BBC Sessions 1968-1970

You have in your hands music by one of the most remarkable pianists to emerge from jazz. Hyperbole? No, Howard Riley is as unique as he is steeped in the jazz tradition but then, if you’re a fan, you know this already. If, however, you’re a newcomer to his art, you’re in for a precious series of glimpses of a truly inspired and inspiring pianist. Between 1968-1974, Riley released four trio albums with a fifth set of performances from 1974/5 appearing as Overground on Emanem in 2001. All are essential. All of those albums featured bass-meister Barry Guy, while the drum chair was occupied first by Jon Hiseman, then Alan ‘AJ’ Jackson and latterly by Tony Oxley. The first of these sets, all from BBC broadcasts with excellent sound, has Hiseman behind the kit, the others Jackson. If you are new to Howard Riley’s music, this could well be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.