Blue Chicago Blues

Joe Mcphee's 'Blue Chicago Blues' is a captivating 42-minute journey through the realms of free jazz and avant-garde, released on 23 October 2010 via NotTwo. This album showcases Mcphee's mastery of the genre, as he weaves together a complex tapestry of sound.

The tracklist, comprising 'Truth in the Abstract Blues', 'Cerulean Mood Swing', 'Requiem for an Empty Heart', 'I Love You Too Little Baby', 'The Shape of Blues to Come', and 'Legend of the Three Blind Moose', is a testament to Mcphee's innovative approach to jazz. With each piece, he pushes the boundaries of traditional jazz, incorporating elements of experimentation and improvisation to create a unique sonic experience.

Through 'Blue Chicago Blues', Joe Mcphee invites listeners to immerse themselves in his distinctive world of sound, where the conventions of jazz are skillfully subverted and reimagined. As a result, this album is an essential listen for fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, offering a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the genre.

Joe McPhee is a pioneering American musician who has been a vital force in the creative and free jazz worlds since the late 1960s. Born and raised in New York, McPhee is a multi-instrumentalist whose music is deeply rooted in the cultural and political landscapes of his time. His seminal 1971 album "Nation Time" is a powerful testament to the black cultural nationalist movement, showcasing his ability to blend raw emotion with profound social commentary. McPhee's style is as diverse as it is dynamic, drawing influences from the ecstatic improvisations of Coltrane, the complex melodies of Dolphy, and the rich traditions of funk and blues. His tone on the trumpet and saxophone ranges from harsh, wailing cries to precise, lyrical phrases, making him a versatile and captivating performer. Even at 85, McPhee continues to push boundaries, delivering knockout performances that blend spoken word with sparse, evocative instrumentation. His extensive discography, including works like "Tales Out Of Time" and "Black Magic Man," offers a journey through six decades of innovative and influential music.