Chuck Hedges Just Jammin' CD

While most jazz connoisseurs may not think of Milwaukee as having a jazz connection, clarinetist Chuck Hedges and his friends are determined to alter that prejudice on Just Jammin'. He's joined by vibraphonist Henry Buckwalter, guitarist Dave Sullivan, pianist Gary Meisner, bassist Mike Britz, and drummer Andy LoDuca for a swinging set of classic tunes. The small setting means that everyone gets a chance to cut loose on pieces like the eight-minute "Broadway" and nearly ten-minute "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You." The lovely tone of Hedges clarinet work meshes well with the vibes and guitar, giving the overall sound a nicely achieved balance. The band also achieves balance by alternating between ballads like "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?," light, breezy fare like "Sugar," and quick-tempo Latin pieces like "Samba Dese Days." There's also a surprisingly upbeat, happy take on "The Man I Love," with intense solo work by Buckwalter and Sullivan. As critic Mike Drew noted, even though this jazz reaches back to an earlier time, nothing on Just Jammin' "sounds dated." This is jazz reminiscent of Benny Goodman's small-group swing, and Hedges and his pals have created another fine album within this tradition. They've also proved that Milwaukee is a great place to find a jazz connection. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.

Chuck Hedges - Clarinet Dave Sullivan - GuitarGary Meisner - Piano Henry (Bucky) Buckwalter - VibesMike Britz - Bass Andy LoDuca - Drums The genre is swinging chamber jazz, possibly what the pioneering Benny Goodman sextet might sound like today, if BG, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, et al, were still alive and playing. Amazingly, nothing here sounds dated. These cats have stayed current.

Leader, Chuck Hedges is featured, as a musician of high international standing. A Milwaukee area resident, Hedges has long commuted to his former Chicago home for a regular gig Monday Evenings 5:00 - 8:30 pm at Andy's. Several times a year, he flies to concerts and/or record dates around the world. For years, Chuck Hedges has wanted to record with his "Milwaukee Connection." This CD'S producer, Hedges' fan and friend, Dave Rampacek, has afforded them, and us, this splendid opportunity, which Arbors Records has released. You'll note that its 75 minutes comes with just 11 tunes. That means that the boys take their time stretching out on solos, which contributes to the CD'S relaxed Just Jaminin' feeling. Except for the Ellington ballad Solitude, which runs a little over three minutes, each number goes on for five minutes plus. Another ballad, Victor Young's fine Ghost of a Chance, receives a 10-minute treatment, with some especially contemplative solos. - Notes by Mike Drew -

Recorded at New Horizon Studio, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 21-22, 2001.

Personnel: Chuck Hedges (clarinet); David Sullivan (guitar).

Recording information: New Horizons Studios, Milwaukee, WI (10/21/2001/10/22/2001).

Photographer: Jack Clark.

Personnel: Chuck Hedges (clarinet); Henry Buckwalter (vibraphone); Dave Sullivan (guitar); Gary Meisner (piano); Mike Britz (bass); Andy LoDuca (drums).