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Holywell Session - Live in Oxford Liner notes |
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I arrived in Oxford to play in the wonderful Holywell Music Room I had
never met the four musicians with whom I was about to play the concert -
except George, I stayed with him some days before.
I remember we didn't check out the sound before the concert, it is a great acoustic music room, and we didn't prepare any programme. We would simply improvise the whole concert. We began and, as I knew it would be, we didn't have any problems. Each of us knew what to do because everyone was a free musician, in his own education, culture and feeling. It was during the concert I learnt to know and appreciate two extraordinary musicians, able to make incredible magic: Richard Leigh Harris and Steve Kershaw. A concert in which I knew the happiness to play with two masters of free music like George Haslam and Harry Beckett. Stefano Pastor
For almost 30 years I have toured worldwide having the great enjoyment of hearing, meeting and playing with some amazing musicians, so what a treat when such a musician comes to Oxford to play with me. Although this was Stefano Pastor's first visit to England, he and his music was instantly very much at home with the Holywell musicians. This empathy was felt in the performace and evident in the music. The occasion was made expecially memorable by the appearance of one of the truly great figures of British jazz and improvisation, Harry Beckett - one of those special musicians whose presence is marked not only by his musical contribution but also in the influence and inspiration he imparts to his fellows. George Haslam
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