Description
Neil Ardley, a towering figure in UK jazz, took the reins of the groundbreaking New Jazz Orchestra (NJO) in 1964, steering it through an era of stylistic evolution and personnel changes. Under Ardley’s visionary leadership, the NJO became a fertile ground for the UK’s 1970s jazz renaissance, attracting top-tier musicians like trombonist Mike Gibbs, trumpeters Harry Beckett and Henry Lowther, and even bassist Jack Bruce. Many of these artists not only performed but also contributed original compositions, laying the foundation for a vibrant jazz scene.
Although the NJO disbanded by 1972, its influence persisted through the works of its alumni. Ardley’s “A Symphony of Amaranths” stands as a testament to the creative energy brewing within the UK jazz scene. This ambitious piece was Ardley’s homage to his musical heroes, Duke Ellington and Gil Evans, and showcased the talents of renowned musicians such as Don Rendell, Stan Tracey, Henry Lowther, Harry Beckett, Jeff Clyne, and Jon Hiseman.
Side B of the album takes a literary turn, with Ardley setting the words of Edward Lear, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Lewis Carroll to music. Highlights include Ivor Cutler’s whimsical narration of “The Dong with a Luminous Nose” and Norma Winstone’s captivating vocals on “Will You Walk a Little Faster?” The album’s lush arrangements are brought to life by a stellar ensemble featuring Neil Ardley (piano, arrangements), Jack Rothstein (conductor), Harry Beckett, Henry Lowther, Derek Watkins, and Nigel Carter (trumpets, flugelhorns), Derek Wadsworth and Ray Premru (trombones), Dick Hart (tuba), Bunny Gould (bassoon), John Clementson (oboe), Barbara Thompson, Dave Gelly, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Don Rendell (saxes), Stan Tracey (piano, celeste), Karl Jenkins (electric piano), Frank Ricotti (vibraphone), Chris Laurence, Jeff Clyne (bass), Jon Hiseman (drums), Erich Gruenberg, Jack Rothstein, Kelly Isaacs (violins), Ken Essex (viola), Charles Tunnell, Francis Gabarro (cellos), Dave Gelly (glockenspiel), David Snell, Sidonie Goossens (harp), Alan Branscombe (harpsichord), and Norma Winstone (vocals).
**Tracklist:**
*Side One:*
1. A Symphony of Amaranths
– Carillon 5:50
– Nocturne 7:19
– Entracte 6:06
– Impromptu 5:41
*Side Two:*
1. The Dong with a Luminous Nose (Words: Edward Lear)
2. Three Poems
– After Long Silence (Words: W.B. Yeats) 4:08
– She Weeps Over Rahoon (Words: James Joyce) 3:21
– Will You Walk a Little Faster? (Words: Lewis Carroll) 3:44
3. Outro 1:38 *[Bonus Track not on the original LP]
Every note on this album was composed and arranged by Neil Ardley, making “A Symphony of Amaranths” a quintessential piece for any jazz aficionado looking to explore the roots of the UK’s jazz explosion in the 1970s.
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