John Surman / Way Back When

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

In October 1969, John Surman left his native England to join bassist Barre Phillips and drummer Stu Martin in a new group in Belgium. Right before he left, he appeared at a recorded jam session in England. The tapes were then lost until 2003 and made their first appearance on record on this 2005 CD. The music is particularly interesting for two reasons. Surman, who is best known for his baritone playing, is mostly heard on soprano. And the performances are reminiscent of a slightly more accessible and gentler version of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, although the Davis set was just in the process of being released. These renditions show that some jazz musicians in the United Kingdom were going through a parallel evolution as their American counterparts. Surman is showcased with the rhythm section during the four-part "Way Back When," and the ensemble is joined by altoist Mike Osborne on the final two selections. This is an important set in the history of fusion, showing that not only the biggest names were exploring the new music in 1969.

John Surman
Way Back When



Cuneiform Records 2005 Recorded: Tangerine Studios, London, October 7, 1969
Tracg 

Track listing isting 

1 Way Back When Part 1 2 Way Back When Part 2 7:29 3 Way Back When Part 3 13:09 4 Way Back When Part 4 17:58 5 Owlshead (John Warren) 21:41 6 Out And About 35:37

Personnel 

John Surman (ss, bar) Mike Osborne (as) Tracks: 5, 6 John Taylor (e-p) Brian Oders (e-b) John Marshall (dr)