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Johnny Dankworth
5 Steps to Dankworth & Journey into Jazz
Vocalion CDNJT 5303
Comprising
two mid-1950s Johnny (as he was then) Dankworth Orchestra recordings (see
CD title), the latter its first album (1956) and the former (1957) including
a couple of small-group numbers, this CD demonstrates just why the altoist
/ composer / bandleader was such a seminal figure in the development of
UK jazz.
The arrangements (by Dankworth and David Lindup) are neat and unfussy, but pack a solid punch where required, their elegance never allowed to compromise their commitment to producing swinging 'honest-to-goodness big band jazz' (Dankworth's description of his orchestra's debut recording), and the soloing, most arrestingly by the fluent, pure-toned leader himself, but also from the fiery trumpeter Dickie Hawdon, tenor players Tommy Whittle and Danny Moss and pianist Dave Lee, is exemplary.
Highlights include an intriguing visit to the Strayhorn classic 'Take the A Train' and some great originals ('Export Blues' an attention-grabbing opener, and the suite 'Itinerary of an Orchestra', introduced by the composer, wholly absorbing), but whatever it's asked to play, the orchestra proves itself a tight but supple unit, infused with the airily buoyant quality often associated with West Coast jazz, but also capable of gutsy, even rumbustious playing where necessary.
Another fascinating (and valuable) compilation of classy UK jazz from Vocalion.
