Rediscover a cornerstone of British jazz with this reissue of “Tales of the Algonquin,” the groundbreaking first collaboration between John Surman and John Warren.
Born from the UK’s vibrant, experimental big-band scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s, this album showcases Warren’s powerful writing and Surman’s commanding solo voice. Standout contributions from Kenny Wheeler, Mike Osborne, and a young John Taylor add richness and depth. From the punchy swing of “With Terry’s Help” to the delicate, Gil Evans tinged “The Dandelion,” the music moves effortlessly between boldness and lyricism. Warren’s open, exploratory charts shine, especially in the 7/4 whirlwind of “Shengebis and the North Wind.” Long unavailable, this reissue brings a vital recording back to longtime listeners and to a new generation ready to discover it.

• LANDMARK BRITISH JAZZ ALBUM FROM THE LATE 1960S BIG-BAND SCENE
• GROUNDBREAKING FIRST COLLABORATION BETWEEN JOHN SURMAN AND JOHN WARREN
• FEATURES STANDOUT PERFORMANCES BY KENNY WHEELER, MIKE OSBORNE, AND JOHN TAYLOR
• INCLUDES HIGHLIGHTS SUCH AS “WITH TERRY’S HELP,” “THE DANDELION,” AND “SHENGEBIS AND THE NORTH WIND”
• ESSENTIAL LISTENING FOR FANS OF BRITISH JAZZ, BIG BAND INNOVATION, AND MODERN COMPOSITION