Even though Dawkins is the chairman of the AACM & uses "avant garde" to describe his music, his ensemble always remains accessible yet vital; it's a surprise that this is their first U.S. release, as they have been together for more than a decade & are regarded as one of Chicago's finest - the album is titled after the enthusiastic response from the audience in Johannesburg, South Africa & Mozambique.

Return to 50's style blues w. The Ice Cream Men.

Pianist Art Hodes' career lasted eight decades, starting in the late 20s and continuing into the 90s. Friar's Inn, near Van Buren and Wabash, was where the legendary New Orleans Rhythm Kings played Chicago in the early 20s. Their series of classic recordings for Gennett ushered in the early Chicago decade of jazz recordings. Hodes had long wanted to do a recording in honor of that early group and brought George Brunis and Volly DeFaut, both members of NORK in the 20s, to the studio for this 1972 session. On CD for the first time, this release features Barney Bigard and Barrett Deems.

W. "Mad Dog" Lester Davenport & others. 1991.

1958

Pianist Wally Rose was the original piano player in Lu Watters Yerba Buena Jazz Band, the band that started the Traditional Jazz revival of the 1940s and '50s. He also played with Bob Scobey in 1950-51, Turk Murphy in 1952-54 and spent many years as soloist in San Francisco. In 1953 Rose recorded two influential solo LPs: Ragtime Classics and Ragtime Piano Masterpieces. Rose remained active throughout the '70s and '80s. Whippin' the Keys was recorded at two sessions in 1968 and 1971. The twenty solo ragtime selections were originally issued on two Blackbird LPs (Rose on Piano, Blackbird 12007 and Whippin' the Keys, Blackbird 12010). They are reissued here for the first time.

An inspired soulfulness dominates the four extended compositions that make up this album, the second Delmark release by saxophonist Ernest Dawkins' New Horizons Ensemble. Recorded in Chicago in August of 2002, "Capetown Shuffle" celebrates numerous facets of the African American experience, from the gritty blues and AACM adventurousness of South Side Chicago, to joyful New Orleans marches, to the ancient ancestral grooves of South Africa. It was a special challenge to perform live all new compositions never played before an audience. The awesome results show why NHE shows are unique and flow unlike any other band.

On this, his second album as leader, Ken's piano, vocal & writing talents are showcased in a larger ensemble than on his successful debut, "Foolish Man". Joined on many cuts by a five piece band, Ken's music is reminiscent of some of his best work with the eclectic roots band Big Shoulders. Continuing to draw from the deep well of American music styles, he once again provides a musical mix that, while broad in scope, never strays too far from his roots in the blues. Trust this: this album is blues brawn with a brain!

Tenor sax player's 1959 session features the very first recording of Grant Green & young Elvin Jones on drums, also Harold Mabern-piano, Gene Ramey-bass.

Previously unissued 1983 concert by one of the most soulful blues artists w. Lucky Peterson's All-Stars.

Kevin O'Donnell, Drums; Andrew Bird, violin, vocals; Chris Greene, alto and soprano sax; Josh Bell, tenor sax; Colin Bunn, guitar; Josh Hirsch, bass.

This group has been about 2 horns & a drum for twenty years - over the years, drummer Kahil El'Zabar has stretched the boundaries of the band's sound, using trombone, African thumb piano, sax, guitar & other instruments; the music itself reflects African & African-American traditions with dance.

During her 25 years as a professional blues singer, Big Time Sarah has built a solid reputation worldwide with regular tours in the U.S. and abroad. She started sitting in during the late 1960's with Louis & Dave Myers, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, and Magic Slim. This album features five new songs Sarah collaborated on with songwriter William Bolden & arranger/guitarist Rico McFarland. Although more than capable of wringing the last drop of soul out of a slow burner, most of Sarah's music is about having a big, good time, and she delivers it with gusto.

United Records & it's sister imprint States had one of the most varied blues rosters of any Chicago label during the early-to-mid 1950s; here are 25 tracks from the label's artists, inc. Eddie Boyd, L.C. McKinley, Ernest Cotton, Jack Cooley, Harold Burrage, Dennis "Long Man" Binder, Cliff Butler, Eddie Ware & others; includes many never before released tracks.

Slim is joined by His House Rockers, feat. Matt "Guitar" Murphy, feat. 2 instrumentals, 3 songs not available since the 78s & 4 never before released alternate takes.