Pete Recommends…Tubby Hayes – Mexican Green
Each month Peter Batten recommends a recording that jazz fans may wish to add to their personal library.
Mexican Green
Tubby Hayes
My dear friend Mick Holbrook, who died last year, was one of Tubby’s biggest fans. In the 1950s and 60s, with his wife Pam, he was often at London venues like Klook’s Kleek and the Bull’s Head at Barnes to hear Tubby, – and, of course, Ronnie. Once, while preparing a talk about British jazz, I asked Mick to recommend a CD by Tubby. This was his choice. You will not be disappointed. The original compositions are excellent and show that, by 1967 [aged 31], Tubby’s talent had fully matured. The rhythm section is carried along by the powerful bass of Ron Matthewson, with fine solos from Mick Pyne at the piano and sympathetic drumming by Tony Levin. Tubby is heard at his very best.[Mick loved Tubby’s flute on “Trenton Place”.]
[Mexican Green was re-issued on Fontana CD 983 1883. Copies are available from several dealers]
Track Listing:
1) Dear Johnny B
2) Off the Wagon
3) Trenton Place
4) The Second City Steamer
5) Blues in Orbit
6) A Dedication to Joy
7) Mexican Green.
Personnel:
Tubby Hayes (tenor sax, flute)
Mike Pyne (piano)
Ron Matthewson (bass)
Tony Levin (drums).