15 oz. grande coffee mug

in sizes: S - 3XL

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Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves pay tribute to John Coltrane in celebration of the jazz legend’s centennial with Dedicated to You, a remarkable album that features the acclaimed saxophonist and his quartet of pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner collaborating with the great vocalist. Together they offer stunning new renditions of the six standards that appeared on the 1963 Impulse album John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, as well as additional instrumental performances of compositions from Coltrane’s canon, to create an exquisite homage.

Tracklist:
1. Autumn Serenade
2. Dedicated To You
3. Big Nick
4. You Are Too Beautiful
5. Lush Life
6. 26-2
7. My One and Only Love
8. They Say It’s Wonderful
9. Central Park West
10: Say It (Over and Over Again) (Bonus Track)
11: Nancy (With the Laughing Face) (Bonus Track)
12. Big Nick (Trio) (Bonus Track)

Saxophone greats Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring reunite for their powerhouse third album recorded live at Smoke Jazz Club, SPLIT DECISION featuring Mike LeDonne, John Webber, and Lewis Nash

20 years after they first went head to head on 2005’s THE BATTLE, saxophone heavy-hitters Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring square off once again for a long-anticipated rematch. The ferocious swing and robust melodicism of SPLIT DECISION is the third in a trilogy of blistering summit meetings captured live on stage at Smoke Jazz Club.

While THE BATTLE evoked the antagonistic tradition of cutting contests and sax duels, Alexander and Herring’s second meeting, FRIENDLY FIRE, suggested that its heated exchanges were at least on amiable terms. With SPLIT DECISION, the pair has reached a musical détente, two masters meeting on equal terms, with “victory” merely a question of personal taste rather than virtuosic one-upmanship.

“When you get to the level that Vincent and the musicians we’re playing with are at,” Alexander says, “assessing their worth compared to one another is absolutely subjective. “We have great rapport with each other,” Herring adds. “Eric is an amazing virtuoso and a master of melody. Playing with him is always inspirational for me.”

There’s also ample inspiration to be had when you’re working with the caliber of rhythm section that Alexander and Herring enlisted for these dates. Pianist Mike LeDonne and bassist John Webber reprise their roles from the two previous Smoke dates. This time around, they’re joined by the legendary Lewis Nash on drums.

SPLIT DECISION is a testament to the vitality and excitement of being there when these sax giants face off. The six-song setlist also puts the whole band’s estimable gifts in the best possible spotlight, stacked with memorable but not over-familiar tunes.

Anytime these two powerhouse saxophonists step on stage their competitive spirit – not to mention two decades of friendship and collaboration – result in scintillating music of championship caliber. 

These are challenging times: today’s world is roiling with strife and pain as aggressive factions seek to conquer and control, the rest of the planet be damned. Jazz has always preached a message diametrically opposed to such things – this music of freedom and joy insists that there is room enough for all, inviting everyone to bring their unique piece to the banquet table. This is the world from which Helen Sung’s debut big band project Oracles springs. A tour de force of musical portraits showcasing her exceptional subjects, Oracles is her heartfelt thank you to jazz legends Clark Terry, Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Wayne Shorter, Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, Herbie Hancock and Sir Roland Hanna, all of whom mentored her in the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance (now the Herbie Hancock Institute).

The Institute’s Artistic Director at the time, bass legend Ron Carter, told Sung, “In order to find your voice in this music, you have to write your own music.” It was a radical idea for this classically trained pianist and eldest daughter of Chinese immigrants – that she could be both a performer and a composer who had the freedom to create. The Institute’s two-year apprentice-style program gave her the opportunity to work directly with these masters who embraced this newcomer into the world of jazz. Their intuitive wisdom and deep knowledge provided important guidance as Sung integrated her story into a larger narrative, teaching her to build on a hard-won tradition with the aim of becoming an artist with something wholly her own to say.

Sung recalls something the great tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath said to her: “The jazz bandstand is where true democracy lives. Everyone must understand their role and come prepared by doing the hard work of study and practice. Each person will get to say their piece, but it is in the act of integrating as a band that the musicians ultimately create something bigger, richer and deeper.” This is the world we yearn for, a spacious place where each person’s story and distinctive contribution make our common humanity stronger and more exquisite. Sung reflects on this longing, and on the significance of her album: “Jazz is the most generous of art forms, able to integrate other musical traditions while still retaining its core identity and values,” says Sung. “In turn, it has influenced almost every genre of modern popular music to become a truly global art form. This album expresses my deep gratitude, and is a tribute to the masters who made room for me and entrusted me with a tradition they helped build.”

“Helen Sung is a shining example of the heroic journey to self-realization through the art of Jazz. As a soloist, arranger, composer and bandleader she [Helen] has developed an expansive vocabulary that encompasses the richness, virtuosity, freedom and humanity that defines the best jazz…the little details that define our music are well represented and attended to with care and intelligence. That’s why this is a great listen…All you have to do is check it out.

Drawing from the larger career spanning 6LP box, comes a shorter/sweeter collection featuring just the highlights! These are the quintessential compositions and timeless classics that shaped Coltrane's career and influence.

TRACK LISTING:

1. Straight Street - John Coltrane
2. Trinkle, Tinkle - Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane
3. Blue Train - John Coltrane
4. Milestones - Miles Davis
5. So What - Miles Davis
6. Giant Steps - John Coltrane
7. Naima - John Coltrane
8. My Favorite Things - John Coltrane
9. Equinox - John Coltrane
10. A Love Supreme, Pt. 1 - Acknowledgement - John Coltrane

Verve's Finest Hour collection of Sarah Vaughan's work compiles 60 minutes of career highlights, including "Misty," "Lush Life," "Lullaby of Birdland," "Star Dust," and "My Coloring Book." Though it's by no means a definitive compilation of Vaughan's music, it does provide a welcome overview of some of her best pop and jazz moments.
~ Heather Phares

Solitary Moon is a labor of love from veteran Chicago pianist Tommy Muellner, a deeply personal album and a portrait of a musical life well lived. Featuring an all-star Chicago quintet, the record moves fluidly between beloved standards, hidden gems, and original compositions, unified by Muellner's warm, seasoned touch and the simpatico interplay of musicians who have spent decades making music together.

"Having spent a lifetime as a jazz musician and lover of music, I just wanted to express some musical ideas in my heart," says Muellner. "This is also an acknowledgment of gratitude for the staunch support I've gotten over the years from relatives, friends, and great musicians."

Muellner calls his band "Mr. T and the dream team." "Clark Sommers is not only an amazing world-class bassist, but was invaluable in helping me with post-production, tweaking and mixing," he says. "I was lucky to get Geof Bradfield, who I knew would understand what I was trying to get and also write some really terrific horn parts for the project. Art Davis is a masterful trumpeter I've had the pleasure of playing with for probably 45 years. And what can I say about Phil 'Philly Toe' Gratteau? I've played countless gigs with him over several decades. He always plays exactly what the doctor ordered. Whether you need a sensitive, tasty drummer or someone to kick some ass, he is the cat."

"Sandy Samba" and "Cuz Tune" are lyrical sambas of contrasting character and tempo, dedicated respectively to Muellner's wife Sandy and his cousin Robert "Bobby" Borta. "Monk See, Monk Do" pays tribute to Thelonious Monk, reflecting the influence of Monk's distinctive approach on ballads like "Ask Me Now" and "Reflections."

Muellner has a knack for unearthing hidden gems by celebrated composers, songs that somehow slipped through the canon. Henry Mancini's mournful "Soldier in the Rain" is an excellent example, featuring Art Davis' beautiful flugelhorn sound and a masterful solo turn from Sommers. The title track, one of Johnny Mandel's lesser-known works, fits the same category, as does Alec Wilder's "While We're Young," which receives a lovely, bright treatment in waltz time.

As a veteran host of numerous Chicago jam sessions, Muellner is not one to shy away from warhorses like "I Remember You" and "Like Someone in Love," both of which he imbues with new life through nuanced touch and rich voicing. Another highlight is his duo with Bradfield on a thoroughly modern reharmonization of "Danny Boy." He clearly loves these tunes, embracing them as old friends and playing them with a depth that only comes from decades of familiarity.

The album closes with a solo piano reading of "Why Did I Choose You," dedicated to Bill Evans, who was a mentor to Muellner. It's a fitting coda for a record that is as much a heartfelt letter of gratitude as it is a musical statement. 

Ain’t Done With The Blues marks Buddy Guy’s 14th studio album with RCA Records. In celebration of his 89th birthday, the album showcases Buddy’s unrelenting
dedication to the blues. With featured artists such as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Joe Walsh, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Joe Bonamassa, and Peter Frampton,
Ain’t Done With The Blues was produced at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, TN.

Featured Artists: BILLY BRANCH - BOB STROGER - MARY LANE WILLIE BUCK - CARLOS JOHNSON HARMONICA HINDS - JOHN WATKINS - TWIST TURNER - TONY MANGIULLO - JEFF BRINKMAN

All the musicians on this album got their start playing at Theresa’s Lounge, 4801 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL. They want to teach us the importance of this place and keep the music and history alive. The 13 songs on this album are all songs you would hear played down at Theresa's Lounge, except for the John Primer originals. This album is dedicated to Theresa Needham and her world famous Theresa's Lounge.

Donna Herula’s 4th album, “Cold Feet,” features eight of Donna’s original songs, one co-written with bandmate Tony Wittrock, and two covers.  The styles range from folk, soul, gospel, pop to electric Chicago Blues.  The recording features the Donna Herula Band and special guests.  The album was recorded and mixed in Chicago at Rax Trax Recording by Rick Barnes and produced by Jon Shain.  The 16-page CD insert booklet includes liner notes by Mark Thompson and lyrics to the original songs.

RADIO IN 1949–BURNS & ALLEN SHOW (2-24-49)
Gracie is told by a handwriting expert that George should be a surgeon.

ADVENTURES OF OZZIE & HARRIET (1-20-49)
Ozzie accepts a dinner invitation from an old friend whose name he has forgotten.

SUSPENSE (4-28-49) The Lie starring Mickey Rooney.

JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-2-49)
Jack’s first show on CBS.

The WDCB Coffee Pack includes Two WDCB Fall Coffee Mugs, a bag of coffee from I Have a Bean, and chocolate from Four Brothers Handcrafted Chocolates.

Jewels in the Treasure Box: The 1953 Chicago Blue Note Jazz Club Recordings is a previously unissued collection of recordings from jazz icon and virtuosic pianist, Art Tatum, captured live at the Blue Note Jazz Club in Chicago in March of 1953 with guitarist Everett Barksdale and bassist Slam Stewart. These recordings were transferred from the original tape reels and mastered by engineer Matthew Lutthans (who also worked on Resonance’s Grammy-nominated 2019 Nat King Cole release Hittin’ the Ramp). Containing a whopping nearly 3 hours of never-before-heard Art Tatum captured in an intimate setting at the height of his powers with his longtime trio, the deluxe, limited-edition set includes rare photos and memorabilia from Herman Leonard, Bob Parent and the Holzfeind family archives (owners of the Blue Note Jazz Club in Chicago); plus liner notes from Columbia University professor and author, Brent Hayes Edwards; as well as statements from Ahmad Jamal, Sonny Rollins, Monty Alexander, ELEW, Spike Wilner, Johnny O’Neal, Michael Weiss and Terry Gibbs.

Personnel:
Art Tatum – piano
Slam Stewart – bass
Everett Barksdale – guitar

Track Listing

CD 1

1. Night and Day
2. Where or When
3. On the Sunny Side of the Street
4. Don’t Blame Me
5. Soft Winds
6. These Foolish Things
7. Flying Home
8. Memories of You
9. What Does It Take
10. Tenderly
11. Crazy Rhythm
12. The Man I Love
13. Tea for Two

CD 2

1. I Cover the Waterfront
2. Body and Soul
3. Laura
4. Humoresque
5. Begin the Beguine
6. There Will Never Be Another You / September Song
7. Just One of Those Things
8. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
9. St. Louis Blues
10. After You’ve Gone
11. Someone To Watch Over Me
12. Would You Like To Take A Walk?

CD 3

1. Elegy
2. Sweet Lorraine
3. Out of Nowhere
4. Indiana
5. Tabu
6. Judy
7. Lover
8. Dark Eyes
9. Stompin’ at the Savoy
10. If
11. Stardust
12. Air Mail Special
13. I’ve Got the World on A String
14. The Kerry Dance

Morning Glory: The 1973 Concert at the Teatro Gran Rex, Buenos Aires is the first official release of pianist Bill Evans with Eddie Gomez and Marty Morell captured live at the Teatro Gran Rex in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 24, 1973.

Remastered from the original concert tape reels and in cooperation with the Bill Evans Estate, this deluxe 2-CD set includes an extensive booklet with rare photos from the actual concert; essays by American author/journalist Marc Myers and Argentine author Claudio Parisi (who wrote the book Grandes del jazz internacional en Argentina (1956-1979)); plus new interviews with Eddie Gomez, Marty Morell and pianist Richie Beirach. This concert recording is available officially for the very first time and is the companion piece to the Resonance Release, Inner Spirit: The 1979 Concert at the Teatro General San Martín Concert, Buenos Aires with Marc Johnson and Joe LaBarbera.

in sizes: S - 3XL

Please indicate size of sweat shirt in Comments box.

Black 42" Auto-Open/Auto-Close Compact Umbrella With Reflective Trim

• Lightweight & packable: canopy opens and closes automatically!
• Compact and convenient umbrella for travel, commuting, and everyday living
• Rubberized handle with easy-carry wrist strap
• Convenient, one-hand/one-touch operation; Automatic open and close with a simple button press
• Wind-resistant aluminum and fiberglass frame/shaft won't easily flip inside out
• Silver 360-degree trim reflects street lights and headlights for safety
• 190T pongee fabric
• Matching storage sleeve

At The Jazz Showcase is the first ever release of piano legend Ahmad Jamal‘s trio featuring bassist John Heard and longtime drummer Frank Gant captured live at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase in Chicago, IL on March 20-21, 1976. The 2-CD set was mastered from the original tapes by engineer Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab in Salina, KS. The deluxe package includes newly curated liner notes by Jamal scholar Eugene Holley, Jr., plus interviews with rapper/DJ/producer Pete Rock, Joe Segal’s son Wayne Segal and others.

Includes:

• WDCB Fall Hooded Sweatshirt
• WDCB Thermos
• Roasting Fork
• marshmallows & hot chocolate

Please indicate size of sweat shirt in Comments box.

We love and support our local jazz artists!  And to encourage you to as well, we are DOUBLING our Chicago Jazz Pack from the usual four CDs to a whopping eight CDs so you can enjoy this music with us!!

includes:

• Arman Sangalang - Waypoints
• Chicago Soul Jazz Collective - No Wind & No Rain
• Connor Bernhard - Pathways
• Ella Grace - Figments
• Greg Murphy - Snap Happy
• Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band - Full Circle
• Kevin Fort & Andy Brown - Chiaroscuro
• Paul Hecht - Pyrography II

includes:

• Buddy Guy - Ain't Done With The Blues

• Donna Herula - Cold Feet

• John Primer & Friends - Tribute to Theresa's Lounge

• Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials - Slideways

Released to celebrate tenor jazz saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis’ Centennial, this package brings together the albums “Cookbook, Vol. 1,” “Cookbook, Vol. 2,” “Cookbook, Vol. 3,” & “Smokin’”, which he recorded with organist Shirley Scott. The package also features new liner notes by journalist Willard Jenkins.

In celebrating the enduring impact Oscar Emmanuel Peterson has had on the world since 1925, we must first lift the veil and allow all who have been inspired by his creativity to understand the man at a more intimate level: his vulnerability, his dedication, his passion and his family. Join us for a World Tour of Oscar’s music from 1969 through 1996, accompanied by a behind-the-curtain Tour of Oscar’s World, each aiming to recreate the joy and discovery in examining the legacy forged by a titan of musicianship, friendship and compassion.

This deluxe CD set includes never-before-heard live concerts from Detroit (MI), São Paulo (Brazil), Basel (Switzerland), Auckland (New Zealand) and Toronto (Canada) across a 4-CD set with a 20-page booklet with notes from Kelly and Céline Peterson as well as tributes from peers, friends and family.

Reissued together as a set in their entirety here for the first time, the five volumes of Panart Records' Cuban Jam Session albums were released over a span of almost a decade, from 1956-1964. Featuring an all-star line-up including Julio Gutiérrez, Niño Rivera, José Fajardo, and Cachao. Together, these albums encapsulate a stylistic and historic panorama of Cuban music, from big band son montuno to Afro-Cuban rumba, mambo, cha-cha-cha and country acoustic guajira music, at the same time that they attest to Cuba’s long relationship with popular American music and jazz.

includes:
- WDCB Trane Centennial Tee Shirt
- WDCB Fall Hooded Sweatshirt
- WDCB Argyle Socks
- WDCB Winter Cap
- WDCB Duffel Bag
- WDCB Thermos

Please indicate sizes in Comments box.

Coltrane’s breakout year, when his mature sound first grabbed ears and his own recordings began to sell consistently, was 1958. This release chronicles the exciting story session by session, featuring all 37 tracks Coltrane recorded as a leader or co-leader for the independent Prestige Records label in those twelve months. This collection captures him in creative high gear—developing the signature improvisational style that journalist Ira Gitler famously dubbed “sheets of sound.” The timely release marks the 70th year since the founding of Prestige and comes just after the 60th anniversary of these recordings.

This 8-CD set highlights a series of 1965 performances at the Plugged Nickel, a legendary club located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. The music captures Miles Davis and his Second Great Quintet at a moment of fearless transformation. Across eight riveting discs, Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams reimagine familiar standards on the fly, bending melody, harmony, and rhythm into bold new shapes.

This set presents the full sweep of those historic 1965 live dates. It’s more than seven hours of music that remains startlingly fresh and inventive. Elegantly packaged with detailed liner notes and rare photos, this set offers an immersive window into a club where jazz history was being rewritten in real time. Every moment crackles with risk and imagination, making Live at the Plugged Nickel not just a recording, but a vivid testament to artistic daring and collective genius.

A dozen CDs will be hand-picked by WDCB and delivered to you – one each month over the next 12 months!

You will also receive all benefits of the WDCB "Insiders Club" - invites to select WDCB concerts, three on-air "Insider" announcements, as well as the offer of a station visit with "Insider" tour!

includes:

• Miles Davis - The Complete Live at the Plugged Nickel 1965 8-CD set
• John Coltrane - Coltrane '58: The Prestige Recordings 5-CD set

You will spend one hour as a co-host with one of our DCB Jazz hosts, sharing your "desert island" picks*. Your visit will also include:

• a digital image of you and your co-host from WDCB
• a keepsake CD of your hour on WDCB
• a station tour

* The co-host is subject to availability. And all music is subject to approval by WDCB in advance of your visit.