Tubby Hayes - Splonge: An Introduction To Tubby Hayes - Vinyl LP

2025

Splonge is a play on what Tubby Hayes used to say when counting off a song: "One, two, three, splonge!"

This new collection culls 10 tracks originally recorded for the Fontana label between 1961 and 1969. Fontana was launched by the Dutch Philips label in 1956 in France as a variety imprint. This collection provides a solid place to start on Hayes's career.

Born in London in 1935, Hayes began playing professionally at 15 with the Kenny Baker Sextet. Dates followed with big bands led by Vic Lewis, Jack Parnell and others. In 1958, Hayes founded the Jazz Couriers, a British play on America's the Jazz Messengers. The Couriers included Ronnie Scott.

In the late '50s the Couriers opened for the touring Dave Brubeck Quartet. Hayes's first album for Blue Note, in 1958, was recorded with British-based Jamaican trumpeter Dizzy Reece.

Hayes signed to Fontana in 1961, releasing his first leadership albums Tubbs and Tubbs In New York. Another U.S.-based release, Return Visit!, featured Rahsaan Roland Kirk and was produced by Quincy Jones. Hayes and Jones would team up again in 1969 for The Italian Job soundtrack. A further seven albums followed, with Hayes leading a quartet, quintet or orchestra. He also appeared on recordings by other artists, including Harry South and the progressive-rock band Family.