Jazz Police - Richie Cole's "Alto Madness" with Henry Johnson at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, January 28-31

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Saturday, 20 March 2010

Richie Cole's "Alto Madness" with Henry Johnson at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, January 28-31

Written by Ronaldo Oregano
Sunday, 24 January 2010
“Richie Cole is the last of a breed—A fast and competitive musical gunslinger acquiring legendary status for his willingness to demonstrate his command of Charlie Parker's bebop language by taking on all comers at any speeds... “ -Samuel Chell, All About Jazz Richie Cole Renowned bebop alto saxophonist Richie Cole will appear with jazz guitarist Henry Honson at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago ion Tursday, January 28th through Sunday, January 31st. Richie Cole is a master of the saxophone, a brilliant arranger and composer, an educator, and founder/director of The Alto Madness Orchestra. Best known as leader of his organ combo, guitarist Henry Johnson brings together gospel, blues, and jazz. His strongest and earliest influences included Kenny Burrell, George Benson and, most significantly, Wes Montgomery. Richie Cole Richie Cole was awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in 1966 and went on to become lead sax with Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and Doc Severinsen over several years. In 1975 Richie teamed up with the jazz great Eddie Jefferson and together they toured world wide. With more than 3,000 compositions and arrangements to his credit today, Richie Cole created The Alto Madness Orchestra in the early 1990's to feature seven instruments a rhythm section with four horns - Cole has built his arrangements with this group in mind to allow more room for improvisation than in a traditional eighteen- piece big band (as if in a quartet setting), yet it achieves “that big band sound”. Cole has performed with The Manhattan Transfer, Bobby Entiquez, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Stitt, Boots Randolph and Nancy Wilson to name just a few. Cole’s knowledge is revered in Master Classes at Universities and Colleges, and The Alto Madness Orchestra course has entered is sixth year at the University of Madrid in Spain. Richie Cole has performed all over the world and recorded more than 50 albums. He is heralded by critics and fans wherever he goes, and draws a crowd whenever he performs. Cole has recorded over 50 albums and CDs, including his top hit album “Hollywood Madness” (1979 Muse Records) and his tribute album to Leonard Bernstein, “Richie Cole Plays West Side Story” (1997 Music Masters Jazz). A prolific composer, Cole also finds time to arrange for full big bands, symphony orchestras and frequent performances at jazz festivals worldwide. Moreover, he enjoys sharing his love of music with younger generations and is active recording, touring and presenting university master classes. For more information visit: web.me.com/radiodays/Richie_Cole Henry Johnson © Andrea Canter The Chicago-born guitarist began playing at age twelve. While spending some formative time in Memphis, he started playing gospel music at age thirteen. By age fourteen, Johnson was playing in R&B groups. Although Johnson's parents brought him up hearing the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Joe Williams, and other artists of that era, it was not until 1967 that Johnson was formally introduced to jazz by hearing guitarist Wes Montgomery. In 1969, Johnson and his family then moved back to Chicago where he developed a reputation on the south side as a good local jazz guitarist. In 1976, he went on the road with jazz organist Jack McDuff and was called to work with vocalist, Donny Hathaway in 1977. In 1979, Johnson began playing with jazz pianist, Ramsey Lewis. And in 1985, jazz legend, Joe Williams added Johnson to his regular group. Johnson's musical roots run deep into gospel, blues, and jazz. His strongest and earliest influences were Kenny Burrell, George Benson, and most significantly, Wes Montgomery. While influenced by these great guitarists, Johnson also cites the music of Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, big bands, and jazz orchestras as integral forces which shaped his sound and style. In addition to his solo recording projects, Johnson has found time to record with the likes of Ramsey Lewis, vocalists, Joe Williams and Vanessa Ruben, and saxophonist Richie Cole among many others. He has performed with Nancy Wilson, Marlena Shaw, Angela Bofil, Dizzy Gillespie, the Boston Pops, Sonny Stitt, Freddie Hubbard, Grover Washington Jr., Stanley Turrentine, Dr. Billy Taylor, and organist Jimmy Smith, James Moody, David "Fathead" Newman, Terry Gibbs, Bobby Watson, Nicholas Payton, and many other great jazz artists. For more information visit www.henryjohnsonjazz.com The Jazz Showcase is located at 806 S. Plymouth Court in the historic Dearborn Station building in the south Loop. Shows at 8 and 10 pm, 4 pm matinee on Sundays. Call for ticket information, 312-360-0234; www.jazzshowcase.com Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

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