Bobby Wellins Sextet: Homage To Caledonia

Bobby Wellins said about the composition of "The Culloden Moor Suite:" "It was something that came to me after reading John Prebble's book about the Battle of Culloden and the way he described events leading up to it and the dreadful aftermath... I wanted to capture, not just the terrible sadness that must have resulted from what was a pretty horrific event, but also the sense of expectancy and celebration, even if it turned out to be misplaced, in the gathering of the Jacobite army."

This is the only complete small ensemble recording of the suite released up to 2024. The booklet, largely written by drummer Spike Wells, is a memoir of the time in 1979 when the group toured the country under the aegis of Jazz Services and the Arts Council. Wells describes the early versions of the suite with the New Departures quintet and the version with the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra with Tommy Smith. On the album, the quartet becomes a sextet with the addition of Lol Coxhill and Bryan Spring.

Producer Pete Woodman outlines the background to the Battle of Culloden which took place in 1746 . It was an attempt for Charles Edward Stewart to restore his father James to the British throne. The battle is crucial to Scottish/English history but it is a pity that Woodman does not mention the excellent Peter Watkins film about the battle.

In many ways, the Pete Jacobsen piano solo which is not part of the suite, is a wonderful addition to the performance. Jacobsen is a lost hero of British jazz music. Anyone who wonders why Jacobsen's work is still cherished has only to listen to this twelve-minute, untitled piano solo. Jacobsen plays freely, ranges widely and as a maverick let loose he is lyrical, inventive and creative. The playing could have been recorded yesterday.

The suite is not "Under Milk Wood." It is hard-edged, craggy, horny, bristling with defiance and Scottish sadness,,,, a validation.

The non-Culloden pieces are valuable additions to the Wellins discography.. "Aura" is short, too short, because it is haunting in the way that only a Wellins solo can be. For moments, it is all there, the plaintive tone, the endemic sadness and beauty and a completely compatible accompaniment from Jacobsen.

Although the sound quality of Jazz in Britain albums, taken from musicians' archives, is not always pristine, the presentation is always first-rate.. Here, the images of Culloden Moor and the grave markers on the moor have definition, clarity and colour. There are photos and publicity from the time.

Above all, this is a valuable historical document documenting the playing of an important composition.