Ken Moule - Jazz at Toad Hall & Ken Moule Arranges for … (2004)

Ken Moule was one of the finest arranger/composers active in the British jazz scene during the 1950's and 1960's and these two albums are first class examples of his work. 'Jazz at Toad Hall' is made up of a four movement suite inspired by 'The Wind in the Willows' written by Moule and five tracks of his arrangements of other composers' work. 'Arranges for..' comprises four Moule originals and seven arrangements of standards.

The band is similar for both albums and contains many fine Bitish jazzmen. These include George Chisholm, Ronnie Ross, Don Rendell and the ever dependable Alan Ganley. Moule's writing is always stimulating and allows plenty of solo space to the aforementioned who are at the top of their form. The Decca sound is, possibly, a little clinical but the tapes have been splendidly remastered by Mike Dutton.

This is a fine compilation and, together with Moule's 'Adam's Rib Suite', should be in the collection of all lovers of British jazz - or any sort of jazz for that matter!~J. Gibbons