Dick Hecktall Smith

Jules · Sep 26, 2006

I saw the late Dick Hextall Smith a few times with either the band Mainsqueeze or with his own jazz outfit. His playing was simply sublime- really inspiring and extremely moving in places. I've never come across any of ihs recorded output though- anyone got any leads on tracking any of his material down on CD or good old vinyl?

Bobby G · Sep 26, 2006

From memory, he was a member of Colosseum in the late 60's/early 70's, also either Zoot Money's Big Roll Band or the Graham Bond Organisation before that.

Cheers, Bob

Pete Thomas · Sep 27, 2006

Did you see him with Big Chief? Amazing.

You can get more info on:

http://www.peteyg.worldonline.co.uk/dhs1.html

(NB it's spelt "Heckstall" I believe, might help with searching)

Bobby G · Oct 2, 2006

I heard a tune this evening on Humph's 'Best of Jazz' show featuring Dick Heckstall-Smith. It was very bluesy, and quite electric - almost a reunion of Colosseum with Jon Hiseman, Peter Bardens, Clem Clempson, and mighty singing from Chris Farlowe - it was called In The Heat Of The Night and featured some big passionate horn from Dick.

It's from a CD that came out 3 or 4 years ago, but unfortunately I didn't catch its title.

Cheers, Bob

Dylan · Oct 4, 2006

Dick Heckstall-Smith was an amazing player.

I heard Humph's show as well and just checked up the playlist for the show from the BBC. The details are:

Title: IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT
Artist: Colosseum
Album: Tomorrow's Blues
Label: Castle Music CMRCD 1399

You can also listen again to the show until next Tuesday.

Dylan

Dylan · Oct 4, 2006

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bestjazz/playlist.shtml

Forgot to put the link in :blush:

D

paulsax · Oct 4, 2006

I have 2 albums which may be of interest: Colosseum Antholgy - CMDDDO75 Castle Music & Dick Heckstall-Smith &Friends Blues & Beyond - BSTCD004 Blue Storm Music. Both are incredible examples of his playing and well worth tracking down. There is a wonder anecdote in the notes for the latter when he insisted on trying 8 different mouthpieces to get the right sound - needless to say no-one else could detect any difference.

Jules · Oct 4, 2006

Thanks for the link. oo.. the dilemma, setting my desire to hear DHS set against my deep loathing of Real Player!

Bobby G · Oct 4, 2006

Love conquers all. Give it a listen, it's well worth it. Unless you don't like gravelly singers that is. Chris Farlowe is quite gravelly. I thought it was great, and much closer to bluesy rock than you might expect to hear on Humph's show.

Cheers, Bob

Jules · Oct 5, 2006

Gravelly singers!! Count me in, love 'em!!

Jules · Jan 28, 2008

Blues Growler- You're star!!!! Got a copy of the book by DHS that you recommended- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blowing-Blues-Personal-History-British/dp/1904555047 And, not only is it a good read (cross reference to Bobby G's biog thread) but it's got The Dick Hecktall Smith CD I've always wanted. Basically- I've been looking for a CD with lots of sax and actually sounded like the great man did when I'd seen him live (other discs had been rather guitar heavy and steeped in some mildly dodgy pub rock R&B). The freebie that comes with the book is awesome. Lots of live recordings which really show him at his best- snarling rock fused with coltrane and a certain free jazz influence. On a couple of tracks he almost sounds like an English Brecker. The whole thing is incredibly soulful and the pure emotional delivery in his playing is up there with the best of them. A great album!

blues_growler · Jan 29, 2008

I'm very pleased indeed to hear you have a copy of the book and CD. I think, I'm not sure, that I've got a CD with DHS playing with John Mayall. As soon as this reefer wears off I'll have a look.

Jules · Jan 29, 2008

If you've got any more CD recommendations, let me know!

spike · Jan 29, 2008

Thanks for the tip, I just ordered the blues book with cd. sounds good.
Dick played with the Hamburg blues band at the annual summer festival of the brewery down the road, two years on the trot about five or six years ago. didn't make the effort to meet him, the band nerved me cos they were far too loud for Dick's playing on both occasions. I should have said something, grumble, grumble, but there we are.

Jules · Jan 29, 2008

There's a 'live with the Hamburg blues band' track on the CD, wickedly good and very intense.

sassysax · Jan 29, 2008

Jack Bruce: Things We Like (1970) - also features John Hiseman and John McLaughlin (pre-Mahavishnu). Available on Amazon.

blues_growler · Jan 29, 2008

And thank you both for your always interesting and informative posts.

Somewhere in the back of my mind tells me I've a tape cassette or CD with Dick Hexstall - Smith
playing on it that was not generally released. Something that was distributed by a band at gigs, that sort of thing. I'll keep looking until I find it.

spike · Jan 29, 2008

Hi Tom, - open a thread on it and I'll dig about. gruss - spike

blues_growler · Jan 29, 2008

It's just occurred to me that what I may be thinking of is the video that was put out in the 1980's
with the title "British Rhythm and Blues" featuring mainly British bands performing at the Marquee Club during the 1970's. I have a copy of this video but no vid player so I'll watch it at a friends house in the next few days and let you know. It's hard to believe there's no surviving footage of such a prolific player. Maybe be something will turn up on YouTube.

Dylan · Jan 31, 2008

Mr Nachoman

Thanks for the info on the DHS book and CD. I received it yesterday. Fantastic - the CD is worth the purchase price alone.

Highly recommended :w00t: