Search - Danny Thompson, Allan Holdsworth, John Stevens :: Propensity

Danny Thompson, Allan Holdsworth, John Stevens
Propensity
Genres: Jazz, Pop

Track Listings (2) - Disc #1
1. Jools Toon (10:39)
2. It Could Have Been Mono (15:48)

CD Details

All Artists: Danny Thompson, Allan Holdsworth, John Stevens
Title: Propensity
Members Wishing: 4
Total Copies: 0
Label: Art of Life Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2009
Re-Release Date: 7/28/2009
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 804640103820

Synopsis

Album Description

Art of Life Records is pleased to present a previously unreleased recording by three legendary British musicians. Bassist Danny Thompson (Pentangle, John Martyn, Tubby Hayes, Bert Jansch, Richard Thompson), guitarist Allan Holdsworth (Igginbottom, Nucleus, Tempest, Soft Machine, Gong, Bruford, U.K., Tony Williams New Lifetime) and drummer John Stevens (Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Tubby Hayes, Derek Bailey). Recorded at Island Studios, St. Peter's Square, in London, England on September 4th & 5th, 1978, "Propensity" includes two extended length group improvised tracks which prominently feature guitarist Allan Holdsworth on electric guitar ("It Could Have Been Mono") as well as 12-string acoustic guitar ("Jools Toon"). Other than the brief track, "Gone Sailing", from the album "Bundles" by Soft Machine recorded in 1975, this is the only known recording of Holdsworth soloing on a 12-string acoustic guitar. Holdsworth can be heard soloing throughout 90% of both tracks except during a few brief bass and drum solos. All tracks have been professionally mastered using 24-bit digital technology. Art of Life Records AL1038-2.

CD Reviews

Interesting Piece Of History for Holdsworth Fans!...

Jeff T. Jesmorh | Mexico City. | 09/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The first time that Allan Holdsworth worked with John Stevens was in 1977, where a lot of material were recorded by the band in England. As a result of a lot of extended jam sesions and recorded rehersals were released: "Touching On" (1977); "Conversation Piece" (1980) and "Retouch" (1983); And now "Propensity" (1978)...

The interesting thing about this disc is that it is showing part of the Allan Holdsworth's "Acoustic Period" that goes from 1975 to 1979 with the following bands and tracks:

1. "Gone Sailing" with Soft Machine (BUNDLES, 1975);

2. "Floppy Hat", "Kinder" and "Last May" in his first ever solo album VELVET DARKNESS (1976)

3. "Shadows Of" and "Mireille" with Gong (GAZEUSE, 1976);

4. "Golden Lakes", "The Things You See", "Diminished Responsability", "She's Looking I'm Cooking" and "Up Country" with Gordon Beck in THE THINGS YOU SEE (1978);

5. "The Gathering" and "Sunbird", again with Gordon Beck in SUNBIRD (1979);

6. "Jools Tune" With John Stevens in PROPENSITY (1978);

7. And the introduction of his self penned track "Nevermore" for U.K. (U.K., 1978).

In this "Propensity" project the band was formed by Danny Thompson (Acoustic Bass), John Stevens (Drums) and Allan Holdsworth (12 string Acoustic and Electric guitars). Propensity contains just two pieces: the acoustic "Jools" and the electric "It Could Have Been Mono". It was originally planned as a mini EP. Recorded and mixed in 1978 at Island Studios, St. Peter's Square, London, England; failed to see the light in the english market by company problems but rescued it, and produced by Danny Thompson in 1997, and now this EP is in the market.

Unfortunately, It is well known that Allan Holdsworth does not approve all the John Stevens recordings, because Allan don't like the recordings made with the pressure in the studio or the hurry of the moment; as he has explained, in a fast recording the music might have some disgusting mistakes... That's why These CDs didn't appear in his official web page. But I must say that "Propensity", for sure, in the modern Jazz field, is the better John Stevens recording, because is really interesting to listen all the "free Jazz" soloing of Holdsworth (like in the good old days of Ornette Coleman or John Coltrane) in these two pieces. So don't miss the opportunity to add this disc to your collection... Good Luck!

"

I don't get Allan's objections, this is good!

Arthur Simon | Albany, CA | 11/08/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a musician, and I like to jam with friends. The results are varied, so I understand when someone is reticent about releasing "jam" recordings. But these are good! I'm a big Holdsworth fan, and I would say that this ranks with the best of his work. Honestly, I wish that he "stretched out" like this with his current work. Great Stuff and highly recommended!"