Rare Live Performances 1978 is the only other recording in existence of Don Weller’s band, Major Surgery. Weller, a Croydon native, was one of the finest saxophonists ever to emerge from Britain.
Well known for its Brigadoon-like six-year stint at Croydon’s Dog and Bull pub. The band's only album, The First Cut, was released in 1977, to wide critical acclaim.
As Last Music’s Malcolm Mills explained, “After I recorded Major Surgery as a quartet for The First Cut, they regularly invited keyboard player Pete Jacobsen to join them for live performances. This augmentation added zest to the repertoire as a result of the broader scope afforded them in this setting. Although I never managed to get this exciting new format of the band into the studio, I did have a cassette recorder on hand when the opportunity to capture the quintet presented itself a couple of times in 1978. Following the sale of the last few original copies of Major Surgery LPs in April 2020 I was frequently asked if there was any more recorded material available. "
"In early May 2020, I dug out the cassettes from my archive and engaged Baz Farmer to recover the contents. On 29th May, Baz sent me the files that he anda couple of colleagues had restored, and it was indeed TREASURE. I was blown away with what I heard. Played alongside The First Cut, it was almost the entire Major Surgery repertoire… and the band were clearly at their peak for these live shows.”
Weller went on to contribute to many recordings and live performances, including those of David Bowie, Harry Beckett, Art Themen, Tucky Buzzard, Cat Stevens, Gil Evans, and Alex Harvey.
Mills adds, “Jazz has lost a quiet giant.” Don Weller passed away on May 30, 2020, one day after the restoration of these tapes was completed.
Tracklisting;
1. Fred TheThreadbare Bear – Live (3:42)
2. Old Useless and White – Live (2:53)
3. Shrimpboats- Live (5:43)
4. Beans –Live (5:52)
5. A Touch of the PJs - Live (12:51)
6. Six/Nine– Live (8:36)
7. Tightrope- Live (5:50)
Rare Live Performances 1978 is the only other recording in existence of Don Weller’s band, Major Surgery. Weller, a Croydon native, was one of the finest saxophonists ever to emerge from Britain.
Well known for its Brigadoon-like six-year stint at Croydon’s Dog and Bull pub. The band's only album, The First Cut, was released in 1977, to wide critical acclaim.
As Last Music’s Malcolm Mills explained, “After I recorded Major Surgery as a quartet for The First Cut, they regularly invited keyboard player Pete Jacobsen to join them for live performances. This augmentation added zest to the repertoire as a result of the broader scope afforded them in this setting. Although I never managed to get this exciting new format of the band into the studio, I did have a cassette recorder on hand when the opportunity to capture the quintet presented itself a couple of times in 1978. Following the sale of the last few original copies of Major Surgery LPs in April 2020 I was frequently asked if there was any more recorded material available. "
"In early May 2020, I dug out the cassettes from my archive and engaged Baz Farmer to recover the contents. On 29th May, Baz sent me the files that he anda couple of colleagues had restored, and it was indeed TREASURE. I was blown away with what I heard. Played alongside The First Cut, it was almost the entire Major Surgery repertoire… and the band were clearly at their peak for these live shows.”
Weller went on to contribute to many recordings and live performances, including those of David Bowie, Harry Beckett, Art Themen, Tucky Buzzard, Cat Stevens, Gil Evans, and Alex Harvey.
Mills adds, “Jazz has lost a quiet giant.” Don Weller passed away on May 30, 2020, one day after the restoration of these tapes was completed.
Tracklisting;
1. Fred TheThreadbare Bear – Live (3:42)
2. Old Useless and White – Live (2:53)
3. Shrimpboats- Live (5:43)
4. Beans –Live (5:52)
5. A Touch of the PJs - Live (12:51)
6. Six/Nine– Live (8:36)
7. Tightrope- Live (5:50)
Available in:
CD and Digital Download
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