unknown

01 Golden Striker (Lewis) (2:42)
02 Johnny Drum (2:30)
03 Drum Boogie Shuffle (2:20)
04 Skin Deep (Bellson) (2:15)
05 Off Beat (4:22)
06 Drums Ahoy (1:48)
07 Drums, Drums, Drums (2:08)
08 Scotland The Brave (2:27)
09 Drum Blues (2:26)
10 The Anvil Chorus (2:07)
11 Dick's Bandstand (2:25)
12 Amen (3:39)

Label: Top Rank BUY/027
Recorded: c.1959
Lineage: LP>FLAC

0310 Tony Crombie [And His Sweet Beat] FLAC 10(23.59)

Contributed by azule serape, who writes:-
A 1957 recording by Tony Crombie during that period when he earned a living playing anything but jazz.
A gimmicky sort of record having the word 'Sweet' in all the titles and played by a smallish group sounding like a combination of Billy May, Sauter-Finegan and Knuckles O'Toole. It's music for doing the washing up by.
All the arrangements are by Crombie and none of the musicians are identified.
FLAC from lp with cover scans.

Tony Crombie - drums
big band - personnel unknown

01 Sweet Beat (Crombie) (2:24)
02 Sweet Lorraine (Parish, Burwell) (2:29)
03 Sweet Potato Piper (Monaco) (2:02)
04 Stay As Sweet As You Are (Gordon, Revel) (2:47)
05 The Sweetest Song In The World (Parr-Davies) (2:29)
06 Sweet Georgia Brown (Bernie, Casy, Pinkard) (1:46)
07 Sweet And Gentle (del Portal) (2:26)
08 My Sweetie Went Away (Handman, Turk) (2:31)
09 Sweet And Lovely (Arnheim, LeMare, Tobias) (2:32)
10 Sweet Sue, Just You (Harris, Young) (2:34)

Label: Columbia 33S 1117
Recorded: 1957
Lineage: LP>FLAC

0258 Tony Crombie [And His Orchestra No 2] FLAC 4(10.33)

Contributed by bluebird, who writes:-
Another ep from the 1955 Crombie Orchestra. The tunes are an odd selection but Crombie manages to swing them along.  Art Baxter has the vocal on 'Baby Mine'. Ronnie Ross is there but can you hear him? He doesn't solo.

Jimmy Deuchar - trumpet
Les Condon - trumpet
Ken Wray - trombone
Derek Humble - alto
Don Rendell - tenor
Al Cornish - tenor
Ronnie Ross - baritone
Damian Robinson - piano
Lennie Bush - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
Art Baxter - vocal (02)

01 Early One Morning (James, Sehorn) (2:22)
02 Baby Mine (2:14)
03 Flying Home (Goodman, Hampton, Robin) (3:06)
04 Tiptoe Through The Tulips (Burke, Dubin) (2:52)

Label: Decca ep DFE 6281
Recorded: March 31 (02) May 17 (01 03 04) 1955
Lineage: EP>FLAC

0250 Tony Crombie [Whole Lotta Tony] FLAC 12(34.28)

Contributed by azule serape, who writes:-
This was originally recorded for the Ember Mood Music Library as 'Jazz Themes', with all the tunes written and arranged by Tony Crombie, and that might explain the brevity of the tracks and the somewhat perfunctory themes. Some sound like they might have been lifted from a TV thriller background soundtrack and Tony did, in fact, compose music for many films and TV shows. He was a man of many talents which embraced a very wide range of music including a very short-lived, but financially successful, Rock and Roll Band (the Rockets).
Having said that, the musicians employed here were all first rate jazz musicians and there are some good solos here from the likes of Tommy Whittle, Bobby Wellins and, making his first appearance on BritJazz, Harold McNair, a contemporary of Joe Harriott and Wilton Gaynair.
Not an essential piece of British Jazz history but worth a listen for the McNair solos alone.
The lp was recently re-issued on cd but the music here, with a far superior sound, was ripped from the lp in FLAC with cover scans.

Harold McNair - alto, flute
Tommy Whittle - tenor, bass clarinet
Bobby Wellins - tenor
Gordon Beck - piano, harpsichord
Malcolm Cecil - bass
Tony Crombie - drums

01 Gut Bucket (Crombie) (3:18)
02 Keep It Light (Crombie) (2:18)
03 Look for the Real Thing (Crombie) (3:29)
04 Flute Salad (Crombie) (3:18)
05 Brazilia (Crombie) (2:27)
06 Stop That Man (Crombie) (1:22)
07 Round the 'Ouses (Crombie) (2:04)
08 Penthouse Party (Crombie) (3:13)
09 The Gang Busters (Crombie) (3:27)
10 Yodellin' (Crombie) (3:00)
11 Just Like Old Times (Crombie) (3:14)
12 Journey's End (Crombie) (3:18)

Label: Ember EMB 3336
Recorded: August 1961
Lineage: LP>FLAC

0187 Tony Crombie [And His Orchestra] FLAC 4(10.33)

Contributed by Azule Serape, who writes:-
Tony Crombie was a man of many parts, early bebopper and Club 11 Founder member, big band leader, rock and roll star and writer of film and TV music.
Here he leads a fine big band from 1954 with vocalists Annie Ross and Bobby Breen having a song apiece. Bobby had a long career in music and sang with all the best musicians. Unusually for a singer he had a rather endearing pronounced lisp but it didn't prevent him from tackling those songs which, in theory, should have been a nightmare for him. The following extract from 'Dave Corsby-Jazz Notes' illustrates this well:
'TV South had an evening local news programme and every month or so the producer used to feature a jazz spot. Their small studio in Dover only had two cameras so one was used for close ups and the other moved around taking long shots from different angles. West Indian singer Bobby Breen was the guest. Bobby who had a lisp chose to sing "Route Thixty Thix" and "Like Thomeone in Luth". After a talk through in the pub which lasted from eleven to three we returned to record the two songs and interview in one continuous take ready for unedited transmission at six. The first take was too long. The second take was fine but unusable because in the interview Bobby was asked to what he owed his success and answered "draft Guinneth". The next take was great. Everyone played well and in my four bar solo break everything came off better than intended. Unfortunately the distance cameraman slipped on a cable and came up with a shot of Bobby Breen's boots. By this time we were running short of film and time. The final take was relatively tame as everybody played safe. But an enduring memory is Bobby singing "Lately I find mythelth gathing at thtarth, hearing guitarth like thomone in luth". '

Dizzy Reece - trumpet
Les Condon - trumpet
Joe Temperley - tenor
Sammy Walker - tenor
Lennie Dawes - baritone
Harry South - piano
Ashley Kozac - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
Annie Ross - vocals (04)
Bobby Breen - vocals (02)

01 Stop It
02 All of Me
03 Perdido
04 Love You Madly

Label: Decca ep DFE 6247
Recorded: November 18 1954
Lineage: EP>FLAC

0173 Tony Crombie [Jazz At The Flamingo Vol 1] FLAC 2(15.42)

Contributed by bluebird, who writes:-
A small band led by Tony Crombie who composed both tunes heard here. The first of three eps in this Flamingo series  and this one featuring the two tenors of Don Rendell and Tommy Whittle.
Benny Green, who later enjoyed a successful career as jazz writer, reviewer and broadcaster is heard on baritone sax. He played with various Ronnie Scott groups between 1952 and 1956 but took few solos.
One further title recorded at this session by this group, and also composed by Tony Crombie, has previously appeared on this blog as part of the 'Jazz At The Flamingo' lp.
FLAC with front ep cover scan, track/personnel details and original sleeve notes. Includes pdf, prepared by Doc Sausage.

Jimmy Deuchar - trumpet
Tommy Whittle - tenor
Don Rendell - tenor
Benny Green - baritone
Bill Le Sage - piano
Sammy Stokes - bass
Tony Crombie - drums

01 Tres Gai (Crombie) (7:18)
02 Jump for Jeff (Crombie) (8:24)

Label: Decca ep - DFE 6253
Recorded: March 1953

0169 Tony Crombie [In Tel Aviv] FLAC 6(18.26)

Contributed by azule serape, who writes:-
Crombie took his band to Israel in late October 1955 for a series of concerts in that country and these tracks are taken from a Tel Aviv concert broadcast by Israeli State Radio.
Vocalists Annie Ross and Johnny Grant are featured on 4 of the 6 tracks.
Sound quality is not of the best but listenable.
FLAC with 'cover picture', pdf and possible personnel details.

Jimmy Deuchar - trumpet
Les Condon - trumpet
Ken Wray - trombone
Derek Humble - alto
Don Rendell - tenor
Al Cornish - tenor
Ronnie Ross - baritone
Damian Robinson - piano
Lennie Bush - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
Annie Ross - vocals (03 04 06)
Johnny Grant - vocals (02)

01 Short Stop (3:09)
02 You Go to My Head (3:45)
03 C'est Si Bon (2:59)
04 I Can't Believe that You're in Love with Me (1:30)
05 Compos Mentis (3:13)
06 Don't Worry 'Bout Me (3:49)

Label: Radio Broadcast
Recorded: October 1955
Lineage: Unknown

0152 Tony Crombie [Jazz Inc] FLAC 8(40.22)

Contributed by bluebird

Leon Calvert - trumpet
Les Condon - trumpet
Al Newman - alto, clarinet
Bobby Wellins - tenor
Harry Klein - baritone
Stan Tracey - piano
Kenny Napper - bass
Tony Crombie - drums

01 Caravan
02 Boo-Bah
03 Lullaby
04 Reelin'
05 Li'l Ol' Pottsville
06 Jamba
07 I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
08 Summertime

Label: Tempo TAP 30
Recorded: January 06 1960
Lineage: CD>FLAC

0129 Various [Modern Jazz at the Royal Festival Hall] FLAC 11(43.49)

Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
This is part of a Modern Jazz Concert recorded on 30 October 1954 at the Royal Festival Hall, London with three different groups being featured.  This was the afternoon session of the concert, the evening being devoted to traditional jazz.
Don Rendell's Sextet (track 3 previous appeared on a Tempo ep and was not on the original Decca lp) is first up followed by the Ken Moule Seven and finally the newly formed Tony Crombie Orchestra for their first recording session.
The Swedish baritone sax player, Lars Gullin, made a guest appearance at this concert but due to MU rules was not allowed to be recorded. 
FLAC with lp cover picture and track/personnel details.

(01 02 04)
Dickie Hawdon - trumpet
Don Rendell - tenor
Ronnie Ross - baritone
Damian Robinson - piano
Pete Elderfield - bass
Benny Goodman - drums
(03)
Damian Robinson - piano
Pete Elderfield - bass
Benny Goodman - drums
(05-07)
Dave Usden - trumpet
Keith Barr - tenor
Roy Sidwell - tenor
Don Cooper - baritone
Ken Moule - piano
Arthur Watts - bass
Lennie Breslow - drums
(08 10 11)
Dizzy Reece - trumpet
Les Condon - trumpet
Joe Temperley - tenor
Sammy Walker - tenor
Lennie Dawes - baritone
Harry South - piano
Ashley Kovak - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
Bobby Green - bongoes (08)
(09)
Dizzy Reece - trumpet
Joe Temperley - tenor
Harry South - piano
Ashley Kovak - bass
Tony Crombie - drums

01 My Honey's Lovin' Arms
02 Give Me the Simple Life
03 Chelsea Bridge
04 Roomin' with Moomin
05 Hallelujah
06 I'm Beginning to See the Light
07 Waterloo Bridge
08 Good Bait
09 Ahmed
10 Compos Mentis
11 Down Under

Label: Decca LP LK 4087
Recorded: October 30 1954

0103 Tony Crombie [Jazz at the Flamingo] FLAC 6(50.47)

Contributed by bluebird, who writes:-
A superb swinging session from 1956 with an all- star group nominally led by Tony Crombie. All the participants are in good form and get some lengthy solo space with the bonus being the appearance of Tubby Hayes on two long tracks.
Not recorded at the Flamingo Club but a studio recorded session 'with atmosphere' and an audience. 
For the benefit of our American cousins and others whose first language is not English and who might be mystified by the unison shout at the end of 'Laker's Day' and it's association with the tune, don't worry about it.  It's far too complex to explain here. It's a tribal thing only understood by long time British residents and perhaps Australians.
Original cover picture and original sleeve notes. Complete with membership card attached.

Ronnie Scott - tenor
Tubby Hayes - tenor
Harry Klein - baritone
Terry Shannon - piano
Lennie Bush - bass
Tony Crombie - drums

01 A Night In Tunisia
02 Stars Fell On Alabama - Once In A While
03 Soho Blues
04 Annie-Mation
05 Autumn Leaves
06 Laker's Day

Label: Tempo TAP 5
Recorded: July 31 1956

0046 Tony Crombie [Atmosphere] FLAC 12(37.54)

Contributed by delmonico, who writes:-
First issued in 1959 on the Colombia label and then re-issued in 1989 on the Renaissance label to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Tony Crombie's recording career, these sessions from June and July 1958 bring together some of the top  British jazz modernists in Octet, Quartet and Trio format.
Added interest here is Tubby Hayes playing, unusually for him, baritone sax on the Octet tracks. He plays vibes on the Quartet and Trio tracks.

(01 02 07 11 12)
Les Condon - trumpet
Stan Roderick - trumpet
Bob Burns - alto
Ronnie Scott - tenor
Tubby Hayes - baritone
Norman Stenfalt - piano
Lennie Bush - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
(03 04 06 08 09)
Les Condon - trumpet (03 06 08 09)
Jimmy Watson - trumpet (03 06 08 09)
Bob Burns - alto (03 06 08 09)
Tommy Whittle - tenor (03 06 08 09)
Tubby Hayes - baritone, vibes (04)
Norman Stenfalt - piano
Lennie Bush - bass
Tony Crombie - drums
(05 10)
Tubby Hayes - vibes
Tony Crombie - piano
Jack Fallon - bass

01 Beryl's Bounce
02 Ninth Man
03 St James Infirmary
04 Invitation
05 Stompin' At The Savoy
06 Duke's Joke
07 Panic Stations
08 I'll Close My Eyes
09 Small Talk
10 Perpetual Lover
11 Shapes
12 Copy-Cats

Label: REN 002
Recorded: June 18 (01 02 07 11 12) July 23 (03 04 06 08 09) 30 (05 10) 1958
Lineage: LP>FLAC

0003 Various Artists [Jazz At The Fabulous Flamingo 10th Anniversary Tribute] FLAC 10(39.37)

Personnel:
Track 1
Jimmy Deuchar, trumpet; Tommy Whittle,
Don Rendell,  tenor; Benny Green, baritone;
Bill Le Sage, piano; Sammy Stokes, bass;
Tony Crombie, drums.

Track 2
Alan Branscombe, alto; Tubby Hayes, vibes;
Tony Crombie, piano; Jack Fallon, vibes.

Track 3
Bert Courtley, mellophonium; Ronnie Ross, baritone;
Eddie Harvey, piano; Pete Blannin, bass;
Andy White, drums


Track 4
Eddie Thompson, piano; Arthur Watts, bass; Andy White, drums.

Track 5
Tommy Whittle, tenor; Harry Klein, baritone; Eddie Thompson, piano; Ken Sprang, bass;
Jackie Dougan, drums.

Track 6
includes:-
Les Condon, Stan Roderick, Ronnie Simmonds, trumpet; George Chisholm, Ray Premru, trombone;
Alan Branscombe, alto; Tommy Whittle, tenor; Tony Crombie, drums.

Track 7
Harry Klein, baritone; Derek Smith, piano; Freddie Logan, bass; Allan Ganley, drums.

Track 8
Alan Branscombe, alto; Tubby Hayes, vibes; Tony Crombie, piano; Jack Fallon, bass.

Track 9
Eddie Thompson, piano; Arthur Watts, bass; Andy White, drums.

Track 10
Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott, tenor; Terry Shannon, piano; Phil Bates, bass; Bill Eyden, drums.

Tracks:
01 All Star Special
02 Wait and See
03 Red Prune
04 Moveable
05 12 by 5
06 Interpol Chase
07 Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
08 Fishin' the Blues
09 Just Play
10 The Serpent

This is a compilation album by various artists recorded for the Ember label after the Club opened in 1952. The Krugers, mentioned in the sleeve notes, owned both the Club and the Ember record label. Ember was never very good (and still isn't) about the details in its sleeve notes but these tracks were recorded between 1953 and 1959. They provide a fine representative sample of the British modern jazz scene in the 1950s.

I recall going to the Flamingo in the mid 1950s to see a Tubby Hayes group and another led by Ronnie Ross. It was a dismal, dark cellar-type room full of smoke and young stylish 'mods' and their equally stylish girls - but the music was great. I seem to remember being turned out into the street well before midnight. Happy days.

Contributed by Delmonico (ripped to flac format from LP c/w cover scans)