United Records was the first successful black-owned record company. Operated by Leonard Allen, tailor, retired policeman and obviously one of exceptionally wide taste in music, the 2 labels (United and States) issued some of the best performances in the jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, Doo Wop, even country between 1951 & '57. Delmark is proud to release this important body of masters including many previously unissued, recorded in studios which pioneered high fidelity recording in the '50s. The United Records Story features many obscure & rare tracks: alternate takes by Jr Wells, Roosevelt Sykes, Jimmy Forrest; rarities by Leo Parker, Grant Jones, Tiny Grimes, The Pastels, Johnny Wicks; and more. 22 tracks(Previously deleted:1/1/11. Original release date:7/20/04)

Jazz clarinetist Armin Von Der Heydt passed on February 19, 2013 at age 88. He was a familiar face on the Chicago scene, coached by & playing in a style reminiscent of Darnell Howard. The Classic Jazz Ensemble aims to play jazz of the 20s with the steam & sensitivity that characterized the work of the great originators. This 1991 date features 13 selections including "Once In A While", a song from the 20s, and another song of the same name from the 30s, hence the title Twice In A While. (Previously deleted:6/1/05. Original release date:9/18/93) "The joyous ensembles, excellent solos, and enthusiastic playing makes this a disc that is easily recommended to fans of Dixieland, New Orleans jazz, and early swing." * - Scott Yanow, allmusic

Features Malachi's combo, Freebop, w. Carter Jefferson, Joe Ford, Ron Bridgewater, Sonny Seals, 2 originals, 8 tunes total, 70 minutes.

When Delmark signed Frank Catalano to record this 1997 session he was only 19 years old! In Louie Bellson's descriptive notes he said: "I can honestly say that I feel he is one of the greatest saxophonists on the planet!... Catalano will follow in the footsteps of the masters like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane and push the boundaries of jazz". with Ira Sullivan, flute, trumpet (two songs); Willie Pickens, piano; Brian Sandstorm, bass, Robert Shy or Rusty Jones, drums. (Previously deleted:7/1/05. Original release date:2/10/98)"Just listen to the blues-drenched slow drag of 'Willow Weep for Me', a marvel of emotional swagger and lucid improvisation. Cut It Out!?! is likely to be one of the better mainstream releases of the year". - Cadence.

2nd in the complete United Records sessions, with Tab Smith (alto & tenor saxophone, vocals); Louis Blackwell (vocals); Leon Washington, Charles Wright (tenor saxophone); Irving Woods, Sammy Cohn (trumpet); Lavern Dillon, Teddy Brannon (piano); Wilfred Middlebrooks (bass); Walter Johnson (drums); Lavern Dillon-piano.

Solid bebop standards album from tenor sax man with Ira Sullivan-tenor sax & trumpet.

2nd reunion under direction of leader/pianist John Chapman feat. vocalist Karen Carroll.

Jazz alto saxophonist Tab Smith was the most prolific artist on United, recording nearly 100 sides during the label's seven year existence from 1951-57, including his smash hit "Because of You." of the 24 tracks on "Crazy Walk," 10 are previously unissued while most of the others have been unavailable since the original 78s or the extremely rare United LPs. This fourth and final installment of the complete United recordings by Tab is unique for it's use of the organ as the main keyboard accompaniment. Also available: "Jump Time" (DMK 447), "Ace High" (DMK 455) and "Top 'N' Bottom" (DMK 499).

Trumpeter also plays baritone/alto sax & peck horn in this 1959 session, feat. The best musicians from this era inc. Jodie Christian, Victor Sproles & Wilbur Campbell.

R&B honker and jazz player on a 1947 date, 15 tracks, from the Apollo Series.

Straight ahead swing from Sinatra's altoist since 1988.

W. Willis Jackson, King Curtis.

Award winning blues guitarist is back again with his unique blend of contemporary Chicago blues that has a Delta feel mixed with R&B & soul.

W. Ira Sullivan, Jodie Christian +.

Drummer Al Green played his first job with Willie Dixon in 1955. He has played with Eddie Harris, Wes Montgomery and Nancy Wilson. Co-leader, alto saxophonist Othello Anderson has played with Joe Diorio and at the Downbeat Jazz Festival. Other members are trumpeter Dr. Odies Williams III who appears on Delmark CDs with Jodie Christian, Ed Petersen and Cecil Payne. Bassist John Whitfield recorded on Delmark with Jodie Christian and Malachi Thompson. And pianist Leandro Lopez Varady has worked with Eldee Young and has toured extensively. This is straight ahead bebop in the style of Art Blakey or Max Roach/Clifford Brown groups.