Over forty years have elapsed since the death of the British jazz legend Tubby Hayes and yet his story still continues to captivate. Beginning as a precociously talented teenage saxophonist, he took first the local and then the international jazz scene by storm, displaying gifts equal to the finest American jazzmen. He appeared with none other than Duke Ellington and proved almost single-handedly that British jazz need not labour under an inferiority complex. Hayes's triumphs during the 1950s and 60s enabled still later generations of English musicians to take their music onto the world stage. However, his story, distorted by the folklore surrounding his tragically early death, aged only 38, has rarely been accurately recorded. Much of what has been written, broadcast and recounted about Hayes has added only confusion to our understanding of his short but brilliant life. In this new, expanded paperback edition, award-winning saxophonist and writer Simon Spillett, widely regarded as the world's leading authority on Hayes and his work, painstakingly outlines a career that alternated professional success and personal downfall. Using credible eye-witness recollection, drawn from conversations with Hayes's family, partners, friends and musical colleagues, unique access to Hayes's own tape, photographic and personal archives - including papers that have only recently come to light - and extensive contemporary research material, Spillett has reconstructed the trajectory of his subject's life both candidly and respectfully.
Simon Spillett is a British jazz saxophonist who leads his own quartet featuring John Critchinson (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass) and Clark Tracey (drums). He has won several awards for his music, including the tenor saxophone category of the British Jazz Awards (2011), Jazz Journal magazine's Critic's Choice CD of the Year (2009) and Rising Star in the BBC Jazz Awards (2007).
First Edition Longlisted for the Penderyn Music Book Award 2016 First Edition Winner of a Certificate of Merit in the category of Historical Research in Recorded Jazz in the 2016 Association for Recorded Sound Collections Awards for Excellence Reviews of the first edition: A biography well worthy of his subject. Mojo A fine work of jazz scholarship and a pleasure to read. BBC Music Magazine Sir John Dankworth described Tubby Hayes as a 'prime force' in the world of jazz saxophone playing. Maybe the full value of his talent never came to be realised, but he was a tremendous musician on flute, saxophone and vibes, and we were privileged to work with him at the peak of his powers. Dame Cleo Laine This magnum opus is a triumph and perfectly complements Simon Spillett's renowned musical homage to the master. I knew Tubby Hayes very well towards the end of his life on and off the bandstand and I can tell you Simon has done his subject more than justice. The writing is authentic, accurate, warm and very readable. Spike Wells, drummer with Tubby Hayes, 1968-73 Spillet is himself an award-winning saxman, and has therefore been able to bring technical analysis into the pages of a book which absorbingly relates Hayes's professional endeavours and also tells of his personal life. The Beat Spillett's monumental biography of Hayes combines needlepoint research with a musician's judgment, true affection - plus a grace of expression - that sets him securely in the pantheon of great jazz biographers. Digby Fairweather, jazz trumpeter Spillett has created THE definitive Tubby Hayes book which will be essential to any old and new Tubby's fan! UK Vibe One of the best biographies I've read in years. Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online For me, it is the definitive work on the subject and will always will be. Mark Baxter, writer and filmmaker including a forthcoming Tubby Hayes documentary out in October 2015 This is a beautifully written and exhaustively researched volume. thejazzbreakfast [A] remarkable biography. Blue Light It's the first really rounded account of a British jazz musician I've read, and I think I've read most of them. Dave Gelly Simon Spillett has written a book about Tubby Hayes that tells us a great deal about the man and his music, and about British modern jazz generally. It's closely researched, with ample notes and a useful discography. The Northern Review of Books What this book has successfully achieved is to paint a three dimensional portrait of a genius but, crucially, it's written by someone who's not merely a Hayes expert - very probably the Hayes expert - but also a professional jazz musician. Few books have been written about post-war jazz, and none concerning its most illustrious star, making this eminently readable biography a strong contender for jazz book of the year. Jazz Journal One of the finest jazz biographies of recent times. A big book in every way, it stands as a worthy tribute to a colossal talent. Jazzwise This is a superlative biography and one that every jazz aficionado should read. Soul and Jazz and Funk With a sparkling turn of phrase and a spooky empathy for an era that may as well be the dark ages, so different is it to the present, Spillett makes Tubby walk again here, grinning, vibing (in every sense), blowing. It's a fine line, straight and true. Record Collector Vivid, richly detailed and based on a staggering amount of research. A real page-turner, eloquently and carefully written, and an essential read. The Jazz Rag This is a great, rich book of jazz writing which will stand comparison with any jazz biographies from the past. Jazz Views Very expertly written by another enormously gifted UK jazz tenor saxophonist. The finest piece of biographical writing I've come across in many a year. Very strongly recommended indeed. Clarinet & Saxophone A superb and very well researched biography. LA Jazz Scene A vital contribution to a subject Equinox are doing such a good job of chronicling: British jazz history. LondonJazzNews

Simon Spillett