The Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band was launched in Europe in 1961 by American drummer Kenny Clarke, Belgian pianist Francy Boland and American bassist Jimmy Woode. It recorded more than 15 albums and was on par with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. [Photo above of Kenny Clarke]
In October 1967, the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band was on tour in Prague. The band consisted of Benny Bailey, Idrees Sulieman, Jimmy Deuchar and Dusko Goykovich (tp); Ake Persson, Nat Peck and Eric van Lier (tb); Derek Humble (as); Johnny Griffin, Don Menza, Tony Coe and Ronnie Scott (ts); Sahib Shihab (bar); Francy Boland (p, arr); Jimmy Woode (b); Kenny Clarke and Kenny Clare (d); and Fats Sadi (bgo, vib). [Photo above of Francy Boland]
Last week, Jim Eigo of Jazz Promo Services sent along a video of the band's performance...
