Frank Catalano: Live at the Green Mill with Randy Brecker

Frank Catalano, about 23-years-old, plays the tenor sax like no one else and seems to have the energy of a nuclear power plant at his fingertips. This live session, recorded earlier this year, confirms that Catalano has total command of modern straight-ahead jazz as it has been applied to the tenor sax. It is apparent that he has been influenced from most of the hard driving tenors, from Coleman Hawkins and Coltrane to Gato Barbieri and Pharaoh Sanders.

Chicago has a lot of new talents who are working hard to get heard. This is the first release of a trio led by a young and versatile drummer, Eric Roth.

Corky McClerkin: Island of Dreams

Corky McClerkin is one of Chicago's great pianists capable of nearly anything in music. He is a tremendous asset to any sized band, any style, electric or acoustic and plays fine solo piano, too.

Jo Ann Daugherty Trio: Debut

Pianist Jo Ann Daugherty, along with bassist Shawn Sommer and drummer Ryan Bennett left Kansas City a couple of years ago to play their music in Chicago. Although some club date successes have already passed us without any real public notice, this CD may help change their lives. Very simply, this is a great trio!