Roosevelt Wardell

Roosevelt Wardell
Born 1934
Died April 29, 1999
Smyrna, Delaware, U.S.
Genres Jazz, rhythm and blues
Occupation(s) Musician, composer
Instruments Piano, vocals
Years active Late 1940s–mid-1960s
Labels Riverside

Roosevelt Wardell (1934 – April 29, 1999) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer.

Life and career

Wardell was co-leader for two singles – "So Glad I'm Free" and "Deep Moanin' Blues" – that were recorded with Ed Wiley for Atlantic Records and released in 1952.[1] In November of the same year, Wardell was pianist for recordings led by vocalist Johnny O'Neal and by guitarist Earl Hooker; these were released by King Records.[2]:345 Variations on this small group played in the Florida area at around the same time.[2]:50–51 Wardell recorded again early in 1953, with Wiley and his orchestra.[2]:53 Wardell was in the army for part of the 1950s.[3]

Wardell's only album as leader was The Revelation, for Riverside Records in October 1960.[3] The session was arranged for him by saxophonist and A&R man Cannonball Adderley, who had heard him playing.[3] This was a trio recording, with Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums, and featured standards and three originals from Wardell.[4]

Wardell's final recordings were two tracks in 1963, for a band led by Earl Anderza.[3] Wardell died in Smyrna, Delaware on April 29, 1999.[3]

Playing style

Billboard magazine commented on Wardell's "lightning-fast rippling run technique, with occasional passages of full, rich block chords" on his album.[4]

Influence

Pianist Horace Tapscott listed Wardell as one of the musicians who had influenced him.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Rhythm & Blues Record Releases". (February 2, 1952) The Billboard. p. 38.
  2. 1 2 3 Danchin, Sebastian (2001) Earl Hooker, Blues Master. University Press of Mississippi.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Norwood, Doug (September 1, 2012) IAJRC Journal.
  4. 1 2 "Reviews and Ratings of New Albums". (March 20, 1961) Billboard Music Week. p. 30.
  5. ↑ Cohen, Elaine "Horace Tapscott: Part 2, Interview". Cadence. Volume 10.
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