John Stevens discography part 4: 1985 to 1994

Gigs: John Stevens at The Plough, 26/1/85; S.M.E. at St Matthews Meeting Place, 1/3/85; Howard Riley Trio – Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d) + Annie Whitehead Group – Annie Whitehead (tb), Dave Defries (tp), Dawson?, Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d) at the M&M Club, 1/3/85 [same date as previous? one must be erroneous] – a poor quality cassette recording exists of this date; possibly with Jon Corbett’s Trio/Affinty Orchestra at Seven Dials Jazz Club, 2/5/85; Howard Riley Project – Riley/Evan Parker/Barry Guy/John Stevens/Jeff Clyne/Tony Levin – at Donmar Warehouse, London, Sun 24/11/85. ‘Search and Reflect’, John’s tuition and method book for improvisors and percussionists is published by BP Community Music, London, 1985, 112p. Reviewed in Brit. J. Mus. Ed. vol 4, no. 3 (1987) p305-306, & by Barry McRae in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 40 (5/87) p17. It is later adopted as a standard text by the Open University.

A Drum Trio – Camden Jazz Festival, 1985

Clifford Jarvis (d), Charlie Watts (d), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Camden Jazz Festival, London, March 23rd, 1985

Where or when approx. 45 mins?

Only a very poor quality cassette recording is presently known to exist. Concert reviewed in Wire 5/85 p11; mentioned by Watts in Wire 1/86 p19

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Steve Lacy/Misha Mengelberg/Johnny Dyani/John Stevens – live in Norway

Steve Lacy (ss), Misha Mengelberg (p), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, early May 1985.

Let’s cool one (Monk) 6’52

Wickets (Lacy) 7’23

Rollo II (Mengelberg) 8’10

Reflections (Monk) 9’55

Rhythm-a-ning (Monk) 7’15

Dig. dub from mediocre cass. copy: NSA C577/166.

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Detail – live in Norway

Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Johnny Dyani (b/voc), John Stevens (d), Suzanne (voc). Rec. live at Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, May 6th & 7th, 1985.

unknown title(s)

This group is also believed to have made a studio recording in Norway this week.

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John Surman/Johnny Dyani/John Stevens – live in Norway

John Surman (bars/ss), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, May 8th, 1985

untitled imp. [break due to tape change]

Good quality metal cassette recording from soundboard but break due to tape change.

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Freebop – live at the M&M Club

Ted Emmett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Eddie Parker (fl), Dave Marchant (g), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the M&M Club, London, September 6th, 1985.

Bright blue (Stevens)

Light music (Stevens)

Harmo’nica (Stevens)

E.D. (Stevens)

A surviving cassette copy commences with fair balance and sound but is ruined by a tape transport problem from the first track onwards. However, the master from which this was copied may be unaffected.

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Freebop – live at the Jericho Tavern

Annie Whitehead (tb), Eddie Parker (fl), Dave Marchant (g), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon at the Jericho Tavern, Oxford, 13^th September 1985.

Bright blue (Stevens)

Float indigo (Stevens)

Blue line (Stevens)

other titles unchecked

M. Gerzon’s Dolby B cassette master held at NSA (presently unaccessioned).

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Freebop – live at the M&M Club

Harry Beckett, Ted Emmett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Eddie Parker (fl), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, London, ca. late 1985

Bright blue (Stevens)

Light music (Stevens)

If you knew (Stevens)

Harmo’nica (Stevens)

Cassette copy survives.

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Freebop – ‘Part and Parcel’ (unissued lp)

Personnel uncertain: Annie Whitehead (tb), unidentified (ts/ss), Eddie Parker (fl), poss. Dave Marchant (g), unidentified (elp), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. [studio], ca. 1985/1986

Bright blue (Stevens) 0’47

unknown title 3’25

unknown title 2’05 [fl/elg/horns only]

unknown title 4’28

unknown title 7’29

unknown title 12’08

Humble, Seamen, Hayes (Stevens) 4’13 + 0’27 coda

Bright blue (Stevens) 5’16

Cass. copy master + cass. copy of monitor mixes. This was a tape in John’s possession and appeared to have been considered for publication at some point with the above noted title.

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Charlie Watts Orchestra – Fulham rehearsal & concert

Personnel similar or same as Fulham Town Hall Concert of March 23rd, 1986. Rec. & filmed live by The Mobile Studio, December 9th, 1985.

programme of swing & bebop standards

Gigs: Charlie Watts Orchestra played the following dates on its 1986 tour, many may have been recorded from the audience: Fulham Town Hall, 23rd March; Albany Empire, Deptford, April 1986; Ronnie Scott’s Club, London, April 20-25^th 1986; Richmond Theatre, London, July 19^th 1986; Jazz Festival, Philharmonie, Berlin, Oct 31^st; Music Hall, Hartford, USA, Nov 29^th; Pulsations, Philadelphia, Dec 1^st; Ritz, New York, Dec 2nd-4^th; Channel Club, Boston, Dec 5^th; Massey Hall, Toronto, Dec 6^th-7^th.

John Stevens’ Freebop – ‘Jazz Today’ broadcast

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Ted Emmett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Courtney Pine (ts/ss), Iain Ballamy (as/ts/ss), Eddie Parker (fl), Nigel Moyse (g), Dave Marchant (g), Nick Stephens (b), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Maida Vale studio, London, Mon January 13th, 1986; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz Today’, February 18th, 1986.

Nuts (Stevens) 1’06

If you knew (Stevens) [soloists AW & HB] 5’00

ED (Stevens) [soloist EP] 4’43

Float indigo (Stevens) [soloist CP] 4’20

Harmo’nica (Stevens) [soloists TE & IB] 6’36

Bright blue (Stevens) 2’22

Just for joy (Stevens) [soloist EP] 2’52

NSA Beta dig. st. offair rec: B630.

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Detail – ‘Ness’ (part)

Frode Gjerstad (ts), Johnny Dyani (b/stones), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Henie–Onstad Art Center, Oslo, Norway, March 2nd, 1986.

Ness (Stevens/Gjerstad/Dyani) – Part 1 27’18 Impetus IMP 28509 (lp)

– Part 2 24’07 –

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Charlie Watts Orchestra – ‘Live at Fulham Town Hall’

Colin Smith (tp), John Huckeridge (tp), Steve Sidwell (tp), Harry Beckett (tp), Ted Emmett (tp), Jimmy Deuchar (tp), Dave Defries (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Annie Whitehead (tb), Chris Pyne (tb), John Picard (tb), Evan Parker (ts), Don Weller (ts), Alan Skidmore (ts), Bobby Wellins (ts), Danny Moss (ts), Courtney Pine (ts), Peter King (as), Ray Warleigh (as), Willie Garnett (as), Gail Thompson (bars), Olaf Vass (cl/fl), Stan Tracey (p), Jack Bruce (clo), Ron Mathewson (b), Dave Green (b), Jim Lawless (vib), Bill Le Sage (vib), Charlie Watts (d), John Stevens (d), Bill Eyden (perc). Rec. live at Fulham Town Hall, London, March 23rd, 1986; 10 titles (incl. unissued) tr: BBC 2 television, January 3rd, 1987.

Stomping at the Savoy (Sampson/Goodman/Webb) 4’47 CBS 450253 (UK), Columbia FC 40570 (USA)

Lester leaps in (Lester Young) 11’33 –

Moonglow (Hudson/Lange/Mills) 6’17 –

Robbin’s nest (Thompson/Jacquet) 10’11 –

Scrapple from the Apple (Parker) 3’42 –

Flying home (Goodman/Hampton) 7’48 –

other unknown titles unissued

Sony (USA) and Sony (Japan) CD issues also released. Offair recording of TV show: NSA C236/700

Gigs: Detail’s first public performance with B. Bradford took place in London on June 30th, 1988 (i.e. day before following recording)

Detail Plus – ‘Ness’ (part)

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (ts), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. Mannod Studio, London, Tues July 1st, 1986.

Post rambling (Stevens/Bradford/Gjerstad/Dyani) 8’53 Impetus IMP 28509 (lp)

Preambling (Stevens/Bradford/Gjerstad/Dyani) 6’05 –

add Harry Beckett (tp), Courtney Pine (ts/fl/bcl)

ED (Stevens) 15’31 –

Harmo’nica [for Thelonious Monk] (Stevens) 15’10 –

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Detail Plus – ‘Way It Goes/Dance Of The Soul’

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (ts), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Roger Chatterton, Kite Studios, Cambridge, Wed July 2nd, 1986.

Way it goes/Dance of the soul – Part 1 Impetus IMP 18611 (lp)

Way it goes/Dance of the soul – Part 2 –

2 x 15ips st. session masters: NSA C577/92 (dur: 44’27) + C577/93 (dur: 8’00). These recordings were made on Ampex 407 tape suffering ‘sticky binder syndrome’. NSA preservation copies: C577/92–93 safety . Cover features John’s drawing ‘Way It Goes’.

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Charlie Watts Orchestra – live at Bracknell Jazz Festival

Dave De Fries, Ted Emmett, Bobby Bradford, John Huckeridge, Jimmy Deuchar, Steve Sidwell, Harry Beckett (tp), John Picard, Annie Whitehead, Chris Pyne, Mike Ohogh, Paul Rutherford (tb), Peter King, Ray Warleigh, Willie Garnett (as), Stan Sulzmann, Evan Parker, Bobby Wellins, Danny Moss, Courtney Pine (ts), Gail Thompson (bars), Stan Tracey (p), Bill le Sage p/vib), Jim Lawless (vln), Jack Bruce (clo), Ron Mathewson, Lennie Bush (b), Charlie Watts, Bill Eyden, John Stevens (d), Gail Dorsey (voc - 1), Alan Cohen (arr/cond). Rec. live, Bracknell Jazz Festival, July 4th, 1986.

Midnight sun

Stompin’ at the savoy

Spring can really hang you up the most - 1

Lester leaps in

See you, see me

Flamingo

Flying home

Sound quality mediocre but may also have been recorded from soundboard?

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Freebop – ‘Live Tracks’

Bobby Bradford (cor), Ted Emmett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Pete King (as), Evan Parker (ts), Courtney Pine (ss/ts), Eddie Parker (fl), Nigel Moyse (g), Dave Marchant (g), Nick Stephens (b), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, live at Bracknell Jazz Festival, Sat July 5th, 1986; tr: BBC R3, ‘The Bracknell Jazz Festival’, 31^st January 1987 (except E.D.)

Float indigo (for Ornette Coleman and Paul Bley) (Stevens) Impetus IMP 18610 (lp)

Just for joy (Stevens) unissued

Harmo’nica (for Thelonious Monk) (Stevens) Impetus IMP 18610 (lp)

Nuts (for Kenny Clarke) (Stevens) –

E.D. (for Eric Dolphy) (Stevens) unissued

other unknown title(s) –

NSA offair recs: C236/716, B2256/2. Only the first four titles were broadcast owing to problems with the recording of remainder. Album reviewed in Cadence vol. 16 (2/90) p90.

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Detail – ‘In Time Was’

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (ts), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Bracknell Jazz Festival, Sun July 6th, 1986.

In time was – Part I 12’53 Circulasione Totale CD 860607 (cd)

– Part II 26’35 –

– Part III 8’07 –

Stereo copy masters: NSA C385/151–152 + beta dig. dup: C385/66.

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Dudu Pukwana/John Stevens – ‘Radebe – They Shoot To Kill’

Dudu Pukwana (as/ss/p/voc), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. by Chaz Rowden at The Glass Trap, Southall, Middlesex, January 14th, 1987.

Mbizo Radebe (They shoot to kill) – Part 1 (Stevens) Afffinity AFF 179 (lp), CDAFF 775 (cd)

– Part 2 (Stevens) – –

Album dedicated to the memory of Johnny Mbizo Dyani. Notes by Jak Kilby. There is some unreleased music from this date. Album reviewed in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 40 (12/87) p38, & in Cadence vol. 13 (10/87) p90.

Gigs: The Charlie Watts Orchestra toured again in 1987 and, as before, many may have been recorded from the audience or soundboard: Playboy Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, 13^th June; The Galleria, San Francisco, 15^th June; unknown venue in Philadelphia, mid-June; The Bayou, Washington, 21^st June; Avery Fisher Hall, New York, 23^rd June; Bluesin’ ’87 festival, Piazza del Duomo, Pistoia, Italy, 4^th July.

Charlie Watts Orchestra – live at the Bayou

Probable personnel: Jimmy Deuchar, Colin Smith, Ted Emmett, Steve Sidwell, John Huckridge, Dave Defries (tp), Chris Pyne, John Picard, Mike Hough and Annie Whitehead (tb), Olaf Vass (cl), Peter King, Ray Warleigh, Evan Parker, Danny Moss, Alan Skidmore, Don Weller, Jan Battermy, Gail Thompson, Bobby Wellins (saxes), Jim Lawless (vib), Mike Pyne (p), Mario Castronari, Lennie Bush (b), Charlie Watts, Bill Eyden, John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Bayou, Washington DC, USA, 21 June 1987.

unknown titles

Sound quality unknown. There are probably recordings from most of the band’s concerts on this US tour.

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Bill Skeet–Ron Humphries Quintet – Ealing Jazz Festival, 1987

Ron Humphries (tp/fh), Bill Skeet (ts), Brian Lemon (p), Roy Babbington (b), John Stevens (d). Live at the Ealing Jazz Festival, ca. August 1987.

unknown titles

No tape copy found. May not have been recorded.

Teaching:

John holds his Search & Reflect workshop at Waltham Forest summer school, 15–16/8/87, and at Community Music (Hoxton Square), 1–4/9/87.

Circulasione Totale Orchestra – ‘Accent – Jazz Out Of Norway’

Didrik Ingvaldsen (tp), Bjørn Ole Solberg (as), Frode Gjerstad (ts), Eivin One Pedersen (p/acc), Morten Molster (g), Oystein Eldoy (b), Kjell Arne Jensen (b), Audun Kleive (d), John Stevens (d), Hans Chr. Hansen (perc). Rec. by Kjell Arne Jensen & Ola Selvaer at Staccato Studios, Stavanger, Norway, October 6-8th, 1987.

New keys 3’56 Odin (Norway) NJ 4025-2 (cd)

Happy house 3’05 –

J7 6’04 –

Duo (Pedersen/Stevens only) 3’54 –

BKB 5’29 –

Cherry’s cherry 6’26 –

Trio (Hansen/Kleive/Stevens only) 2’21 –

Poem for Albert (all except Jensen & Hansen) 9’17 –

O.C. on TV 5’55 –

Quartet (Ingvaldsen/Solberg/Gjerstad/Stevens) 1’45 –

Insert notes by Frode Gjerstad. Cover art by John.

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Ray Warleigh – ‘Easy Living’

Ray Warleigh (as), Dave Cliff (elp/g*), Mario Castronari (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Michael Turtle, Westar studio, London, ca. mid–1980s.

You’d be so nice to come home to (rejected tks 1–4) unissued

You’d be so nice to come home to 5’21 –

You do something to me* 5’23 –

Bye bye blackbird 6’25 –

I love you (rejected takes 1–2) –

I love you 5’55 –

Easy living 9’23 –

I should care 8’12 –

The masquerade is over 6’29 –

15ips st. prod. masters: NSA C577/94–95 + outtakes: C577/96–97. Other reels of outtakes from this session are also known to exist.

Gigs: In addition to the Fast Colour concerts documented on recordings listed below, the group also played the following gigs during this period: Falmbard’s, Cambridge (6/11/87); Canal Club, London (25/6/88); Spring Street Theatre, Hull (30/10/88); The Sun (Bedford public house), London, (11/88). Between 18–22/7/88 John also held a series of ‘Search and Reflect’ Community Music workshops at Interchange Studios, Kentish Town.

Fast Colour – live at The Band On The Wall

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss/whistles), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Dudu Pukwana, Band On The Wall (club), Manchester, January 28th, 1988.

(1st set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 1 (Stevens) 46’01

(2nd set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 2 (Stevens) 39’10

Dig. dub from fair cass. copy: NSA C577/167 (ii)

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Fast Colour – live at the 100 Club

Personnel unconfirmed, prob. Harry Beckett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the 100 Club, London, April 7th, 1988?

unknown titles (prob. ‘Tribute to Johnny Dyani’)

Video footage shot for a projected but uncompleted film on Dudu Pukwana. Rough VHS copy known to survive.

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Fast Colour – live at the Mambo Inn

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Pinise Saul (voc). Rec. live by Dudu Pukwana, The Mambo Inn, Brighton, ca. 1988*

(1st set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 1 (Stevens) 45’15 [inc]

(2nd set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 2 (Stevens) 45’10 [inc]

*Poss. recorded during Brighton Jazz Festival in May 1988. Rough but listenable cassette copy survives (drums under–recorded)

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Fast Colour – live at the Plough

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Pinise Saul (voc). Rec. live by Dudu Pukwana, the Plough, Stockwell, prob. June 4th, 1988*.

(1st set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 1 (incl. ‘Now time’, ‘Way it goes’, ‘You’re life’) 37’55

(2nd set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 2 (incl. drum solo, ‘Way it goes’, ‘Now time’) 41’10

*The band certainly played here on this date. The sound quality of a cass. recording I heard was very poor but some video footage may also exist from this date, possibly with superior audio.

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Fast Colour – live in Antwerp

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as), Evan Parker (ts/ss), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Pinise Saul (voc). Rec. live in Antwerp, Belgium, August 5th, 1988.

Tribute to Johnny Dyani (Stevens) 50’45

Dig. dub from cass. copy: NSA C577/167 (i)

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Bill Skeet–Ron Humphries Quintet – Ealing Jazz Festival, 1988

Ron Humphries (tp/fh), Bill Skeet (ts), Brian Lemon (p), Roy Babbington (b), John Stevens (d). Live at Ealing Jazz Festival, London, ca. August 1988

unknown titles

No tape copy found . May not have been recorded.

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Detail – live at the Bass Clef

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live (by F. Gjerstad?), Bass Clef, London, September 1st, 1988.

unknown titles/imps.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Low Profile’ (cd - remainder)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon, Red Rose Club, London, Sun October 9th, 1988.

Kitless with elbow (group imp.) 15’24* Emanem 4031 (cd)

untitled imp. 12’10 unissued

untitled imp. 8’06 –

Dig. recording. 1st gen. cassette dub held. *First 4 mins. omitted from Emanem cd. As Martin Davidson explains in cd insert notes: “No title was given to the (issued) piece (minus its tentative start), but Stevens did announce immediately prior to the performance that (a) he had been advised not to perform as he needed to rest a troublesome elbow, and (b) that he had left his SME kit with someone who was not around to unlock it. He particularly wanted to perform - the occasion being a long benefit concert - so he decided to play the gig on mini-trumpet. Towards the end of Kitless with elbow he moved to someone else’s full-size drum kit.”

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Fast Colour – Norwich Jazz Festival

Annie Whitehead (tb), Ben Higham (tub), Evan Parker (saxes), Dudu Pukwana (saxes), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Pinise Saul (voc). Rec. live at Norwich Arts Centre, October 17th, 1988.

(1st set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 1 (Stevens) 38’47

(2nd set) Tribute to Johnny Dyani - Part 2 (Stevens) 38’50

Beta dig. ‘stereo–pair’ rec: NSA C577/161

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Fast Colour – live at the White Hart

Harry Beckett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d/voc). Rec. live, White Hart (public house), London, ca. late 1988.

Tribute to Johnny Dyani (Stevens)

Cass. copy. There is also believed to be a cassette recording of the group at the M&M Club, recording date and sound quality unknown.

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John Stevens & Derek Bailey - live at the Duke of Wellington

Derek Bailey (acg§/elgª), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon at the Duke of Wellington (public house), London N1, March 24th, 1989.

untitled imp.§ 21’41

untitled imp.ª 21’15

untitled imp.§ª 9’30

Good quality DAT audience recording in NSA collection C236/ (item presently unaccessioned).

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Detail – ‘Less More’ (part)

Frode Gjerstad (ts), Billy Bang (vln), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Per Ravnas, Stavanger, Norway, May 8th, 1989; tr: Norwegian Radio.

Bang roll (Gjerstad) 6’48 Circulasione Totale CT CD 909089 (cd)

Second piece (Gjerstad) 11’36 –

Stop start fade (Gjerstad) 10’31 –

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John Stevens Trio – live at Ealing Jazz Week, 1989

Simon Picard (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, August 1989

Steeple chase (Parker)

Mohawk (Parker)

Goodbye Porkpie Hat (Mingus)

Good bait (Dameron)

Bye bye blackbird (Dixon/Henderson)

unknown title

Easy to love (Porter)

My one and only love (Wood/Mellin)

Alfie’s theme (Rollins)/unknown title

unknown title (incomplete)

Cassette copy - good recording.

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PRS – live at the Greystoke

Simon Picard (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Greystoke (public house), Ealing, London, September 16th, 1989

There is no greater love (Jones/Symes)

Mohawk (Parker)

Solitude (Ellington)

Good bait (Dameron)

Bye bye blackbird (Dixon/Henderson)

The Duke (Brubeck)

A foggy day in London town (Gershwin)

My one and only love (Wood/Mellin)

Steeple chase (Parker)

unknown title (incomplete)

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PRS – live in Fulham

Simon Picard (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Fulham, London, ca. September/October 1989

Poor recording

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PRS + Evan Parker – live at the Duke of Wellington

Simon Picard (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/tp¹) + Evan Parker (ts)*. Rec. live by Andy Isham, Duke of Wellington, London, October 14th, 1989

unknown title

unknown title

Steeple chase (Parker)

group imp.¹*

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PRS – live

Simon Picard (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, unknown location, November 2nd, 1989

unknown titles

John was in possession of a DAT tape labelled with the above details; unfortunately it was found to be blank. Perhaps another copy exists?

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Evan Parker/Paul Rogers/John Stevens – live at the Grafton Arms

Evan Parker (ts/ss¹), John Stevens (d/cor²) + Paul Rogers (b)*. Rec. live by Michael Gerzon, Grafton Arms, London W1, November 7th, 1989

untitled imps.–-1/–2*¹²/–3*²

DAT recording, now held at NSA (presently unaccessioned)

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John Stevens/Paul Rogers/Mark Hewins – live at the Vortex

Mark Hewins (g), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, the Vortex, Stoke Newington, London, late May 1990.

unknown titles/imps.

Mediocre cassette recording.

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John Stevens Quintet – live at the Jazz Cafe

Annie Whitehead (tb), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Neil Metcalfe (fl), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Jazz Cafe, London, June 11th, 1990.

unknown titles

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John Stevens Quintet – live in Coventry

Annie Whitehead (tb), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Neil Metcalfe (fl), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Andy Isham, Tic-Toc Club, Coventry, June 22nd, 1990.

unknown titles

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Family Affair – ‘Identify’ single

Ed Jones (sax), unidentified (fl), Glen Nightingale (g), Spy Austin (bg), John Stevens (d), Ben Volpelière-Pierrot (voc), Louise Stevens (voc), Therese Wild (voc), J.C.001 (rap voc). Rec. studio, London, Tues July 10th, 1990.

Identify (Stevens) [7" mix] 4’30 Island (unissued)

[12" mix] 5’14 –

[Rap/Dub mixes etc] –

30ips multi–track master: NSA C577/98 + 15ips st. session masters: C577/159–160 (H7240). Compounding John’s reputation for unpredictability, this was a contemporary dance music single recorded by Island Records. Although the single was produced and mixed (in various styles) and test pressings/cassette promos were made, it eventually remained unreleased. The band performed live at Interchange Studios, London, on 18 December 1991 with above personnel plus Richie Stevens (d?), Spy Austin, Byron Wallen (tp), Mick Holmes, Tim Dibley, Ray Warleigh (as), Yvonne Webley, DJ Dezire (voc), JC001 (rap voc).

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John Stevens Quartet – live at the Hope Centre

Annie Whitehead (tb), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Bristol, ca. Summer 1990.

Dudu’s gone (Stevens)

unknown titles

Let’s cool one? (Monk)

Not always (Stevens)

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) (total dur: 104 mins)

Dig. dub from cassette master (soundboard recording): NSA C577/168.

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John Stevens/Stan Robinson Quartet – live at Ealing Jazz Festival, 1990

Stan Robinson (ts), Mike Pyne (p), Ian Scott-Taylor (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Ealing Jazz Festival, London, August 18th, 1990

unknown titles

Voyage (Barron?)

In your own sweet way (Brubeck)

Dudu’s gone (Stevens)

Hot house (incomplete)

Cassette copy survives.

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Fast Colour – live at the 100 Club

Neil Metcalfe (fl), Annie Whitehead (tb), Evan Parker (ts), Julian Argüelles (ts), Ray Warleigh (as), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon at the 100 Club, Oxford St., London, August 20th, 1990.

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 20’20”

Now time (Stevens) 8’00”

Concert begins with a verbal tribute to Dudu Pukwana by John Stevens: “an incredibly joyful, creative, inspiring human being”. This set was part of a Dudu Pukwana Memorial Concert featuring several bands. DAT audience recording: NSA C236/188

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Didrik Ingvaldsen/Bjørn Ole Solberg/Kent Carter/John Stevens

Didrik Ingvaldsen (tp), Bjørn Ole Solberg (as), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. at NRK Studio, Norway, Sat October 20th, 1990; possibly broadcast on Norwegian radio.

unknown titles

A cassette copy exists with at least part of this session, but hopefully the complete set was retained elsewhere.

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Detail – ‘Less More’ (part)

Frode Gjerstad (as), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Per Ravnas, Stavanger, Norway, Sun October 21st, 1990.

X–mas cards II & III 19’20 Circulasione Totale CT CD 909089 (cd)

unknown title unissued

unknown title –

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) –

*Edited for cd from a longer performance. Cover art by John. The ‘Less More’ CD also features a ts/b duo by Frode Gjerstad and Kent Carter (4’46), recorded January 26th, 1990.

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Detail – studio outtakes

Frode Gjerstad (ts), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. studio, ca. 1990 (prob. outtakes from one of the group’s published albums)

untitled imps. 5’31 [inc], 9’02, 2’22, 1’22, 1’33, 1’29, 0’37 unissued

15ips st. reel: NSA C577/99

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John Stevens Quartet – live at Drayton Court Hotel

Byron Wallen (tp), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Gary Crosby (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing, W. London, ca. spring 1991.

Dudu’s gone 4’43

unknown title 9’57

unknown title 10’00

unknown title 8’50

There is no greater love (fs) 0’28

There is no greater love 2’20

If you knew? 21’00

unknown title 16’23

unknown title [‘E.D.?’] 14’15

Dudu’s gone 11’40

Dig. dub from master: NSA C577/177. Poor recording balance (drums over–recorded/bass under–recorded).

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Detail – Norwegian television broadcast

Frode Gjerstad (as), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Filmed live at the Folken Studentersamfunnet, Stavanger, April 15th, 1991. Produced by HSR for NRK Rogaland (Norwegian television), tr: 1992.

untitled imps. & excerpts from interview with the group total dur: 30 mins

The film was shown on Norwegian television, ca. 1992 and at the Conway Hall memorial concert of Jan 1995.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble + Evan Parker – live at Highgate

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live by Richie Stevens, Highgate, London, June 5th, 1991.

untitled imp. 9’30

untitled imp. 13’50

add Evan Parker (ss)

untitled imp. 21’44

Dig. dub from DAT master: NSA C577/169. Evan Parker also performed solo (ss) 17’35 at this concert.

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Detail – live at Beck Theatre

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at Beck Theatre, London, June 23rd, 1991.

unknown titles

DAT stereo pair recording.

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Detail – live at the Albany

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at the Albany [Theatre?], London, June 1991.

unknown titles

DAT stereo pair recording.

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Detail – ‘In Order of Appearance’

Bobby Bradford (cor), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp*). Rec. Milo Recording studios, London, June 27th, 1991.

2–Free–1 (Stevens) 8’01 unissued

unknown title 7’45 –

Enter from the east 9’59 –

Kent.re.bass* 23’52 –

Play thing 8’08 –

add Frode Gjerstad (as)

Woman (Bradford)* 16’38 –

unknown title [‘Frode 1’]* 19’51 –

unknown title [‘Frode 2’] 16’08 –

Carter/Stevens out

unknown title 6’07 –

Digital dub from DAT & Beta masters: NSA C577/170–171. John’s kit and tp are off-mic during ‘Frode 1’ and at the start of ‘Frode 2’. John explained that this studio recording was undertaken at his own expense on the strength of a verbal promise by a record label which then reneged.

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Detail – live at Community Music House

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at Community Music House, London, June 28th, 1991.

unknown titles

DAT stereo pair recording.

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Detail – live at Drayton Court Hotel

Bobby Bradford (cor), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at the Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing, London, June 29th, 1991.

unknown titles

DAT stereo pair recording.

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John Stevens Quartet – live at Watermans Arts Centre

Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d), Claire Martin (voc). Rec. live at Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford, Middlesex, ca. 1991.

unknown title (no vocal) 7’26

I thought about you 5’13

Perdido 3’33

Everything happens to me 7’42

Love for sale 5’17

unknown title (Blues in F) 4’37

Body and soul (start clipped) 5’11

Night and day 6’53

unknown title (no vocal) 6’04

Love me or leave me 4’38

I can’t get started 6’32

I’ve got rhythm 3’33

Dig. dub from cass. rec: NSA C577/172

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John Stevens Quartet – Ealing Jazz Festival, 1991

Byron Wallen (tp/), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Gary Crosby (b), John Stevens (d). Live at the Ealing Jazz Festival, London, ca. August 1991.

unknown titles

Existence of this recording has not been confirmed.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble + guests – live at the Swan

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/voc); + John Rangecroft (cl)*, Neil Metcalfe (fl)*. Rec. live by Martin Davidson, the Swan, Hammersmith, August 20th, 1991.

untitled imps. 16’10, 14’22*, 7’08, 14’15*, 5’40*

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble + guests – live at the Swan

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/voc*/mini-tp**). Rec. live, The Swan (public house), Hammersmith, ca. mid–late 1991.

untitled imps. 13’48*, 15’56**

add John Rangecroft (ts/cl), Neil Metcalfe (fl)

untitled imps. 9’31, 20’47, 2’35

Dig. dub from DAT master: NSA C577/173 (some left ch. interference)

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Hot and Cold Heroes’ (remainder)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp*). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, the Music Box, Hammersmith, October 4th, 1991.

untitled imps: 13’29, 5’02 unissued

That’s it (imp.) 19’51* Emanem 4008 (cd)

Late night extra (imp) 2’05 (excerpt from 7’41) –

Dig. dub from DAT master (incl. unissued): NSA C577/174 (i)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp*). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, the Angel & Crown (public house), Islington, October 24th, 1991.

untitled imps: 7’00 [affected by hum], 5’55, 7’56 unissued

add John Rangecroft (cl), Neil Metcalfe (fl)

Five to one (imp.) 14’13 (ed. from 18’45*) Emanem 4008 (cd)

Dig. dub from DAT master (incl. unissued + a duo by John Rangecroft & Neil Metcalfe: 16’24): NSA C577/174 (ii)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live by Andy Isham at the ‘One For Terry Day’ benefit, Red Rose Club, London, December 1st, 1991.

One for Terry Day (imp.) 11’56 (ed. from 13’14) Emanem 4008 (cd)

add Phil Minton (voc), Maggie Nicols (voc)

untitled imp. 6’50 unissued

Notes by Martin Davidson. Album reviewed by David Ilic in The Wire #150 (8/96) p57; Cadence, Nov 1996, p88-89

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Larry Stabbins/Paul Rogers/John Stevens – ‘One For Terry Day’ benefit

Larry Stabbins (ts), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Paul Wilson, ‘One For Terry Day’ benefit, Red Rose Club, London, December 1st, 1991.

untitled imp.

DAT master: NSA C229/81 (T10761Y)

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble + Evan Parker – live at Jazz Rumours

Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Jazz Rumours, London, January 24th, 1992

untitled imps: 5’22, 4’47

Evan Parker (sax), John Stevens (d)

untitled imps. 10’22, 3’25

Evan Parker (sax), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d).

untitled imp. 13’31

Cassette recording. This concert also featured two Evan Parker solos (16’35 + 7’37) and a solo by Roger Smith (3’00).

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John Stevens/Derek Bailey – 1st LMC Festival of Experimental Music

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live by Paul Wilson, Conway Hall, London, Sun May 24th, 1992.

untitled imps: 13’50, 4’30, 4’05 (times approx)

DAT ‘stereo-pair’ recording: NSA C229/93 (H7224)

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John Stevens Quartet – BBC South & West radio broadcast

Byron Wallen (tp), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Ricardo dos Santos (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC South West & (separately) from soundboard, the Bell Inn? (public house), Bath, June 19th, 1992; selections tr: BBC Radio South West, ca. summer 1992?

1st set: Dudu’s gone (Stevens)

Softly as in a morning sunrise

other titles unconfirmed

2nd set: 2 Free 1 (Stevens) 13’12

Major O.P. (Stevens) 12’00

You’re life (Stevens) 14’50

If you knew/Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 8’32

Before playing Major O.P. John pays tribute to Oscar Pettiford, whom he describes as "one of the greatest musicians of the 20th Century". The BBC broadcast was apparently ruined by added reverb. The (independently made) soundboard recording is clean but the drums were evidently not mic’d and are barely audible.

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John Stevens/Derek Bailey – live

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live, unknown location/date.

untitled imps: 23’30, 26’36, 7’12

Cassette survives.

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John Stevens & Derek Bailey – ‘Gig’

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp*). Rec. live to Betacam video and DAT (by Paul Davies?), Jazz Rumours, Stoke Newington, London, August 1st, 1992.

presently untitled imps: 21’10, 13’56, 23’48, 13’34* Incus VD 04 (video)

The published video includes some pre-gig & post-gig footage of John & Derek setting up etc. The above noted durations are for audio on the DAT audio master and do not correspond with the published video. The video as recorded included several (arbitrary) edits and one or two additional cuts had to be made for the published version. NSA dub from DAT audio master: NSA C577/188.

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John Stevens Quartet – ‘New Cool’

Byron Wallen (tp/fh), Ed Jones (ts/ss), Gary Crosby (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Crawley Jazz Festival, August 5th, 1992.

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 12’20 unissued

Do be up (Stevens) 14’39 The Jazz Label TJL006 (cd)

You’re life (Stevens) 21’29 –

2 Free 1 (Stevens) 18’00 –

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 10’17 –

Insert notes by Steve Beresford? Dudu’s gone (for Dudu Pukwana) was the band’s signature tune, hence it was played twice. Dig. dub from unedited master (incl. unissued): NSA C577/178.

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John Stevens/Evan Parker – studio session

Evan Parker (ts/ss), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp*). Rec. by Richie Stevens at Watershed Studio, London, August 7th, 1992.

untitled imps: 17’08, 22’39, 5’56* (preceded by 12 mins of soundchecks & talk) unissued

Dig. dub from DAT session master: NSA C577/179

________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Quartet + Claire Martin – Ealing Jazz Festival, 1992

Byron Wallen (tp), Ed Jones (saxes), Gary Crosby (b), John Stevens (d), Claire Martin (voc). Rec. live at Ealing Jazz Festival, August 13th, 1992.

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 12’21

Do–be–up (Stevens) 14’37

Not always (Stevens) 10’10

Body and soul (Green/Heyman/Eyton/Sour) 8’05

Live life for love (Stevens) 13’35

If you knew (Stevens) 8’25

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) 5’10

Dig. dub from DAT master: NSA C577/180. Good quality soundboard recording but perspective flat. There is also a poor cassette recording (inaudible bass) of what appears to be an open rehearsal by this group, possibly in preparation for the above detailed concert.

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John Stevens/Derek Bailey – ‘Playing’

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. by Richie Stevens at Watershed Studio, London, August 14th, 1992.

Sometimes dust coup 7’06 Incus CD14 (cd)

After ending 1’51 –

Reflecters 5’25 –

Ping pong 5’25 –

D baby 2’50 –

Wallop 0’44 –

360 degrees 2’51 –

The instance 2’42 –

Playing 15’42 –

Insert features John’s drawing ‘UIIU’. The CD was accompanied by a promotional leaflet with notes by Steve Beresford. Reviewed by Robert L. Campbell in Cadence 10/93 p99, by David Toop in The Wire 8/93 p57, by Ben Watson in Hi-Fi News & Record Review 10/93 p109, by Barry McRae in JJI 1/94 p20.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – studio session

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. by Richie Stevens at Watershed Studio, London, August 18th, 1992.

Surfaces 32’56* Konnex KCD 5049 (cd)

untitled imp. 3’34 unissued

John Stevens (mini-tp), Roger Smith (g).

untitled imps. 4’29, 4’39 unissued

*edited to 23’10 for the Konnex CD issue. Although the session was digitally recorded, Surfaces (a bonus track in the CD issue of ‘4,4,4’) was inexplicaby mastered for KCD 5049 from a cassette copy. It was preceded on the session tape by three short soundcheck takes: 0’55, 0’35, 1’22.

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Marion Hammond Group — ‘Women With Voices’ (‘various artists’ anthology)

Marion Hammond (voc), Ian Smith (tp), Rick Bolton (g), Simon Thorpe (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. at Woodwarf Studios, London, September 3rd, 1992.

A lot to answer for 4’32 Slam SLAMCD 402 (cd)

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Frode Gjerstad/John Stevens/Derek Bailey – live in Trondheim

Frode Gjerstad (as), Derek Bailey (amplified g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at a festival in Trondheim, Norway, (Friday) October 1992.

untitled imps.

Frode Gjerstad mentions being given a tape of this concert in sleeve notes for the CD Hello, goodbye (below). He adds that he was personally dissatisfied with this performance and that John was unhappy because he had to play a rock drum set with a large bass drum.

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Frode Gjerstad/John Stevens/Derek Bailey – ‘Hello, Goodbye’

Frode Gjerstad (as), Derek Bailey (amplified g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live by Frode Gjerstad at Folken, Stavanger, Norway, (Sunday) October 1992.

Hello 2’58 Emanem 4065 (cd)

Three two three two one 21’34 _

Three by three 24’20 _

Two three two three 12’26 _

Penultimatum 5’33 _

Goodbye 6’04 _

Group improvisations. CD notes by Frode Gjerstad. John plays a ‘regular’ drum kit in place of the small SME kit which he usually used in performances with Derek Bailey. The trio also played a concert in Oslo on the Saturday of this weekend in Norway.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Miners Benefit

John Butcher (ts), Neil Metcalfe (fl), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at Miners Benefit, Red Rose Club, London, November 8th, 1992.

untitled imps. 18’58, 11’15

This was to be the first public performance by the penultimate S.M.E. line–up but Roger Smith was unable to perform due to illness. Cassette copy survives.

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John Stevens/Derek Bailey/Kent Carter – ‘One Time’

Derek Bailey (g), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live in Leicester, November 1992.

One Time 11’56 Incus CD 22 (cd)

U Kent & I 14’15 –

Without warning 14’43 –

untitled imp. 18’42 unissued

Along the coast 10’00 Incus CD 22 (cd)

Not a dry glass in the house 6’24 –

Cheers/tears 3’29* –

*edited from an imp. of 7’40 duration. Cass. master (incl. unissued): NSA C577/181 (H7306). CD review by Art Lange in Wire no. 142, 12/95 p58

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at Bird’s Nest Jazz Gallery

John Butcher (ts), Neil Metcalfe (fl), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. live at Bird’s Nest Jazz Gallery (Singapore Padang Restaurant, Notting Hill), London, November 20th, 1992.

untitled imp. 20’45 [incomplete]

The rec. suffers occasional microphone disturbance from 15’40–18’47. Cassette copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at Jazz Rumours

John Butcher (saxes), Neil Metcalfe (fl), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp?). Rec. live at Jazz Rumours, London, November 28th, 1992.

untitled imps.

Cassette copy survives.

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John Stevens Quartet – filmed live at Singapore Padang Restaurant

Byron Wallen (tp), Ed Jones (sax), Gary Crosby (b), John Stevens (d). Filmed at the Singapore Padang Restaurant, London, by Margaret Williams for MJW (production company), tr: Channel 4 television, December 4^th 1992. Not necessarily recorded in this order:

Dudu’s gone (Stevens ) - fs

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) – take 1

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) – take 2

Dudu’s gone (Stevens) – take 3

The girl from Ipanema (short version)

interview with John (approx. 15 mins)

Steve Beresford has VHS copy of all footage, including some mute close-up shots. Very brief clips (few seconds each) of ‘Dudu’s gone’ and ‘The girl from Ipanema’ featured in TV documentary ‘Quartet’, tr: Channel 4, 31/7/94 (NSA V3041).

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John Stevens interviewed by Victor Schonfield

The National Sound Archive commissioned and recorded this 11 hour interview for its Oral History of Jazz in Britain project. Recorded over three sessions (December 15th + 22nd + 29th, 1992) the interview, conducted by Victor Schonfield, ranges over John’s entire career to that date.

DAT recordings: NSA C229/158–160, C229/165–168. A partial transcript of the interview is also available for reference.

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Stevens/Parker/Wheeler/Gaines – live at Bird’s Nest Jazz Gallery

Kenny Wheeler (fh), Evan Parker (ts/ss), John Stevens (d). Audio (complete) & amateur video (part only) recorded live by Paul Wilson at the Bird’s Nest Jazz Gallery, Singapore Padang Restaurant, Notting Hill, Fri December 18th, 1992.

untitled imps. 20’27, 15’00

add Will Gaines (tap dancing)

untitled imp. 14’25

all out except Stevens/Gaines

untitled imp. 9’50

NSA audio master: C229/107 (H6063), VHS video master: C229/108. This date also featured various groupings from the above personnel without Stevens. The quartet and trio recordings suffer poor balance but the duos are better.

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John Stevens/Ed Jones/Dick Heckstall-Smith – live at the Jazz Café?

Dick Heckstall-Smith (saxes), Ed Jones (saxes), John Stevens (d/voice). Rec. live by Dick Heckstall-Smith, prob. at the (‘old’) Jazz Café, London, ca. late 1992?

unknown titles

Tape labelled "Stevens gig – 2nd set – Dick & Ed". Cassette – poor sound.

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Dick Heckstall-Smith/John Stevens – ‘Bird in Widnes’

Dick Heckstall-Smith (ts/ss*), John Stevens (d/mini-tp**). Rec. by Richie Stevens at Watershed Studio, London, January 7th, 1993.

In and out 4’29 Konnex KCD 5065 (cd)

Demon dreaming* 8’24 –

The dog watch 7’00 –

More of the same difference** 9’03 –

Bird in Widnes 16’45 –

Out and in 1’00 –

Dig. copy master: NSA C577/182. Cover drawing by John. Insert notes by Dick Heckstall-Smith and Richie Stevens. Initial titles for some of these pieces were: Calypso exercises, Souperkat, Knocternal insinuations, Bird in Widnes, Souperbat. Some of the issued titles are excerpts from longer improvisations.

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Phil Lee/Jeff Clyne/John Stevens – live at the Greystoke

Phil Lee (elg), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Richie Stevens, the Greystoke (public house), Ealing, London, early-mid 1993

standards incl. Alice in Wonderland (Fain/Hilliard) total duration approx. 80 mins.

There is a second cassette by the same trio (or with Ron Mathewson?) from around this same period.

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John Stevens + String Quartet – Soundings/Blessing Light live

Ray Warleigh (as), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d) + unidentified string quartet. Rec. live at a public house in Ealing, West London, ca. 1992/1993

The blessing light (Stevens)

add unidentified trumpet

unknown title (Stevens)

Poor recording. This was the first public performance of John’s composition The blessing light.. There also exists on cassette a recording of The blessing light by an unidentified string quartet at an unknown location (probably Community Music rehearsal).

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Impressions’ broadcast

John Butcher (saxes), Neil Metcalfe (fl), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/piccolo trumpet). Rec. BBC Radio studios, London, January 25th, 1993; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Impressions’, February 20th, 1993.

Peripheral vision (Stevens) – Part 1 0’44

– Part 2 1’12

– Part 3 1’00

Interplay – Part 1 13’26

– Part 2 6’32

– Part 3 8’25

– Post 0’56

NSA dig. offair rec: H1209. Post was actually the first piece recorded at the session and was probably initially envisaged as the first part of Peripheral vision. It was presented in the programme as a coda to Interplay. The programme also featured an interview with John about the S.M.E. by presenter Brian Morton. Neil Metcalfe left the SME in March 1993.

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Phil Lee/Ron Mathewson/John Stevens – live at the Greystoke

Phil Lee (g), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Greystoke (public house), London, February 27th, 1993.

Softly as in a morning sunrise

other standards

Cassette recording

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Company – Incus launch at the Tenor Clef

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp?). Rec. live, Incus Records launch, the Tenor Clef, London N1, March 2nd, 1993.

untitled imps.

Audience recording? This event also featured a duo set by Alex Ward (reeds) and Steve Noble (perc etc.) and may have featured other combinations of the four musicians. Steve Beresford believes John Butcher also played at this event.

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John Stevens Ensemble – ‘Blue’

Mike Pyne (p), Phil Lee (g), Ron Mathewson (b), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Paul Wilson & unidentified PA op. at Lilian Baylis Theatre, London Jazz Festival, Wed May 19th, 1993.

unknown title 6’10 unissued

add Byron Wallen (tp/pocket tp/fh/trompette), Paul Rutherford (tb/eup), Iain Ballamy (as/ss), Evan Parker (ts/ss), Ed Jones (ts/ss)

suite: Blue (Stevens) – Time to go That’s Jazz CP 2008 (cd)

– Gil and Evan –

– Time and place –

– Sixes and seven –

total duration of issued suite: 76’00*

NSA stereo–pair DAT master: C229/112-113 (unsync’d) + dig. safety copy of sync’d prod. master (incl. unissued track): C577/183 (playback H4464). *Suite as prepared for release by John Stevens was edited from two sets of concert: 44’10 + 38’40. Compositions transcribed for the concert by Steve Beresford. Insert notes by Barry McRae. There is also an undated cassette recording of John and unidentified musician(s) working out ideas for the suite Blue.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Detail + Pierre Dørge – live at the Maijazz Festival

Frode Gjerstad (as), Pierre Dørge (elg), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live by Norwegian state radio, the Maijazz Festival, Stavanger, Norway, June 2nd, 1993.

unknown title 22’28 unissued

unknown title 11’30 –

unknown title 32’20 –

DAT recording survives?

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John Stevens/Evan Parker – ‘Corner To Corner’

Evan Parker (ss), John Stevens (perc/mini-tp). Rec. by Kirsten Cowie at Angel Studio, Islington, London, June 8th, 1993*.

Corner to corner 15’01 Ogun OGCD 005 (cd)

Rubber 9’20 –

Angles 10’16 –

Incidence 3’47 –

Reflections 4’36 –

Acute 6’03 –

Each/Other 12’07 –

Group improvisations. Insert notes by Steve Beresford. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI 3/94 p34, by Scot Hacker in Cadence 8/94 p106. *Original date given for this session: August 6th, 1993

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Dick Heckstall-Smith/Jack Bruce/John Stevens – ‘This That’

Dick Heckstall-Smith (ts/ss), Glen Nightingale (g), Jack Bruce (bg/voc), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Richie Stevens at Milo Studios, London, June 13th, 1993.

Within (Stevens)* 9’08 Atonal ACD 3017 (cd)

Dick Heckstall-Smith (ts/ss), Jack Bruce (bg), John Stevens (d/tp)

soundchecks approx. 7 mins total unissued

untitled imp. 5’18 –

This piece 9’48 Atonal ACD 3017 (cd)

That piece 11’04 –

soundcheck/untitled imp. 3’25 unissued

Next piece 5’40 Atonal ACD 3017 (cd)

Other piece 13’34 –

Another piece 5’38 –

Following piece 7’58 –

soundchecks 4’49 unissued

Our peace 7’32 Atonal ACD 3017 (cd)

(above comps. Heckstall-Smith/Bruce/Stevens)

Dig. safety copy of CD prod. master: NSA C577/184 + unedited dub from DAT session master: C577/185. *An alternate vocal dub by Jack Bruce exists for “Within”, as well as the original instrumental track. CD cover art by John Stevens.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens/Derek Bailey – live at the Vortex

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live by Paul Wilson, Vortex Jazz Bar, Stoke Newington, London, Mon June 14th, 1993.

untitled imps. 27’55, 30’30

NSA dig. copy master: C229/114 (H2995). The duo played at the Vortex two or three times this week, including a performance for which they were augmented by tap dancer Will Gaines (not known to have been taped).

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S.E.Rogie/John Stevens/Glen Nightingale – home rehearsal

Sooliman Ernest Rogie (g/voc), John Stevens (d) + Glen Nightingale (g)*. Rec. by Steve Beresford at his home in Notting Hill, London, July 6th, 1993.

Morning, noon & night (Rogie)

Noorro janatee (Rogie)

Please open up your heart (Rogie)

unknown titles/imps*

This was a rehearsal for an album date which eventually never took place. The cassette master suffers occasional level distortion.

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Gary Smith/John Stevens – ‘Gary Smith · John Stevens’

Gary Smith (elg), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. RMS Studios, Crystal Palace, London, July 9th, 1993

7 improvistions (untitled) Ecstatic Peace! # 52/Soul Static Sound # 9 (cd)

Album reviewed by David Ilic in The Wire #150 (8/96) p57; by un-named reviewer in Cadence no. Dec 1996, p84-5

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John Stevens Quartet – live at Ealing Jazz Festival, 1993

Ray Warleigh (as/), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Ealing Jazz Festival, London, Sat August 14th, 1993.

I should care

It could happen to you

Red wind (Warleigh)

Ting-a-ling (Warleigh)

Bye bye blackbird

VHS dub from cass. copy of 30 mins only: NSA C577/192 (i). Synchronised DAT masters are also known to survive from this concert.

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John Stevens/Ed Jones/Wayne Batchelor – live at the Vortex

Ed Jones (ts/ss), Wayne Batchelor (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Vortex, Stoke Newington, London, Sun August 22nd, 1993.

unknown titles

This DAT recording suffers poor sound balance.

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John Stevens/Gareth Williams/Ron Mathewson/Will Gaines – at the Greystoke

Gareth Williams (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d), Will Gaines (d). Rec. live, the Greystoke (public house), Ealing, London, circa summer 1993.

Autumn leaves

other unknown titles

Cassette recording suffers from intrusive background noise

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Dick Heckstall-Smith/Jack Bruce/John Stevens – Outside In Festival

Dick Heckstall-Smith (ts/ss), Jack Bruce (bg/voc), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live by BBC Radio, Outside In Festival, Crawley, Sat September 4th, 1993; selections tr: Radio 3, ‘Impressions’, November 6th, 1993.

unknown titles/imps. incl. Sam’s sack

Dig. copy master with complete concert: NSA C229/128. Only part of the concert was broadcast. Some amateur video footage exists of approx. 40 mins of this concert.

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John Stevens – ‘A Celebration With Voices’

John Stevens Quartet (JSQ): Ray Warleigh (as/fl), Mike Pyne (p), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d); + string quartet: Rebecca Whalley (vln), Suzanna Allen (vln), Mandy Drummond (vla), Alison Tickell (clo); + Anita Wardell (voc), Marion Hammond (voc), Pete Smith (voc), J.C. 001 (rap) + Community Music choir. Rec. live by Paul Wilson at Community Music House, London, December 10th, 1993.

Sing* [choir] 7’12

Dudu’s gone [JSQ + voc] 8’18

Live life for love* [JSQ + voc] 7’45

You decide [fl + str.4] 4’12

The blessing light [as + str.4] 13’48

Take your time* [as + choir] 7’42

You’re life [clo + choir] 4’08

Beautiful [p + voc] 5’55

Passing By [b + voc] 1’58

Realization* [p + choir] 7’35

Now time [JSQ + choir] 5’44

(all compositions John Stevens)

NSA C229/124 (H6067). *These were provisional working titles only. There is also an undated cassette recording of John, Pete Smith (voc) and possibly others rehearsing material for this ‘Voice Project’.

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Chris Pyne benefit – 100 Club

Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at a benefit concert for Chris Pyne, 100 Club, London, Thurs January 6th, 1994.

My foolish heart (Young–Washington) 10’00 (approx.)

Alice in Wonderland (Fain–Hilliard) 4’30 (approx.)

add Norma Winstone (voc), Stan Sulzmann (ts)

Like someone in love (Burke–Van Heusen) 14’00 (approx.)

Body and soul (Green–Heyman–Eyton–Sour) 8’35 (approx.)

Winstone out

The man I love (G & I Gershwin) 6’55 (approx.)

This stereo–pair rec. was made on DAT but suffers from excess background noise and poor balance. DAT masters: NSA C229/125 + C229/127)

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘A New Distance’ (cd – part)

John Butcher (ts/ss), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/pocket tp). Rec. live by Ian Vickers, LMC benefit concert, Red Rose club, London, January 9th, 1994.

So this is official 3’54 (edited from 5’47*) Acta ACTA 8

untitled imp. 2’09 unissued

Tape delight 6’15 (edited from ca. 11’05) Acta ACTA 8

Uneasy options 9’59 (edited from 11’20) –

A certain elegance 4’45 –

Dig. dub from unedited DAT master incl. unissued: NSA C577/186. *This item affected by microphone disturbance at start. Insert notes by Steve Beresford. Cover features a self-portrait by John Stevens. Reviewed by Will Montgomery in The Wire 2/96 p54; by D. Lee in Coda Magazine, no. 268 (July-Au 1996), p18-20; Jazz Podium, May 1996, p86; Jazz Journal Int. March 1996, p43

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Anita Wardell and John Stevens – live duos

Anita Wardell (voc), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Paul Wilson at Community Music House, London, April 1994.

Relaxin’ at Camarillo 5’57

All of me 7’10

I’m forever blowing bubbles 3’35

If what I feel is love (Wardell) 4’15

Blue skies 4’33

Bye bye blackbird 5’10

Dig. copy master: NSA C577/189

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Frode Gjerstad & John Stevens – Sande duos

Frode Gjerstad (saxes), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Frode Gjerstad at his parents’ home, Sande, Norway, April 30th, 1994.

untitled imps.

Dig. dub from DAT session master: NSA C577/187

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Detail – ‘Last Detail – Live at Café Sting’

Frode Gjerstad (as), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live by Frode Gjerstad, Café Sting, Stavanger, Norway, May 2nd, 1994.

First Detail 17’22 Cadence Jazz (USA) CJR 1068 (cd)

Go on then 7’24 –

On his own* 3’44 –

Last Detail 23’05 –

All titles taken from longer imps. (tracks 1 & 2 from 26’45, track 3 from 13’00, track 4 from 33’00). *Stevens solo. An additional track on this CD, without Stevens (On their own - featuring Gjerstad/Carter duo at the Bla Bar) was recorded on May 27th, 1995. NSA has VHS dub from 8–track ADAT master: NSA C577/176. Cover art by John. Reviewed by E. Pouncey in Wire # 158 (4/97) p60.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘A New Distance’ (cd – remainder)

John Butcher (ts/ss), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/pocket tp). Rec. live by John Greenough and, separately, by BBC Radio, 3rd Annual LMC Festival of Experimental Music, Conway Hall, London, May 28th, 1994; part tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Music in our time’, Sun June 5th, 1994

Introduction (JS verbal announcement) 1’33 Acta ACTA 8

Stig (group imp.) 25’21 –

Dig. offair recording: H3427. The Radio 3 broadcast featured only 18’50 of the music and substituted the title ‘Gist’. It was dedicated by John to a drummer he met in The Gambia. Insert notes by Steve Beresford. Reviewed by Will Montgomery in The Wire 2/96 p54; by Barry McRae in JJI 3/96 p43; by D. Lee in Coda Magazine, no. 268 (July-Aug 1996), p18-20; Jazz Podium, May 1996, p86; Jazz Journal Int., March 1996, p43

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John Stevens & Friends – live at Hetley Road

Frode Gjerstad (as), Calum (bagpipes), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Anita Wardell (voc), Pete Smith (voc). Rec. live by PA op in the garden of sculptor Simon Cooley’s Hetley Road studio, London, June 17th, 1994.

Beggars can’t be choosers (Stevens)

Cassette recording survives

Gigs: John Stevens Trio (Anita Wardell, Ron Mathewson, JS) played Rochester Jazz Festival, 24/7/94. John played his final concert with the SME at the Priory Arms on 12 August 1994 but it was not recorded.

John Stevens interviewed by Gamall Awad

U.S.-based journalist Gamall Awad visited John in the summer of 1994 and recorded approx. 8 hours of interview with him over a period of several days. To date nothing has been published although it is hoped that some selected transcripts may become available in the near future.

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John Stevens Quartet – live at Ealing Jazz Festival 1994

Ray Warleigh (as), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live from soundboard, Ealing Jazz Festival, London, Friday August 19th, 1994.

Now’s the time (Parker) 13’40

It could happen to you (Van Heusen) 9’55

Willow weep for me (Ronell) /Lover man (Davis et al) 18’24

Love me or leave me (Donaldson) 10’00

VHS dub from cass. master: NSA C577/192 (ii)

John Stevens died on the morning of September 13th, 1994