Tag Archives: Ahead

Nature’s Table Archive Vol 6: Ron Dewar Quartet – September 28, 1980

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Another tape from 1980 makes its way early into the Archive. Saxophonist Ron Dewar has been associated with jazz in Champaign- Urbana since the late 1950’s, when he played in John Garvey’s band.  He played at the Table many, many times with lots of folks and in many styles.

I freely admit I don’t know the players on this set. Except for Dewar, the only name I recognize is Guido Sinclair, who sits in during track 2, Cole Porter’s “I Love You.” That’s the fun thing about cataloging all these tapes; I knew I’d hit a lot of stuff I’d never encountered and folks I never heard of, and this one of many that I’m sure will turn up.

The lineage of the cassette is unknown. It’s from Jeff Helgesen’s collection, but he didn’t tape it, nor do we know how far removed from the master tape it is. Helgesen’s tape is labelled “Tape 2,” but only one side of a 90-minute cassette is all Helgesen has found so far. The recording sounds quite good. Now if only we can figure out the name of the first track, as well as the first name of the drummer!

*update September 26, 2014* Thanks to Scott Mordecai for identifying the first tune! “Grand Valse (Waltz of the Demons)”

Ron Dewar – Tenor Saxophone
David Onderdonk – Guitar
Dan Delorenzo – Bass
“Davis” – Drums (First name unknown)

Special guest: Guido Sinclair, alto sax on track 2
Ron Dewar Quartet – September 28, 1980 (NTA Vol 6)

Nature’s Table Archive Vol. 5: Quintet – May 1980

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Volume 5 of the Nature’s Table Archive Project is another recording from the Morgan Powell collection. In fact, it’s the oldest recording made at the Table we’ve found so far. Nature’s Table opened in September 1979, but didn’t start hosting live music until early 1980, so this tape was made just a few months after Terry opened the stage to musicians. Quite a find! We also get a nice little artifact on the tape: the sound of a cash register! Most of us don’t ever remember a cash register being there.

Quintet features the Ray Sasaki/Morgan Powell combo again, accompanied by electronic music master Sal Martirano on acoustic piano. The bass player and drummer are a bit of a mystery, but both Powell and Sasaki feel comfortable with their guesses: Pat Castle (bass) and John Meyes (drums).

This is a solid set and a pretty good recording! We don’t know the title of track 7, however. If you know it, please contact us and let us know.

Quintet – May 1980 (NTA Vol 5)