As far as British jazz is concerned, Tubby Hayes was one of the giants. A superb saxophonist, flutist, vibraphonist, composer and band leader, Hayes played lyrically with fluid ferocity. He was a swinging tiger. [Photo above of Tubby Hayes]
If you're unfamiliar with Tubby, a new LP from Decca will give you a solid starting point. The vinyl album, Splonge! An Introduction to Tubby Hayes, was compiled by Mark Baxter, a filmmaker, author and passionate Tubby Hayes fan. Mark is best known for his many books and his Hayes documentary films, including Outside Bet (2012) and Tubby Hayes: A Man in a Hurry (2015).
Splonge is a play on what Tubby Hayes used to say when counting off a song: "One, two, three, splonge!"
This new collection culls 10 tracks originally recorded for the Fontana label between 1961 and 1969. Fontana was launched by the Dutch Philips label in 1956 in France as a variety imprint. This collection provides a solid place to start on Hayes's career.
Born in London in 1935, Hayes began playing professionally at 15 with the Kenny Baker Sextet. Dates followed with big bands led by Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell and others. In 1958, Hayes founded the Jazz Couriers, a British play on America's the Jazz Messengers. The Couriers included Ronnie Scott.
In the late '50s the Couriers opened for the touring Dave Brubeck Quartet. Hayes's first album for Blue Note, in 1958, was recorded with British-based Jamaican trumpeter Dizzy Reece.
Hayes signed to Fontana in 1961, releasing his first leadership albums Tubbs and Tubbs In New York. Another U.S.-based release, Return Visit!, featured Rahsaan Roland Kirk and was produced by Quincy Jones. Hayes and Jones would team up again in 1969 for The Italian Job soundtrack. A further seven albums followed, with Hayes leading a quartet, quintet or orchestra. He also appeared on recordings by other artists, including Harry South and the progressive-rock band Family.
The Splonge! LP's tracks:
Side A
- Tubbsville (recorded in 1961, from Tubbs)
- You For Me (1961, Tubbs in New York)
- Lady 'E' (1962, Return Visit)
- Angel Eyes (1962, Late Spot at Scott's)
- Johnny One Note (1962, Down in the Village)
Side B
- Pedro's Walk (1964, Tubb's Tours)
- Bluesology (1966, 100% Proof)
- Blues In Orbit (1967, Mexican Green)
- For Members Only (Take 1) (1969, Grits, Beans & Greens)
- Hey Jude (1969, The Orchestra)
Hayes died in 1973 at age 38, a result of his alcohol and drug addiction. Since then, his life and music have been celebrated in The Long Shadow of The Little Giant: The Life, Work and Legacy of Tubby Hayes, a 2015 biography by Simon Spillett, and in the 2016 documentary Tubby Hayes: A Man In A Hurry, written by Mark Baxter and directed by Lee Cogswell for Mono Media Films and narrated by actor Martin Freeman.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Splonge! An Introduction to Tubby Hayes (Decca) on vinyl at the lowest price here.
JazzWax clip: Here's the late Dan Morgenstern on Tubby Hayes...
From the new compilation, here's You for Me (catch that opening!)...
And here's a swinging cover of the Beatles' Hey Jude...
More Tubby Hayes at JazzWax here, here, here, here and here.
