One of my great pleasures of 2014 was the opportunity to see, hear, and admire James Dapogny’s Chicago Jazz Band — in their sets at the Evergreen Jazz Festival. I can’t think of another band playing now that so beautifully balances thoughtful arrangements and eloquent solos.
Here you can see three other mini-sets by this band at Evergreen.
The CJB is or are James Dapogny, piano and arrangements; Jon-Erik Kellso, trumpet; Chris Smith, trombone, vocal; Kim Cusack, clarinet, alto saxophone, vocal; Russ Whitman, clarinet, tenor and baritone saxophone; Rod McDonald, guitar; Denver native Dean Ross, string bass; Pete Siers, drums.
Gershwin’s expression of pleasure, even without Ira’s words, ‘S’WONDERFUL:
Elmer Schoebel’s clever / hot praise of swinging royalty, PRINCE OF WAILS:
What other song do you know that takes its name from a popular chewing tobacco? Only COPENHAGEN:
Another favorite from the dawn of jazz, the TIN ROOF BLUES:
I think of the Boswell Sisters when I hear SENTIMENTAL GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA:
And the official set-closer of the Chicago Jazz Band, WASHINGTON POST MARCH:
The CJB played much more at Evergreen, so you can expect even more delights.
May your happiness increase!
