BGP, one of the foremost curators of classic independent black music, has issued many titles on the pioneering Flying Dutchman label before, notably material by Gil Scott-Heron (see last issue). But this anthology is nonetheless a welcome trawl through a treasure-trove catalogue. Founded by esteemed John Coltrane producer Bob Thiele at the tail end of the 1960s, the imprint chronicled blues and R&B as well as jazz but also put its finger on the pulse of African-American politics and culture. Needless to say Scott-Heron epitomised that and it is entirely appropriate that the set starts with ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Televised’, the protest anthem that still resonates with a world of (new) media machinations.

A fabulous buffet follows: Gato Barbieri's post-Trane roar; Ornette's joyously jumpy, jittery riffs; Lonnie Liston Smith's cosmic invocations; Leon Thomas’ swelling blues baritone and Oliver Nelson's finessed orchestrations. In addition there are several lesser known gems by vocalist Esther Marrow, funky drummer Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie, and Thiele himself and his band Emergency.

For those new to the party this is a perfect introduction to Flying Dutchman, and for those who've had the label on their radar for a while this is a welcome jog to the memory.