Three unreleased slices of work from the legendary
Tony Oxley – a British drummer who's had an impact on his scene's music for decades – and also an artist who can handle a whole lot of other musical sources as well! The set begins with some very seminal sounds from
Oxley – music from 1974 with a quintet that features
Barry Guy on acoustic and electric bass, Dave Holdsworth on trumpet and effects,
Howard Riley on piano, and Paul Rutherford on trombone – all giants from the key years of the Brit free jazz scene – working here with
Oxley on drums, electronics, and effects – on titles that include "The Embrace", "Ensemble 1", and "Ensemble 2". Next is a long piece from 1981, titled "Frame" – with
Oxley on drums, electronics, and even violin – next to Hugh Metcalfe on guitar and cymbals,
Howard Riley on piano, Phil Wachsmann on violin and electronics, and the mighty Larry Stabbins on saxes! The final piece is "Combination" from 2016, and is spare, but equally striking –
Oxley on electronics, working next to the percussion of Stefan Hoelker – almost evoking an older electro-acoustic style.