A highly interesting various artists Britjazz archive release coming up in late-September is on the cards it’s emerged.

Remastered from the original tapes drawing on the jazz output of the Turtle label of famed Donovan producer Peter Eden focussing on the Britjazz of the early-1970s the 3-CD set Turtle Records: Pioneering British Jazz 1970-1971 features Mike Osborne (tracks from Outback), Howard Riley (from Flight) and the late John Taylor’s debut as a leader (Pause and Think Again).

The reissue box set package is to be issued by the Cherry Red label and includes a chunky 56-page booklet written by acclaimed John McLaughlin biographer Colin Harper.

In his blog Harper sheds some further light on what to expect noting: “I’ve enjoyed writing an extensive booklet for the set, around 17,000 words’ worth, including fresh interviews with Howard Riley, Barry Guy, John Taylor, John Surman, Norma Winstone, Mike Westbrook, Mike Cooper, Mike Gibbs and Peter Eden and a detailed trawl through the Melody Maker for the whole year of 1970. It was an exciting time for British jazz, with major labels (CBS, Decca, EMI, RCA, Pye) and their progressive rock imprints (Harvest, Vertigo, Dawn, Neon) all taking a punt on the new wave of British jazz, jazz-rock and ‘free improvisation’. Peter Eden produced 20 albums in this ‘golden age’ period of 1968-72, two of them for his own label – the third, John Taylor’s album, being produced by his loyal lieutenant John Surman.”

A full track listing for the compilation, the cover of which is shown top, is here