Hey Hey Chicago Jazz and Blues Fans!!
We wanted to let you know about some special Delmark Records related shows coming up in the next few weeks and announce our new releases for the summer and fall. We really appreciate your support and help in spreading the the good word on GREAT SOUNDS from Chicago!
THIS FRIDAY!!! We'd love for you to attend this special night of live Chicago blues from some of the most talented artists the city has to offer - Please spread the word! Come see Koester dance!
Delmark All-Star Blues Concert and new Delmark DVD screening ("It Ain't Over! 55 Years of Blues) at Buddy Guy's Legends
Friday, July 24, 2009 - 5:30 pm til 2 am!
Buddy Guy's Legends, 754 S. Wabash, Chicago, south Loop
Live performances from Delmark All- Stars, including Aaron Moore, Quintus McCormick, Michael Coleman with special guests Shirley Johnson, Zora Young, and Jimmy Johnson! The rhythm section will be Merle Perkins on drums, Roosevelt “The Mad Hatter" Purifoy on keys, and Andre Howard on bass.
A very special live concert featuring many all-star blues performers from Delmark's celebrated roster, and this night will also include a showing of our recently released, much celebrated DVD and CD documenting Delmark Records' 55th Anniversary Concert from last year at Legends, IT AIN'T OVER! 55 Years of Blues (Delmark 800/1800)
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Aaron Moore -(vocals, piano) solo piano acoustic set - one of the last of the boogie woogie blues masters - this classic style has become almost impossible to find these days!
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Delmark DVD screening, It Ain't Over ! 55 Years of Blues - Have you seen this incredibly entertaining DVD yet??!! A historic night of classic Chicago Blues captured live at Legends last year!
9:00- 10:00 pm - Quintus McCormick (vocals, guitar) - Look for Quintus' studio debut- HEY JODY, soon on Delmark! - A much anticipated blues/soul recording from the ever popular, hard working, young talent.
10:30 til close - Michael Coleman (vocals, guitar) with Zora Young (vocals) , Shirley Johnson (vocals), and Jimmy Johnson (vocals, guitar) as special guests! Funky Blues with Feeling and Soul!!
Made in Chicago : WORLD CLASS JAZZ
Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 6:30pm- 8:30 pm - FREE!
Millennium Park: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Echoes of Dreams and Inspiration: Chicago Improvisers Orchestra presents Lincolniana and Sounds of Hope Suite Celebrating the convergence of two historic moments rooted in the art of democracy, composers Elbio Barilari and Kahil El' Zabar present tributes to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, featuring the Chicago Improvisers Orchestra with special guests Orbert Davis, Maggie Brown, Henry Godinez and a host of others.
Immediately following this special free concert at Millennium Park
Thursday, July 30, 9:30 pm
Kahil El' Zabar's Ritual Trio with special guest Dwight Trible House of Trend, 688 N. Milwaukee, Chicago
A rare local performance from world renowned percussionist/composer Kahil El' Zabar and his Ritual Trio (featuring the legendary Ari Brown on sax and piano, and Junius Paul on acoustic bass), along with special guest vocalist Dwight Trible from Los Angeles! Donation - $20, $15 with invite RSVP - [email protected] or [email protected]
Nicole Mitchell and her Black Earth Strings' RENEGADES (DE 587)- Delmark CD release party at Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Nicole Mitchell's recording debut with one of her long standing creative jazz groups, Black Earth Strings!
“Avoiding eclectic posturing by virtue of her compositional acumen, Mitchell's writing eschews stylistic boundaries to embrace a multiplicity of genres, making each one her own. An endlessly fascinating listen, Renegades is her most compelling record to date, and a sure contender for many end of the year lists." Troy Collins, All About Jazz
Black Earth Strings (BES)
At the forefront of jazz, new music and creative improvisation, Black Earth Strings brings African rhythms, contemporary sounds and swinging improvisation to a chamber music setting. An acoustic ensemble of four or five members, Black Earth Strings includes flute, piccolo, alto flute, vocals, violin viola, cello, string bass and percussion to create a wide range of textures and colors. Black Earth Strings is a quartet with flute, piccolo, vocal (Nicole Mitchell), violin/viola (Renee Baker), cello (Tomeka Reid) and bass, gimbre (Josh Abrams), along with percussion/drums (Shirazette Tinnin.) Black Earth Strings performs ideally in acoustically designed performance halls. Black Earth Strings has performed in art venues and festivals throughout the Midwest and in Europe.
Nicole and her killer Black Earth Ensemble will also be performing at the Velvet Lounge this Saturday, July 25! Nicole Mitchell & the Black Earth Ensemble (flutes/vocals/percussion), featuring Mankwe Ndosi (vocals), Robert Griffen (trumpet), David Boykin (saxes/drums/ percussion), Tomeka Reid (cello), Josh Abrams (bass), Marcus Evans (drums) with special guest Myra Melford (keyboards); SET I: Xenogenesis Suite; SET II: “Many Paths to the Sea" - A Tribute to Alice Coltrane;
and Nicole will also be performing with BES at the 2009 Chicago Jazz Festival and look for the world premiere of the composition tribute to Michelle Obama by rising star composer and flutist Nicole Mitchell which will be performed at the Jazz Institute of Chicago gala on September 1, 2009 at the Spertus Museum in Chicago, 610 S. Michigan Ave.
HONORING GRACE: Michelle Obama
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 6:00pm
Four New Releases - Street Date September 22, 2009
Quintus McCormick - Hey Jodie! (Delmark DE 801)
Quintus McCormick has toured the world with some of the most important blues artists including James Cotton, Otis Clay, A.C. Reed, and Lefty Dizz. Working as a sideman, Quintus’ reputation as a brilliant guitarist, gifted songwriter and astonishing vocalist spread like wildfire. Born and raised in Detroit, Quintus moved to Chicago where Buddy Guy and James Cotton encouraged Quintus to form his own band. In 1994 The Quintus McCormick Band was formed. Quintus has been a mainstay of the Chicago blues scene, appearing frequently in the city’s world-renown nightclubs and at countless festivals and concerts. Hey Jodie! is Quintus' first Delmark CD and features 14 new compositions of original, heartfelt blues, r&b and soul.
Zora Young - The French Connection (Delmark DE 802)
The love affair between Europe and the blues began in the early 50s with the arrival of Big Bill Broonzy who performed in Limoges, France (where most of the musicians on this album come from and where it was recorded). Zora first performed in Europe in 1981 and has followed with more than 20 tours in France making her the Chicago blueswoman record-holder! Inspired by Zora's and Bobby Dirninger's recording of “Two Trains Running" on her previous Delmark album (Tore Up From the Floor Up, Delmark 784), producer Chris Dussuchaud suggested a half electric - half acoustic album. The French Connection is the result of Zora's awesome renditions of not only Chicago blues, but also gospel, jazz, deep Mississippi blues and country music... à sa manière, in her own, very special way. Also available: Learned My Lesson (Delmark 748).
Fred Anderson - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge (Delmark DE 589, DVD 1589)
Chicago tenor saxophone legend and proprietor of the longest standing and most adventurous avant garde jazz club in Chicago, Fred Anderson celebrated his 80th birthday this past March and Delmark was there to capture it. All three of Fred's earlier Delmark albums were live at the Velvet but the excitement level here is unmatched as the show was sold out weeks in advance. Fred is joined by Kidd Jordan, tenor saxophone; Jeff Parker, guitar; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Chad Taylor, drums. DVD contains PCM 24 bit/48kHz stero audio plus Dolby and DTS 5.1 Surround Sound, one bonus track featuring legendary bassist Henry Grimes, and a Fred Anderson commentary track. Also available: On The Run (Delmark 534); Back at The Velvet Lounge (Delmark 549); Timeless (Delmark 568, DVD 1568).
Terry Waldo's Gutbucket Syncopators - Ohio Theater Concert featuring Edith Wilson (Delmark DE 251)
This is the second live CD by Terry Waldo's Gutbucket Syncopators on Delmark from the now-defunct Blackbird label. The first, Hot House Rag (Delmark 239), has sold very well and received excellent reviews. The Ohio Theater Concert took place on April 13, 1974 and featured Roy Tate, trumpet; Jim Snyder, trombone; Frank Powers, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone; terry Waldo, piano; Bill Moorhead, banjo; mike Walbridge, tuba; Wayne Jones, drums; Edith Wilson, vocals. Edith Wilson was the second African-American woman to make phonograph records, recording a full year and a half before Bessie Smith. The addition of previously unissued songs makes this CD a full hour of inspired traditional jazz. Also available: Hot House Rag (Delmark 239)
Delmark CD re-issues Street Date July 21, 2009
James Wheeler - Ready! (Delmark DE 719)
This 1997 recording was James Wheeler's debut as leader. James had played guitar in the bands of Otis Rush (for seven years), B.B. King, O.V. Wright, Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay, Mississippi Heat and Willie Kent. “The Chicago native and prolific songwriter exudes a relaxed, knowing authority...simple, grounded, no-nonsense blues from the soulful elder with a milk chocolate voice." - JazzTimes With Billy Flynn, guitar; Ken Saydak, piano; Bob Stroger, bass; Vern Rodgers, drums; Golden “Big" Wheeler, harmonica (on two songs); and guest vocalist Gloria Thompson-Rodgers. Features eleven original compositions and covers of “I'm Just Your Fool" and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl".
Jazz Ltd. - Volume One (Delmark DE 226)
1949 and '51 recordings featuring Sidney Bechet, Muggsey Spanier, Don Ewell, Doc Evans and Miff Mole. Jazz Ltd. was a jazz club located at 11 E. Grand owned and operated by Bill and Ruth Reinhardt from 1947 into the early '70s. Bill played clarinet and led the five-piece house band at a time when many of jazz's first creators were still out there hustling gigs. This is pure swinging traditional jazz (some call it Dixieland) played by the pros. Thirteen songs include Maryland My Maryland, Egyptian Fantasy, Tin Roof Blues, High Society, Wolverine Blues, Maple Leaf rag, Charleston, Careless Love, Washington & Lee Swing and more. Also features a wonderful five minute interview with Bill and Ruth.
Frank Catalano - Cut It Out!?! (Delmark DE 501)
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". “...lives up to his billing (i.e., liner note by Bellson)" -JazzTimes “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 With Ira Sullivan, flute, trumpet (two songs); Willie Pickens, piano; Brian Sandstrom, bass, Robert Shy or Rusty Jones, drums.
Brad Goode - Shock Of The New ( Delmark DE 440)
Jazz trumpeter was only 24 years old when he recorded Shock Of The New in 1988. He was two years into an eleven year stint of Wednesday nights at Chicago's Green Mill Lounge. “Presumably the shock in question is not Goode's choice of material but the warmth and surprising command of dynamics the trumpeter possesses". -JazzTimes The CD features a wide variety of styles (bop to funk to ballad with 14 member string section) and some of Chicago's best musicians including Lin Halliday, Jodie Christian, Ed Petersen, Fareed Haque, Paul Wertico and others. Eight songs include “tribute to Clifford and Sonny", “Old Folks", “You Don't Know What Love Is", “Stew's Blues" and more.
Delmark Re-issues Street date August 18, 2009
Bob Greene - St. Peter Street Strutters (Delmark DE-234)
On CD for the first time! Recorded on December 30, 1964 at Preservation Hall, New Orleans this album is unique because at the time there were few sessions being done by traditional jazz units other than six- or seven-piece bands. And it found favor with a wide range of fans, combining elements of both the West Coast and New Orleans styles. It's been 45 years since pianist Bob Greene and banjoist Steve Larner strutted down St. Peter Street from Preservation Hall to the Red Garter to meet cornetist, Ernie Carson and tubaist Hal Johnson. But the great music lives on with the addition of 4 previously unissued songs, 14 songs in all including St. Peter Street Strut, Wolverine Blues, Snake Rag, Kansas City Stomp, Mr. Jelly Lord and Tiger Rag.
Malachi Thompson - The Jaz Life (Delmark DE-453)
Malachi Thompson used the unconventional spelling, Jaz, to distinguish real jazz from “smooth jazz". This 1991 recording was one of Thompson's most exciting CDs and features Carter Jefferson, tenor sax; Joe Ford, alto and soprano sax; Kirk Brown, piano; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Nasar Abadey, drums; Richad Lawrence, congas. Perhaps the excitement was a result of Malachi's recent victory over a rare lymphoma cancer? “The Jaz Life forwards a thoughtful, yet passionate take on the stylistic confluence that makes the '60s such a rich chapter in jazz's trumpet legacy. Hard-bop, soul-jazz, r&b, and modal meditations convivially coexist on this album." 4 stars Down Beat The smokin' take on “Drowning In My Own Tears" is absolutely great!!!
Jodie Christian - Rain Or Shine (Delmark DE-467)
Jazz pianist Jodie Christian is a Chicago legend. Performing nationally and internationally since 1948, Jodie has led his own groups, made his own recordings and performed with Lester Young, Johnny Griffin, Coleman Hawkins, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Sonny Rollins, Roscoe Mitchell, Jack DeJohnette and many many more. Originally released in 1994 Rain Or Shine features Roscoe Mitchell, oboe, soprano and alto sax; Art Porter (who passed in a tragic drowning not long after this release), alto sax; Paul McKee, trombone; Larry Gray, bass; Ernie Adams, Vincent Davis and George Hughes, drums; and special guest vocalist Francine Griffin (The Song Bird, Delmar 512) on two tracks. “,,, a highly eclectic set of standards and originals, integrating disparate sensibilities into a scintillating whole that argues against the compartmentalization of jazz better than any critic could." 4 1/2 stars - Down Beat
Professor's Blues Revue featuring Karen Carroll - Professor Strut (Delmark DE-650)
One of the city's busiest blues session players in the '80s and early '90s, Professor Eddie Lusk mastered the keyboards while still in his teens at his father's south side church. That enduring spiritual base remained at the heart of the Professor's blues until his tragic 1992 passing at the age of 43. While he played with numerous blues and soul greats (Junior Wells, Z.Z. Hill, Luther Allison, Koko Taylor, Syl Johnson, The Soul Stirrers and many more), and is heard on many recordings, Professor Strut was his only American release under his own leadership. Rolling Stone magazine once said Professor “makes us see, even feel, the passion, joy and intensity of the blues. It is these uninhibited images that the unique vitality of the Chicago blues world shines through". Guest vocalist Karen Carroll (Had My Fun, Delmark 680) brings a moving uptown flavor to Professor Strut.
We wanted to let you know about some special Delmark Records related shows coming up in the next few weeks and announce our new releases for the summer and fall. We really appreciate your support and help in spreading the the good word on GREAT SOUNDS from Chicago!
- Delmark All-Star Blues Concert and new Delmark DVD screening ("It Ain't Over! 55 Years of Blues) at Buddy Guy's Legends-July 24
- Kahil El 'Zabar and Chicago Improvisers Orchestra - Tribute to Barack Obama -Sounds of Hope Suite - Live at Millennium Park and after party - July 30
- Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Strings' RENEGADES - Delmark CD release party at Velvet Lounge - August 5
- New Releases for July, August, and September - New CDs and DVDs, and CDs back in print - Josh Berman's Old Idea on vinyl!
THIS FRIDAY!!! We'd love for you to attend this special night of live Chicago blues from some of the most talented artists the city has to offer - Please spread the word! Come see Koester dance!
Delmark All-Star Blues Concert and new Delmark DVD screening ("It Ain't Over! 55 Years of Blues) at Buddy Guy's Legends
Friday, July 24, 2009 - 5:30 pm til 2 am!
Buddy Guy's Legends, 754 S. Wabash, Chicago, south Loop
Live performances from Delmark All- Stars, including Aaron Moore, Quintus McCormick, Michael Coleman with special guests Shirley Johnson, Zora Young, and Jimmy Johnson! The rhythm section will be Merle Perkins on drums, Roosevelt “The Mad Hatter" Purifoy on keys, and Andre Howard on bass.
A very special live concert featuring many all-star blues performers from Delmark's celebrated roster, and this night will also include a showing of our recently released, much celebrated DVD and CD documenting Delmark Records' 55th Anniversary Concert from last year at Legends, IT AIN'T OVER! 55 Years of Blues (Delmark 800/1800)
5:30 - 6:30 pm - Aaron Moore -(vocals, piano) solo piano acoustic set - one of the last of the boogie woogie blues masters - this classic style has become almost impossible to find these days!
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Delmark DVD screening, It Ain't Over ! 55 Years of Blues - Have you seen this incredibly entertaining DVD yet??!! A historic night of classic Chicago Blues captured live at Legends last year!
9:00- 10:00 pm - Quintus McCormick (vocals, guitar) - Look for Quintus' studio debut- HEY JODY, soon on Delmark! - A much anticipated blues/soul recording from the ever popular, hard working, young talent.
10:30 til close - Michael Coleman (vocals, guitar) with Zora Young (vocals) , Shirley Johnson (vocals), and Jimmy Johnson (vocals, guitar) as special guests! Funky Blues with Feeling and Soul!!
Made in Chicago : WORLD CLASS JAZZ
Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 6:30pm- 8:30 pm - FREE!
Millennium Park: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Echoes of Dreams and Inspiration: Chicago Improvisers Orchestra presents Lincolniana and Sounds of Hope Suite Celebrating the convergence of two historic moments rooted in the art of democracy, composers Elbio Barilari and Kahil El' Zabar present tributes to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, featuring the Chicago Improvisers Orchestra with special guests Orbert Davis, Maggie Brown, Henry Godinez and a host of others.
Immediately following this special free concert at Millennium Park
Thursday, July 30, 9:30 pm
Kahil El' Zabar's Ritual Trio with special guest Dwight Trible House of Trend, 688 N. Milwaukee, Chicago
A rare local performance from world renowned percussionist/composer Kahil El' Zabar and his Ritual Trio (featuring the legendary Ari Brown on sax and piano, and Junius Paul on acoustic bass), along with special guest vocalist Dwight Trible from Los Angeles! Donation - $20, $15 with invite RSVP - [email protected] or [email protected]
Nicole Mitchell and her Black Earth Strings' RENEGADES (DE 587)- Delmark CD release party at Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Nicole Mitchell's recording debut with one of her long standing creative jazz groups, Black Earth Strings!
“Avoiding eclectic posturing by virtue of her compositional acumen, Mitchell's writing eschews stylistic boundaries to embrace a multiplicity of genres, making each one her own. An endlessly fascinating listen, Renegades is her most compelling record to date, and a sure contender for many end of the year lists." Troy Collins, All About Jazz
Black Earth Strings (BES)
At the forefront of jazz, new music and creative improvisation, Black Earth Strings brings African rhythms, contemporary sounds and swinging improvisation to a chamber music setting. An acoustic ensemble of four or five members, Black Earth Strings includes flute, piccolo, alto flute, vocals, violin viola, cello, string bass and percussion to create a wide range of textures and colors. Black Earth Strings is a quartet with flute, piccolo, vocal (Nicole Mitchell), violin/viola (Renee Baker), cello (Tomeka Reid) and bass, gimbre (Josh Abrams), along with percussion/drums (Shirazette Tinnin.) Black Earth Strings performs ideally in acoustically designed performance halls. Black Earth Strings has performed in art venues and festivals throughout the Midwest and in Europe.
Nicole and her killer Black Earth Ensemble will also be performing at the Velvet Lounge this Saturday, July 25! Nicole Mitchell & the Black Earth Ensemble (flutes/vocals/percussion), featuring Mankwe Ndosi (vocals), Robert Griffen (trumpet), David Boykin (saxes/drums/ percussion), Tomeka Reid (cello), Josh Abrams (bass), Marcus Evans (drums) with special guest Myra Melford (keyboards); SET I: Xenogenesis Suite; SET II: “Many Paths to the Sea" - A Tribute to Alice Coltrane;
and Nicole will also be performing with BES at the 2009 Chicago Jazz Festival and look for the world premiere of the composition tribute to Michelle Obama by rising star composer and flutist Nicole Mitchell which will be performed at the Jazz Institute of Chicago gala on September 1, 2009 at the Spertus Museum in Chicago, 610 S. Michigan Ave.
HONORING GRACE: Michelle Obama
Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - 6:00pm
Four New Releases - Street Date September 22, 2009
Quintus McCormick - Hey Jodie! (Delmark DE 801)
Quintus McCormick has toured the world with some of the most important blues artists including James Cotton, Otis Clay, A.C. Reed, and Lefty Dizz. Working as a sideman, Quintus’ reputation as a brilliant guitarist, gifted songwriter and astonishing vocalist spread like wildfire. Born and raised in Detroit, Quintus moved to Chicago where Buddy Guy and James Cotton encouraged Quintus to form his own band. In 1994 The Quintus McCormick Band was formed. Quintus has been a mainstay of the Chicago blues scene, appearing frequently in the city’s world-renown nightclubs and at countless festivals and concerts. Hey Jodie! is Quintus' first Delmark CD and features 14 new compositions of original, heartfelt blues, r&b and soul.
Zora Young - The French Connection (Delmark DE 802)
The love affair between Europe and the blues began in the early 50s with the arrival of Big Bill Broonzy who performed in Limoges, France (where most of the musicians on this album come from and where it was recorded). Zora first performed in Europe in 1981 and has followed with more than 20 tours in France making her the Chicago blueswoman record-holder! Inspired by Zora's and Bobby Dirninger's recording of “Two Trains Running" on her previous Delmark album (Tore Up From the Floor Up, Delmark 784), producer Chris Dussuchaud suggested a half electric - half acoustic album. The French Connection is the result of Zora's awesome renditions of not only Chicago blues, but also gospel, jazz, deep Mississippi blues and country music... à sa manière, in her own, very special way. Also available: Learned My Lesson (Delmark 748).
Fred Anderson - 80th Birthday Bash, Live at the Velvet Lounge (Delmark DE 589, DVD 1589)
Chicago tenor saxophone legend and proprietor of the longest standing and most adventurous avant garde jazz club in Chicago, Fred Anderson celebrated his 80th birthday this past March and Delmark was there to capture it. All three of Fred's earlier Delmark albums were live at the Velvet but the excitement level here is unmatched as the show was sold out weeks in advance. Fred is joined by Kidd Jordan, tenor saxophone; Jeff Parker, guitar; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Chad Taylor, drums. DVD contains PCM 24 bit/48kHz stero audio plus Dolby and DTS 5.1 Surround Sound, one bonus track featuring legendary bassist Henry Grimes, and a Fred Anderson commentary track. Also available: On The Run (Delmark 534); Back at The Velvet Lounge (Delmark 549); Timeless (Delmark 568, DVD 1568).
Terry Waldo's Gutbucket Syncopators - Ohio Theater Concert featuring Edith Wilson (Delmark DE 251)
This is the second live CD by Terry Waldo's Gutbucket Syncopators on Delmark from the now-defunct Blackbird label. The first, Hot House Rag (Delmark 239), has sold very well and received excellent reviews. The Ohio Theater Concert took place on April 13, 1974 and featured Roy Tate, trumpet; Jim Snyder, trombone; Frank Powers, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone; terry Waldo, piano; Bill Moorhead, banjo; mike Walbridge, tuba; Wayne Jones, drums; Edith Wilson, vocals. Edith Wilson was the second African-American woman to make phonograph records, recording a full year and a half before Bessie Smith. The addition of previously unissued songs makes this CD a full hour of inspired traditional jazz. Also available: Hot House Rag (Delmark 239)
Delmark CD re-issues Street Date July 21, 2009
James Wheeler - Ready! (Delmark DE 719)
This 1997 recording was James Wheeler's debut as leader. James had played guitar in the bands of Otis Rush (for seven years), B.B. King, O.V. Wright, Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay, Mississippi Heat and Willie Kent. “The Chicago native and prolific songwriter exudes a relaxed, knowing authority...simple, grounded, no-nonsense blues from the soulful elder with a milk chocolate voice." - JazzTimes With Billy Flynn, guitar; Ken Saydak, piano; Bob Stroger, bass; Vern Rodgers, drums; Golden “Big" Wheeler, harmonica (on two songs); and guest vocalist Gloria Thompson-Rodgers. Features eleven original compositions and covers of “I'm Just Your Fool" and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl".
Jazz Ltd. - Volume One (Delmark DE 226)
1949 and '51 recordings featuring Sidney Bechet, Muggsey Spanier, Don Ewell, Doc Evans and Miff Mole. Jazz Ltd. was a jazz club located at 11 E. Grand owned and operated by Bill and Ruth Reinhardt from 1947 into the early '70s. Bill played clarinet and led the five-piece house band at a time when many of jazz's first creators were still out there hustling gigs. This is pure swinging traditional jazz (some call it Dixieland) played by the pros. Thirteen songs include Maryland My Maryland, Egyptian Fantasy, Tin Roof Blues, High Society, Wolverine Blues, Maple Leaf rag, Charleston, Careless Love, Washington & Lee Swing and more. Also features a wonderful five minute interview with Bill and Ruth.
Frank Catalano - Cut It Out!?! (Delmark DE 501)
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". “...lives up to his billing (i.e., liner note by Bellson)" -JazzTimes “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 With Ira Sullivan, flute, trumpet (two songs); Willie Pickens, piano; Brian Sandstrom, bass, Robert Shy or Rusty Jones, drums.
Brad Goode - Shock Of The New ( Delmark DE 440)
Jazz trumpeter was only 24 years old when he recorded Shock Of The New in 1988. He was two years into an eleven year stint of Wednesday nights at Chicago's Green Mill Lounge. “Presumably the shock in question is not Goode's choice of material but the warmth and surprising command of dynamics the trumpeter possesses". -JazzTimes The CD features a wide variety of styles (bop to funk to ballad with 14 member string section) and some of Chicago's best musicians including Lin Halliday, Jodie Christian, Ed Petersen, Fareed Haque, Paul Wertico and others. Eight songs include “tribute to Clifford and Sonny", “Old Folks", “You Don't Know What Love Is", “Stew's Blues" and more.
Delmark Re-issues Street date August 18, 2009
Bob Greene - St. Peter Street Strutters (Delmark DE-234)
On CD for the first time! Recorded on December 30, 1964 at Preservation Hall, New Orleans this album is unique because at the time there were few sessions being done by traditional jazz units other than six- or seven-piece bands. And it found favor with a wide range of fans, combining elements of both the West Coast and New Orleans styles. It's been 45 years since pianist Bob Greene and banjoist Steve Larner strutted down St. Peter Street from Preservation Hall to the Red Garter to meet cornetist, Ernie Carson and tubaist Hal Johnson. But the great music lives on with the addition of 4 previously unissued songs, 14 songs in all including St. Peter Street Strut, Wolverine Blues, Snake Rag, Kansas City Stomp, Mr. Jelly Lord and Tiger Rag.
Malachi Thompson - The Jaz Life (Delmark DE-453)
Malachi Thompson used the unconventional spelling, Jaz, to distinguish real jazz from “smooth jazz". This 1991 recording was one of Thompson's most exciting CDs and features Carter Jefferson, tenor sax; Joe Ford, alto and soprano sax; Kirk Brown, piano; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Nasar Abadey, drums; Richad Lawrence, congas. Perhaps the excitement was a result of Malachi's recent victory over a rare lymphoma cancer? “The Jaz Life forwards a thoughtful, yet passionate take on the stylistic confluence that makes the '60s such a rich chapter in jazz's trumpet legacy. Hard-bop, soul-jazz, r&b, and modal meditations convivially coexist on this album." 4 stars Down Beat The smokin' take on “Drowning In My Own Tears" is absolutely great!!!
Jodie Christian - Rain Or Shine (Delmark DE-467)
Jazz pianist Jodie Christian is a Chicago legend. Performing nationally and internationally since 1948, Jodie has led his own groups, made his own recordings and performed with Lester Young, Johnny Griffin, Coleman Hawkins, Gene Ammons, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Sonny Rollins, Roscoe Mitchell, Jack DeJohnette and many many more. Originally released in 1994 Rain Or Shine features Roscoe Mitchell, oboe, soprano and alto sax; Art Porter (who passed in a tragic drowning not long after this release), alto sax; Paul McKee, trombone; Larry Gray, bass; Ernie Adams, Vincent Davis and George Hughes, drums; and special guest vocalist Francine Griffin (The Song Bird, Delmar 512) on two tracks. “,,, a highly eclectic set of standards and originals, integrating disparate sensibilities into a scintillating whole that argues against the compartmentalization of jazz better than any critic could." 4 1/2 stars - Down Beat
Professor's Blues Revue featuring Karen Carroll - Professor Strut (Delmark DE-650)
One of the city's busiest blues session players in the '80s and early '90s, Professor Eddie Lusk mastered the keyboards while still in his teens at his father's south side church. That enduring spiritual base remained at the heart of the Professor's blues until his tragic 1992 passing at the age of 43. While he played with numerous blues and soul greats (Junior Wells, Z.Z. Hill, Luther Allison, Koko Taylor, Syl Johnson, The Soul Stirrers and many more), and is heard on many recordings, Professor Strut was his only American release under his own leadership. Rolling Stone magazine once said Professor “makes us see, even feel, the passion, joy and intensity of the blues. It is these uninhibited images that the unique vitality of the Chicago blues world shines through". Guest vocalist Karen Carroll (Had My Fun, Delmark 680) brings a moving uptown flavor to Professor Strut.
