John Stevens Trio - Live at The Plough

Uno Ohlsson, Norrköpings Tidningar

The revolution spirit in free jazz can vary a lot and all such music doesn't necessary has to be extreme and cut in the ears on unprepared listeners. The third issue from Ayler Records with John Stevens English Trio is an example of free jazz which isn't using only free harmonics but also uses melodic structures.
This live recording from the pub "The Plough" from 1979 ought to be asked for by the free jazz fans as the number of CDs with the legendary drummer John Stevens is very limited. The CD is also unique because another big free jazz profile, the saxophonist Mike Osborne, can be heard in a rare co-operation with John Stevens. The third man in the Trio is the young bassist Paul Rogers who now is a big name.

The Trio is not afraid to try evergreens like "Cherokee" or "Summertime" but mainly they play compositions by Mike Osborne. In both cases exiting music is performed and it is primarily in the ensemble work the tension can be felt. That it is very swinging music doesn't reduce the resulting impression.

Many friends of jazz have put a poison label on free jazz, but this CD could very well become a suitable introduction for those who have become tired on worn out bop phrases and are looking for new tones.