Colin Towns

Colin Towns + NDR Big Band - Frank Zappa's Hot Licks (And Funny Smells) (2005) {Rent A Dog}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 442 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 156 Mb
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© 2005 Rent A Dog / Provocateur Records / NDR | rad 2007-2
Jazz / Jazz Rock / Experimental Big Band

If this scorching live set is anything to go by, the November tour by Germany's NDR Big Band playing Colin Towns' arrangements of Frank Zappa classics will be unmissable. One-time rock keyboardist Towns (who worked for Deep Purple star Ian Gillan) became a film and TV composer, then a jazz bandleader, and the founder and funder of creative indie label Provocateur Records. His writing for big jazz ensembles mixes rock, improv, postbop and a slashing Stravinskyesque melodic wildness - but the result often comes at you with a visceral energy of such heat that it melts the edges.

As diverse and vibrant as the Swedish jazz scene may be, it’s not possible to avoid market trends even here. There are only two professional, continuously working big bands in the country - the Norrbotten and the Bohuslän Big Bands. The latter originated during the Fifties from a military band whose tradition dates back to the early 19th century. The Bohuslän region and the city of Vara support the orchestra, which allows the group to develop its diverse activities, ranging from performances at Swedish schools to regular appearances at the big international festivals with about 100 annual concerts worldwide.
Since 2007 Nils Landgren has been the artistic director of the Bohuslän Big Band, a role for which he is perfect in many ways…

When most people think of Ian Gillan, they often associate him with his long and storied relationship with Deep Purple. However, the singer also had a very successful run with his own band Gillan in the late 70's and early 80's…

What I Did on My Vacation is an official compilation album from Ian Gillan, released in 1986 in UK by 10 Records. The album covers Gillan's recordings between 1977 and 1982 and was released in three formats (2LP, CD, MC). All songs from the album had been previously released. Although not credited on the cover, "Scarabus" is preceded by an instrumental piece by Colin Towns, which was used as the intro to "On The Rocks" (from the Glory Road album).

Samson’s career goes back to the mid-1970s London pub and club circuit, where early members included future Squeeze drummer Paul Gunn, and ex Zzebra bassist John McCoy. By 1977 the line-up had stabilised with future Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, and ex- Steamhammer, Castle and Tiger Lily bassist Chris Aylmer. 1979 saw the release of their debut, “Survivors”, with John McCoy producing and playing bass, alongside fellow Gillan member Colin Towns on keyboards. The Heavy Metal Crusade” tour, with Samson supported by upcoming London band Iron Maiden as guests, alongside with Saxon, Angelwitch and the Nicky Moore Band, is renowned for being the start of what became known as the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (or NWOBHM for short). By July 1979, the band expanded to a four piece with the addition of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, then going under the stage name of Bruce Bruce. Over the following two years they released “Head On” and “Shock Tactics” to critical acclaim, touring with Rainbow, Robin Trower and Uriah Heep. Following a triumphant show at the 1981 Reading Festival , Bruce left for global success with Iron Maiden, joining ex-Samson drummer Clive Burr. Dickinson was replaced by ex-Hackensack and Tiger powerhouse vocalist Nicky Moore for a run of albums on Polydor records.

What I Did on My Vacation is an official compilation album from Ian Gillan, released in 1986 in UK by 10 Records. The album covers Gillan's recordings between 1977 and 1982 and was released in three formats (2LP, CD, MC)…