Chicago Jazz CD

This sampler from Delmark Records' vast catalog (as part of their 50th anniversary) is a fascinating sampling of what the label has had to offer Chicagoans in particular, and jazz fans in general. The label has assembled ten tracks that cut across all subgenres in jazz, as well as time periods. There are the modern sounds of Barrett Deems' stellar big band playing approximations of postmodern swing, as well as the vanguard tradition represented by Sun Ra and his "Brainville" from Sun Song in 1956, to Art Hodes' now signature classic read of "Basin Street Blues," from 1972. But it doesn't stop there, from AACM member Ari Brown to Malachi Thompson covering the funky soul side of the late Lester Bowie on "We Bop," to Ira Sullivan's trumpet innovations on "Wilbur's Tune," recorded in 1959, to Lin Halliday's gorgeous version of "My Foolish Heart," recorded in 1992. What Delmark offers is a well-rounded portrait of the music as it lives, breathes, develops, and checks itself for references. This is a solid Chicago compilation. ~ Thom Jurek

There's no disputing that the birthplace of jazz is New Orleans, but more than any other city, Chicago was the place where it was nurtured and developed. This CD offers a vivid reflection of Chicago's rich jazz history. Features Barrett Deems Big Band, F

Performers include: Barrett Deems Big Band, Franz Jackzon, Sun Ra, Ari Brown, Ira Sullivan, Johnny Griffin.

Personnel: Jack Meilahn, Rob Curtis (guitar); Tim McNamara , Barry Winograd, Mike Levin, Rich Corpolongo, Jane Johnson (saxophone); James Scales, Art Porter (alto saxophone); Franz Jackson, Johnny Griffin, Lin Halliday, Ari Brown (tenor saxophone); Pat Patrick (baritone saxophone); Dave Young Orchestra, Bob Neighbor, Charles Parrish, Ira Sullivan, David Spencer, John Bailey , Malachi Thompson, Arthur Hoyle, Brad Goode, Kenny Anderson (trumpet); Ron Friedman (flugelhorn); Craig Kaucher, Edwin Williams, Ray Ripperton, Scott Roberts, Bill McFarland, Audrey Morrison, Lorin Binford, Jim Beebe, Julian Priester, Steve Berry (trombone); Kirk Brown, Max Hook, Jodie Christian, Art Hodes, Sun Ra, Jim "Shaft" Ryan, John E Young (piano); Duane Thamm (vibraphone); Richard Evans (acoustic bass); Wilburn Green (electric bass); Ernie Adams, Darryl Ervin, Greg Sergo, Phil Thomas, Robert Barry, Barrett Deems, Wilbur Campbell, George Fludas, Bob Rummage, Avreeayl Ra (drums); Jim Herndon (timpani).

Liner Note Author: Peter Margasak.

Photographers: Diane Allmen; George Fletcher; Kate Hoddinott; Ted Gray; Jeff Lowenthal; Todd Winters.