Spontaneous Music Ensemble - Oliv & Familie (1969/2014)

A long overdue reappearance of the third Spontaneous Music Ensemble LP. One version of OLIV features Kenny Wheeler and Derek Bailey soloing over a four-person voice and saxophone drone which is eventually joined by a piano/bass/drums rhythm section. The second version is an improvisation by the quartet of John Stevens, Maggie Nicols, Trevor Watts and Johnny Dyani one of the great early examples of the free improvisation era, and the recording debut of Nicols. Also included are one and a half takes of FAMILIE by an eleven piece group, the earliest recorded example of a large group SME performance. Strongly influenced by Gagaku (Japanese court music), this ensemble comprises two voices, three winds, three strings, piano, guitar, and percussion. 67 minutes - reissue of Marmalade LP 608008 (2384009) plus 31 minutes previously unissued.