John Stevens was held in high esteem among those who went for free jazz. The musicians were: Jon Corbett trumpet, Paul Rutherford trombone/euphonium, Alan Tomlinson trombone, Trevor Watts alto/soprano sax, Steve Topping guitar, Martin Holder guitar, Nick Stevens bass guitar, Paul Rogers double bass, John Stevens drums. I found the music difficult and rather ponderous.
My first exposure to Ornette Coleman, in my opinion one of the greatest musicians of my lifetime. Prime Time, his electric band, were: Coleman alto sax/violin/trumpet, Bernard Nix guitar, Charlie Ellerbee guitar, Albert McDowell bass guitar, Jamaaladeen Tacuma bass guitar, Denardo Coleman drums, Dennis Alston drums. The terrific pounding rhythms of the band came as a shock for I was only familiar with Coleman's earlier acoustic quartets. Coleman's astringent soloing was often incredibly fast but also occasionally slow and melodic; all the musicians paid attention to each other - the music was very interactive, not just horn on top of rhythm. A standout gig.
My first exposure to Ornette Coleman, in my opinion one of the greatest musicians of my lifetime. Prime Time, his electric band, were: Coleman alto sax/violin/trumpet, Bernard Nix guitar, Charlie Ellerbee guitar, Albert McDowell bass guitar, Jamaaladeen Tacuma bass guitar, Denardo Coleman drums, Dennis Alston drums. The terrific pounding rhythms of the band came as a shock for I was only familiar with Coleman's earlier acoustic quartets. Coleman's astringent soloing was often incredibly fast but also occasionally slow and melodic; all the musicians paid attention to each other - the music was very interactive, not just horn on top of rhythm. A standout gig.