May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins Passes Away at 95
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
Chicago clarinetist and baritone saxophonist Frank Chace died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. He was 83.
Chace was influenced by Pee Wee Russell and was on the Chicago traditional jazz scene for decades. He was featured on Dewey Jackson’s 1952 Live At The Barrel, recently released by Delmark.
Chace was born July 22, 1924, in Chicago. He went to Yale for a year before being drafted in 1943. He first recorded in 1951 on a few 78s introducing Marty Grosz on the Jolly Roger label. Chace also appeared on a Savoy album by Wild Bill Davidson.
After returning to Chicago he played with the Salty Dogs at the Blue Note, now available on a Windin’ Ball CD, then did another Windin’ Ball date with Natty Dominique, Floyd O’Brien, Lil Armstrong, Israel Crosby and Baby Dodds.
He recorded for Soma with Doc Evans in 1957 and later appeared on Atlantic in a Chicago Jazz Summit with Wild Bill Davidson, Eddie Condon and Art Hodes. Sessions recorded by John Steiner with Jabbo Smith have recently been acquired by GHB.
Chace also appeared on a Dave Remington Jubilee album, Chicago Jazz Reborn. He also was featured on a 1957 Riverside session with Marty Grosz, Hooray For Bix! and a 1967 session for Jim Kweskin Jump For Joy!.
Onstage, Rollins would move about restlessly, thrusting his tenor sax in the air as he blew.
May 26, 2026 11:08 AM
Sonny Rollins, the iconic saxophonist, composer and improviser whose career stretched from the origins of bebop to 21st…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Dave King (left) and Reid Anderson offer insights into why The Bad Plus’ chemistry was cool, the accomplishments many and its longevity so fruitful.
May 12, 2026 11:42 AM
The scene still sticks with me. I had heard the oddball name of this new group being dropped around town, and…
Ava Preston, a 12-time DownBeat Student Music Award winner, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in jazz voice at Juilliard.
May 12, 2026 10:00 AM
Ava Preston, from Cleveland, Ohio, was named the winner of the ninth annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition on…
How best to mark Miles Davis’ centennial? By allowing the stories to flow, and cross-discussions to happen.
May 26, 2026 10:40 AM
Editor’s Note: The iconic trumpeter, composer and bandleader Miles Davis would have turned 100 today (May 26, 2026).…
