One Step To Chicago
Rivermont, 2022
8/10
The legendary producer George Avakian brought us the world’s first jazz record in the ‘40s, and in 1992 he assembled 3 generations of jazz luminaries to record the music of Frank Teschemacher and the Austin High Gang. The project was ultimately shelved, but is resurrected here and mastered from the original analog session tapes.
The first 6 tracks belong to Dick Hyman And His Frank Teschemacher Celebration Band, and showcases Kenny Davern and Dan Levinson’s bright clarinets and Peter Ecklund and Dick Sudhalter’s expressive cornets across the energetic “One Step To Heaven”, and the playful “I’ve Found A New Baby”. Hyman’s keys are especially glowing on the bouncy “China Boy”, and “Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble” finishes this portion with plenty of nostalgic appeal.
The next 7 tracks are courtesy of Kenny Davern And His Windy City Stompers, where the lively horns from Dan Barrett and Jon-Erik Kellso add much charm, and the swift keys and shuffling drums of “Nobody’s Sweetheart” isn’t too far behind. Deeper into this segment, “Indiana” is a more intimate affair, where calm winds and a soulful delivery make an indelible impression.
Hyman and Davern’s combined bands join forces for the festive and busy rocker “Farewell Blues”, the final track, where the dynamic and meticulous brass, winds, guitars and drums meet at a very adventurous intersection.
A long overdue listen that comes with a deluxe 80-page hardback book with dozens of previously unpublished session photos and extensive commentary by Dan Levinson, Hank O’Neal, Hal Smith, and Marty Grosz, One Step To Chicago sounds relevant in any decade since the beginning of jazz, and will resonate for many, many years to come.
Travels well with: Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis; Charles Mingus- Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus