Blues pianist remains a living link to the golden era of classic Chicago blues of the 1950s - here are 17 original compositions with accompaniment by James Wheeler, Bob Stroger & Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.

With Mingus, Milt Jackson, Lucky Thompson 1945.

Two unique jazz guitarists collaborate on "Song Songs Song." Jeff Parker's previous Delmark CD, "Like-Coping" (DMK #543), his first as leader, was more rooted in the classic jazz tradition compared to his other work with Tortoise, Isotope 217, Chicago Underground or Tricolor. The music on "Song Songs Song" is free and stylistically similar to Scott Fields' first Delmark CD. Jazziz Magazine described Fields' music as: "open-ended, freeform sound-scapes filled with noises that are alternately weird, discomfiting and stimulating" - (reviewing "Mamet," DMK #527). "Parker turns in one cogent but disarming performance after another" - Top Ten best jazz recordings 2003 - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune.

Unissued session from 1977.

SEVERAL LIGHTS

This is the solo debut by Chicago pianist/synthesist Jim Baker, previously recorded in settings ranging from duets to Ken Vandermark's Territory Bands, and from third-stream projects (with Guillermo Gregorio) to rock groups (with Nicholas Tremulis). Having previously collaborated with reedists (Fred Anderson, Kyle Bruckmann, Nicole Mitchell, Ken Vandermark, Mars Williams) and with various trios (bassists Harrison Bankhead, Josh Abrams; cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm; percussionists Avreeyal Ra, Michael Zerang), Baker set himself the seemingly-paradoxical task of recording an album of free improvisations - on both piano and analogue synthesizer - which would have a "somewhat or somehow tuneful" character. Baker has been described as "deeply unusual."

Born and raised on Chicago's south side, violinist SavoirFaire cut his improvisational teeth at local jazz sessions. His first performance was at age 5 on stage at Chicago Symphony Center's Orchestra Hall as one of 25 special Suzuki students. SavoirFaire continued his musical path receiving scholarships to study with renowned teachers, winning local talent shows and the prestigious Interlochen award. Classically trained, his skill and oneness with his instrument has allowed him to grace the stages of Chicago's world-renowned jazz performance venues. Through swinging jazz, avant-garde free excursions, hip-hop, lush balladry, Latin-tinged movements and cascading Indo-African styled improvisations, this CD expresses SavoirFaire's commitment to the evolution of jazz.

R&b with jazz solos, 21 cuts from 1946-47 w. Babs Gonzales, Loumell Morgan, Artie Simms, Babe Wallace, the Four Blues & Ben Smith, from the Apollo Series.

12 originals from Chicago blues singer - he revisits the song "Diff'rent Strokes" & a tribute to Magic Sam.

Sarah & her BTS Express run seamlessly through their set of mostly uptempo, funky & contemporary blues.

Bandleader, arranger, tenor saxist Dave Clark leads the Blues Swingers, a nine piece vintage R&B revivalist band. Their first Delmark appearance was accompanying guitarist Floyd McDaniel on "Let Your Hair Down!" (DMK #671). Floyd passed at the age of 80 in 1995 but "Switchin' in the Kitchen" features five previously unreleased tracks from 1992 as well as 11 new tracks.

Originally issued in 1982, this album contains all original songs reflecting Jimmy's background in blues, soul, gospel & jazz.

Shepp has been recognized as a leader in jazz's avant garde scene since the 1960s; on this album, he is joined by some of Chicago's current cutting edge players, feat. Kabil El'Zabar, Ari Brown & Malachi Favors.

This project assembles jazz players Joseph Jarman, Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre, Adegoke Steve Colson, Malachi Favors & Kahil El'Zabar - they are several leading members from the early days of the Assoc. For the Advancement of Creative Musicians - here they swing explosively in the Chicago avant garde style.

Features Rob Mazurek, cornet; Chad Taylor, drums; Noel Kupersmith, bass; and Jeff Parker, guitar.