A definite set of bare essentials from the Spontaneous Music Ensemble – especially given that at this point, the group was stripped down to just the duo of John Stevens on percussion and cornet, and Trevor Watts on soprano sax! The material was all recorded live, and the double-length set is an amazing illustration of the genius that Stevens brought to the group – a way of working and reworking a very simple concept – such that the freedom of improvisation was also given a structure, yet one with a logic that would often defy more simplistic conceptions of jazz! The package features a massive 16 previously unissued tracks – a great look at this unique chapter of the group
1-1 recorded at Wolverhampton (Polytechnic).
2-1 to 2-2 recorded at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
All others recorded at London (Little Theatre Club).