“Rarely has a new year caught the British jazz scene in such as state of flux.” So began an article in Melody Maker on January 5th 1963 commenting on new trends it had noticed in modern jazz. 1963 was a year of transition - twelve months in which Britain’s modern jazzmen went from chasing hits and following fashion to realising their own worth as artists. Where they went next is quite a story but meanwhile this collection gives you plenty of juicy tracks to get your teeth into. Compilation by Nick Duckett Sleeve Notes Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson & Simon Spillett.

Disc One: British Jazz
1. Cleopatras Needle - Ronnie Ross Septet
2. Hum Drum Blues - Elaine Delmar
3. Walk on the Wild Side - Victor Feldman
4. I Believe In You - Tubby Hayes Quintet
5. Theme Beyond The Fringe - Dudley Moore Trio
6. Five To Four On - Dave Lee
7. One Way Pendulum - Johnny Scott Quartet
8. Mikes Dilemma - Emcee Five
9. Have Jazz Will Travel - The Jazz Stars
10. Autumn In Cuba - Bill Le Sage/Ronnie Ross Quartet
11. Vishnu - Michael Garrick Trio
12. Murmurio Shake - Keane & The Boss Men
13. Last Minute Bossa Nova - Vic Lewis & Bossa Nova All Stars
14. Soul Bossa Nova - Alan Elsdons Band
15. Banco - Vic Ash & The Men Of Action
16. Wildcat Bossa Nova - The Johnny Scott Octet
17. Bowing 707 - Johnny Hawksworth Trio
18. Take Four - Dave Lee
19. One Mint Julep - Humphrey Lyttelton & His Band
20. Hoe Down - Johnny Dankworth
21. Dodgy Waltz - Ken Jones
22. Moanin - Beryl Bryden
23. Theres A Plot Afoot - The Laurie Johnson Orchestra
24. Vendaval - Shake Keane
25. Sally - Tubby Hayes Quintet

Disc Two: Jazz U.S.A
1. Hang Tough - Sounds Of Synanon / Joe Pass
2. Soppin - Johnny Hartsman
3. 4 - 11 - 44 - Pony Poindexter
4. No Big Thing (Pt. 1 & 2) - Loyd Fatman
5. Wheres It At - Charles Kynard Quartet
6. Sticks & Stones (Pt. 1 & 2) - Gene Ludwig
7. Jazz in Port Said - Eddie Kochak/Hakki Obadia
8. Bossa Nova Ova - Billy Mitchell Quintet
9. Who Will Buy - Dave Pike
10. Jungle Cat (Pt. 1 & 2) - Jimmy McGriff
11. Tough Talk - The Jazz Crusaders
12. Minerology - Chris Columbo Quintet
13. Princess - Terrell Prude
14. Days Of Wine & Roses - The Quartette Trés Bien
15. Hobo Flats - Damita Jo
16. Sanctification - Jack Wilson
17. Africa Laments - The Afro Americans
18. Here Tis Now - Butch Cornells Trio
19. Money Getting Cheaper - Jimmy Witherspoon
20. Jerking Jazz Style -Timmy Sims
21. Crosstalk - Clifford Scott Quintet
22. Skunky Green - Hank Crawford Octet
23. Yellin - Tyrone Parsons
24. Blues At Dawn - Eddie Baccus