SPLINTERS - Split The Difference

Splinters is remembered, indeed lionized by knowing UK jazz fans, as the monumental musical meeting of tenor giant Tubby Hayes, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, saxophonist Trevor Watts, pianist Stan Tracey, bassist Jeff Clyne, and legendary drummers John Stevens and Phil Seamen. Split The Difference is the rare recording Trevor Watts made of the groups first public appearance, at Londons 100 Club on May 22nd, 1972. Two extended sets of continuous collective improvisation comprise this full-length CD release; the first opportunity to experience this leaderless ensemble of British jazz greats with their special musical personalities summoned to create group music with robust, telepathic energy, as informed by the great history of modern jazz. Their cauldron of emotionally-extroverted playing, as it boils over a torrent of exuberant double drumming from John Stevens and Phil Seamen, is a sheer wonder for the ear to behold. Moreover, such exhilaration is preserved in a dynamic recording that allows the listener to bear witness to this once-in-a-lifetime event. Reel Recordings remastering care was guided by the sonic requirements for the music itself, which was captured as an analog tape recording. Including personal reflections from Trevor Watts, and 100 Club concert photographs by Jak Kilby, Split The Difference guarantees an experience to be filed under: essential. - Reel Recordings.