Tenor Saxophone Master Gene Ammons: Live in Chicago"

Gene Ammons is tonight's Jazz Feature artist. He was and remains one of the most important voices of the tenor saxophone. He was noted for his huge sound and blues based concept. He successfully combined the influences of Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young into a style that was Gene Ammons. This recording called "Live in Chicago" was recorded in Gene's home town in a local club with two fine Chicago based players. Eddie Buster is the Hammond organist and he's a great accompanist and provides the base for Gene's outpourings. On drums is Gerald Donovan who later became known as Ajaramu. Here he is a model of drive and swing. Gene is more outgoing here and takes more risks than he would normally do in a recording studio and it's a kick to hear. All of this was done at a small club on Chicago's South Side on a warm Tuesday night on August 29,1961. Gene Ammons: "Live in Chicago" is tonight's Jazz Feature and worth your time.