8 comments on “John Larkin "John Larkin LP"

  1. Hi Tony,
    That was a wonderful summary of the John Larkin LP. I must admit I am a fan of his Scatman John work but this led to me seeking out his Jazz output. There’s an album for sale on Amazon of Clark Woodard and Joe Farrell (linked below) and it may aswell be John Larkin, Clark Woodard and Joe Farrell as he appears on nearly every single track.
    This could be called the follow up to the John Larkin album as there are a few songs, such as 500 Miles High and My Funny Valentine, in which John performs. There is an alternative version of Last Night I Dreamed and the rest are more examples of free Jazz as heard on the JL LP.
    I wish that somebody would re-release this album. I’d happily buy it to add to my collection. It is definitely worth trying the CW/JF album though as it gives a little more insight into Johns jazz performances.
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clark-Woodard-Joe-Farrell/dp/B000FJH5AE/ref=sr_1_21?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1330186047&sr=1-21

    • Wow, thanks so much for the info on that CD! I’ve just ordered it today – can’t wait to hear it! There’s something very honest sounding about the music these musicians make, I like it a great deal!

  2. The performances of 500 Miles High and My Funny Valentine are fantastic. There’s also a song called Naima which is a fabulous track too.
    I hope you enjoyed that CD as much as I did. I wish there was more recordings of John to discover, unfortunately I think everything there is to hear has been heard now 🙁

  3. Hopefully the CD should arrive early next week, and I’ll put up some thoughts about it when I’ve had a chance to listen to it.
    Is Naima a take on the John Coltrane piece (from the Giant Steps LP)? I do hope so.
    It’s a shame that much of John’s music is lost in the ether, such a talented and interesting man. Then again, I don’t think fame really suited him.
    If I get some free time I’m going to do some research and find out if I can track down some more recordings – they must exist somewhere.
    I miss the jazz world…

  4. Yes Naima is a take on the John Coltrane track. I imagine it was down to his influence on John that they recorded that track. I presume that John was playing the piano on that recording although, from what I remember, the sleve credits aren’t too comprehensive.
    I had the pleasure of speaking to John a few months before he passed away. As I said I was a big fan of his Scatman music and so was a friend of mine, who had gotten to know him over the net. She had his home number and called him up and he kindly chatted to me for a while, he was so down to earth and pleasant (he did some improv scat singing to me). The man was a hero of mine and I was awestruck to be speaking to him.
    I do believe that after the release of the third Scatman album he was keen to go back to his Jazz roots. Unfortunately this was not to be as he passed away shortly after its release.
    He did have a fine talent and was a great inspiration to me. I don’t know if you know but some of the lyrics from the track “The Misfit” were used for his original Scatman single.
    If you do find any other recordings that he appeared on the please do let me know. I am always looking to add to my collection. The only Jazz material I know of are the albums…..
    John Larkin
    Joe Farrell & Clark Woodard &
    Listen To The Scatman

  5. Pingback: Clark Woodard & Joe Farrell « BassDress

  6. Hello Tony, I’m hoping that you still read blog comments on your old posts.

    Your writeup of the John Larkin LP was excellent, and I wondered if I could have permission to quote you, please? I am writing John’s biography, a project I hope to complete by the end of the year. John and I were friends, and I’m keen on filling in that 20-year gap you refer to, between his 80s jazz album and his death… but also going back far earlier. He had a remarkable life and talent – thank you for communicating that so eloquently.
    Best wishes, Gina (gina@scatmanjohn.com)

    • Hi Gina, what a lovey surprise. Of course, feel free to use anything you like. I’ll drop you an email tonight too

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