John Stevens discography part 2: 1970 to 1974

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz Workshop’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, November 14th, 1969; tr: BBC Radio 1, ‘Jazz Workshop’, Sun January 11th, 1970.

Hope (Watts) 5’45

Expectancy (Stevens) 9’15

Tales of sadness (Watts) 13’05

Anxiety (Watts) 4’45

Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra* – ‘For You To Share’ (cd - part)

John Stevens (perc/voc), Trevor Watts (ss), plus unidentified group of workshop students playing saxophones, flute, guitar, double bass, percussion and voices. Rec. in a London studio, January 23rd, 1970.

Peace music (Stevens) 27’46 Emanem 4023 (cd)

7.5ips mono copy master: NSA C577/116. Peace Music is essentially the Sustained Piece from the suite For You To Share. Reviewed in Cadence, vol. 24 (Aug 1998), p28-30.

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra* – ‘For CND, For Peace, For You To Share’** (lp/cd - part)

Trevor Watts (as/ss), John Stevens (d), with a workshop group comprising unidentified young musicians "who had just joined in and who were interested" and audience members "who weren’t playing but just wanted to take part... singing and playing gongs". Rec. live by Bob Brown at the Crypt, Ladbroke Grove, London, May 20th, 1970.

For you to share (suite comp. Stevens) – Click piece 1’45 A Records A 01 (lp), Emanem 4023 (cd)

– Sustained piece 1 12’26 – –

– Sustained piece 2 12’20 – –

– If you want to see a vision 10’35 – –

Sustained piece 1 features Watts (ss)/Stevens (perc) duo.

Unidentified personnel including “what was then the nucleus of the large S.M.E." rec live by Bob Brown at an open–air concert in Euston Square, London. Although the album sleeve cites the date 9 May 1970 for this piece, the production master box indicates May 23rd, 1970.

Park piece (Stevens) 17’50 A Records A 01 (lp)

2 x 15ips mono A Records LP prod. masters: C577/56–57 (H5555). LP notes by Martin Davidson based on a 1973 interview with John Stevens include an account of the origins of the music in the composition Familie. Profits from the sale of the A Records LP (*originally released under the name Spontaneous Music Ensemble) were donated to CND. For the Emanem CD release (**re-titled ‘For You To Share’), Park piece was replaced by the studio recording Peace music from Jan 23rd, 1970. LP reviewed by S. Lake in M. Maker 26/10/74 p65; cd reviewed in Cadence, vol. 24 (Aug 1998), p28-30.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at Montreux Jazz Festival

Trevor Watts (ss/as*), John Stevens (perc). Rec. Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, June 21st, 1970.

untitled imps: 2’49, 12’30, 12’02, 21’25*, 8’25*, 10’33, 7’30

add unidentified ensemble of approx. 20 amateur musicians, same date?

For you to share (Stevens)

3.75ips quarter-track mono reel: C577/124. The first three items appear to have been recorded beside the outdoor swimming pool before a small and inattentive audience. The poor recording therefore suffers from intrusive ambient noise. The other items may have been recorded at a different performance at the festival, possibly indoors, although the recording quality is little better. For you to share was probably at least 30 mins in duration but only 4 mins survives on the NSA tape. A notice in MM 14/3/70 (‘Jazz News’) indicated John’s intention to take "as many of the 25–piece SME as possible".

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Ray Warleigh (as), other unidentified personnel + John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC Radio, Camden Theatre, London, November 2nd, 1970; tr: BBC Radio 2 (mono) & 3 (stereo) ‘Jazz Club’, Sun November 22nd, 1970.

Expectancy (Stevens) 5’00

Birth (Stevens) 4’35

Time goes on (Stevens) 3’10

Phil (Stevens) 13’20

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, Sun November 8th, 1970; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon December 28th, 1970.

Fulfilment (Watts ) 13’25

Tribute to Trane (Watts) 10’35

Thirteen (Watts) 2’00

Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (fh), Chris Pyne (tb), Ray Warleigh (as/fl), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Brian Smith (ts/ss), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live during a Music Now/Arts Council sponsored British tour, November 8th, 1970; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon December 7th, 1970.

The source – from and towards (suite, comp. Stevens)

– Part 1: Expectancy

– Part 2: Birth

– Part 3: Thanksgiving

– Part 4: Time goes on – Version A

– Version B

– Version C

– Part 5: You know

NSA 7.5ips mono offair rec: 1656W. Note that the date of this recording and the Amalgam session preceding it appear to be the same.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘The Source – From And Towards’ (lp)

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Bob Norden (tb), Chris Pyne (tb), Ray Warleigh (as/fl), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Brian Smith (ts/ss), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), Marcio Mattos (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. studio, London, November 18th, 1970.

The source – from and towards (suite, comp. )

– Part 1: Expectancy Tangent TNGS 107 (lp)

– Part 2: Birth –

– Part 3: Thanksgiving –

– Part 4: Time goes on – Version A –

– Version B –

– Version C –

– Part 5: You know –

(composed: John Stevens)

Time goes on was based on a poem by John’s wife Anne. LP reviewed by Jack Cooke in Jazz & Blues 07–08/71 p28 & Into Jazz 5/74 p25–26.

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Free Jazz Meeting – Baden–Baden 1970

The 1970 festival was again organised by Joachim E. Berendt and was held in the studios of German Radio/Television station SWF (Südwestfunk) Baden-Baden over six days in December 1970, selections broadcast on SWF Baden-Baden radio.

John Stevens & the Baden–Baden Free Jazz Orchestra: precise personnel uncertain but prob. incl. most of the following (not all instruments): Don Cherry (cor/fl/p/perc), Tomasz Stanko (tp/bells), Manfred Schoof (tp), Albert Mangelsdorff (tb), Paul Rutherford (tb), Steve Lacy (ss), John Tchicai (as/ss), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Peter Brötzmann (ts/bars/as), Willem Breuker (ts/bcl/cl/ss), Gunter Hampel (vib/bcl/fl), Joachim Kuhn (p), Johnny Dyani (b), Peter Warren (b), Dave Holland (b), Han Bennink (d/perc), Pierre Favre (d), John Stevens (d), Norma Winstone (voc), Karin Krog (voc). Rec. live by German Radio, Free Jazz Meeting, Baden–Baden, Germany, December 7th, 1970.

Let’s sing for him (March in memory of Albert Ayler) (Stevens) 5’35 7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/117 (NP10693Y)

The performance included an excerpt from the Ayler album ‘Ghosts’ and was arranged by John when news of his death was received at the Meeting.

John Stevens Group: small group including John Tchicai (as/ss/fl?), John Stevens (d). Rec. as above, ca. December 7-12th, 1970; tr: SWF Baden-Baden (German Radio)

Forget and be forgotten (Stevens)

leader/composer (if any) unknown: Steve Lacy (ss), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Derek Bailey (g), Dave Holland (b), John Stevens (d).

unknown title/imp.

leader/composer unknown: Manfred Schoof (tp), Albert Mangelsdorff (tb), Steve Lacy (ss), Trevor Watts (as), John Surman (bars), Joachim Kuhn (p), Barre Phillips (b), Stu Martin (d), John Stevens (d), Norma Winstone (voc). Rec. as above, ca. December 7-12th, 1970.

After the fight 15’50 7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/117 (NP10693Y)

Norma Winstone (voc), Karin Krog (voc), Dave Holland (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. ca. December 7-12th, 1970.

Woman’s liberation No. 1 6’32 (approx) (title sic according to tape inlay)

Woman’s liberation No. 2 6’35 (approx)

leader/composer unknown: Manfred Schoof (tp), John Tchicai (as), Willem Breuker (bcl), Gunter Hampel (vib/bcl), Peter Warren (b), Pierre Favre (d), John Stevens (d). Rec. as above, ca. December 7–12th, 1970.

Interactions 14’22 (approx)

Gunter Hampel and the Baden–Baden Free Jazz Orchestra: personnel unknown. Stevens’ participation in this piece has not been confirmed. Rec. as above, ca. December 7-12th, 1970.

Celebration music (Four movements) (Hampel)

The fourth movement was recorded two days before the other three.

Don Cherry and the Baden–Baden Free Jazz Orchestra: similar personnel to above, featuring Don Cherry (cor/cond.), Peter Brötzmann (ts), Han Bennink (perc), Norma Winstone (voc) & Krog (voc). Stevens’ participation in this piece has not been confirmed. Rec. as above, ca. December 7-12th, 1970.

The whole earth catalog (Cherry) – The individual

– The universal

– The eternal

Johnny Dyani and the Baden–Baden Free Jazz Orchestra: Don Cherry (cor/p), Manfred Schoof (tp), Steve Lacy (ss), John Tchicai (ss), Trevor Watts (ss), Willem Breuker (ss), Gunter Hampel (fl), Johnny Dyani (b), Peter Warren (b), Dave Holland (b), Pierre Favre (d), John Stevens (d), Tomasz Stanko (bells). Rec. as above, ca. December 11-12th, 1970.

The day the child cried (Dyani)

John Stevens was probably recorded playing with other combinations at the 1970 Baden–Baden meeting but details are presently unavailable.

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Ray Warleigh Quintet – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (tp &/or fh), Ray Warleigh (as), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, January 11th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 1 (mono) and Radio 3 (stereo), ‘Jazz Club’, January 31st, 1971.

Suspensions (M. Pyne) 10’20

Lover man (Davis/Ramirez) 11’35

Panic (M. Pyne) 5’32

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – "So, What Do You Think?" (lp)

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (ss), Derek Bailey (g), Dave Holland (b/clo), John Stevens (d). Rec. London, January 27th, 1971.

"So, what do you think?" – Parts 1 & 2 (Stevens) Tangent TGS 118 (lp)

Notes by Max Harrison. Reviewed by Brian Case in Into Jazz 5/7 p24.

A note in Trevor Watts’ diary indicates that the SME was in rehearsal at Tangent Studios (London) on March 24^th 1971. Notwithstanding Jak Kilby’s reports of an unissued session featuring Julie Tippetts on October 17^th 1969 (see above), Trevor believes this Tangent Studios session was her first date with the group and the first at which she was involved in free improvisation.

John Stevens – ‘Saturday scene’ interview

John was interviewed by Doug Crawford at the BBC’s Bush House, London, on April 1st, 1971. The five minute recording was used as an insert in a feature on the Spontaneous Music Ensemble in the BBC Radio series ‘Saturday scene’.

No known tape extant.

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (sax), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, April 5th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 2, ‘Jazz Club’, Sun May 2nd, 1971.

Rhythm is (Stevens) 9’10

Fulfilment (Watts) 2’30

It’s about time (Watts) 7’35

Rhythm is (Stevens) 1’00

Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Sounds of the Seventies’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss/voc?), Ron Herman (b/voc?), John Stevens (d/voc?), Julie Tippetts (voc/g). Rec. by BBC Radio, Camden Theatre, London, April 25th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 1, ‘Sounds of the Seventies’, May 14th, 1971.

Rhythm is (Stevens) 2’00

Nothing (Stevens) 2’35

Sustained piece (Stevens) 2’35

If you want to see a vision (Stevens) 3’40

Rhythm is (Stevens) 2’55

7.5ips st. copy from master (not offair): NSA C577/119. This session may not have been broadcast in its entirety.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (ss), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d/glock), Julie Tippetts (voc/g). Rec. by BBC Radio, Camden Theatre?, London, April 25th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon June 21st, 1971.

One, two, Albert Ayler (Stevens) 4’00

Birds of a feather (Stevens) 8’00

Chains of freedom (Stevens) 12’00

Click piece* (Stevens) 2’00

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/118. Continuous performance. Note that this programme was recorded on the same day as the ‘Sounds of the Seventies’ session detailed above, presumably as part of the same session. *This piece may have been announced as ‘Coda’.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Live Big Band and Quartet’ (lp/cd)

Kenny Wheeler (tp), Ian Carr (tp), Chris Pyne (tb), Roland Czyzyk (pic), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Ray Warleigh (as), Brian Smith (ts), Karl Jenkins (bars), Peter Lemer (elp), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Herman (b), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d), Keith Bailey (d), Laurie Allen (d), John Marshall (d), Julie Tippetts (voc/g), Maggie Nicols (voc), Pepi Lemer (voc), Carolann Nicols (voc). Rec. live by Mike Steyn, Notre Dame Hall, Leicester Sq., London, May 7th, 1971.

Let’s sing for him (a march for Albert Ayler) (Stevens) 21’23 Vinyl VS 0015 (lp), Konnex KCD 5045 (cd)

all out except Watts (ss), Herman, Stevens, Tippetts

One, Two, Albert Ayler/Birds of a feather/Nothing (Stevens) 24’35 Vinyl VS 0015 (lp), Konnex KCD 5027 (cd)

7.5ips st. copy of Quartet item only: NSA C577/122. Konnex KCD 5045 title: ‘John Stevens Works – SME Big Band & Quintet’; Konnex KCD 5027 title: ‘John Stevens Works – Retouch & Quartet’. Both discs reviewed by Michael Rosenstein in Cadence no. 20 (March ‘94) p30-31. This concert also featured a performance of The source by a 10-piece band drawn from the above, although the existence of a recording has not been confirmed. Concert billed in Melody Maker 8/5/71 p4 and reviewed by Michael Walters in Sounds 15/5/71 p26.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble ‘1.2. Albert Ayler’ (lp)

Trevor Watts (ss), Julie Tippetts (voc/g), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (perc/voc). Rec. live in Oslo, Norway, May 20^th 1971.

1.2. Albert Ayler – Part 1 (Stevens) Affinity AFF 81 (lp)

1.2. Albert Ayler – Part 2 (Stevens) –

The concert was reviewed by Barry McRae in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 37 (5/84) p20.

2 x 7.5ips st. reels: NSA C577/120-121. Notes by Anthony Wood include history of the S.M.E. and the Little Theatre Club etc. The group were in Norway from May 16^th-22^nd (inclusive) and performed both in the afternoon and the evening of May 20^th. This version of the SME performed very few times in Britain and finished in late 1971 when Julie Tippetts left. Reviewed by Barry McRae in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 35 (11/82) p39. Reviewed in Jazz Journal Int., Nov 1982, p39

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Norwegian television broadcast

Trevor Watts (ss), Julie Tippetts (voc/g), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (perc/voc). Filmed by Norwegian television, Oslo, May 21^st 1971.

unknown titles

Trevor Watts’ diary for this period notes a Norwegian television recording on this date. Not presently known when the recording was broadcast or if the recording survives.

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Bobby Bradford with John Stevens and the Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Vols 1 & 2 (lp)

Bobby Bradford (tp), Bob Norden (tb), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d/perc), Julie Tippetts (voc)* Rec. Polydor–owned studio, London, July 9th, 1971.

His Majesty Louis (Bradford) Nessa N 17 (lp)

Room 408 (Bradford) –

Fragment (Stevens) Nessa N 18 (lp)

Tolerance/To Bob (Stevens)* Freedom FLP 40111 (lp), Nessa N 17 (lp)

Trane rider/Ornette–ment/Doo–Dee (Stevens) – no tb Freedom FLP 40111 (lp), Nessa N 18 (lp)

Bridget’s mother (Bradford/Watts)* –1. Freedom FLP 40111 (lp), Nessa N 17 (lp)

Rhythm piece (Stevens)* – 2. Nessa N 18 (lp)

Norway –

1. No tb, b, d (i.e. Watts/Bradford/Tippetts only)

2. Tippetts also plays guitar

Titles on FLP 40111 were also issued on Intercord (Eur) 28465–3U, Freedom (Germany) 28465, (Germany) 127302, (Italy) 40111, (Japan) PA 7053. ‘Vol 1’ reviewed in Coda vol. 80 (1/10/81) p22, ‘Vol 2’ reviewed in Cadence vol. 12 (2/86) p75-76.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Birds Of A Feather’ (lp)

Trevor Watts (ss), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), Julie Tippetts (voc/g). Rec. in Herouville, France, July 27th, 1971.

One, two, Albert Ayler (Stevens) Byg (France) 529 023 (lp)

Birds of a feather (Stevens) –

Nothing (Stevens) –

Chains (Stevens) –

The group were in France from July 25^th-July 30^th. The following unissued titles were also recorded during this visit:

Do it Byg (unissued)

Rhythm is (Stevens) –

Click piece (Stevens) –

Sustained piece (Stevens) –

Some people (Stevens) – 1 –

add Bob Norden (tb or p)

Run –

Nursery time (Stevens) –

C4 (Stevens) –

1. Watts/Tippetts only. Album reviewed by Michael James in Jazz & Blues 1/73 p33; Michael Walters in Sounds 5/8/72 p14.

Gigs: As Trevor Watts later informed Martin Davidson: “Later that year we played Palermo Pop festival in a football stadium. Half were shouting Julie's name, the other half throwing dirt at us rolled up in newspaper. We then were trapped in the dressing room for a while after the gig with people either wanting to kill us or hug us. That was sometime between Sept 5^th and 8^th 1971”. The group played at (the Festival Humanite?) in Paris on September.

Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at Collegiate Theatre

Trevor Watts (ss/as), prob. Ray Warleigh (as), Brian Smith? (fl/ts), Pete Lemer (p), Ron Herman (b), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d), Maggie Nicols (voc), Pepi Lemer? (voc), Julie Tippetts (voc). Rec. live at the Collegiate Theatre, London, October 7th, 1971.

unknown title (i)/unknown title (ii) 36’55 total

unknown title (ii) cont. on 2nd reel 18’50

Rhythm is (Stevens) 10’27

Ghost (Stevens) 23’30

3 x 15ips st. reels: NSA C577/34–36

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, studio, London, October 10th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon November 1st, 1971.

Higgins (Stevens*) 3’00

Unity (Watts) 8’00

For Derek (Watts) 11’00

Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as), Mike Pyne (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d), Pepi Lemer (voc). Rec. live by BBC Radio, October 18th, 1971; tr: BBC Radio 2 + stereo on VHF Radio 3, ‘Jazz Club’, November 7th, 1971.

Trev’s day (Stevens)/One, two, O.C. (Stevens)

Higgins (Stevens)*

*Humphrey Lyttelton announced this piece and noted its dedication but it was faded out after only seven seconds as the programme’s airtime was over! It may have been recorded in full but probably no longer survives. Trev’s day aka Rhythm is. [Offair tape copy survives]

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at the Berliner Jazztage Festival

Radu Malfatti (tb), Trevor Watts (ss), Irène Schweizer (p), Arjen Gorter (b), John Stevens (perc/voc). Rec. live at the ‘Now Music Night’, Technical University, Berlin Jazz Festival, Sat November 6th, 1971.

unknown title 27’00 (approx)

This festival was organised by Joachim E. Berendt, who may have organised good quality recordings for his German radio programmes, although this has yet to be confirmed. There may be additional sets featuring Stevens. Cassette dub of this set survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble with Sonny and Linda Sharrock – Berlin

Sonny Sharrock (elg), John Stevens (d), Linda Sharrock (voc) + Trevor Watts (as), Ron Herman (b). Rec. live in Berlin, prob. at the Jazz Tage Festival, ca. November 6th, 1971.

unknown title* 46’15

3.75ips mono reel (v. poor sound): NSA C577/124. This mainly improvised piece is largely a long guitar/drums duo with occasional vocal contributions from Linda Sharrock. The sax and bass are only heard in the last two or three minutes and are very poorly recorded. This may also have been part of the ‘Now Music Night’ on Saturday November 6th.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble with Sonny Sharrock & Irène Schweizer – Berlin?

Trevor Watts (as), prob. Irène Schweizer (p), Sonny Sharrock (elg), John Stevens (d). Prob. rec. same location/date as above.

unknown title 5’44

Dig. dub from cass. copy of reel: NSA C577/190 (iv). See notes for entries above.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at the 100 Club

Trevor Watts (ss/as), Ray Warleigh (as/fl), Irène Schweizer (p), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Mike Steyn, 100 Club, London, December 20th, 1971.

Limbo blues (Stevens?) Tangent (unissued)

What to do not to do (Stevens) –

Albert (Stevens) –

Call (Stevens) –

Ealing (Stevens) –

Hospitality (Stevens?) –

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live

10-piece band incl. John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Bob Brown, unknown location, January 19th, 1972.

Ghost (JS)

[Reflect] (JS)

Rec. not located. Info. from notes held by Victor Schonfield.

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Splinters – live at the Grass Roots

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Tubby Hayes (ts/), Stan Tracey (p), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d), Phil Seamen (d). Rec. by Trevor Watts, London, January 1972.

unknown titles/imps.

Master recording survives.

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio at the British Council Students Centre, London, February 4th, 1972; tr: BBC Radio 2, ‘Jazz Club’, March 19th, 1972.

Unity suite – Part 4 (Watts) 15’15

Unity suite – Part 5 (Watts) 10’58

Tape copies survive.

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Amalgam – ‘Play Blackwell and Higgins’ (side 1)

Trevor Watts (as), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Trevor Watts, Birmingham Arts Lab, March 23rd, 1972.

Blackwell (Stevens) A Records A 02 (lp)

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Bob Downes’ Open Music – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Bob Downes (reeds), Dave Cole (guitar), Marc Meggido (bg?), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. studio, BBC Radio, London, ca. April 1972?; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, [April 17th, 1972?]

South America suite (Downes) - Sad sonata

- Scorpio

- The revolution

The date is presently unconfirmed. Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

John Stevens (d/cor), Paul Rutherford (tb), Utako Ikeda (fl), Simon [Denis-Chevsky] (cl), Lol Coxhill (ss), Peter Westbrook (ss), Trevor Watts (ss/as), Herman Hauge (as), Lou Gare (ts), Larry Stabbins (ts), Mike Barton (viola), Stan Tracey (p), Christopher Small (p), Derek Bailey (g), David Toop (g), Chris Turner (hca), Ron Herman (b), Jeff Clyne (b), Jak Kilby (voc/thumb p), Paul Burwell (tabla). Rec. BBC studio, London, April 9th, 1972; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, May 11th, 1972.

suite: Encompass (JS) – Part 1: Search & reflect

– Part 2: Stay where you are*

– Part 3: Ghost total 25’15

*incl. trio improv. by Watts (as), Herman (b), Stevens (c) + Kilby (thumb p).

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/125 (NP10717Y) + 7.5ips mono offair rec: NP1986.

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Splinters – live at the 100 Club

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (ss?/as), Tubby Hayes (ts/fl), Stan Tracey (p), Jeff Clyne (b), Phil Seamen, John Stevens (d). Rec. live, 100 Club, Oxford Street, London, May 22nd, 1972.

unknown titles/imps.

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Ken Hyder’s Talisker – ‘Jazz Workshop’ broadcast

Personnel unconfirmed but including John Stevens (cornet), Ken Hyder (percussion). Rec. BBC studio, London, ca. July 1972; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz Workshop’, July 21^st, 1972.

unknown titles

Not held.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at the Little Theatre Club

Trevor Watts (as/ss), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live by Bob Brown &/or Trevor Watts, London, ca. 1971-1972.

untitled imps?

This is a ‘catch-all’ entry for possibly more than one recording of the Watts/Stevens duo known to have been made by Trevor &/or Bob Brown during this period. Additional details unavailable.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live in Cheltenham

Trevor Watts (as/ss), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live by Trevor Watts or Bob Brown, unknown venue, Cheltenham, 1972.

untitled imps?

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Mustapha Tettey Addy/John Stevens – duos

Mustapha Tettey Addy (d/perc), John Stevens (d/perc). Rec. [studio] by Mike Steyn, ca. early 1970s.

unknown titles/imps. Tangent (unissued)

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Splinters – live at the Grass Roots

prob. Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Tubby Hayes (ts/?), Stan Tracey (p), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Trevor Watts, London, Sept 1972.

unknown titles/imps.

Master tape survives.

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Splinters – ‘Jazz Workshop’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (as), Tubby Hayes (ts/fl), Stan Tracey (p), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, studio, London, November 29th, 1972; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz Workshop’, Thur December 28th, 1972 (repeated December 21st, 1973).

John Stevens & Tubby Hayes interviewed by Ian Carr 4’30

Six–piece group improvisation 23’55

NSA mono 7.5ips offair rec: 2166R.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Phil Seamen Benefit

Trevor Watts (as/ss), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live by Trevor Watts or Bob Brown, Little Theatre Club, London, late 1972.

untitled imps?

There is also rumoured to be a recording of the SME augmented by members of AMM from this period (ca. 1971-1972), but this has not been comnfirmed and additional details are unknown.

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Harry Beckett’s Awakening Spirit – British Council Student Centre concert

Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Trevor Watts (ss/as), Stan Tracey (p), Jeff Clyne (b), Louis Moholo, John Stevens (d). Rec. live, December 15th, 1972.

unknown titles

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John Stevens – ‘Sounds of the 70s: Sequence’ broadcast

John Stevens (d/perc/cor?). Rec. by BBC Radio, tr: BBC R1, ca. late 1972-early 1973? This Friday evening edition of Radio 1’s ‘Sounds of the 70s’ featured a session by a ‘progressive’ pop/rock group with improvised links supplied by a different guest musician each week. One programme featured improvised links by John. Additional details presently unknown.

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Bob Downes’ Alternative Medicine – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Bob Downes (ts/as/fl/voc), Brian Godding (elg), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, studio, London, unknown date (ca. early 1970s?); tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, ca. 1972/73?

One for Sonny (Downes)

Lay Lola Lay (Downes)

Whatever happened to the Summertime? (Downes)

Tape copy survives.

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Splinters – live

personnel unconfirmed, poss. Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Lol Coxhill (ss), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Peter King (as), poss. Stan Tracey (p), poss. Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Trevor Watts, unknown location(s), ca. 1972/1973.

unknown titles/imps.

Master(s) survive.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Jazz Workshop’ broadcast

prob. Trevor Watts (ss/as?), John Stevens (perc/cor?), others unconfirmed. Rec. BBC Radio, 3 January 1973; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz Workshop’, Fri February 9th, 1973.

suite of five duettes* 28’15

Group improvisations (*title as given in BBC Written Archives files)

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Amalgam – ‘Play Blackwell and Higgins’ (lp – side 2)

Trevor Watts (as), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Trevor Watts live at the Phoenix, London, January 24th, 1973.

Higgins (Stevens) A Records A 02

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Mongezi Feza/John Stevens – at the Crypt

Mongezi Feza (tp), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Trevor Watts at The Crypt, Notting Hill, early 1970s.

unknown titles

Cassette master survives.

Gigs: Splinters (K. Wheeler/T. Watts/S. Tracey/J. Clyne/J. Stevens) played Notre Dame Hall, 16/2/73 – reviewed by Jack Cooke in Jazz & Blues 2/73 p32, & Martin Davidson in Melody Maker 24/2/73 p47. May have been recorded by Trevor Watts. JS was also billed to appear with Eddie Prévost’s Spirals in a concert of “Ritual Music Theatre” at the Roundhouse, 2/3/73, and possibly at Aston University, Birmingham, 27/2/73. This was previewed in MM (3/3/73) to feature a 50-strong band including Lou Gare/Trevor Watts/Evan Parker/Geoff Hawkins/Lol Coxhill/Mike Brannan/David Toop (reeds & pipes), Phil Wachsmann/George Jensen (strings), Gavin Bryars/Barry Guy/Ron Herman (b), Eddie Prévost/John Stevens/Frank Perry/ Paul Lytton (d/perc) + chimes players etc.

Spontaneous Music Ensemble — ‘How Ya Doin?’

Trevor Watts (ss), John Stevens (perc/cor). Poss. recorded live at the Festival of Improvised Music, Wolverhampton Art College, April 5th, 1973*

unknown title Nondo 003 (lp)*

The SME contributed one track only to this various artists compilation. *Or at Birmingham Arts Lab, same week?

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra – Almost Free Theatre

Spontaneous Music Orchestra: unidentified cor, tp, ss, as, ts, b, voc* etc. Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Almost Free Theatre, London, 1 May 1973.

Sustained piece – 1 (“loud instrumental” – aborted by JS) 7’00

– 2 (“instrumental”) 9’00 Emanem 4039 (cd)

– 3 (“vocal”)* 36’30 – (first 5’47 only)

15 ips st. master: NSA C577/14 (H7195). CD notes by Martin Davidson.

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Bethnal Green Workshop/Spontaneous Music Orchestra – Little Theatre Club

Bethnal Green Workshop: unidentified ss, as, ts, fl, Brian Eley (voc), Robin Musgrove (perc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, May 8th, 1973.

unknown title/imp. 16’00 approx.

Spontaneous Music Orchestra: unidentified, prob. incl. members of the Bethnal Green Workshop (above) and John Stevens (perc), same location/date.

Doo–Dee (Stevens) 23’45

15ips st. master: NSA C577/15 (H7196). The Bethnal Green Workshops were alternately tutored by John or Maggie Nicols and the musicians were sometimes invited to perform as a group at the Little Theatre Club. Other participants at this time included Paul Shearsmith (tp), Robert Calvert (saxes/sopranino), Pete Luxton (voc), Alan Smith? (ss). The workshop members would then be augmented by the S.M.E. and any other musicians present to form the Spontaneous Music Orchestra.

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Free Space/Bethnal Green Workshop – Little Theatre Club

John Stevens (d), Robin Musgrove (d), Dave Solomon (d), Terry Day (d). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, June 3rd, 1973.

untitled imp. [ka ‘Four drummers’] 18’30

Free Space: John Stevens (cor/perc), Trevor Watts (ss), Herman Hauge (as), Nigel Coombes (vln), prob. Ron Herman [or Marc Meggido] (b), Terry Day (perc). Rec. same location/date as above.

Doo–dee (Stevens) 25’00

unknown title 29’00

Bethnal Green Workshop: unknown as, ts, oboe, Brian Eley (voc), Robin Musgrove (perc). Rec. same location/date as above.

Search and reflect (Stevens) 15’00

2 x 15ips st. masters: NSA C577/16–17 (H7197)

The group Free Space was founded by percussionist Terry Day but seems to have been largely under John’s control at Little Theatre Club performances.

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Free Space – Little Theatre Club

John Stevens (cor/perc), Trevor Watts (ss), Herman Hauge (as), Nigel Coombes (vln), prob. Ron Herman [or Marc Meggido] (b), Terry Day (perc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, June 8th, 1973.

unknown title [2nd set] 27’30

15ips st. master: NSA C577/18

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Free Space – Little Theatre Club

John Stevens (cor/voc), Trevor Watts (as), Herman Hauge (as), Nigel Coombes (vln), Terry Day (perc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, ca. Summer 1973.

unknown title 17’50 [start missing]

15ips st. master: NSA C577/20 (H7199).

This incomplete item was on the same reel as (and partly overwritten by) the S.M.O. 28 September 1973 item.

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John Stevens — ‘Improvising Percussionist’ (‘various artists’)

John Stevens (percussion, trumpet solo). Rec. by Trevor Taylor, Pye Studios, London, ca. 1974.

unknown title approx. 12’00 FMR CD81 (cd)

This recording was made for a projected LP issue in the early 1970s, but not released at the time. The recordings coincided with a series of interviews with British improvising percussionists which appeared in the magazine ‘Drums and Percussion’. John plays his small SME kit. Reviewed in Avant 97/2 p55.

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Free Space/Spontaneous Music Orchestra – live at the ICA

Free Space: John Stevens (cor/voc), Trevor Watts (ss), Herman Hauge (as), Nigel Coombes (vln), John Russell (g), Ron Herman (b), Marc Meggido (b), Dave Solomon (d). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, I.C.A. Theatre, London, July 1st, 1973.

unknown title 15’20

Spontaneous Music Orchestra: unidentified personnel prob. including members of Free Space as above; rec same location/date.

One-Two 10’42/ Emanem 4039 (cd)

Doo–Dee (Stevens) 29’30 (recording incomplete) unissued

15ips st. master: NSA C577/19 (H7198) + 7.5ips dup. of part: C577/126. One-Two evolved without pause into the piece Doo-Dee, but only the former has been issued. CD notes by Martin Davidson.

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Open Circle – live at the Grass Roots club

Trevor Watts (as), Stan Tracey (p), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Grass Roots club, The Swan (public house), Stockwell, London, July 24th, 1973

unknown titles

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Steve Lacy – ‘The Crust’

Steve Lacy (ss) [except**], Steve Potts (as/ss) [except*&**], Derek Bailey (g), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live at the 100 Club, London, July 30th, 1973.

The crust 10’00 Emanem 304 (lp)

A bit of the crust** 2’26 excerpt from above Emanem 4027 (cd)

38 12’57 – Emanem 4024 (cd)

Flakes 7’37 – -

Revolutionary suicide 3’39 – -

Out of the dumps* 2’12 unissued

A bit of the dumps** 3’30 Emanem 304 (lp), Emanem 4027 (cd)

The owl 6’20 –

All titles in Emanem 304 also issued in Victor (Japan) VIP 6635 (lp)

CD notes by Martin Davidson (1998/1999). Emanem 4024 titled ‘Saxophone Special +’, includes pieces without Stevens from a later date. Emanem 4027 is a Derek Bailey CD anthology titled ‘Fairly Early with Postscripts’. The same quintet line–up also played a concert at the Victoria & Albert Museum around this week which was reviewed by Michael James in Jazz & Blues 10/73 p15.

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz Workshop’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss*), Evan Parker (ss), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, September 21st, 1973; tr: BBC Radio 3 ‘Jazz Workshop’, Fri October 26th, 1973.

Prelude (Watts) 3’15

Call (Stevens) 9’00

Ealing (Stevens) 12’45

Coda (Watts) 3’00

Introduced by Ian Carr. Selections from this radio session were at one stage planned for issue on the unreleased Amalgam LP ‘Ripple’ (Emanem) along with 1974 recordings by the trio of Trevor Watts/Kent Carter/John Stevens. Although listed on Emanem sleeve inserts as forthcoming the album was never released. Tape copy survives.

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra – ‘Mouthpiece’ (cd)

John Stevens (cor/voc), Trevor Watts (ss), 2 x unidentified (as), prob. Nigel Coombes (vln), probably John Russell (elg), unidentified (p), unidentified (b), probably Dave Solomon and Robin Musgrove (perc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, 28 September 1973.

In relationship to silence 22’57 Emanem 4039 (cd)

15ips st. master: NSA C577/20 (H7199). This item appears to overwrite an incompletely erased recording of Free Space, still audible at low level. John gives verbal instructions to the orchestra at the start and concludes the piece with the words, “and so to bed” (omitted from the cd issue). The title, given by Martin Davidson for the Emanem cd issue, was based on John’s instructions to the orchestra at the start. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Quintessence 2’ (part)

John Stevens (cor/perc/voc), Trevor Watts (ss). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, October 11th, 1973.

Corsop (group imp.) 11’08 Emanem 4016 (cd)

Daa–oom (Stevens) 10’18 –

Flower 9’25 unissued

add Derek Bailey (g)

unknown title* unissued

2 x 15ips st. masters (incl. unissued): NSA C577/21–22 (H4813 excluding last item). *This item was seriously flawed by an electrical fault which occurred during recording. The remainder of this CD comprises part of a concert from Feb 3rd, 1974. CD reviewed by Richard Leigh in Resonance Vol. 6, No. 1 (1997) p42-43; p42-43; Coda no. 280, July-Aug 1998, p38-9; Cadence, Sept 1997, p29-30

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Quintessence 1’ (part)

Trevor Watts (ss), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/voc/cor*). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, October 18th, 1973.

Rambunctious 1 (group imp.) 18’36 Emanem 4015 (cd)

Rambunctious 2 (group imp.) 17’20 (last 4’47 only issued) –

Daa–oom* (Stevens) 15’20 (first 5’05 only issued) –

3 x 15ips st. masters (incl. unissued portions): NSA C577/23–25 (H4813). Insert notes by Martin Davidson. The remainder of this CD comprises part of a concert from Feb 3, 1974. CD reviewed by Richard Leigh in Resonance Vol 6, # 1 (1977) p42-43; Coda no. 280, July-Aug 1998, p38-9; ; Cadence, Sept 1997, p29-30

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Free Space – Musicians’ Co–op live at Ronnie Scott’s

John Stevens (cor), Bobby Bradford (cor), Utako Ikeda (fl), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Herman Hauge (as), Dave de Cobain (ss or ts), Nigel Coombes (vln), John Russell (g), Marc Meggido (b), Terry Day (perc), Robin Musgrove (perc), Dave Solomon (perc), Chris Turner (hca), Brian Eley (voc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, London, October 21st, 1973.

Ghost (Stevens) 33’28 + 18’00 [interrupted by tape change]

2 x 15ips st. masters: NSA C577/26–27 (H7200)

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Derek Bailey/John Stevens/Trevor Watts – ‘Dynamics Of The Impromptu’ (cd - part)

Trevor watts (ss), Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, November 12^th, 1973.

Impromptu dynamics 1 9’10 Entropy Stereo ESR 004 (cd)

untitled imp. 17’05 unissued

Master tape probably held by Trevor Watts.

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Bobby Bradford – ‘Love’s Dream’

Bobby Bradford (cor), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, ‘Le Chat Qui Peche’, Paris, November 16th, 1973.

Roswita’s dance (Bradford) 11’28 Emanem 302 (lp), Emanem (USA) 3302 (lp)

Coming on (Bradford) 16’43 – –

as above, rec November 17th, 1973

Woman (Bradford) 8’05 –

Love’s dream (Bradford) 16’43 – –

Room 408 (Bradford) 10’10 –

HM Louis I (Bradford) unissued

Album notes include biographies of each musician by Martin Davidson.

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Stan Tracey’s Open Circle – Radio 3 broadcast

Stan Tracey (p), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC Radio, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, November 19th, 1973; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Stan Tracey – 30 Years in Jazz’, Mon June 3rd, 1974.

Coo–ee Q.E. (Tracey) 37’01

This was part of a concert and (later) broadcast celebrating Tracey’s 30th year in jazz, which also featured a solo performance by Tracey and a duo by Tracey and Mike Osborne. Unusually, this concert recording was retained by the BBC Sound Archive (T36325-26). Open Circle had previously performed as the Stan Tracey Quartet at a benefit concert for Tubby Hayes’ children which was held at the Swan on July 24th, 1973 (not known to have been recorded).

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra – ‘Mouthpiece’ (cd - remainder)

Unidentified large group, prob. incl. John Russell (voc/g), Dave Panton (voc/reeds/p?), John Stevens (voc/d), Robin Musgrove (voc/d?). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Ealing Technical College, London, 23 November 1973.

Mouthpiece (Stevens) 24’35 Emanem 4039 (cd)

15ips st. master: NSA C577/28 (H7201). CD insert notes by Martin Davidson, cover paintings by John Stevens.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Face To Face’ (lp/cd – part)

Trevor Watts (ss), John Stevens (perc/cor*/voice). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, November 29th, 1973.

Preface to face A 3’30 Emanem 4003 (cd)

Preface to face B 4’16 –

Face to face 1* 10’34 Emanem 303 (lp), –

as above, rec December 6th, 1973

Face to face 2 [middle] 4’06 – –

Face to face 2 [end] 1’38 –

Face to face 3 3’57 – –

Face to face 4 5’29 – –

Face to face 5 9’15 – –

Face to face 6* (no perc) 4’48 – –

Original LP reviewed by Steve Lake in Melody Maker 21/6/75 p30; LP reviewed by E. Chadbourne in Coda no. 153 (Jan/Feb 1977), p17-18; reissue in Coda Magazine no, 266 (Mar-April 1996), p31; in Cadence, Oct 1995, p45

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Free Space – Little Theatre Club

similar to October 21st, 1973 personnel? Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, December 12th, 1973.

Danceband (Stevens) 41’40

15ips st. master: NSA C577/29 (H7202). This reel also includes last 2 mins of an unidentified (Colemanesque) jazz piece from a different date.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Little Theatre Club

Trevor Watts (ss), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, December 14th, 1973.

Untogether together (Stevens) – 1 0’01

– 2 0’15

– 3 0’01

– 4 0’34 (bd)

– 5 1’49

– 6 0’27

– 7 1’36

Flower 1’44

15ips st. master: NSA C577/25 (H4813). Martin Davidson explained this ‘click–piece’ composition of John’s, which required the musicians to improvise transient notes/beats with no predetermined rhythm, the piece ending when the instruments eventually coincided. In two instances the piece had a duration of only one second as when Trevor and John started the piece simultaneously, the first notes were also the last.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Face To Face’ (lp/cd – remainder)

Trevor Watts (ss), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, December 14th, 1973.

Face to face 7 [middle & end] 10’16 Emanem 303 (lp), 4003 (cd)

Album notes by John Stevens. LP reviewed by E. Chadbourne in Coda no. 153 (Jan/Feb 1977), p17-18; reissue in Coda Magazine no, 266 (Mar-April 1996), p31; in Cadence, Oct 1995, p45

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Derek Bailey/John Stevens/Trevor Watts – ‘Dynamics Of The Impromptu’ (cd - part)

Trevor watts (ss), Derek Bailey (elg), John Stevens (perc/cor*). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, December 18th, 1973.

Impromptu dynamics 2 16’22 Entropy Stereo ESR 004 (cd)

Impromptu dynamics 3* 8’05 _

Master tape (prob. 15ips stereo) suffers poor audio balance.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Little Theatre Club

John Stevens (cor), Trevor Watts (as). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, January 10th, 1974.

untitled imp. 13’32

untitled imp. [cont. on 2nd reel] 20’14 total

Watts (ss), Stevens (perc). Same rec location/date.

untitled imp. 4’05

untitled imp. 16’05

2 x 15ips st. masters: C577/30–31

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Stan Tracey’s Open Circle – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (ss/as), Stan Tracey (p), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, January 11th, 1974; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon February 11th, 1974.

Coo–ee Q.E. (Tracey) 28’25

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Derek Bailey/John Stevens/Trevor Watts – ‘Dynamics Of The Impromptu’ (cd - remainder)

Trevor watts (ss), Derek Bailey (elg), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, January 17th 1974.

Impromptu dynamics 4 14’42 Entropy Stereo ESR 004 (cd)

Impromptu dynamics 5 9’51 _

Impromptu dynamics 6 12’33 _

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra – ‘Plus Equals’ (cd – remainder)

unidentified personnel incl. John Stevens (cor), Trevor Watts (ss), Nigel Coombes (vln), John Russell (g). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, Little Theatre Club, London, 24 January 1974.

SMO at LTC 29’15* (20’21 only issued) Emanem 4062 (cd)

15ips st. master: NSA C577/32 (H7203). This piece (barring the first 5 minutes, which remain unissued) was first issued in 2001 as a bonus track in the cd reissue of the album “SME + = SMO”. The title was given by Martin Davidson. Insert notes by Martin Davidson.

Gigs (not nec. recorded): Alan Skidmore, Stan Tracey Trio, Lindsay Cooper, John Stevens played Room At The Top on Fri 8 February 1974. Spontaneous Music Ensemble played Polytechnic of Central London on Thur 14 February 1974. Stan Tracey, John Stevens and Dave Green also played at the opening night of the Polytechnic of Central London’s Jazz & Blues Society (announced in MM 23/2/74 p16). Ronnie Ross, Stan Tracey Trio, Lindsay Cooper, John Stevens played Room At The Top on Fri 15 February 1974. S.M.E. and Derek Bailey played Little Theatre Club, Thur 21 February 1974. Peter King, Stan Tracey, Lindsay Cooper, John Stevens at Room At The Top, Fri 1 March 1974. Mike Osborne, Stan Tracey, Lindsay Cooper, John Stevens at Room At The Top, Sun 10 March 1974.

Amalgam – ‘Ripple’

Trevor Watts (as/ss?), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Martin Davidson at his home, London, 1974.

Ripple Emanem (unissued)

unknown titles (Watts comps + poss. Stevens) –

This recording was at one stage planned for issue on Emanem LP along with selections from the Amalgam broadcast of October 26th, 1973. Although listed on Emanem sleeve inserts as forthcoming, it was never released.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Quintessence 1 & 2’*

Evan Parker (ss), Trevor Watts (ss), Derek Bailey (g), Kent Carter (clo/b), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, the ICA Theatre, London, February 3rd, 1974.

Forty minutes 40’11 Emanem (Aus) 3401 (lp), Emanem 4015 (cd)

Thirty–five minutes 34’30 Emanem (Aus) 3402 (lp), Emanem 4016 (cd)

Ten minutes 10’00 – –

*Original LP issue titled ‘Eighty-Five Minutes - Parts 1 & 2’. Notes by Martin Davidson. Concert reviewed by Ken Hyder in Melody Maker 16/2/74 p48. Album ‘Part 1’ reviewed in Cadence vol. 14 (6/88) p83, & in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 40 (5/87) p36. Reviewed in Jazz Forum n109 (1987) p57-58. Concert preview in Into Jazz 2/74 p3. The CD issues also include selections from LTC concerts of October 11 & 18, 1973. CD reviewed by Richard Leigh in Resonance Vol. 6, No. 1 (1977) p42-43; p42-43; Coda no. 280, July-Aug 1998, p38-9; Cadence, Sept 1997, p29-30

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Capital Radio ‘First All-night Jazz Jam’ broadcast

Stan and Jackie Tracey organised the first ever all–night broadcast of live jazz on British radio, which took place on Capital Radio from 2.00–6.30am on the morning of Sunday February 24th, 1974. The programme, presented by Paddy O’Byrne, featured big band pieces, small group improvisations, interviews with the musicians and non–playing guests such as Steve Lake, Ron Brown and Charles Alexander, and a live phone–in.

Henry Lowther (tp), Sandy Brown (cl), Malcolm Griffiths (tb), Don Weller (ts), Trevor Watts (as/ss²), John Surman (ss/bcl¹), Stan Tracey (p), Lindsay Cooper (b), John Stevens (perc).

untitled imp. (“Promethean”)¹ 19’02 (broadcast ca. 2.04-2.23 am)

untitled imp. ² 16’13

all out except John Stevens (cor), Trevor Watts (ss)

untitled imp. 4’40 (broadcast ca. 3.15-3.20 am)

Don Weller (ts), Stan Tracey (p), Lindsay Cooper (b), John Stevens (d).

Round midnight (Monk) 8’01 (broadcast ca. 3.24-3.32 am)

The Stevens/Watts duo was not announced as an S.M.E. performance. It seems to have been poorly mic’d and was spoiled by reverb. Following the last piece detailed above, the musicians were joined by Mike Osborne (as), Evan Parker (ss/ts) and Paul Lytton (d/perc), and at some stage Henry Lowther added violin. No tapes of the remainder of the programme have yet been located but John Stevens was almost certainly included in other groups assembled. The event was reviewed by Steve Lake in MM 2/3/74 p20 and by Ron Brown in Into Jazz 4/74 p2. Some additional offair recordings from this evening are also known to exist, but not necessarily featuring John Stevens.

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Steve Lacy, Trevor Watts, John Stevens and Free Space – at the ICA

John Stevens (cor), Trevor Watts (ss), Herman Hauge (as), Nigel Coombes (vln), Peter Drew? [or Simon Mortimer?] (p), prob. Roger Smith (g), Angus Fraser (b). Rec. live by Martin Davidson, ICA Theatre, Nash House, London, Thurs February 28th, 1974.

Search and reflect (Stevens) 13’48

add Steve Lacy (ss)

Torments (Lacy)/Ghost (Stevens) 19’23 total

15ips st. master: NSA C577/33 (H7204). The concert was billed with the above heading. Another title recorded by the band on this date (The wire) no longer exists. It was reviewed by Brian Case in Into Jazz 4/74 p2. Steve Lacy also played a solo set.

John Stevens hospitalized

MM 16/3/74 p10 & Into Jazz 4/74 p4 report an accident in which John fell and fractured his knee–cap. The knee–cap had to be removed and he spent several weeks recovering in Lewisham Hospital, but is again playing with Amalgam (Watts/Parker/Clyne/Stevens) at the ICA on 31/3/74. Concert review by Val Wilmer; Melody Maker, Aug 10^th 1974.

Splinters – ‘Scottish University Concert’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (tp), Peter King (as), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Stan Tracey (p), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Reed Concert Hall, Univ. of Edinburgh, May 9th, 1974; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Scottish University Concert’, March 26th, 1975.

[part of] untitled imp. 66 mins only (approx) broadcast

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: T951BW

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (fh/tp?), Trevor Watts (as/ss?), Ray Warleigh (as/fl?), Mike Pyne (p), Lindsay Cooper (b?), Danny Thompson (b), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d), Terri Quaye (perc). Rec. by BBC Radio, Aeolian Hall, London, June 5th, 1974; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon June 24th, 1974.

It’s gonna be alright (Stevens) 27’35

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – Phoenix concert

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Henry Lowther (tp/fh), Paul Rutherford (tb), Chris Pyne (tb), Ray Warleigh (as/fl), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Mike Pyne (elp), Lindsay Cooper (b), John Stevens (d), Terri Quaye (congas). Rec. live by Herman Hauge at the Phoenix, Cavendish Square, London, July 31st, 1974.

When is now! (Stevens) 40’36

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/127. Other recordings from this concert are known to exist in a private collection (titles unknown).

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Amalgam – music from ‘The Connection’

Trevor Watts (sax), Keith Tippett (p), Kent Carter (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Martin Davidson in a makeshift studio, London, October 12th, 1974.

unknown titles (Watts/poss. Stevens) Emanem (Am) unissued

Watts out

Rambunctious* approx. 3’00 –

These were pieces the group had been playing during a month–long (approx.) engagement at a Hampstead Theatre, providing live musical accompaniment to a theatre production of ‘The Connection’. *This title was subsequently used for a couple of SME improvisations from Oct 18th, 1973 but there is no link with this piece. Tapes survive.

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Dudu Pukwana and Spear – ‘Flute Music’

Mongezi Feza (tp/fl/perc/voc), Dudu Pukwana (as/p/perc/voc), Victor Williams (p/elp/voc), Pete Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d), ‘Bob’ (cga), ‘The Princess’ (voc). Rec. by Simon Heyworth, Manor Studio, London, October 14-15th & November 30th, 1974.

Flute music (Feza) Caroline CA 2005 (lp)

Shekele (Pukwana) –

Ko-didi (Victor Williams) –

Sondela (Feza) –

Freeze (Pukwana) –

You cheated me (Feza) –

Flute music (Feza) –

Reviewed by Chris May in Black Music 7/75. John met bass guitarist Pete Cowling for the first time at this session, leading to the formation of Away the following year.

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Amalgam – ‘Innovation’

Trevor Watts (as), Keith Tippett (p), Kent Carter (b), Lindsay Cooper (b), John Stevens (d), Terri Quaye (congas). Rec. at Chipping Norton Studios, Oxfordshire, November 12th, 1974.

Staggering (Stevens) Tangent TGS 121 (lp)

When is now (Stevens) –

Hello (Stevens) –

Suzie Jay (Watts) Tangent TGS 121 (lp)

Austrian roll (Stevens) –

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Stan Tracey Octet – ‘Jazz Club’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Malcolm Griffiths (tb), Trevor Watts (as), Alan Skidmore (ts/ss), Don Weller (ts), Stan Tracey (p), Harry Miller (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio studio, London, October 29th, 1974; tr: BBC Radio 2, ‘Jazz Club’, Nov 17th, 1974.

Spectrum no. 3 8’23

Spectrum no. 2 13’18

Spectrum no. 1 5’05