The Ron Mathewson Tapes Vol. 7
Previously only issued in fragmented form and long out of print, these recordings catch Hayes in transition. Less than a month after they were taped just before Christmas 1969, he was to collapse on a gig, signaling the beginning of the final phase of his tragically foreshortened career.
But on this night, buoyed and stimulated by his regular working quartet of pianist Mike Pyne, bassist Ron Mathewson and drummer Spike Wells, Hayes wasn't only on form he was on FIRE! Indeed, coming so close to the end of a decade in which his star had burned brighter than those of virtually any other figure on the UK jazz scene, it marks a fitting capstone to his most creatively fecund period.
Remastered direct from the original tapes, unearthed in Ron Mathewson's archive, and issued for the very first time in pristine audio and unedited, this sumptuous double-CD release is packaged with rare photographs and gig memorabilia and an extended booklet essay by Hayes' biographer, saxophonist Simon Spillett which includes the memories of the only surviving member of the Tubby Hayes Quartet, Spike Wells.
Yet another key piece in the jigsaw of understanding this most fabled of Brit-jazz legends legacy, 'Complete Hopbine '69' contains a powerful reminder of the brimming potency of Tubby Hayes' later music, all the more so for being recorded at a juncture in which the noisy fashions of fusion were fast taking hold. - Simon Spillett
1. For Members Only
2. Off The Wagon
3. Where Am I Going?
4. What Is This Thing Called Love
5. Mainly For The Don
6. For Heaven's Sake
7. Vierd Blues
8. Walkin'
Tubby Hayes - tenor saxophone
Mick Pyne - piano
Ron Mathewson - bass
Spike Wells - drums
The Hopbine, North Wembley, Tuesday December 23rd 1969
From the Ron Mathewson tape archive
Tape Transfer by Matt Parker
Original recording by Ted Lyon
Liner notes by Simon Spillett
Executive producer - John Thurlow
