Summertime

One of the greatest show drummers in the world, Red Saunders began playing music professionally in 1928 at the age of 16 and slowly climbed the ladder of Depression-era Chicago gigs. By 1937, Red was the drummer of the house band at the South Side's Club DeLisa, backing the great Albert Ammons. By the 1940's, Red was leading his own band and became one of Chicago's most popular performers and bandleaders. The rare 45 RPM single presented here featuring Red and his band was recorded on the last day of December in 1953 and released in January of 1954. The a side is a Latin reworking of Gershwin's "Summertime," the chugging instrumental "Riverboat" occupies the flip side. Personnel includes Red Saunders (drums, leader); Sonny Cohn (trumpet); Fip Ricard (trumpet); Marty Martinez (trombone); Harlan "Booby" Floyd (trombone); Porter Kilbert (alto sax); Leon Washington (tenor sax); Mac [McKinley] Easton (baritone sax); Earl Washington (piano) and Jimmy Richardson (bass). Arrangements are by Sonny Blount, later known as Sun Ra. Newly remastered.