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The pairing on this CD is a masterstroke of perversity. The two LPs featured could not have less in common. Struggling for similarity? Both are recorded in the same studio in Holland Park, both are beautifully performed and both are equally rewarding in entirely different ways.

RUSSO IN LONDON

For those unfamiliar with William Russo, he was an arranger with Stan Kenton through the fifties who moved to Britain where he founded the London Jazz Orchestra. This 1962 recording celebrates his arrival and he gathers for it some of the country\'s most talented musicians, namely - Johnny Scott, Duncan Lamont, Art Ellefson, Ronnie Ross, Richard Morgan, Ron Simmonds, Leon Calvert, Gordon Rose, Tony Mabbett, Johnny Edwards, Keith Christie, Bobby Lamb, Don Lusher, Jack Thirlwell, Ray Premru, Ray Dempsey, Arthur Watts, Kenny Clare, Raymond Clark, Derek Simpson, Hilary Robinson and Jack Holmes.

To describe the music of William Russo is a near impossible task but I will attempt it. Rich, symphonic, complex chords at times reminiscent of Gil Evans, occasionally Bernstein (with whom he once collaborated) yet highly individual with a style of its own. A masterly use of brass born of Kenton years. Some beautiful melodies, shifting moods, variation of rhythm and sparkling jazz fugues. There are unexpected crescendos and silences, no two pieces are even similar and within the music swinging passages contrast with weighty, strident sections. There are moves in the direction of classical music. He occasionally wrote in the genre so that repeated listening to his music repays. Yet there is never a doubt that this is jazz and the blues pervades.

It\'s all here.

The lyrical beauty of THISBE and PORTRAIT OF A COUNT.
The classical nuances of DUSK and EGDON HEATH
Sophisticated swingers in BILLS BLUES and FRANK SPEAKING
A thrilling jazz fugue in SWEETS
Deep blues brass on ENNUI
And for extra measure, pure Kenton in 23 NORTH 82 WEST.

If you buy it, love it and want more my recommendations are - the stunning STONEHENGE (1965) with the London Jazz Orchestra - unforgivably only on CD import, I believe - also THREE PIECES FOR BLUES BAND AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (1968) - Ozawa and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra with the Siegel/Schwall Band.

For Kenton addicts and those who, like me, have equal enthusiasm for jazz and classical music this is a must. For the jazz lover with an open mind it will excite. It\'s an album of great interest and virtuoso musicianship.

KENNY BAKER - BLOWING UP A STORM

I don\'t think there was ever a musician whose playing so perfectly mirrored his personality. I was lucky enough to meet Kenny Baker once. Advancing years had dimmed neither his enthusiasm and energy nor his humour and wit. And he was still playing. Here on this 1959 recording a much younger Kenny gathers a sixteen piece dozen (!) - so - almost a big band. Featured are - Mike Senn, Don Rendell, Art Ellefson, Johnny Scott, Ronnie Ross, Kenny Baker, Albert Hall, Stan Reynolds, Ron Simmonds, Eddie Harvey, Ken Wray, Ray Premru, Bill Le Sage, Norman Stenfalt, Jack Seymour and Jackie Dougan.

The music could not be more straightforward - a hot set, crisply played by excellent musicians which has the flavour of a jam, shared with friends. There are Baker penned original compositions - and one by Andre Previn - no standards (bar MORE THAN YOU KNOW) and nothing to strain the brain - cool, clean late-fifties fare - just really enjoyable jazz. There is little of Kenny\'s hot, Dixie flavour, except on SUNRISE SERENADE - his showcase. Elsewhere he takes a modest back seat allowing spots for all - some beautiful flute from Johnny Scott (a personal favourite) - excellent soloing from everyone.

The CD is stunningly remastered by Mike Dutton\'s acclaimed (and in my view unsurpassed) Vocalion team with original liner notes and graphics. This is an issue of outlandish diversity which both fires the imagination and soothes the mind. I love it.