This week I have been listening to Double Up 2, the posthumous Miller/Baker CD that Crescent Discs brought out following the discovery of the lost recordings that Phil and Fred Baker made in Phil’s studio over the years of their association. These two numbers: Agagio for Fretless Bass and Folk Dance are my favourite pieces on this album. Here is how Fred describes them: “Phil wrote this rescued treasure for me to play in the duo and was planning its future as a string ensemble. Phil plays like a harpsichordist in a baroque piece and shows his development as a composer. It was one of the recued treasures and is for me the real centerpiece of this CD.”
Folk Dance: “Although a later version was played by Jack Monck & Friends and also featured in the tribute concert for Phil at the Vortex Jazz Club on Jan 6th 2019, this version is the first and only time it has been heard in its original entirety. An uplifting feel of a Spanish Flamenco with Phil’s classic use of the blues and angular melodic approach mid section.”
This album is still available on my discogs page.