The Tony Gould Quartet: Live in Concert

The main purpose of this recording is to document the playing of one of the great jazz saxophonists.

The number of recorded performances by Graeme Lyall is shamefully small. It is a classic case of ‘cultural cringe’ in that while this country continues to enjoy visits by outstanding jazz players from overseas, most of whom record prolifically, we tend still to ignore some of the marvellous talent ‘on our doorstep’, especially the likes of the Lyall, who has never been remotely interested in promoting his own extraordinary talent. He reminds one of the great Paul Desmond, who might never have been heard had it not been for Brubeck. Desmond, too, by the way, was quiet of nature, which probably accounts for the sheer beauty of sound both these musicians produce.

Not many people make a real effort to ensure that we record such musicians, even if only for posterity. (The producer of this recording, Martin Wright, is one of the few in this country who have a conscience in this regard, and thankfully it extends right across the spectrum of art music. Some future history of music in this country will confirm this man’s contribution.)

And so the pieces here were recorded in two venues, not always under ideal conditions for recording, but given the above, well worth the trouble.

These are all well known and much loved pieces. All the performances are spontaneous in every way. Rehearsals consisted of coffee all round, friendly debate about which pieces to play, and what key to play them in, not necessarily the same one each time!

The only thing left was to argue about who announces the pieces. I usually lost to the saxophonist of quick, quiet mind and few words.

And away we go on the adventure! An adventure it is, for in this quartet the only ‘rules’ are keep your ears open for the logical AND the unexpected, and ENJOY! This, therefore, is not a recording so much as a couple of ‘captured’ live concerts.