HARKIT NEWSLETTER - November 2004

Help us celebrate 45 years of jazz at Ronnie Scott's with our sensational series LIVE IN LONDON recorded at the club in the 1960's. These truly historic sessions were recorded by Les Tomkins. People are saying that this was the truly golden era of post-war jazz in the U.K.. Most of the releases also capture intimate interviews with these now legendary giants of their craft. Check them out on our catalogue now!

ESTHER PHILLIPS
Esther Phillips' "Release Me!" is available from mid October as a limited edition LP only (HRKLP 8101). This stupendous collection has been beautifully remastered and now contains the track missing from the original Lenox LP. Great liner notes from Austin Powell, and previously unseen photographs too.

BRIAN TRAINOR QUARTET - Tranquillo
The Tranquillo project was recorded after working with these great musicians for some time.
Steve Marcus has been a regular member of my Quartet since 1989. Shortly after he left the Buddy Rich Band) Jim Miller and Tyrone Brown and I have played together as a trio since the early 90's. I felt the energy and synergy of these musicians would prove to be exciting.
The group's goal has been to present music with a heart much like the music of the Great groups of the 50's and 60's. Our inspiration was the Miles Davis Quintets, The Horace Silver band and of course the John Coltrane Quartet.
We feature both Standards and originals and on this CD I feel we have reached into the center of each tune. I am very happy that Harkit International has felt it too and I am proud to be a part of the growing "Harkit "Story. (HRKCD8115)

THE PAROLE OFFICER
Alex Heffes scores (literally) again! There are scores that sometimes are stand-alone, irrespective of the film for which they were originally composed. "The Parole Officer" (HRKCD 8093) is a case in point. Originally released two years ago, we've only just been able to release this, but no matter. Heffes has put a huge tongue in his cheek and spoofed Bernstein's "Magnificent Seven" and several other greats to come up with a tremendously rewarding album. Steve Coogan starred in what some at the time called "The Italian Job with bicycles!" That's not really fair as you'll hear when you play this outstanding CD.


YUSEF LATEEFOur "Live In London" series rolls on. This time it's New Year 1965 and Lateef plays through to 1966. Once again, Les Tomkins' trusty open reel recorder has captured a magnificent and soulful performance. Standout track played on oboe is "Trouble In Mind", but the whole thing just moves along so well. Liner notes have been contributed by jazz critic of the London Evening Standard, Jack Massarik. HRKCD 8074.

MISS TONI FISHER - THE BIG HURT!
(HRKCD 8100)As an example of the delays to which we referred earlier, we are finally releasing this truly great vocal album by Toni Fisher. Many of you will remember her for "The Big Hurt" in 1960. Wayne Shanklin, the writer and producer of that worldwide hit track first came to prominence with "Jezebel" which catapulted Frankie Laine to stardom. Through the kind assistance of Wayne's son, Michael, we are delighted to present this 27 track album which contains all her known recordings. Lovingly remastered and annotated by Michael and music historian Austin Powell, we are sure that you are going to be captivated by Toni's distinctive and alluring voice. Many previously unseen photographs from the Shanklin family archive here too!

GOODBYE GEMINI
Christopher Gunning's fine score for this spooky, 1960s London story is due at the end of October. It will feature explanatory liner commentary by noted film music writer Andrew Keech and rare stills from the movie which starred the delicious Judy Geeson. HRKCD 8092

PRESTON EPPS - BONGOLA! (HRKCD 8114)Preston Epps, together with Sandy Nelson were stable mates at Original Sound Records in Hollywood. Epps's work on bongos seems to us to have been unjustly overlooked. We've gathered together material here for the first time in stereo on CD to bring you THE definitive bongos album. You'll hear that there's A LOT more than just a pair of hides stretched over wooden boxes! Many of these sides were realised by legendary producer Jack Nitzsche.

BRITISH JAZZ - The Johnny Keating All Stars
(HRKCD 8105)These truly amazing sides were recorded in London in 1956. They sound as fresh and adventurous today as they must have done almost fifty years ago! The 22 musician line up was a portent of what was to be a golden age for British jazz. Among this stellar line up, we have Don Rendell, Tommy Whittle, George Chisholm, Don Lusher, Johnny Hawkesworth and a host of others. This 12 track album expands on the 10 track British edition that originally was released in 1957. Peter Vacher has written super notes that perfectly accompany and enlighten us. As well as being an important historical testimony to British jazz, it's the perfect pick-me-up from a more innocent time!

INTERNATIONL DETECTIVE - EDWIN ASTLEY
(HRKCD 8090)
Finally, its here! The long-awaited music by Edwin Astley for the 1960’s TV series. Liner notes contributed by Austen Powell and the Astley Family with intimate photos and stills form the series. Issued by kind permission of Jeffrey Kruger.





In the works are CDs by The London Jazz Four - A New Look At The Beatles, a remarkable CD of instrumental tracks by Paul Revere And The Raiders, Tubby Hayes and Tony Coe. More news as we get it. Stay tuned!!!