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Corey Hall

Corey Hall is an educator, writer, and editor based in Chicago.

About Me

Corey Hall is a freelance writer, editor and educator based in Chicago. His articles have previously appeared in Newcity, beansouptimes.com, and the Jazz Gram, among other publications. He has edited and published eight volumes of Expressions From Englewood, an annual journal that features personal essays, poetry, and fiction from the talented people residing in this much-maligned community. He also teaches English classes at Kennedy-King College, a two-year institution located in Englewood. He lives in Chicago with his wife and son.

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...it is a forum where your personality can be exposed in the moment, all joys and frustrations, for everyone to hear and relate. The first jazz record I bought was...Jon Faddis' "Into the Faddisphere." Technically, this was the first CD I purchased, because I just don't recall the first LP. This recording moved me because it was the musician finally coming to terms with his main influence, Diz, while exposing himself as well.

My House Concert Story

I will always remember a performance at the Velvet Lounge in Chicago. The ensemble featured drummer Hamid Drake. Glenda Baker sang wordless vocals; unfortunately, I do not recall the other members. Well, at one point in an extended improvisation, a reggae groove was born. There happened to be a guy sitting at my table who was so moved that he joined in the performance by singing in time and in tune — thank God...as that is not always the case — with the ensemble. I saw Mr. Drake lean to his left from his trap set to see who was signing, smile, nod his head, and keep on groovin'! These special, spontaneous moments are what makes this music so special.