John Stevens discography part 3: 1975 to 1984

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Spontaneous Music Orchestra – ‘Plus Equals’ (lp/cd)

Spontaneous Music Ensemble: John Stevens (perc/cor), Evan Parker (ss), Trevor Watts (ss), Ian Brighton (elg), Roger Smith (g), Nigel Coombes (vln), Lindsay Cooper (clo), Jane Robertson (clo), Colin Wood (clo), Marcio Mattos (b); augmented by the following workshp musicians to form the Spontaneous Music Orchestra: Martin Mayes (frh), Robert Calvert (sopranino sax), Bob Turner (ss), Dave Decobain (as), Ye Min (as), Herman Hauge (as), Chris Turner (hca), Peter Drew (p), Robert Carter (vln), Stephen Luscomb (vln), Angus Fraser (b). Rec. live by Martin Davidson at St. John’s, Smith Square, London, Sat 25 January 1975.

Plus equals (Stevens) 40’25 (total) A Records A 003 (lp), Emanem 4062 (cd)

- Search + reflect 5’42 - -

- Sustained plus 23’11 - -

- Free improvisation 11’32 - -

2 x 15ips st. Dolby B reels: NSA C577/52–53 + 2 x 15ips Dolby A masters: NSA C577/54–55 (1CDR0002096-2097). This recording was originally released on LP under the title “SME + = SMO”, with slightly different suite subtitles. The CD reissue added material from a concert on 24th January 1974. Notes by Martin Davidson.

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Trevor Watts’ Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss?), Stan Tracey (p), Pete Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d), + 1 other. Rec. by BBC Radio, February 19th, 1975; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon June 2nd, 1975.

Another time (Watts) 7’18

Lemming point (P. Cowling) 8’28

Suzie Jay (Watts) 5’07

Turn (Watts) 6’11

Programme presented by Ken Hyder.

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Trevor Watts’ Amalgam – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss?), prob. Stan Tracey (p), John Stevens (d), rest unconfirmed. Rec. by BBC Radio, ca. May/June 1975; tr: BBC Radio 2, ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Sun June 22nd, 1975.

unknown titles

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John Stevens Away – demo

Trevor Watts (as), Steve Hayton (elg), Peter Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. Workhouse Sound Studio, London, June 30th, 1975.

Away (Stevens) 1’25 unissued

Tumble (Stevens) 0’25 –

It will never be the same (Stevens) 3’49 –

medley: unknown title / Whoops a daisy (Stevens) 9’00 –

Continuum (Stevens) [incomplete] 0’46 –

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/128. Some of the above tracks are incomplete excerpts from longer performances of unknown duration.

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John Stevens’ Away – studio session

Trevor Watts (as), Steve Hayton (elg), Peter Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Ron Eve at Gooseberry Sound Studios, London, September 25th, 1975.

medley: Continuum / What’s that (Stevens) 6’06 Arista (unissued)

Anni (Stevens) 7’30 –

Sunshine, sunshine (Stevens) 4’40 –

Temple music (Stevens) 1’38 –

15ips st. Dolby A master: NSA C577/70

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John Stevens Away – studio session

Trevor Watts (as), Steve Hayton (elg), Peter Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. location/date unknown – possibly related to above session.

Continuum (Stevens) 4’39 unissued

Away (Stevens) 3’02 –

Temple music (Stevens) 6’02 –

2" multitrack studio master: NSA C577/71 + 15ips st. copy master: C577/72 + 15ips mono: C577/80. The first public performances by Away appear to have taken place in October 1975, by which time they had already made the above (unissued) studio recordings and radio broadcast. The group’s second gig (at Seven Dials Jazz Club, Covent Garden) was favourably reviewed by John Fordham in Melody Maker 29/11/75 and in Time Out 5/12/75.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as), Steve Hayton (g), Pete Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC studio, London, October 2nd, 1975; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon October 6th, 1975.

Tumble (Stevens)/

What’s that (Stevens)/

Do it now (Stevens)/

Temple music (Stevens) total dur. 28’48

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/129. Titles linked by passages of free improvisation. Prog. presented by Ken Hyder.

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John Stevens Away – live in Berlin

Trevor Watts (as), Steve Hayton (g), Pete Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Jost Gebers at the ‘Quartier Latin’, Berlin, October 31st, 1975.

The jive suite – Part 1 (Watts) 10’26 unissued

Anni (Stevens)* 12’31 –

Sunshine!!Sunshine (Stevens) 8’11 –

Continuum (Stevens) 11’18 –

Temple music (Stevens) 8’57 –

What’s that (Stevens) 2’18 –

It will never be the same (Stevens) 12’26 Vertigo 6360 131 (lp)

Tumble (Stevens) 8’32 –

personnel/location as above, rec November 1st, 1975

Anni (Stevens)* 9’58 –

Continuum (Stevens) 9’58 unissued

Temple music (Stevens) 5’23 –

What’s that (Stevens) 1’30 (inc) Vertigo 6360 131 (lp)

The jive suite – Part 1 (Watts) 12’30 unissued

unknown title 10’30 –

unknown title 9’10 –

all out except Stevens (d), date unknown

C hear Taylor (Stevens)** 5’12 Vertigo 6360 131 (lp)

3 x 7.5ips st. Dolby B copies: NSA C577/65–67 + 7.5ips dup. of part: C577/68 + 7.5ips copy of Vertigo LP selections: C577/69. Most titles segued. **This item probably edited from a longer performance. Album released 18 June 1976, sleeve notes by Richard Williams.

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John Stevens – ‘Chemistry’

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Ray Warleigh (as), Trevor Watts (as), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Adam Skeaping at Riverside Studios, London, November 1975.

Bass is (Stevens) 10’21 Vinyl VS 102 (lp), Konnex KCD 5045 (cd)

Coleman (Stevens) 15’35 – –

The bird (Stevens) 22’17 – –

7.5ips st. copy on problem Ampex tape NSA C577/73 (this reel is dated 19/2/76 but this could just be the date the production master was prepared) + dup. 7.5ips st. copies: C577/130–131 + 7.5ips st. "rough mixes": C577/132–133. All titles reissued in ‘John Stevens Works – S.M.E. Big Band & Quintet’ Konnex KCD 5045 (cd), reviewed by Michael Rosenstein in Cadence (March ‘94) p30-31. Tonal equalisation of the CD issue is suspect.

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John Martyn – ‘Live At Leeds’

John Martyn (voc/g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Leeds University, November 26th, 1975*.

Outside air (Martyn) 8’56 Island ILPS 9343 (lp), Awareness AWCD 1036 (cd)

Solid air (Martyn) 7’08 – –

Make no mistake (Martyn) 4’55 – –

Bless the weather (Martyn) 4’50 – –

The man in the station (Martyn) 2’36 – –

I’d rather be the devil (James) 8’37 – –

All titles also reissued in Cacophony SKELP 001 (lp), Ariola/Hypertension HYCD 200 114 (cd). The man in the station also included in various artists cd ‘The First Hypertension Label Compilation’ (Hypertension HYCD 200153). *Some issues cite a recording date of October 1975 but the tour schedule published in Melody Maker indicates the date given above.

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Trevor Watts’ Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as), Ray Warleigh (as), Steve Hayton (elg), Dave Cole (elg), Pete Cowling (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, December 11th, 1975; tr: BBC R3 ‘Jazz in Britain’, January 12th, 1976.

The jive suite (Watts) – Part 1 6’00

– Part 2 10’10

– Part 3 12’25

NSA 7.5ips st. offair recording: 2666BW

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Ralph McTell – ‘Right Side Up’

album sleeve lists collective personnel only. John was probably featured with a combination of the following: Ralph McTell (g/voc), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Other musicians on the album are: John Martyn (‘electric weather’)*, Graham Preskitt, Peter Swettenham (keys), Rod Clements, Dave Pegg (bg), Sammy Mitchell (dobro), Pick Withers (d), Tony Rivers, Ken Gold, John Perry (backing voc). Rec. by Pete Henderson &/or Mike Stavrou, Air Studios, London, ca. Jan 1976?

San Diego serenade (Waites) 2’45 Warner Bros K 56296 (lp), Mays TG 002 (lp)

Naomi (McTell) 3’07 –

Tequila sunset (McTell) 3’22 –

Weather the storm (McTell) 4’01 –

River risin’, moon high (McTell) 3’57 –

From Clare to here (McTell) 4’13 –

Chairman and the little man (McTell) 2’09 –

Country boys (McTell) 2’32 –

Slow burning companion (McTell) 3’28 –

Nightmares (McTell) 2’55 –

May you never (Martyn) 3’25 –

John is not featured on all the above titles. Mays TG 002 was a 1982 reissue which subsituted the album title ‘Weather the Storm’. Probably also on cd.

Gigs: large SME (Stevens/Coombes/Watts/E. Parker/Rutherford/Bailey/L. Cooper/Nico Langenhausen (b)) played Gardner Centre Theatre, Sussex Univ. 10/2/76 (reviewed by Dave Roberts in Musics no. 7 (p28). Same group played Birmingham Arts Lab, 11/2/76 (reviewed by Dave Panton, same issue, p28). The John Stevens Band (w/ K. Wheeler, Pat Smythe & Jeff Clyne) played The Plough, Thur 25/3/76, John Stevens Away (w/ Cole/Herman/Stephens) played Grass Roots at the 100 Club, Mon 29/3/76, John Stevens and Friends played a benefit for Terri Quaye at the Phoenix, Wed 31/3/76, Stevens/Barbara Thompson/Lindsay Cooper & Phil Lee played The Plough, 2/4/76.

John Stevens Away – ‘Anni’ single session

Robert Calvert (sax), John Martyn (elg/voc), Dave Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), others unconfirmed. Rec. by Steve Lillywhite, Phonogram studio, London, March 30th, 1976.

Daffodils (Stevens)*/unknown title* 32’25 unissued

Anni (Stevens) 7’34 –

Daffodils (Stevens) – tk 1 (fs) 0’08 –

– tk 2 (bd) 0’49 –

– tk 3 15’34 –

Anni (Stevens) – Part 1 3’36 Vertigo 6059 140 (7” single), Superbeeb BEDP 001 (lp)

– Part 2 4’34 – –

*No vocal.

The two sides of the Vertigo single were edited from a continuous performance of longer duration. The single was also included in a compilation album entitled ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test – Take 2’ (BEDP 001). Nick Stephens’ diary suggests the March recording date although a Phonogram session reel for Daffodils was dated May 23rd, 1976. This latter date may just have been the date on which the tracks were mixed. 15ips st. session reel with Daffodils (tk 1–3): NSA C577/74 + dub from 7.5ips st. session reel with all titles: C577/191. The single was reviewed by Frank Elson in Blues & Soul 18/5/76 p11, by Caroline Coon in Melody Maker 29/5/76 p3 and by Brian Case in NME 12/6/76.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ television broadcast

Robert Calvert (sax), David Cole (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. and broadcast live from BBC 2 television studios, London, ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’, early May 1976.

Anni (Stevens)

Gigs: Away commenced a series of British & European dates with a concert at Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, Wed 26/5/76, followed by Sweetnighter in Putney, Fri 28/5/76, and Battersea Town Hall, 5/6/76. John Stevens Quartet (w/ Wheeler, Warleigh, Clyne) played at a Phil Seamen Tribute at the 100 Club, Mon 31/5/76

John Stevens Away – ‘John Peel Show’ broadcast

Robert Calvert (saxes), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio studio, London, May 27th, 1976; tr: BBC Radio 1, ‘John Peel show’, June 7th, 1976; re-broadcast July 16th, 1976.

Anni (Stevens) 5’44

Can’t explain (Stevens) 5’01

Spirit of peace (Stevens) 11’41

Dig. dub from offair cass. rec: NSA C577/163 (iv).

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John Stevens Away – ‘Somewhere In Between’

Robert Calvert (ts), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d/perc*). Rec. by Steve Lillywhite at Phonogram Studios, London, June 15–16th, 1976.

Can’t explain (Stevens) 6’38 Vertigo 6360 135 (lp)

Follow me (Stevens) 6’15 –

Chick–boom (Stevens) 6’18 –

Calvert switches to ss

Spirit of peace (trib. to Elvin Jones) (Stevens) 18’25 –

Now (Stevens)* 4’28 –

15ips st. copy masters: NSA C577/75–76. Album notes by Richard Williams. The sleeve credits percussion on Now to “Breno T’fordo”; in fact a pseudonym for John, derived from Brentford, his place of birth. The record was widely and favourably reviewed: Hugh Fielder in Sounds 13/11/76, Angus MacKinnon in NME 20/11/76 p26, Steve Lake in Melody Maker 16/10/76 p30, Peter Hopkin in Mayfair magazine v12 n5 p24.

Gigs: John Stevens Away toured the UK as support to the Crusaders: 9–10 July 1976: New Victoria Theatre, London; 11 July: Birmingham Hippodrome; 12 July: Newcastle City Hall; 13 July: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. Tour programme included a promotional blurb, probably written by Away management Terry Yason.

John Stevens Away – ‘Can’t Explain’

Robert Calvert (saxes), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), Terri Quaye (voc/congas). Rec. by Steve Lillywhite at Phonogram studio, London, July 25–26th, 1976.

Can’t explain (Stevens) – Part 1 3’50 Vertigo 6059 154 (7” single)

– Part 2 4’07 –

15ips st. copy master (incl. 2 alt. edits): NSA C577/77. Phonogram prob. held unissued takes of this item.

Gigs: The Spontaneous Music Ensemble played at the Shaw Theatre as part of Camden Jazz Week in late September 1976: Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Evan Parker (ts), Phil Lee (elg), John Stevens (d). Danny Thompson had also been scheduled for this concert but was ill. A continuous performance incorporated the titles Gnu high (Wheeler) and Deliverance (Phil Lee) but there is no evidence to date that it was recorded. Concert reviewed by Steve Lake in MM 2/10/76 p48, by Brian Case in NME 2/10/76, by Richard Johnson in Jazz Journal 11/76 p17 and by Richard Leigh in Musics no. 10 (11/76) p27. Away toured as support to Steve Hillage ca. late September/October 1976.

John Stevens Away – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Robert Calvert (saxes), David Cole (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio, London, September 22nd, 1976; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon October 18th, 1976.

A touch of the old (Stevens)

Light relief (Stevens)

Mazin ennit (Stevens)

Whoops–a–daisy (Stevens)

Still here (Stevens)

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/78

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Peter King/John Stevens Group – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

Peter King (as), Phil Lee (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, October 19th, 1976; tr: BBC R2, ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Sun December 12th, 1976.

Stable mates (B. Golson) 7’50

When you’re smiling (Fisher/Goodwin/Shay) 8’16

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Pete King Quartet – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Pete King (as), Phil Lee (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC studio, London, October 20th, 1976; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon November 29th, 1976.

medley: Row twelve/My old flame/Impressions of Trane

7.5 ips st. copy: NSA C577/134

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John Stevens Away – ‘Mazin Ennit’

Robert Calvert (ts/ss), David Cole (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Steve Lillywhite at Phonogram Studios, London, October 25–26th, 1976.

Away (Stevens) 3’05 Vertigo 6360 141 (lp)

Sunshine!!Sunshine (Stevens) 4’23 –

Mazin ennit (Stevens) 2’28 –

Whoops a daisy (Stevens) 2’20 –

Touch of the old (Stevens) 3’25 –

Still here (Stevens)* 4’37 –

Light relief (Stevens) 2’25 –

God bless (Stevens) 13’45 –

Temple music (Stevens) 3’53 –

*John does not play on Still Here.

Album reviewed by Angus MacKinnon in NME 7/5/77 p35, by Steve Lake in Melody Maker 14/5/77 p27 & by Hugh Fielder in Sounds 28/5/77 p32.

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Amalgam – live in London

Trevor Watts (reeds), Ray Warleigh (reeds), Steve Hayton (g), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, unknown location, London, November 12th, 1976.

unknown titles

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John Tchicai/Jeff Clyne/John Stevens – live in Bristol

John Tchicai (as/ss), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, Bathurst Tavern, Bristol, December 7th, 1976

unknown titles/imps.

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John Stevens Quintet with John Tchicai – live at The Phoenix

John Tchicai (as), Evan Parker (c melody sax/ss/ts?), Phil Lee (g), Jeff Clyne, Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, The Phoenix, London, December 8th, 1976

unknown titles/imps.

Concert reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI 1/77 p16.

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John Stevens/John Tchicai/Danny Thompson – live at The Plough

John Tchicai (as/voc), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d/voc). Rec. live, Stockwell, London, December 9th, 1976

(2nd set): imps.

Part of the 1st set from this concert (including titles Heavenly love on a planet & Sweet and lovely ) may also have been recorded.

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John Stevens/Evan Parker – ‘The Longest Night – Volumes 1 & 2’

Evan Parker (ss), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. by Adam Skeaping at Riverside Studios, London, December 21st, 1976

19.11 9’53 Ogun OG 120 (lp)

19.44 12’30 –

20.23 21’14 –

21.25 5’43 Ogun OG 420 (lp)

21.47 5’11 –

22.18 6’21 –

23.12 11’47 –

23.40 10’02 –

2 x 7.5ips st. copy masters: NSA C577/81–82. Brief album note by John Stevens. The titles were derived from the time of day at which each improvisation commenced. The tape boxes are dated January 1977 although this is probably just the date on which the production masters or these dubs were prepared. Jazz Journal generously reviewed ‘Vol 1’ twice in consecutive months: by Spike Wells in JJI 5/78 p43-44, and by Barry McRae in JJI 6/78 p51. ‘Vol 2’ reviewed by Max Harrison in MM 16/9/78 p22, by Barry McRae in JJI 8/78 p51.

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John Stevens’ Away – ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’ television broadcast

Robert Calvert (saxes), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. and broadcast live from BBC 2 television studios, London, ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test’, Tues April 19th, 1977.

Away (Stevens)

Sunshine!!Sunshine (Stevens)

unknown title

Not held. This was the group’s second OGWT session.

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – ‘Mutual Benefit’/’A Luta Continua’ (part)

Robert Calvert (ts/ss), Jeff Young (p/org), Nigel Moyse (g), David Cole (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. studio, London, May 4th, 1977.

Humble, Seamen, Hayes (Stevens) 3’27 Konnex KCD 5056 (cd)

Ah! (Stevens) 15’03 Konnex KCD 5061 (cd)

Phil (Stevens) 3’06 –

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/138. Konnex KCD 5056 titled: John Stevens Dance Orchestra ‘A Luta Continua’. Konnex KCD 5061 titled: John Stevens Away – ‘Mutual Benefit’. Although all three tracks were originally recorded under the name John Stevens Dance Orchestra, John retrospectively decided to issue the tracks Ah! and Phil under the group name John Stevens Away. Both CDs reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44. ‘A Luta Continua’ reviewed by Gus Garside in Resonance vol 3 no 2 p41. Insert notes (both issues) by Michael Hrebeniak.

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John Stevens – ‘Re–touch’

Allan Holdsworth (g), Jeff Young (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. Riverside Studios, London, May 18th, 1977.

No fear (Stevens) 36’52 View VS 025 (lp), Konnex KCD 5027 (cd)

Ron Mathewson (b) replaces Barry Guy. Rec. Riverside Studios, London, May 19th, 1977

Re–touch (Holdsworth/Young/Mathewson/Stevens) 3’57 View VS 025 (lp), Konnex KCD 5027 (cd)

No fear is edited into two parts for LP format (View VS 025) but is presented in its original, uninterrupted form on the Konnex CD. Konnex CD (retitled ‘John Stevens Works – Re–touch & Quartet’) adds S.M.E. quartet titles from 7 May 1971. View LP reviewed by Mark Gilbert in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 37 (3/84) p32. Konnex CD reviewed by Michael Rosenstein in Cadence no. 20 (3/94) p30-31.

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John Stevens – ‘Touching On’

Allan Holdsworth (g), Jeff Young (p), Ron Mathewson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. at Riverside Studios, London, May 19th, 1977.

Touching on (Holdsworth/Young/Mathewson/Stevens) 21’24 View VS 105 (lp)

Home (Stevens) 14’13 –

Finally (Holdsworth/Young/Mathewson/Stevens) 1’33 –

Reissued on Konnex KCD 5023 (with addition of Dance Orchestra track Ah! rec 6 June 1977). This album is also believed to have been reissued more than once in Japan. VS 105 reviewed in BM&JR (9/79) p40.

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John Stevens Away – French radio broadcast

Robert Calvert (saxes), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by France Musique, Studio 118, Paris, prob. May 21st, 1977; tr: France Musique (French radio).

John Stevens interviewed by programme presenter

Can’t explain (Stevens) 2’44

It will never be the same (Stevens) 6’10

God bless (Stevens) 9’16

Mazin ennit (Stevens) 2’53

Whoops a daisy (Stevens) 2’22

Anni (Stevens) 6’09

Sunshine!!Sunshine (Stevens) 5’45

What’s that (Stevens) 1’08

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/83

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John Stevens – ‘No Fear’

Trevor Watts (as), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by John Gill at Riverside Studios, London, 23 May 1977.

No fear (Stevens) 10’16 Spotlite SPJ 508 (lp), Hi 4 Head H4HCD001 (cd)

The Id (Stevens/Watts/Guy) 10’20 – –

Ah! (Stevens) 9’07 – –

Speed from the light (Watts) 5’24 – –

Just a matter of time (Stevens) 8’52 – –

outtakes [titles unknown] Hi 4 Head H4HCD003 (forthcoming cd)

No fear inspired by bassist Steve Davis. The cover features John’s drawing Underground Window Gazer. Album notes by Steve Lake. Reviewed by Spike Wells in JJI 10/78 p67; by Brian Case in MM 3/11/79 p42; by Bill Henderson in Black Music & Jazz Review, Oct 1978. H4HCD001 reviewed by Andy Hamilton in Wire no. 219 (May 2002) p71. H4HCD003 slated to be titled “The complete Spotlite sessions”, may also include additional material from the released titles.

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John Stevens – studio session

prob. Trevor Watts (sax), unidentified (p/synth), prob. Lindsay Cooper (b), prob. John Stevens (d). Rec. Riverside Studios, London, prob, ca. 1976/1977.

Calyx

The punk song

Anthem

unknown title

unknown title

unknown title

2 x 15ips 16–track reels: C577/63–64 (other reels from this date may be missing). These tapes were among a batch recovered by John from a friend in 1994 and temporarily left at the home of Simon Cooley. Following John’s death, Cooley deposited the tapes with the collection at the NSA. The tape boxes include no identifying details other than the above noted instrumentation and titles. To date it has not been possible to play these multi-tracks in order to confirm their contents. However, John is known to have recorded an unissued session with Watts and Cooper at Riverside Studios, tapes from which have not been found elsewhere. This is possibly the aborted Riverside Studios session referred to by John in his interview for the NSA “Oral history of Jazz in Britain” project.

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – ‘Ah!’

Robert Calvert (ts/ss), Jeff Young (key), Dave Cole (g), Nigel Moyse (g/effects), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. Riverside Studios, London, June 6th, 1977.

Phil (Stevens) 19’32 Vinyl VS 111 (lp), Konnex KCD 5025 (cd)

Ah! (Stevens) 26’19 Vinyl VS 111 (lp), Konnex KCD 5023 (cd)

as above, rec June 7th, 1977

unknown title unissued

Humble, Seamen, Hayes (Stevens) –

Home (Stevens) 9’59 Vinyl VS 111 (lp), Konnex KCD 5025 (cd)

5 x 15ips 16–track masters: C577/58–62. The released album/CDs from these dates cite a recording date of September 1977 but the original multi–track boxes were dated as noted above (one reel erroneously dated 6 June 1976). Phil and Home were reissued as bonus tracks in the CD issue of ‘Conversation Piece’ (Konnex KCD 5025). Ah! was reissued as a bonus track in the CD issue of ‘Touching On’ (Konnex KCD 5023). Vinyl LP given a 5-star review by Brian Earwaker in Black Music & Jazz Review 12/78 p38. Reviewed by Spike Wells in JJI 1/79 p75.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Biosystem’

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), Colin Wood (clo), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. Riverside Studios, London, June 28th, 1977.

Biosystem Incus 24 (lp)

Mystery –

Saved by the bell –

Replanted –

Back to the beginning for the first time –

Reviewed by Max Harrison in JJI 5/78 p43.

Some sources suggested that John contributed drums to certain tracks (“Smiling stranger” and “Big muff”) on John Martyn’s ‘One World’ album, sessions for which commenced on 16th July 1977. However, recent CD reissues of this album have confirmed that John Stevens did not contribute. SME gig at Battersea Town Hall reviewed by Maureen Paton; Melody Maker, 11^th June 1977, p39 (group featuring Stevens, Barry Guy, Dave Solomons, Roger Smith, Nigel Coombes, Herman Hauge, Colin Wood), SME (Stevens, Coombes, Wood, Smith) gig at the ICA Theatre, 3^rd July 1977, reviewed by Steve Beresford, Musics, no. 15 (Dec 1977), p7.

Dando Shaft – ‘Kingdom Come’

Paul Dunmall (ss/ts), Dave Cooper (g/voc), Martin Jenkins (mandocello/el vln/voc), Kev Dempsey (elg/bg/voc), Tommy Kearton (keys), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d), Ted Kay (congas), Polly Bolton (voc). Rec. by Mickey Sweeney at Impulse Studios, Wallsend–on–Tyne, England, ca. 1977.

Follow you (Jenkins/Cooper) 4’17 Rubber RUB 034 (lp)

Feel like I wanna go home (Cooper) 4’35 –

Thompson out

Kingdom (Jenkins/Cooper) 4’53 –

John is not featured on other tracks of this album.

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Beck, Clyne, Holdsworth, Stevens – ‘Conversation Piece’

Gordon Beck (p/elp), Allan Holdsworth (g), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Maida Vale Studio, London, November 15th, 1977; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon December 26th, 1977.

Conversation piece – Part 1 22’34 View VS 0010 (lp), Konnex KCD 5025 (cd)

Conversation piece – Part 2 17’14 – –

(composed: Holdsworth/Beck/Clyne/Stevens)

Also reissued on DIW (Jap) 1022. Konnex CD adds tracks Phil and Home from Dance Orchestra session of 6/7 June 1977. 15ips st. copy of Conversation Piece – Part 2 only: NSA C577/84. Tone equalisation of CD issue is suspect.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Low Profile’ (cd - part)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), Colin Wood (clo), John Stevens (d/cor/voc). Rec. live at Derby College of Further Education, November 17th, 1977.

Immediate past is present (group imp.) 31’12 unissued except below

Immediate past fragment (short excerpt from above) 2’23 Emanem 4031 (cd)

The only geezer an American soldier shot was Anton Webern (group imp.) 31’36 –

untitled imp. 25’40 unissued

2 x 7.5ips stereo masters: NSA C577/155-156 (H7307). 1st piece suffers channel 1 drop-outs ca. 8’15–9’45. These tapes include at least 15 mins of between-set and post-gig talk by John and others, including an explanation of the announced titles. CD insert notes by Martin Davidson include the following comments on The only geezer... - “(this) title did result in some direct quotes from Webern at the start of the piece, notably on snare drum and violin, but the subsequent direction and sheer length of the piece are very un-Webern.” Reviewed in Coda, no. 289, Jan-Feb 2000, p36

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Stevens/Holdsworth/Taylor/Clyne – live at the Plough

Alan Holdsworth (g), John Taylor (p), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Jan Strom at the Plough, Stockwell, London, December 9^th, 1977.

unknown titles

Tape probably held by Jan Strom (Ayler Records, Sweden).

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John Stevens Away – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Robert Calvert (as/ts), Nigel Moyse (g), Martin Holder (g), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC studio, London, February 8th, 1978; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, March 20th, 1978.

Mind out (Stevens) 4’55

Preamble (Stevens)/Just a matter of time (Stevens) 12’08 total

Relative space (Stevens) 6’08

Integration (Stevens) 3’59

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/139. Master retained by BBC Sound Archive (T53777)

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John Stevens Away – ‘Integration’ (lp)

Robert Calvert (saxes), Nigel Moyse (g), Martin Holder (g), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, The Plough (public house), London, February 25th, 1978.

Relative space (Stevens) 12’38 Red (USA) RED 009 (lp)

Anni (Stevens) 7’12 –

Integration (Stevens) 7’34 –

Ah! (Stevens) 8’14 –

Home (Stevens) 12’03 –

What’s that (Stevens) 1’51 –

15ips st. copy masters from cass. master: NSA C577/85–86. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI 12/80 p46.

Gigs: SME played LMC, 1^st April 1978; reviewed by D. Toop; Musics, no. 17 (May 1978) p19; The Phoenix, 5 July 1978 (this gig shared with T. Watts/E. Parker duo – may have augmented SME for part of perf.). SME gig review by Richard Leigh; Musics, no. 18 (July 1978), p27. Away played at Riverside Studios Jazz Festival, Sun 20 August 1978 – Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (saxes), Nigel Moyse (elg), Martin Holder (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d). N.B. This is not the Riverside audio studio. The trio of Stevens/Watts/Guy performed a set prior to Ornette Coleman at the Bracknell Jazz Festival, ca. July 1978, although there is no evidence that it was recorded. The Eddie Prévost–John Stevens Double Trio made its first public appearance at the I.C.A. Theatre on 30 July 1978 (reviewed by Maureen Paton, Melody Maker; 5^th August, 1978 p38).

John Stevens Away – live at the Plough

Robert Calvert (saxes), prob. Nigel Moyse (g), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d), rest unconfirmed. Rec. live by Robert Calvert, The Plough, Stockwell, London, July 28th, 1978.

unknown titles

Cass. recording survives.

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Eddie Prévost–John Stevens Double Trio – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Lou Gare (ts), Marcio Mattos (b), Barry Guy (b), Eddie Prévost (d), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio, London, August 2nd, 1978; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon August 28th, 1978.

Ear job (group imp.) 28’05

Dig. dub from offair cass. rec: NSA C577/162 (H7351). The two trios were arranged and recorded on separate channels, with the John Stevens Trio (Watts/Guy/Stevens) on the left, and the Eddie Prévost Trio (Gare/Mattos/Prévost) on the right.

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John Stevens Away – live at the Plough

Personnel similar to 28/7/78. Rec. live by Robert Calvert, The Plough, Stockwell, London, August 4th, 1978.

unknown titles

Cass. recording survives.

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John Stevens – ‘Application, Interaction, And...’

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Alvin Clark at Sound Suite Studios, London, August 31st, 1978*

Application (Watts/Guy/Stevens) 24’30 Spotlite SPJ 513 (lp), Hi 4 Head H4HCD002

Interaction (Watts/Guy/Stevens) 18’50 – –

And... (Watts/Guy/Stevens) 2’46 – –

outtakes [titles unknown] Hi 4 Head H4HCD003 (forthcoming cd)

*A 7.5ips st. tape copy of this album master deposited at the NSA by Barry Guy, was actually dated 5/9/78: NSA C776/28-29

Brief sleeve note by John. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI 1/80 p39 & by Brian Case in MM 3/11/79 p42. H4HCD003 slated to be titled “The complete Spotlite sessions”, may also include additional material from the released titles. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Evan Parker/Barry Guy/John Stevens – live in London

Evan Parker (saxes), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live, unknown location, London, September 13th, 1978.

untitled imps.

Sound quality poor.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at Newcastle College of Art & Technology

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live at Newcastle College of Art & Technology, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, November 17th, 1978.

untitled imp. 9’32

untitled imp. 23’22

Poor audience recording of a fine SME performance. The second set of this concert was an improvisation by Tristan Honsinger and Steve Beresford. Cassette copy survives.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Mutual Benefit’ (part)

Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (ts/ss), Nigel Moyse (g), Tim Stone (g), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. studio, London, December 20th, 1978.

Mutual benefit (Stevens) 7’00 Konnex KCD 5061 (cd)

Out of order (Stevens) 12’20 –

Smiled (Stevens) 7’50 –

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/140. Konnex CD insert notes by Michael Hrebeniak. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44. These titles were at one time planned for inclusion in an unissued album entitled ‘John Stevens Away to Dance’: 7.5ips st. 3rd gen? copy: NSA C577/153–154.

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Elton Dean Quartet – live at the 100 Club

Marc Charig (tp), Elton Dean (saxes), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the 100 Club, London, January 15th, 1979

unknown titles/imps.

Audience recording.

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Keith Rowe (g), Colin McKenzie (bg), John Stevens (d), Liam Genockey (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, February 21st, 1979; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon April 2nd, 1979.

Yorkshire suite (Watts) 25’45

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Rutherford/Guy/Stevens – live at the Plough

Paul Rutherford (tb), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at The Plough (public house), Stockwell, London, March 15th, 1979.

untitled imps.

Audience recording.

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Watts/Riley/Herman/Stevens – live at the Plough

Trevor Watts (saxes), Howard Riley (p), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at The Plough, Stockwell, London, circa March 1979.

unknown titles/imps.

Audience recording.

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – live at the 100 Club

prob. Jon Corbett (tp), Trevor Watts, Robert Calvert (saxes), Nigel Moyse (g), unidentified (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), poss. Terri Quaye (perc). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, 100 Club, London, March 26th, 1979.

Bass duet (Stephens/Herman)/Daffodils (Stevens) 20’05

Smiled (Stevens) 5’29 on cass.

Mutual benefit (Stevens)

other unknown titles

Dig. dub from st. cass. copy of first 2 listed items: NSA C577/163 (ii). Robert Calvert believes multi-track reel recordings were also made of this concert but were spoiled by a balance problem.

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John Stevens Trio – Live at the Plough

Mike Osborne (as), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/perc). Rec. live by Jan Strom, The Plough (public house), Stockwell, London, March 30^th, 1979.

Blue rondo (McLean) 10’29 Ayler Records (Sweden) aylCD-007 (cd)
Plough story (Osborne) 9’17 _

Carrousel (Osborne) 8’07 _

Cherokee (Noble) 9’09 _

Summertime (Gershwin) 5’34 _

The restart (Osborne) 7’49 _

MO recapitulations (Osborne) 23’08 _

CD notes by Philippe Renaud and Jan Strom.

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Watts/Riley/Guy/Stevens – ‘Endgame’

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. April 1979.

The Y? 7’27 Japo 60028 (lp)

Remember to remember 7’58 –

Du doo 7’30 –

Maze 10’30 –

In relationship to the circumstance 12’30 –

(all compositions: Guy/Riley/Stevens/Watts)

NSA tape copy: C776/10

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Chadbourne/Kondo/Stevens/Cooper – live at the Plough

Toshinori Kondo (tp/electronics?), Eugene Chadbourne (g/devices?), Lindsay Cooper (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, London, April 28th, 1979.

unknown titles/imps.

Audience recording.

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Stevens/Wheeler/Parker/Rogers – live at the Plough

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh?), Evan Parker (saxes), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, London, May 19th, 1979.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Brötzmann/Charig/Malfatti/Guy/Kowald/Stevens – live at the Plough

Marc Charig (tp), Radu Malfatti (tb), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Peter Kowald (b), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, London, July 6th, 1979.

untitled imps.

Audience recording.

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Watts/Riley/Guy/Stevens – live at Bracknell Jazz Festival

Trevor Watts (saxes), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). This group played a set in the Recital Room at Bracknell Jazz Festival, July 7th, 1979, although to date there is no proof that it was recorded.

unknown titles/imps.*

*Possibly titles from the album ‘Endgame’. Concert reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI 9/79 p20. John Stevens & Liam Genockey were also billed to play a set of duos on this date, also not known to have been recorded.

Gigs: Peter Brötzmann, Evan Parker, Dudu Pukwana, Marc Charig, Paul Rutherford, Paul Lovens, Peter Kowald, Barry Guy and John Stevens played at The Plough, London, mid-July 1979; reviewed by Brian Case; Melody Maker, 21^st July 1979, p40.

Evan Parker – ‘Four Four Four’

Evan Parker (ss), Paul Rutherford (tb/eup), Barry Guy (b/electronics), John Stevens (perc/voc). Rec. Riverside Studios, London, August 1979.

1,4,4, 4’31 View VS 011 (lp), Konnex KCD 5049 (cd)

2,4,4, 11’02 View VS 011 (lp), Konnex KCD 5049 (cd)

3,4,4, 7’42 – –

4,4,4, 18’23 – –

5,4,4, 1’39 –

Discographers Hsu & Roussel cited a recording date of 4 October 1979, apparently suggested by Evan Parker, but this seems unlikely in view of the fact that Stevens and Guy were recording at a different studio with Howard Riley on that date. The tracks were reordered and retitled for the Konnex CD issue as noted above, which also includes additional track by S.M.E.: Surfaces, rec 18 August 1992. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44. Also reviewed in Jazz Podium 11/94 p81, Jazzthetik 03/95 p51, Musica Jazz 8-9/94 p66, Orkester Journalen 9/94 p37.

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Stevens/Watts/Guy – live at the Plough

Trevor Watts (saxes), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, August 17th, 1979

unknown titles/imps.

Audience recording.

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Charig/Evans/Stabbins/Dean/Osborne/Tippett/Rogers/Stevens – live at the Plough

Marc Charig (tp), Nick Evans (tb), Larry Stabbins (saxes), Elton Dean (saxes), Mike Osborne (as), Keith Tiuppett (p), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, August 24th, 1979.

unknown titles/imps?

Audience recording.

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John Stevens Trio – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/?), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, August 28th, 1979; tr: BBC R1 ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Sun September 23rd, 1979.

No fear (Stevens) 5’11

Just a matter of time (Stevens) 7’40

We’ll just do (group imp.) 7’08

Ah! (Stevens) 5’18

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John Stevens Away – live at the Plough

probable personnel: Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (saxes), prob. Nigel Moyse & Tim Stone (g), Nick Stephens (bg), prob. Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, The Plough, Stockwell, London, September 21st, 1979.

unknown titles

Cass. master survives.

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Stevens/Guy/Evans/Dean – live at the Plough

Nick Evans (tb), Elton Dean (saxes), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, September 28th, 1979.

unknown titles/imps?

Audience recording.

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Howard Riley – ‘Organic’ (in 3LP box ‘Facets’)

Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/c). Rec. by Anthony David at Heiman Recording Studios, London, October 4th, 1979.

Just (Riley/Guy/Stevens) Impetus IMP 38002 (lp)

One way (Riley/Guy/Stevens) –

Ontology (Riley/Guy/Stevens) –

Album notes by Howard Riley and Kenneth Ansell. John is not featured in other albums of this 3–LP box. This trio had previously worked together at the Little Theatre Club in 1966 and later at The Plough.

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Stevens/Rutherford/Pukwana/Riley/Rogers – live at the Plough

Paul Rutherford (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as), Howard Riley (p), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (perc/cor). Rec. by Jan Strom at the Plough, Stockwell, London, October 12^th, 1979.

unknown titles

Tape probably held by Ayler Records.

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John Stevens Dance Orchestra – live at Camden Jazz Festival

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (eup/tb?), Lol Coxhill (ss), Trevor Watts (saxes), Elton Dean (saxes), Robert Calvert (ts), John Martyn (g/voc), Nigel Moyse (g), Tim Stone (g), Mark Hewins (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Andre Holmes (bg), Paul Rogers (b), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), Phil Collins (d), Frances Graham-Dixon (perc), Pepi Lemer (voc). Rec. live at Camden Jazz Festival, the Roundhouse, London, October 23rd, 1979.

Daffodils (Stevens)

other titles similar to below

Concert reviewed by Pete Gamble in JJI 1/80 p14.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Dance Orchestra – ‘A Luta Continua’ (part)

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (eup), Lol Coxhill (ss), Trevor Watts (ss), Elton Dean (saxello), Robert Calvert (ts), John Martyn (g/voc), Nigel Moyse (g), Tim Stone (g), Mark Hewins (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Andre Holmes (bg), Paul Rogers (b), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d), Frances Graham-Dixon (perc), Pepi Lemer (voc). Rec. studio, London, October 24th, 1979.

Some people (Stevens) 2’39 Konnex KCD 5056 (cd)

Home (Stevens) 6’37 –

Daffodils (Stevens) 14’11* –

The birds (Stevens) 5’02 –

7.5ips st. copy of first three titles: NSA C577/141 + 15ips st. copy of The Birds & alt. take of eup intro. to Home: C577/142. *edited to 13’41 for the CD issue. CD notes by Michael Hrebeniak. Reviewed by B. McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44 & by Gus Garside in Resonance vol 3 no 2 p41.

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Dean/Mattos/Zagni/Stevens/Nicols – live at the Plough

Elton Dean (saxes), Ivan Zagni (g), Marcio Mattos (b), John Stevens (d/cor?), Maggie Nicols (voc). Rec. live at the Plough, November 9th, 1979

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Derek Bailey & John Stevens – Toynbee Hall duos

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at Toynbee Hall, Commercial Street, London E1, November 17th, 1979.

untitled imps.

Cassette copy survives.

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Stevens/Dean/Charig/Evans/Guy – live at the Half Moon

Nick Evans (tb), Marc Charig (tp), Elton Dean (saxes), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Half Moon (public house), Putney, London, November 18th, 1979.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Stevens/Watts/Riley/Rogers – live at the Plough

Trevor Watts (saxes), Howard Riley (p), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, December 7th, 1979.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at North London Polytechnic

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live at North London Polytechnic, January 10th, 1980.

untitled imps

Audience recording.

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John Stevens Away – live at the Wilmington Arms

prob. Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (saxes), prob. Nigel Moyse & Tim Stone? (g), Nick Stephens (bg)?, Ron Herman (b)?, John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, Wilmington Arms, Kings Cross, London, January 24th, 1980.

unknown titles

Cass. master survives.

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Stevens/Riley/Tomlinson/Guy/Rogers – live at the Plough

Alan Tomlinson (tb), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Plough, Stockwell, January 25th, 1980.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Stevens/Coxhill/Watts/Herman – live at the Green Man

Lol Coxhill (saxes), Trevor Watts (saxes), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Green Man (public house), Marylebone Road, London, February 24th, 1980.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Away – live at the Plough

Personnel prob. similar to above. Rec. live by Robert Calvert, the Plough, Stockwell, London, February 29th, 1980.

unknown titles

Cass. master survives.

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Bailey/Guy/Stevens – live at the Green Man

Derek Bailey (g), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Green Man, Marylebone Road, London, March 2nd, 1980.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Hot and Cold Heroes’ (cd – part)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. by Richie Stevens at the Stevens’ family home, Boileau Road, Ealing, ca. March 1980

Boileau Road (imp.) 27’49 Emanem 4008 (cd)

NSA C577/100 (H5343). CD notes by Martin Davidson. Reviewed by David Ilic in The Wire #150 (8/96) p57; Cadence, Nov 1996, p88-89

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London Jazz Composers’ Orchestra – live at Sheffield University

Harry Beckett (tp), Mark Charig (tp), Dave Spence (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Paul Nieman (tb), Melvin Poore (tub), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Evan Parker (ss/ts), Peter Brötzmann (ts/bcl), Larry Stabbins (ssts), Tony Coe (saxes/cl), Phil Wachsmann (vln), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d/cor), Tony Oxley (perc/vln). Rec. by Peter Riley live at Hurfield Campus, Sheffield, March 15th, 1980.

unknown titles*

Cassette recording, sound quality unknown. The orchestra performed four new works at concerts on this tour: Appolysian (Riley), Invitation to Karlovy Vary (Oxley), Quasimode (Rutherford) and Four Pieces for Orchestra (Guy).

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London Jazz Composers’ Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Marc Charig (tp/fh), Dave Spence (tp), John Stevens (cor), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Paul Nieman (tb), Melvyn Poore (tuba), Tony Coe (cl/ts/ss), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Evan Parker (ss/ts), Larry Stabbins (ts/ss), Peter Brötzmann (ts/bars/b-cl), Howard Riley (p), Phil Wachsmann (vln), Tony Oxley (vln), Barry Guy (b), Peter Kowald (b). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, March 16^th, 1980; tr: BBC R3 ‘Jazz in Britain’, April 14^th, 1980.

Invitation to Karlovy Vary (Oxley) 11’55

Personnel as above except Oxley & Stevens switch to percussion.

Appolysian (Riley) 12’32

15 ips stereo BBC broadcast master: C776/35 + (copies) C776/16-17

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London Jazz Composers’ Orchestra – live at the Roundhouse

Personnel presumably same as, or very similar to BBC session of previous day. Rec. live at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London, 17 March 1980.

Four pieces for orchestra (Guy)

Quasimode (Rutherford)

Appolysian (Riley)

15ips st. masters (imperfect balance): NSA C776/41-44

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London Jazz Composers’ Orchestra – ‘Stringer’ (lp)

Kenny Wheeler (tp/fh), Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Dave Spence (tp/fh), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Paul Nieman (tb), Melvyn Poore (tub), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Evan Parker (ss/ts), Peter Brötzmann (sax), Larry Stabbins (ss/ts), Tony Coe (sax/cl), Phil Wachsmann (vln), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d), Tony Oxley (d). Rec. by BBC Radio, BBC Maida Vale studios, London, 26 March 1980; tr: Radio 3 ‘Music In Our Time’ 22nd April 1980.

Quasimode 3 (Rutherford) 14’22 unissued

NSA C776/37 (15 ips BBC stereo master).

Four pieces for orchestra (Guy) – Part 1 13’10 FMP SAJ 41 (lp)

– Part 2 6’50 –

– Part 3 6’49 –

– Part 4 14’25 –

NSA C776/3 (3.75 ips offair recording of broadcast).

Gigs: SME: JS (perc/tp/cor), N. Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g) – played ‘Actual Music’ Festival, Notre Dame Hall, Tues 3/4/80. Reviewed by Kenneth Ansell in JJI 6/80 P31 (N.B. not to be confused with Actual ‘80 Festival held at ICA in August)

Derek Bailey & John Stevens – Green Man duos

Derek Bailey (g), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Green Man (public house), London, April 13th, 1980.

untitled imps.

Sound quality unknown. [This could be the unidentified Bailey/Stevens duo recording detailed above.]

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stevens/Parker/Guy – live at the Green Man

Evan Parker (saxes), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live at the Green Man (public house), April 27th, 1980.

untitled imps.

Sound quality unknown.

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John Stevens Away – live at New Merlin’s Cave

Personnel prob. similar to 7 May session below. Rec. live at New Merlin’s Cave, London, April 30th, 1980.

unknown titles

Audience recording.

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Stevens/Rutherford/Guy – live at the Green Man

Paul Rutherford (tb), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the Green Man (public house), London, May 4th, 1980.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Away – ‘Mutual Benefit’ (part)

Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (ts/ss), Nigel Moyse (g), Tim Stone (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d/cor/celeste). Rec. studio, London, May 7th, 1980

Leg In (Stevens) 4’02 Konnex KCD 5061 (cd)

D (Stevens) 1’18 –

SFA (Stevens) 7’57 –

UI (Stevens) 6’49 –

What’s that (Stevens) 5’32 –

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/143. Insert notes by Michael Hrebeniak. The CD insert and disc label erroneously list title Leg In as ‘Inleg’ and What’s that as ‘Thats what’. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Away – live at Johnny Edges

Jon Corbett (tp), Robert Calvert (ts/ss), Nigel Moyse (elg), Tim Stone (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, Johnny Edges club, London, May 16th, 1980.

Phil (Stevens) 7’59

Home (Stevens)/What’s that (Stevens) 3’53

‘D’ (Stevens) 2’00

Ah! (Stevens) 7’42

Smiled (Stevens) 9’02

Integration (Stevens)/What’s that (Stevens) 3’53 on cass

S.F.A. (Stevens) 5’20

U.I. (Stevens) 15’21

Dig. dub from cass. copy: NSA C577/163 (i). The cassette copy from which the NSA copy was dubbed suffered periodic tape drop-outs which may not afflict the master if it survives.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spontaneous Music Ensemble – live at the Green Man

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (d/mini-tp). Rec. live at the Green Man (public house), Marylebone Road, London, May 25th, 1980.

untitled imps.

Audience recording.

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John Stevens/Evan Parker/Barry Guy – live at the Green Man

Evan Parker (ts/ss), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, the Green Man (public house), Marylebone Rd., London, June 1st, 1980.

The cornet kid

other untitled imps.

Poor cass. recording

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Rutherford/Brötzmann/Kowald/Stevens – live in London

Paul Rutherford (trombone), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live, unknown location, London, June 24th, 1980.

untitled imps?

Audience recording.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

John Stevens Away – ‘Changed Priorities Ahead’

Richard Chapman? (elg) + 1 other [poss. Martin Holder], unidentified [poss. Paul Morgan] (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by John Brand, Riverside Studios, London, June 29th, 1980

unknown titles 9’40, 8’19, 11’10, 6’34 Red (unissued)

This unreleased album was something of a departure for the group in that it consists entirely of group interplay, with no instrumental soloing.

2 x 15ips st. masters: C577/87–88 (H7258)

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Brötzmann/Charig/Rutherford/Guy/Kowald/Stevens – live at Bracknell Jazz Festival

Marc Charig (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Barry Guy (b), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at Bracknell Jazz Festival, Bracknell, July 5th, 1980.

untitled imps.

Sound quality unknown.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Peter Brötzmann/Peter Kowald/John Stevens – Actual 80 Festival

Peter Brötzmann (reeds, incl. bcl), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live at Actual 80 Festival, I.C.A. Theatre, London, August 30th, 1980.

untitled imps.

Mediocre recording. Concert reviewed by Kenneth Ansell in JJI 11/80 p21.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

John Rangecroft (sax/cl*), Richard Chapman (elg), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor*). Rec. live by BBC Radio, London, October 28th, 1980; tr: BBC R1 ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Mon November 23rd, 1980.

Motif I (Stevens) 5’52

Element (Stevens) take 1 (bd)* 1’30

Element (Stevens) take 2 10’35

D (Stevens)* 6’46

Motif II (Stevens) take 1 (bd)* 0’44

Motif II (Stevens) fs + take 2 6’47 (ed. to 5’17 for broadcast)

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/144–145. Presented by Peter Clayton.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

John Rangecroft (ts/cl*), Richard Chapman (g), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/cor+). Rec. BBC studio, London, November 12th, 1980; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon December 15th, 1980.

Detail (Stevens) 3’30

In (Stevens) [aka Leg In]*+ 9’17

As is (Stevens) 5’38

Alternative (Stevens)* 3’46

Movement (Stevens) 4’16

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/146. BBC Sound Archive master no. T55320

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David Panton Trio/One Music Trio

David Panton (as), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Prob. rec. live by Ted McDougall, January 1st, 1981.

January suite (comp. Panton) – a: Blues PM Records PM 185 (7" ep), Nondo FM C 3 (cass)

– b: Snow blossom walks –

– c: Bonjour Madeleine –

By–pass the impasse (Panton) – –

Fanfare for Albert (Panton) – –

Dig. dub from cass. copy: NSA C577/175 (I). PM 185 (issued under group name David Panton Trio) is a limited edition 33rpm 7" ep. N.B. It does not include the second or third parts of the ‘January suite’, which were only available on the Nondo cassette (issued under group name One Music Trio). The recordist is believed to have made other recordings of the One Music Trio.

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John Stevens/Nick Stephens/Steve Topping – studio session

Steve Topping (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Ted McDougal, Monteray Music studio, London, February 12th, 1981.

unknown titles 11’00, 2’00, 8’30, 10’00, 5’00, 5’00, 13’00, 4’00 [times approx] all unissued

Dig. dub from cass. copy: NSA C577/163 (iii)

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Jon Corbett’s Affinity Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Jon Corbett (tp), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Stuart Boardman (as/bcl), Marcio Mattos (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio, London, 26 February 1981; tr: BBC R3 ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon March 23rd, 1981.

Biocycles – Parts 1 & 2 (Corbett) 24’10

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: 4879BW. Biocycles was written by Corbett with four parts but this broadcast only featured the first two.

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble & Orchestra – ‘In Concert – Live at Notre Dame Hall’

Jon Corbett (tp), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Paul Rutherford (eup), Lol Coxhill (ss), Trevor Watts (ss), Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (cor), Maggie Nicols (voc). Rec. by Gareth Jones live at Notre Dame Hall, London, May 8th, 1981.

Triangle (Stevens) Sweet Folk & Country SFA 112 (lp)

add Howard Riley (p), Paul Rutherford (tb), Stevens (perc/c/voc)

[fragment of] Static (Stevens) –

all out except Coombes, Smith, Stevens (perc/cor)

Reciprocal (Coombes/Stevens/Smith) –

The complete, unedited recording of Static exists on cassette.

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Amalgam – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Trevor Watts (as/ss), Jake Durant (bg), Liam Genockey (d – right channel), John Stevens (d – left channel). Rec. BBC Radio, London, May 13th, 1981; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, June 15th, 1981.

Jajouka feel (Watts) 26’16

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: 5456BW. This version of Amalgam was booked to play at the Stockholm Jazz Days festival in August 1981 and at other festivals during the Summer of 1981, so other live recordings seem likely to exist.

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Stevens/Rutherford/Coxhill etc. – live at the Pied Bull

Paul Rutherford (tb), Lol Coxhill (saxes), John Stevens (d/cor?) etc. Rec. live at the Pied Bull (public house), Islington, London, July 9th, 1981.

untitled imps?

Sound quality unknown.

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Stevens/Watts/Riley/Herman – live at the Pied Bull

Trevor Watts (saxes), Howard Riley (p), Ron Herman (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Pied Bull, Islington, July 16th, 1981.

untitled imps?

Sound quality unknown.

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Riley/Guy/Stevens – live at the Pied Bull

Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Pied Bull, Islington, July 23rd, 1981.

unknown titles/imps.

Sound quality unknown.

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John Stevens Away – live at the Pied Bull

Jon Corbett (tp), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Trevor Watts (as/ss?), David Cole (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at the Pied Bull, Islington, July 30th, 1981

Different strokes (Stevens)

A luta continua (Stevens)

other unknown titles

Poor recording

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Donovan – ‘Love Is Only Feeling’

Probably: Donovan Leitch (g/voc), Tony Roberts (saxes/fl), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. ca. summer 1981? (released 10/81).

Lady of the flowers 3’10 RCA (Germany) PL 28472

Lover o lover 3’53 -

The actor 4’05 -

Half moon day 3’55 -

The hills of Tuscany 4’00 -

Lay down lassie 4’15 - , Luggage 7-LUG 03 (7” single)

She 4’01 -

Johnny Tuff 4’58 -

Love is only feeling 3’04 - , Luggage 7-LUG 03 (7” single)

Marjorie Margerine 4’01 -

John may not play on all tracks. Selections from this album have also probably been included in various Donovan LP/CD anthologies.

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London Jazz Composers Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Marc Charig (tp/fh), Harry Beckett (tp/fh), Heinz Becker (tp/fh), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Radu Malfatti (tb), Melvyn Poore (tuba), Elton Dean (as/saxello), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Larry Stabbins (ts/ss), Tony Coe (ts/ss/cl), Peter Brötzmann (ts/Bavarian cl), Howard Riley (p), Phil Wachsmann (vln/electronics), Peter Kowald (b), Barry Guy (director/b), Tony Oxley (perc), John Stevens (perc). Rec. BBC studio, London, August 12^th, 1981; tr: BBC Radio 3 ‘Jazz in Britain’, September 7^th, 1981.

Polyhymnia (Guy) 25’30

15 ips stereo BBC master: NSA C776/36 + 7.5 ips stereo copy: C776/27

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Brötzmann/Rutherford/Kowald/Guy/Stevens – live at the Pied Bull

Paul Rutherford (tb), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Barry Guy (b), Peter Kowald (b), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at the 1st Festival of Improvised Music, the Pied Bull, Islington, London, August 13th, 1981.

unknown titles/imps.

This Festival of Improvised Music was held at the Pied Bull from August 13-16th. It centred on performances by the London Jazz Composers Orchestra and various small-group offshoots such as the above. Other recordings featuring John may survive from this week. Sound quality unknown.

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Amalgam – live at the House of Culture

Trevor Watts (as), Jake Durant (bass guitar), Liam Genockey (d), John Stevens (d). Rec. at the House of Culture, Stockholm, Sweden, August 18^th, 1981.

unknown title(s)

Tape held by Ayler Records?

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Donovan – ‘In Concert’ broadcast

Donovan Leitch (g/voc), Tony Roberts (saxes/fl), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC Radio, Fairfield Halls, Croydon*, November 4th, 1981; tr: BBC Radio 1, ‘In concert’, Sat November 14th, 1981.

Sunshine superman 4’35 BBC Transcription Disc CN 03906 (lp)

Jennifer Juniper 2’50 –

Lay down lassie 4’23 –

Lalenya 3’28 –

Lady of the flowers 3’22 –

Catch the wind 3’31 –

The hills of Tuscany 3’48 –

Universal soldier 3’15 –

There is a mountain 4’37 –

Hurdy gurdy man 3’48 –

Colours 3’30 –

Season of the witch 5’45 –

Mellow yellow 3’30 –

*According to the BBC Transcription Service catalogue, although a BBC Sound Archive catalogue details a Donovan ‘In Concert’ recorded at the Paris Theatre, London, on November 4th, 1981 (BBC tape no. T44205). Presumably these are one and the same. BBC Transcription Disc matrix/NSA accession no. 149740–1. This concert was part of a U.K. tour and recordings from other dates probably also exist.

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John Stevens Away – ‘A Luta Continua’ (part)

Jon Corbett (tp/sop tb), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Trevor Watts (as), David Cole (g), Martin Holder (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d), Richie Stevens (perc). Rec. studio, London, December 15th, 1981.

Sandwich (Stevens) 9’06 Konnex KCD 5056 (cd)

Amateur music – Part 1: Hue and cry (Stevens) 1’59* –

– Part 2: Different strokes (Stevens) 14’44 –

– Part 3: A luta continua (Stevens) 2’12* –

15ips st. copy of Sandwich : NSA C577/147 + 7.5ips unedited st. copy (remainder): C577/148. *Durations as edited for the CD issue. Insert notes by Michael Hrebeniak. Reviewed by Barry McRae in JJI June 1995 p43–44, by Gus Garside in Resonance vol 3 no 2 p41.

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Frode Gjerstad/Eivin One Pedersen/John Stevens – ‘X-mas Cards Vols 1/2’

Frode Gjerstad (saxes/fl/bcl), Eivin One Pedersen (keys), John Steven (d/cor). Rec. live at Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, December 21-22, 1981.

X-mas cards – Part 1 32’00 Circulasione Totale CT 004/5 (cass)

– Part 2 22’10 –

– Part 3 27’18 –

– Part 4 (i) 7’17 (ii) 16’34 (iii) 5’53 –

VHS 1st gen. dub: NSA C577/164 (i). These cassettes were compiled from an open rehearsal on Mon 21st and a concert on Tues December 22nd. Most of the selections were edited from longer pieces.

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John Stevens Away – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Trevor Watts (as), David Cole (g), Martin Holder (g), Nick Stephens (bg), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d), Richie Stevens (perc). Rec. live by BBC Radio, prob. London, ca. January 1982; tr: BBC R1, ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Sun February 14th, 1982.

John Stevens interviewed by Peter Clayton

OKKO (Stevens) 13’52

KOOK (Stevens) 11’05

7.5ips st. copy (not incl. interview): NSA C577/149.

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Dave Panton Trio – ‘For Some Cats’

David Panton (as/cl), Nick Stephens (b/bg), John Stevens (d/cor*). Rec. by Jim Hamilton, Bulldog Studios, London, January 15th, 1982.

Where are you now? (Panton) 6’07 Nondo FMC 5 (cass)

LIT (Panton) 8’15 –

So you’re back (Panton) 4’05 –

You don’t have to 5’03 –

Revolutionary study (Panton) 4’45 –

Burnt carrots [for Jef Daw] (Panton)* 8’31 –

Cool miner [for Jef Daw] (Panton) 5’57 –

Bedtime for cats (Panton) 3’13 –

Dig. dub from cass. copy: NSA C577/175 (ii)

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Detail – ‘Detail’

Frode Gjerstad (afl/ss/ts/bcl), Eivin One Pedersen (p/synth), JohnnyDyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. Norway, March 1982.

Details en masse (group imp.) Circulasione Totale 006 (cassette)

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David Panton’s One Music Trio – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

David Panton (as/cl/p*/voc), Nick Stephens (bg/b/voc), John Stevens (cor**/d/voc). Rec. by BBC Radio, London, March 16th, 1982; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon April 26th, 1982.

So you’re back (Panton) 4’22

A little suite (sweet?) [aka ‘Burnt carrots’] (Panton)** 10’10

Revolutionary study [for the People of Poland] (Panton)* 3’57

Wednesday the 17th (Panton)* 2’41

You don’t have to (Panton) 5’20

Dig. dub from offair cass. rec: NSA C577/175 (iii)

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Danny Thompson/Allan Holdsworth/John Stevens – studio session

Allan Holdsworth (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. at Island Studios, St. Peter’s Square, London, ca. 1982.

unknown titles unissued

This studio date was originally intended for release as one side of a DannyThompson album, but has yet to appear.

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John Stevens – ‘Freebop’

Paul Rutherford (tb), Pete King (as), Gordon Beck (p), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Will Gosling, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell Jazz Festival, July 3rd, 1982.

Blue line (Stevens) Affinity AFF 101 (lp)

Rhythm is (Stevens) –

Take care (Stevens) –

suite: (a) OKKO (Stevens) –

(b) KOOK (Stevens) –

2 x 24–track master reels: NSA C577/65–66. Reviewed by Barry McRae in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 36 (4/83) p34, & by Brian Case in Melody Maker (2/4/83) p24. The album also received a 5–star review in Down Beat. Notes by John F. Muir.

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Corbett/Tomlinson/Calvert/Guy/Rogers/Stevens – live at the Arts Centre

Jon Corbett (tp), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Robert Calvert (saxes), Barry Guy, Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Robert Calvert, Arts Centre, Leicester Square, London, July 23rd, 1982.

unknown titles/imps.

Cass. master survives.

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The John Stevens Project – Actual 82

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Dudu Pukwana (as/ss), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d/cor) + (Sat Aug 21st) Louis Moholo (d), Mamadi Kamara (perc), Will Gaines (perc/tap dancing). Rec. live, Actual ‘82 festival, August 18-21, 1982.

unknown titles/imps.

Although John possessed 2 x 15ips reels labelled as sets from this Project, they were found to be completely blank. Cassette copies do exist however and the master reels for other sets may survive elsewhere.

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John Stevens and Will Gaines – duo video

John Stevens (d), Will Gaines (tap dancing). Rec. location/date unknown, possibly from the Actual 82 festival detailed above (August 21st, 1982) or from a concert shortly thereafter.

untitled imps?

Video footage (masters?) survives.

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Detail – ‘Okhela "To Make A Fire"’

Frode Gjerstad (ts/ss), Johnny Mbizo Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Kjell Arne Jensen, Staccato Studios, Stavanger, Norway, October 11th, 1982.

Okhela "To make a fire" (Stevens) Affinity AFF 125 (lp)

Album sleeve features John’s painting ‘Brink’. Reviewed by Brian Morton in The Wire 12/84 p44–45.

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Detail – ‘Backwards And Forwards’

Frode Gjerstad (ts/ss), Johnny Mbizo Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Kjell Arne Jensen, Staccato Studios, Stavanger, Norway, October 11th, 1982.

Backwards and forwards (Dyani/Gjerstad/Stevens) Impetus IMP 18203 (lp), IMP 18203CD

Forwards and backwards (Dyani/Gjerstad/Stevens) – –

Cover art by John Stevens. The CD reissue features music not in the original LP.

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John Stevens’ Freebop – ‘Rhythm Is’ (part of future CD issue?)

Paul Rutherford (tb), Trevor Watts (as), Pete King (as), John Etheridge (g), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC Radio, prob. London, October 19th, 1982; tr: BBC R1, ‘Sounds of Jazz’ (‘Jazz Club’ slot), Sun November 7th, 1982.

Blue Line (Stevens) 10’55

Take care (Stevens) 4’50

Rhythm is (Stevens) 10’47

7.5ips st. 1st gen. copy: NSA C577/150 (playback: H4340).

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John Stevens & Dudu Pukwana – live at Chat’s

Dudu Pukwana (saxes), John Stevens (d/cor?). Rec. live at Chat’s, London, October 28th, 1982.

unknown titles/imps.

Sound quality unknown.

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John Stevens’ Freebop – ‘Rhythm Is’ (unissued CD)

Jon Corbett (tp), Pete King (as), John Etheridge (g), Jeff Clyne (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Radio studio, London, November 17th, 1982; tr: BBC Radio 3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon January 3rd, 1983.

Time to time time (suite, comp. Stevens) – Part 1: Nursery time 8’14

– Part 2: Day time 7’32

– Part 3: O.C. time 10’43

7.5ips st. copy: NSA C577/151 (playback: H4341). These compositions had been written by John approx ten years prior to this broadcast. The suite as arranged for the broadcast originally intended the inclusion of the band’s regular trombonist Paul Rutherford. He was indisposed on the day so Pete King overdubbed a second alto in place of the trombone part on ‘O.C. time’. Shortly prior to his death, John discussed various projects that he had in the pipeline, or in mind, and among these was a CD compilation of older recordings by his group Freebop. He specifically mentioned this radio session as one that he intended, if possible, to include.

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Detail – ‘Let’s Go’

Frode Gjerstad (ss/as/bcl*), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d/cor*). Rec. live at Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, February 1st, 1983.

Let’s go (group imp.) – Part 1* 38’36 Circulasione Totale (cass.)

– Part 2 23’40 –

VHS 1st gen. dub: NSA C577/165 (iii). Durations noted are those of the NSA’s dub from master and do not necessarily correspond with the published cassette.

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Detail – ‘1,2,3,4’

Frode Gjerstad (ts/ss/?), Eivin One Pedersen (key), Johnny Dyani (b), John Stevens (d). Probably rec Norway, ca. 1983.

unknown titles Circulasione Totale 015 (cass.)

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Jon Corbett’s Affinity Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Jon Corbett (tp), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Paul Rutherford (tb), Veleroy Spall (vln), Paul Rogers (b), John Stevens (d/pocket cor), Maggie Nicols (voc). Rec. BBC Radio, London, January 26th, 1983; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon March 14th, 1983.

Ceremonies of innocence (Corbett) 24’56

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: 6703BW

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London Jazz Composers Orchestra – Live in Angers

Harry Beckett (tp), Marc Charig (tp), Jon Corbett (tp), John Stevens (tp or cor), Radu Malfatti (tb), Paul Rutherford (tb), Alan Tomlinson (tb), Melvyn Poore (tu), Peter Brötzmann (reeds), Tony Coe (reeds), Larry Stabbins (ts/ss), Elton Dean (as), Trevor Watts (as/ss), Howard Riley (p), Philipp Wachsmann (vn), Tony Oxley (vn), Barry Guy (director/b). Rec. live at the Maison de la Culture d’Angers, Angers, France, 5 March (possibly May*) 1983.

Invitation to Karlovy Vary (Oxley) 16’30

as above except Stevens and Oxley switch to percussion

Overview (Riley) 29’42

Untitled improvisation 16’46

Polyhymnia (Guy) 39’50

NSA C776/38-39 (15 ips mono masters). *Date on one reel suggests March, other suggests May. Auditorium recording, not via desk.

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David Panton’s One Music Orchestra – ‘Jazz in Britain’ broadcast

Harry Beckett (tp/fh*), Andy Peate (tp/keys), David Panton (ts/as/cl/p**), Bob Jackson (ts/cl/fl), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d), Roger Turner (d). Rec. BBC Radio studio, London, May 9th, 1983; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz in Britain’, Mon June 27th, 1983.

James P. (Panton)** 7’05

Symphony 2 (Panton)* 18’35

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: 6946BW

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – Actual ‘83

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc/pock cor?). Poss. rec. live at the Actual ‘83 festival, I.C.A. Theatre, London, Fri August 26th, 1983

untitled imp(s)

A reel from this date was deposited at the NSA by John, but was subsequently found to be blank.

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Gjerstad/Rutherford/Stephens/Stevens – Live in Paris

Paul Rutherford (tb), Frode Gjerstad (saxes), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live, ca. September 1983.

three untitled imps.

Cassette copy survives.

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Gjerstad/Rutherford/Dyani/Guy/Stevens – ‘A Consert’

Paul Rutherford (tb), Frode Gjerstad (ts/ss*), Johnny Dyani (b), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d/cor*). Rec. live by Norwegian Radio, Henie–Onstad Art Centre, Oslo, September 11th, 1983.

A consert (group imps.) – 1 25’05 Circulasione Totale 011 (cass.)

– 2* 41’43 –

add unknown guitar and additional horns

– 3* 11’16 –

VHS 1st gen. dub: NSA C577/165 (ii). The third piece includes unidentified musicians participating in a workshop which the group held prior to the concert. The published cassette from this ‘stereo–pair’ recording presumably combined the first and third improvisations on one side or edited the second over both.

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Accent – ‘Accent’

Frode Gjerstad (reeds), Rudy Garred (elg), Nick Stephens (bg), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, 13 September 1983.

unknown titles Circulasione Totale 010 (cass)

VHS 1st gen. dub: NSA C577/164 (ii)

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John Stevens’ Freebop – ‘Sounds of Jazz’ broadcast

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb), Pete King (as), John Etheridge (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by BBC Radio, September 20th, 1983; tr: BBC R1, ‘Sounds of Jazz’, Sun October 23rd, 1983.

Bright blue (Stevens) 2’40

Humble, Seamen, Hayes (Stevens) 6’10

Straight music (Stevens) 5’35

Light music (Stevens) 14’30

7.5ips st. 1st gen. copy: NSA C577/152 (playback: H4342).

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John Stevens Folkus – ‘Jazz Today’ broadcast

Jon Corbett (tp), Simon Picard (ts), Ed Speight (g), Nigel Moyse (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. BBC Studio, London, ca. January 1984; tr: BBC R3, ‘Jazz Today’, Mon January 30th, 1984 (except*)

Folkus (suite): Earth to earth (Stevens)

Reflect (Stevens)

O (Stevens)

Psalmos (Stevens)*

NSA 7.5ips st. offair rec: T6246BW. This recording predates Folkus’ premier concert performance at the Camden Jazz Week on March 21^st (detailed below).

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Spontaneous Music Ensemble – ‘Low Profile’ (cd - part)

Nigel Coombes (vln), Roger Smith (g), John Stevens (perc). Rec. live by Steve Moore at The Cut, Roebuck (public house), London, February 22nd, 1984.

Low profile (group imp.) 23’44 Emanem 4031 (cd)

Dig. dub from master: NSA C577/193. CD insert notes by Martin Davidson.

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Parker/Stevens/Guy/Riley – live at the Phoenix

Evan Parker (ts), Howard Riley (p), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon, The Phoenix, Cavendish Sq., London, February 29th, 1984.

untitled imps.

Beta dig. dub from Dolby B audiocassette rec: NSA C236/9

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John Stevens & Frode Gjerstad – ‘Sunshine’ (formerly ‘Suite Elma’*)

Frode Gjerstad (ts/ss), John Stevens (d/cor). Rec. live at Stavanger Jazzklubb, Norway, March 6th, 1984.

Sunshine – Part 1 25’27 Impetus IMP CD 18428 (cd)

Sunshine – Part 2 17’06 –

Sunshine – Part 3 16’40 –

*As originally edited/issued in Circulasione Totale 012 (cassette): Suite Elma – Part 1 (27’25), – Part 2 (19’37), – Part 3 (12’28), – Part 4 (17’41).

VHS 1st gen. dub: NSA C577/165 (I). Reviewed by Edwin Pouncey in The Wire # 158 (4/97) p60. Reviewed by Brian Morton (& excerpt played) in BBC R3 programme ‘Impressions’, Sat 31/5/97. CD cover art by John.

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John Stevens Folkus – Camden Jazz Week

Jon Corbett (tp), Annie Whitehead (tb), Steve Wick (tub), Mark Thomas (frh), Simon Picard (saxes), Julia Farrington (fl), Nigel Moyse (g), Ed Speight (g), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live at Camden Jazz Festival by BBC Radio London, Logan Hall, London, March 21st, 1984; broadcast 9^th June 1984.

Folkus – Parts 1–5 (Stevens) 29’30

O (Stevens) 10’30

Psalmos (Stevens) 12’50

BBC Radio London st. masters: NSA C385/123–124. The concert was reviewed by Barry McRae in Jazz Journal Int. vol. 37 (5/84) p20.

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Parker/Stevens/Guy/Riley – live at Seven Dials Jazz Club

Evan Parker (saxes), Howard Riley (key), Barry Guy (b), John Stevens (d). Rec. live by Michael Gerzon, Seven Dials Jazz Club, London, April 12th, 1984.

untitled imps.

Dolby B cassette recording. First set suffers poor signal–to–noise ratio but the second and third sets were better. NSA has 1st gen. dub of 2nd and 3rd (ca. 18 mins) sets only: C236/10 + C236/11 (H7329)

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John Stevens and Friends – live at St. Matthews Meeting Place

Jon Corbett (tp), Evan Parker (saxes), Simon Picard (saxes), Howard Riley (p), Paul Rogers (b), Danny Thompson (b), John Stevens (d) and poss. others. Rec. live by Michael Gerzon, St. Matthews Meeting Place, London, June 11th, 1984.

unknown titles total dur. 35 mins

Poor quality cassette recording from audience. Some distortion.

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John Stevens Folkus – ‘The Life Of Riley’

Jon Corbett (tp), Paul Rutherford (tb/eup), Annie Whitehead (tb), Mark Thomas (frh), Steve Wick (tub), Simon Picard (ts/bars), Julia Farrington (fl/alto fl/pic), Nigel Moyse (g), Ed Speight (g), John Stevens (d). Rec. by Brian Snelling at Foel Studio, Llanfair, Caereinion, Wales, July 18–19th, 1984.

Folk music 1 (Stevens) [feat. JC] Affinity AFF 130 (lp)

Folk music 2 (Stevens) [feat. PR] –

Folk music 3 (Stevens) [feat. JF & SW] –

Folk music 4 (Stevens) [feat. AW, JS, MT] –

Folk music 5 (Stevens) [feat. NM & ES] –

Leg In (Stevens) [feat. NM & ES] –

O (Stevens) [feat. NM & ES] –

Psalmos (Stevens) [feat. SP] –

15ips st. reel of outtakes from this session: NSA C577/91 (H7238). This reel collates partial takes of titles featured on the record: Moyse/Speight (g duo) – 1’02, Moyse/Speight (g duo) followed by tb solo – 3’05 total, Band – 1’33, Moyse/Speight (g duo intro to ‘Leg In’) – 3’55, Band – 1’58, Simon Picard (ts solo) – 2’14, Moyse/Speight (g duo intro to’Leg In’) – 6’04 (inc fs & re–takes), Moyse/Speight (g duo) – 2’50. This date was originally scheduled to include Danny Thompson (b) and Bernie Holland (g), who felt unable to play owing to the inadequate studio facilities. LP cover features John’s painting ‘The Life of Riley’.

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Accent – ‘In Off’

Frode Gjerstad (reeds), Rudy Garred (g), Nick Stephens (b), John Stevens (d), Ase Garred (voc). Part rec and broadcast by Norwegian radio, Stavanger, late November 1984, remainder rec. at Staccato Studio, Stavanger, November 28th, 1984.

Lacy is Lacy (Gjerstad) Circulasione Totale 014 (cass.)

I don’t believe it (Stevens) –

In off (N. Stephens) –

poss. other unknown title(s)

Lacy is Lacy was also included in a various artists compilation entitled ‘Horizons’ (unknown label/no.). Ase Garred did not participate in all pieces.