Harold McNair - Flute & Nut (RCA 1970) 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip

Jamaican born Harold McNair was one of the unsung heroes of the second generation of British modernists. His Parkeresque alto, Rollins-influenced tenor and truly unique flute playing astounded the London Jazz scene in the early 1960s. His tenor saxophone was heavily featured on the soundtrack for Ken Loach's film 'Kes', as was his tenor saxophone on the original 1962 soundtrack theme from 'Dr. No'. Also, in addition to playing flute on most of Donovan's 1960s albums, he was a founder member of Ginger Baker's Airforce. In fact, the roll-call of his associates represents a golden age of musical interaction. Davey Graham, Blossom Dearie, Jon Hendricks, John Martyn, Magna Carta, Don Partridge, Marc Brierley, John Cameron and Alexis Korner all benefited from McNair's versatility until 1971 when his career was cut short by lung cancer at the age of just 39.

Although recorded less than a year earlier, ‘Flute & Nut’ could not be more different than ‘The Fence’. ‘Flute & Nut’ is a collection of jazzy, mostly flute led instrumentals featuring big band and string arrangements by John Cameron with no rock influences whatsoever. A pleasant listen, and the work of a gifted flautist, nonetheless. Never issued on CD.



Track listing:

A1. The Umbrella Man
A2. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes
A3. You Are Too Beautiful
A4. Barnes Bridge

B1. Nomadic Joe
B2. Herb Green
B3. My Romance
B4. Burnt Amber

Arrangements by John Cameron
Produced by Sandy Roberton