Skip to main content
2021 jazz albums round-up with Chris Searle
Classic jazz immortals set the tone

OF ALL the jazz albums that have burst into sound in 2021, my favourite is They All Be On This Old Road (Ogun Records), recorded in London in 1976, and featuring two late protean masters, saxophonist Elton Dean, the son of Nottingham Salvation Army stalwarts, and pianist Keith Tippett, whose father was a Bristol policeman.

Surprising jazz origins perhaps, but out of such roots were their separate musical genius born, and playing in a quartet with British bassist Chris Lawrence and the Cape Town drums supremo Louis Moholo-Moholo, they created a record of powerful and historic vibrancy.

Dean combines an extraordinary attack on the opener Edeeupub and Dede-Bup-Bup with tender lyricism on ballads like Nancy with the Laughing Face and Coltrane’s Naima.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
kraabel
Interview / 8 July 2026
8 July 2026

CHRIS SEARLE speaks to US saxophonist CAROLINE KRAABEL

Mujician
Books / 3 June 2026
3 June 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician

ahmed
Jazz Album Review / 20 May 2026
20 May 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance

Arin Keshishi Quintet on stage / Pic: Artstage
Culture / 24 November 2025
24 November 2025

As part of the 2025 London Jazz Festival Rich Mix offered intriguing sessions titled 'Persian Jazz,' CHRIS SEARLE was there