How Many Clouds Can You See?

While woodwind multi-instrumentalist John Surman's eponymous debut was a strange mixture of everything from free improvisation to calypso, his second date, 1970's How Many Clouds Can You See?, is a much more focused affair. Surman clearly references one of his roots, John Coltrane, albeit on an instrument that the legendary saxophonist never played.

Surman plays bass clarinet and soprano saxophone, but the baritone has always been his main axe. Here he uses it to put a personal spin on music inspired by the latter-period Coltrane's visceral and sometimes almost anarchistic approach. Few artists are capable of pushing the baritone to the forefront, but Surman's ability to extend beyond the conventional range of the instrument has made him a reference point for many to follow. - All About Jazz

PERSONNEL:
John Surman  - (baritone & soprano saxophone, bass clarinet)
Tony Oxley - (drums)
Barre Phillips - (bass)
John Taylor - (piano)
Mike Osborne - (alto saxophone)
Alan Skidmore - (tenor saxophone)
Malcolm Griffiths - (trombone)
Harold Beckett - (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Alan Jackson - (drums)
Harry Miller - (bass)
John Warren - (baritone saxophone, flute)
Dave Holdsworth - (trombone)
Chris Pyne - (trombone)
George Smith - (tuba)

A1 Galata Bridge
A2 Caractacus
A3 Premonition

B1 Event
a. Gathering
b. Ritual
c. Circle Dance
B2 How Many Clouds Can You See?