The programme welcomes a long-standing Cosmic Jazz listener Pete from Hertfordshire.  He is very knowledgeable about jazz and much other music and helps us out when we need information about musicians and records.

Derek and Pete played Radio Ping-Pong – an approach pioneered by the late Charlie Gillett, whereby you select a record and your partner has to think of another tune that connects to play next.  This should not pre-planned  and this show was  totally spontaneous.

The game started with the track Laughter by Norman Connors (an under-rated jazz musician?) which led to Celebration from the South African pianist Bheki Mseleku.   This brought in cross-continental connections between jazz on the continents of north and south America and the continent of Africa; with a brief diversionary reference to Inverness.

The second set opened with Eventually by Ornette Coleman which led naturally to the theme of time and ended with Round Midnight. The game selections also managed to highlight the jazz influences and connections of artists such as The Fania All-Stars and Prince Buster.

It was a hectic time in the studio and a night such as this always leads to regrets about records that are not  in the box.  It was definitely, though, great fun.  It always is when Pete pays a visit.  I think any umpire would declare that he made the match-winning selections.  Give it a listen and judge for yourself!

1. Jose James – Beauty
2. Kenny Dorham – Trompeta Toccata
3. Norman Connors – Laughter
4. Bheki Mseleku – Celebration
5. Letta Mbulu – Afro Texas
6. Carlos Garnett – Banks of the Nile
7. Gato Barbieri – El  Sertao
8. Luisito Quintero – Quintero’s Jam
9. Fania All-Stars – Lamento de un Gualiro
10. Ornette Coleman – Eventually
11. Gary Burton – On the Third Day
12. Patrice Rushen – Haw Right Now
13. Yusuf Lateef – A Long Time Ago
14. Prince Buster – City Riot
15. Jimmy McGriff – Round Midnight