Tubby Hayes: The Complete Tempo Recordings | CD, Acrobat

Tubby Hayes remains a towering figure in the annals of British modern jazz. Newly discovered recordings still create something of a stir, whilst repackaging of his existing catalogue continues apace. However, until now, there has been one glaringly obvious oversight among the reissues; a complete and comprehensive coverage of the early sessions made by this legendary figure for Tempo records. This 6CD set puts that situation right, bringing together every recording made with the A&R guidance of Tempo’s Tony Hall during a hectic four year period which saw his technique evolve as he recorded these 86 tracks with hand-picked groups comprising the best British modern jazz musicians of the time.

It includes the recordings with the original ground-breaking Tubby Hayes Orchestra, and, of course, the startling performances of the Jazz Couriers, maybe the best British modern jazz combo of the all, along with Ronnie Scott. In addition, there are the experimental solo recordings, as he overdubbed all the instruments, and the London Jazz Quartet material, originally conceived as film and TV background music.

It’s a fascinating medium, also, through which to follow the development of the mercurial technique of an artist who was young enough to approach bebop free of the background that most of his fellow musicians had been obliged to live through during the dance band era. Already a huge talent when this set begins, his style and ability were constantly evolving through the Tempo era. It includes a 6000-word booklet by noted jazz writer and musician Simon Spillett, who also compiled the anthology. It is a must for every Tubby Hayes fan and indeed all aficionados of British modern jazz.