One of the most talented jazz sidemen in Chicago, Rich Corpolongo stepped forward in 1995 to make his debut recording as leader, Just Found Joy. The multi-reedist (alto and soprano sax and clarinet) displays a complete musical virtuosity and creative focus on eight original compositions. "a marvelous showcase for his writing and improvising talents... he rips through the constraints of bar lines and conventional propriety with controlled abandon. He'll push up to the boundaries of free jazz, but never stray from the structure of the song." - Art Lange "a sleeper hit, and a wake-up call about a brand-new longtime talent" - Jazziz. "*4 Stars*" - Down Beat.
In a review of this 1994 recording "The saxophonist has honed his already formidable technique to a masterly pitch of intensity, capable of articulating an authentic, personal vision within the jazz tradition. On this session he meshes so closely with his comrades that the music seems like a collective product, with a strong leader on an equal footing with his gifted sidemen." - Down Beat 4 Stars. With Dr. Odies Williams III or (the recently passed) Billy Brimfield, trumpet; Willie Pickens, piano; Brian Sandstrom, bass; Robert Shy, drums. (Previously deleted:1/11/11. Original release date:3/22/95)
Jazz tenor saxophonist Bob Graf was an admired player on the modern jazz scene of St. Louis in the 50s. He was a friend to trumpeter Clark Terry, also from St. Louis, and they were both members of Count Basie's small group formed in 1948. Graf joined Woody Herman's band and recorded for Capitol in 1950 and MGM in '51. He also recorded with Chet Baker's big band for Pacific Jazz in '56 and has solos on several tunes. This 1958 recording was the first modern jazz LP to be issued on the Delmar label (later to become Delmark). Quintet date with 5 songs including "Four", "Dear Old Stockholm", "Street of Dreams", "Bernie's Tune" and "Funky Ride".
Jazz vibist Jim Cooper's second Delmark CD, Nutville, was originally issued in 1992. "... a warm wind blowing out of the Windy City, a suave mainstream session highlighted by solid solo work from the vibist with multi-instrumentalist bravura by Ira Sullivan." Down Beat "... The vibist establishes a strong claim to be the Thelonious Monk of his instrument... then Cooper shows off substantial symmetry and lyricism on ballads as well as a real affinity for the Latin tinge" - Cadence. Jim Cooper, vibes; Ira Sullivan, trumpet, tenor and soprano sax; Bob Dogan (who contributes three original compositions), piano; Dan DeLorenzo, bass: Charlie Braugham, drums; Alejo Poveda, percussion. Nine songs, 62 minutes.
Since moving to New York from Chicago, where he performed regularly with the Chicago Underground, drummer Chad Taylor has found a niche with a group of like-minded musicians affiliated with Brooklyn's Jump Arts collective. Altoist Jemeel Moondoc, another Chicago transplant, has been a pivotal figure in New York's loft scene since the early '70s. Trombonist Steve Swell is best known as the trombonist in Joey Baron's Barondown trio, and bassist Tom Abbs is making a name for himself anchoring many groups affiliated with the collective. "Titration" is the quartet's debut recording, and it features special guests Rob Mazurek and David Boykin.
William Warfield is the singer/actor who appeared in the 1951 MGM musical "Show Boat" singing "Ol' Man River" and recorded the definitive "Porgy and Bess" for RCA in 1963. Warfield is also known for his world premieres of classic songs by composer Aaron Copeland in 1951 and 1953 with Copeland at the piano. Warfield passed away in 2002, after recording this album in late 2000 with Bill Carter's Jazz Band. Known for his distinctive baritone and superb vocal clarity, Warfield sings spirituals like "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" and "Amazing Grace." the program is rounded out with instrumentals by Carter's band.
Trumpeter's ninth album on Delmark contains the roots of freebop, featuring his earliest recordings dating back to 1972; also includes never before released tracks from 1988 with Carter Jefferson, James King & Nasar Abadey - all cuts are original compositions.
Trombonist Beebe recorded 2 swinging LPs for Delmark in the late 1970s which have been combined here onto one CD. At the time of this recording, Beebe's Chicago Jazz had been ensconced for 2 years at Flaming Sally's in Chicago's Blackstone Hotel. That these guys were a working band is evident, so enjoy this full hour of "Saturday Night Function"
Blues pianist Detroit Jr.. has appeared on a few Delmark albums as a sideman but now steps forward with his first Delmark CD as leader. Recorded in August, 2004, this album is hot off the presses and features many new originals by Detroit. He's backed by guitarists Lurrie Bell, Maurice John Vaughn, Jimmy Dawkins, Willie Davis, bassist Bob Stroger, drummer Kenny Smith and horn players Eric Schneider and Sonny Cohn. This is an "Enhanced CD" - pop it out of your CD player, put it in your computer and view Detroit performing a solo rendition of "Key to the Highway" along with a short interview.
The foundation of rhythm & blues was set during the war years. Big bands were stripped down to smaller horn lead combos driven by a jumping rhythm section tailor-made for dancing. In this setting the "blues shouter" was an absolute necessity. While Big Joe Turner is the father of the style, the flamboyant Wynonie Harris popularized the shouter's role as a leather-lunged hell raiser. Two singers followed in Harris' footsteps: Piney Brown & Eddie Mack. This 22 track collection from 1948-50 contains 7 never before released cuts, and features Willis Jackson & Bobby Smith.
Guitarists Dave Specter and Steve Freund have been personal and musical friends for many years. Specter has always straddled the blues/jazz fence with a hip disregard for arbitrary restrictions, and on this CD, he once again puts his distinctive mark on a collection of outstanding instrumentals from all corners of blues and it's related genres. The result will please all lovers of lean, inspired guitar work. "Is What It Is" brings the two guitarists together for a smokin' blues date that has a perfect balance of Steve's heartfelt vocals on his new original songs and Dave's instrumentals, including "People Get Ready," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Albatross" and several Specter originals.
After stints with Lionel Hampton and Cab Calloway, this tenor man took center stage. His sax is backed by Charles Mingus, Bill Doggett and Joe Newman on these 1945-47 recordings. He dazzles on ferocious swingers and tender ballads alike: Bottoms Up; 12 Minutes to Go; South Street Special; Merle's Mood; Jacquet Bounce; Diggin' the Count; What's This 23 tracks!
Also known as Jazz by Sun Ra, this 1956 LP was the first widely distributed album by this experimental-jazz trailblazer. It took many critics years to fully apprehend the harmonic and rhythmic inventions of Brainville; Transitions; Possession; a Call for All Demons; Street Named Hell, and more!
This album is a continuation of the Underground's ever-evolving sound that incorporates such disparate musical directions as post-bop, dub, free improvisation, electronic composition & world music, feat. members of avant-rock ensembles Tortoise & Isotope 217.
