Westbrook, Mike: Marching Song Vol. 1 (with Concert Band) LP

London’s experimental jazz scene was given an unexpected shot in the arm in the mid-1960s, when the famed jazz club established at Soho’s Gerrard Street by esteemed trumpeter Ronnie Scott was served with an 18-month notice; before moving to its present location on Frith Street, Scott allowed the unfettered expressions of free jazz to be let loose, transforming the club’s regular playlists. Inspired by the excesses of the Brotherhood of Breath, the free-jazz big-band ensemble led by South African pianist, Chris McGregor, British jazz pianist Mike Westbrook began leading a big-band of his own, their Monday night jam sessions leading to a range of material, issued on a series of sublime LPs by Decca sub-label, Deram Records. The two-volume antiwar epic, Marching Song, was released at the height of the Vietnam War in 1969; along with Westbrook’s and subtle arrangements, featured musicians include trombonist Paul Rutherford, saxophonist Mike Osborne, South African bassist Harry Miller, plus guitarist Chris Spedding, who would shortly work with Jack Bruce, Pete Brown and a host of others, and enjoy a long and distinguished solo career. Vol 1’s six lengthy instrumentals include raucous opener, “Hooray!” and the contemplative “Landscape,” plus the incredible drama of the title track.