According to Peter Margasak, who writes the “Post No Bills” blog, “Although he released only six albums under his own name during a career that spanned as many decades, he was a crucial presence on the city’s bop scene. (Sadly, only his excellent 1959 album, Serenata, on Delmark, is currently in print.) He was a product of Du Sable High School, under the leadership of the legendary Captain Walter Dyett, and he got his first serious professional experience as a member of Andy Kirk’s orchestra in the early 40s. By the decade’s end he was back in town working with everyone from saxophonists Eddie Chamblee and Von Freeman to blues guitarist T-Bone Walker to singers Lorez Alexandria and Nancy Wilson. In the liner notes to his 1963 trio album, A Touch of Pepper (Argo), Jazz Showcase proprietor Joe Segal observed, ‘He is constantly sought for all types of live and recording dates; from preferred anonymity on rock ‘n’ roll gigs to ‘elite’ pleasing fashion and club dances.’”

As Peter mentions, only one of Young’s albums is readily available.  While it is sad that when it comes to our jazz legends, it is their deaths that cause a renewed interest, maybe with John passing away, there will be an increase in the demand for more of his recordings. 

John was a piano player and like many Chicago jazz musicians, he was a working musician who hired himself out to various performers of a wide number of genres.  This, apparently, was very common for the Chicago-based bop jazz musicians.  They even played into the rock and roll era, their talents recognized and sought after even then.  John was one of those.

So, once again, the world and the world of jazz and music is a little bit emptier.  Here is hoping John and his family find peace.

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge