Kinsey Comes On - Tony Kinsey

 

Cambridge Blue

Kinsey Comes On

Tony Kinsey Quintet

London LL 1672

1957

Tony Kinsey - Drums

Don Rendell - Tenor Sax

Ronnie Ross - Baritone Sax

Bill le Sage - Piano & Vibes

Pete Blannin - Bass

From the back cover: Since Christmas week of 1931, when he first appeared as leader of a trio, Sutton Coldfield-born drummer Tony Kinsey has built for himself an enviable reputation as a jazz combo leader, whose various groups have invariably stood for the best in British jazz.

The Kinsey conception over the years has never favored the extremes of jazz. He has never pandered to the tastes of the "go-go-go" camp-followers. Yet, on the other hand, he has never allowed his music to become too academic or pretentious or so "far-out" that it would appeal to a limited pseudo-intellectual audience.

Though Kinsey's course is mid-way, it is more modern than mainstream.

As he puts it: "We just try to play jazz the way we feel it. First and foremost, whatever we play has got to swing. As for arrangements, well, I've always been in favor of an orderly group for several reasons. First, it enables us to get a group 'sound', which is most important. Our arrangements give the group an immediate identity and individuality. They give the fans more to hang on to, so to speak, and they can follow what's happening more easily. But under no circumstances would I ever allow the arrangements to take preference over the 'blowing' space. There has to be freedom or expression for the soloist. And, I feel, that with my most recent group, we have attained a happy medium which can readily appreciated by all modern jazz fans."

This album bears out perfectly what Kinsey says. It also serves as a permanent souvenir of one of the most interesting and people-pleasing groups that Tony has ever fronted. During its six-month existence, resident at London's "Jazz at the Flamingo" and "Florida" jazz clubs, its following reached extraordinary proportions.

Much of the popularity was due to the empathetic frontline work of tenors Don Rendell and his former tenor playing "discovery", heard on baritone sax, Ronnie Ross.

Rendell, whose playing was initially – and is still – very much influenced and inspired by that of Lester Young, has been hailed by many critics as one of the most important jazz musicians ever produced by Great Britain. Steve Race went so far as to call him "the greatest jazzman in Europe". A highly emotional, warm-sounding and inventive player, Don puts down some of his best-ever recorded performances on this record.

Rendell's influence on Ross is extremely evident throughout these selections. And they couldn't ask for more sympathetic support from a rhythm section than they receive from Kinsey's kicking, ever-listening drumming, the equally empathetic chording of pianist Bill le Sage (who doubles on vibes and is also the Quintet's chief arranger), and the deep-plunging bass line of Pete Blannin. – Tony Hall

From Billboard - September 2, 1957: Set is indicative of proficiency and growing degree of maturity of English modernist, Kinsey group, essentially in coolish modern mode essays a moving, understandable brand of jazz. Most significant solo figure is tenors Don Rendell, who compares well with top American contemporaries. Needs dealer aid, but help should be forthcoming, for the kicks are many.

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