The Fat Babies: Andy
Schumm (cornet, alto sax, clarinet); John Otto (alto sax, clarinet); Jonathan
Doyle (tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet); Dave Bock (trombone); Paul Asaro
(piano, vocals); Johnny Donatowicz (banjo, guitar); Beau Sample (string bass);
Alex Hall (drums, percussion)
Today's Chicago jazz scene offers
something for everyone, from early twentieth century ragtime to New Orleans
to the Windy City's 'hot' bands through to swing outfits, modern jazz combos
and beyond to the avant-garde. Pre the Covid-19 lockdown, musicians maintained
residencies across town and were regularly in and out of the recording
studios.
The Fat Babies first came to the
attention of Chicago's jazz fans in 2011 when they established a residency at
the wonderfully named Beth and Willie's Honky Tonk BBQ playing hot dance
charts. Listeners and dancers flocked to the joint and in no time at all the
Fat Babies were in demand across America.
The band's latest album, titled Uptown (the
band's fourth CD on the legendary Delmark Records' label), is an all-star,
eight piece ensemble. Most of the transcriptions and arrangements are by Andy
Schumm (cornet, alto sax, clarinet) and of the CD's thirteen tracks, two were
written by Schumm (the title track and That Gal of Mine) and one,
titled Sweet is the Night, by Jonathan Doyle (tenor sax, soprano
sax, clarinet). Other tracks include familiar numbers by Bennie Moten and the
song writing team of Andy Razaf and Clarence Williams.
The Fat Babies are,
to a man, ace soloists but it is the precision ensemble playing that is the
main attraction. The horns, including Dave Bock on trombone, share the solos
supported by a tight rhythm section comprising Johnny Donatowicz (banjo,
guitar), Beau Sample (string bass), Alex Hall on drums and percussion, and Paul
Asaro singing in addition to playing some stomping honky tonk piano.
Russell
Uptown by the Fat Babies is
available on Delmark Records (cat. no. DE 258).
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