THE GRAHAM COLLIER SEPTET – Deep Dark Blue Centre (LP-1967-SML 1005)

Label: Deram – SML 1005

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo / Country: UK / Released: 1967

Style: Post Bop, Free Improvisation

Recorded at Jackson Studios, January 15, 18 and 24, 1967.

Design [Sleeve Design] – Gillian Jackson Designs

Liner Notes – Charles Fox

Producer – John Jackson, Malcolm Jackson

This is the original THE GRAHAM COLLIER SEPTET - Deep Dark Blue Centre 1967 STEREO release, 1st PRESS

Also in mono (Cat# DML 1005)

A1 - Blue Walls .................................................................................... 4:32

A2 - El Miklos ...................................................................................... 6:48

A3 - Hirayoshi Suite ............................................................................. 5:55

A4 - Crumblin Cookie .......................................................................... 5:21

B1 - Conversations .............................................................................. 6:42

B2 - Deep Dark Blue Centre .............................................................. 13:23

Graham Collier – bass, arranged

Dave Aaron – alto saxophone, flute

Karl Jenkins – baritone saxophone, oboe

Philip Lee – guitar

Kenny Wheeler – trumpet, flugelhorn (tracks: A2, B1, B2)

Harry Beckett – trumpet, flugelhorn (tracks: A1, A3, A4)

Michael Gibbs – trombone

John Marshall – drums, percussion

Graham Collier’s 1967 debut album with Kenny Wheeler, Harold Beckett, Philip Lee, Mike Gibbs, Karl Jenkins and John Marshall (the latter two members of Soft Machine).

A fine bassist and one of the most important British jazz composers and arrangers, Graham Collier boasts a discography the envy of many of his contemporaries. This critically acclaimed album features a young Kenny Wheeler, and Harry Beckett, with others from the vibrant British scene of the late 1960s. Collier's influences have been tied to Charles Mingus, Bill Evans, and even Miles Davis, and this unlikely combination is clearly evident in his concepts: There are contrapuntal lines, complex rhythms tempered by a gentleness and glazed by simultaneous improvisations. The substantial nature of the music amply rewards the adventurous listener. The strong personalities of the soloists ensure individuality, while the juxtaposition of the flute, guitar, and trumpet lend a light air to some of the tracks. Collier's wonderfully diverse compositions are waiting to be discovered by a new generation, as his timeless, carefully crafted structures are charmingly alluring...

(Review by Steve Loewy)

"Collier's Septet plays Collier's music which is brilliantly constructed in the Gil Evans manner. Could any recommendation be higher? Collier has a great ear for melody, for new ways of jazz counterpoint, for interesting instrumentation. Five stars".

(Derek Jewell, The Sunday Times)

If you find it, buy this album!