The legendary London-based Decca Records continues their superb British Jazz Explosion Series, with two massive additions in trumpeter Harry Beckett‘s 1970 heavy-hitting classic Flare-Up and the groundbreaking large ensemble masterpiece Tales Of The Algonquin led by John Surman and John Warren.

A highly sought-after and pricey find, Beckett’s 9-track recording blurs the line between post-bop energy and jazz fusion grooves, while featuring the jazz-funk gem “Third Road” and standout cuts “Flare-Up”, “Go West,” “Rolli’s Tune” and more. This incredible album, also includes some the best British jazz musicians of this era, including saxophonists Mike Osborne, John Surman, Alan Skidmore, pianist John Taylor, bassist Chris Lawrence, drummer John Webb, and vibraphonist/conga player Frank Ricotti. This marks the first time this record has been reissued on vinyl.

Recently included on Jazzwise Magazine’s “The 100 Jazz Albums That Shook The World,” Tales Of The Algonquin is a remarkable 16-musician 47-minute session that takes listeners on an adventurous journey featuring souring solos, driving percussion rhythms, and a blend of spiritual and post-bop grooves. On a few of the tracks, there is also some hints of Sun Ra Arkestra-like cosmic tension.

Both records are well-crafted on strong card stock and include in-depth liner notes by Tony Higgins, who compiled the outstanding 2020 compilation Journeys In Modern Jazz: Britain 1965-1972, and BBE’s breakthrough J Jazz Series.

It’s great to see these two essential pillars of British jazz history receive an official and very-welcomed reissue.

Harry Beckett — ‘Flare Up’
(Originally released: 1970 / Philips)
(Reissue: 2023 / Decca Records)

1. Third Road
2. Flow Stream Flow
3. The Other Side
4. Rolli’s Tune
5. Fools Play”
6. Flare-Up
7. Go West
8. Where Fortune Smiles
9. Scarlet Mine

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John Surman / John Warren – ‘Tales Of The Algonquin’
(Originally Released: 1971 / Deram)
(Reissued: 2023 / Decca Records)

1. With Terry’s Help
2. The Dandelion
3. We’ll Make It
4. Picture Tree
5. Tales Of The Algonquin
6. I The Purple Swan
7. II Shingebis And The North Wind
8. III The Adventures Of Manabush
9. IV The White Water Lily
10. V Wihio The Wanderer

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• Jazz
• Jazz Funk
• Reissue