British saxophone titan Tubby Hayes was a driving force of post-war modern jazz in the UK, renowned for his blistering tenor sound, multi-instrumental prowess, and hard-swinging bebop rooted in the styles of Lester Young and Sonny Rollins. Inventivity captures Hayes in expansive, collaborative form across a double CD, welcoming visiting American and European heavyweights—including Cat Anderson (Duke Ellington Orchestra), Sal Nistico (Woody Herman), the rising bass star Albert Stinson, Swedish trumpeter Rolf Ericson (also tied to Ellington), and Scottish ace Jimmy Deuchar, who leads the Disc Two Quintet. Balancing fiery live performances with a revealing interview conducted by producer Les Tomkins, this set frames Hayes at his communicative peak—fleet, inventive, and deeply embedded in the transatlantic jazz conversation. A compelling document for bebop and hard-bop listeners, collectors, and anyone drawn to the golden era of live jazz interplay.

• Artist: Tubby Hayes
• Format: Audio CD
• Release Type: Live Album
• Genre: Jazz, Bebop, Hard Bop
• Producer: Les Tomkins
• Featuring: Cat Anderson, Sal Nistico, Albert Stinson, Rolf Ericson, Jimmy Deuchar

• Notes: Double set featuring live performances with guest soloists; includes an interview with Tubby Hayes and Sal Nistico conducted by producer Les Tomkins.

• Media: 2×CD
• Bonus: Interview with Tubby Hayes and Sal Nistico
• Packaging: Standard jewel case

Tubby Hayes (1935–1973) was a seminal British jazz musician celebrated as a virtuoso tenor saxophonist, vibraphonist, and flautist. Emerging in London’s modern jazz scene of the 1950s, he co-led The Jazz Couriers with Ronnie Scott and later fronted his own quartets and big ensembles. Hayes became known for breathtaking tempos, formidable technique, and a robust, melodic improvisational voice that bridged bebop and hard bop. He toured internationally, recorded prolifically, and collaborated with leading American and European artists, helping elevate the stature of British jazz on the global stage. Despite a short life, his legacy endures through influential recordings, live broadcasts, and archival releases that continue to inspire saxophonists and jazz listeners worldwide.