That Time

Issued to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, 'That Time' uncovers a fascinating window on the early years of the pioneering company which are only sparsely documented elsewhere. The album opens a rare window onto the early evolution of the London Jazz Composers Orchestra, presenting two pivotal sessions from 1972 and two from 1980 — all restored with exceptional clarity. These recordings capture the ensemble at moments when its identity was still being forged: bold, exploratory, and unafraid of scale. The 1972 performances from Berlin and Donaueschingen reveal an orchestra stretching the boundaries of large‑ensemble improvisation. Kenny Wheeler’s “Watts Parker Beckett To Me Mr. Riley” moves between tightly written passages and eruptive free playing, spotlighting standout solos from Evan Parker, Trevor Watts, Harry Beckett, and Wheeler himself. Barry Guy’s “Statements III” pushes even further, balancing dense orchestral masses with intricate detail and fearless improvisation. By 1980, the LJCO had grown into a more seasoned, sharply focused organism. Paul Rutherford’s “Quasimode III” and Howard Riley’s “Appolysian” show the ensemble navigating shifting structures, modular writing, and high‑energy collective interplay. The music is intense, unpredictable, and unmistakably alive. That Time documents a crucial chapter in the history of European large‑ensemble music — a portrait of an orchestra discovering its voice while simultaneously redefining what such a group could be. Essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of composition, improvisation, and sonic adventure.

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Line-up for tracks 1 and 2:

Conductor: Buxton Orr

Trumpets: Kenny Wheeler, Harry Beckett, Mark Charig , Dave Holdsworth 

Trombones: Paul Rutherford, Mike Gibbs, Paul Nieman

Tuba: Dick Hart

Saxophones: Trevor Watts, Evan Parker, Mike Osborne, Alan Wakeman, Dave White

John Warren (plus doubling instruments)

Guitar: Derek Bailey

Piano: Howard Riley

Basses: Jeff Clyne, Chris Laurence, Barry Guy

Percussion: Tony Oxley, Paul Lytto

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Line-up for tracks 3 and 4:

Trumpets: Kenny Wheeler, Harry Beckett, Mark Charig, , Dave Spence

Trombones: Paul Rutherford, Alan Tomlinson, Paul Nieman

Tuba: Melvyn Poore

Saxophones: Trevor Watts, Evan Parker, Peter Brötzmann, Larry Stabbins, Tony Coe (plus doubling instruments)

Piano: Howard Riley

Violin: Philipp  Wachsmann

Basses: Barry Guy, Peter Kowald

Percussion: Tony Oxley (and  violin),   John Stevens