Grain (unit) weight) refers to those things measured by the lesser but quicker balances: the bismar or uncel, the Roman balance, and the steelyard. The original mercantile pound of 25 shillings or 15 (tower) ounces was displaced by variously the pound of the Hanseatic League (16 tower ounces) and by the pound of the then-important wool trade (16 ounces of 437 grains). A new pound of grains was inadvertently created as 16 troy ounces, referring to the new troy rather than the old troy. Eventually, the wool pound won out. The avoirdupois pound was defined in prototype, rated as to grains. In
How Many Clouds Can You See? 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. All compositions by John Surman except where noted. How Many Clouds Can You See? How Many Clouds Can You See? is the second album by English saxophonist John Surman featuring Harry Beckett, Alan Skidmore, Barre Phillips and Tony Oxley recorded in 1970 and released on the Deram label. Allmusic awards the album 4 and a