Blue Night Records
The Cats
The Cats' Biographies
Jim Cox Curt MorrisonKevin Connelley Art Davis Richie Fudoli Russ Phillips Alejo Poveda Steve Schneck
grew up in Champaign, Ill., where he attended the University of
Illinois and earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance on the double bass. Upon
graduating he toured with Earl "Fatha" Hines for three years, then settled in
Chicago, where he has since worked full-time in the music industry. Jim has
performed with numerous notable jazz artists, including Judy Roberts, Red
Rodney, Randy Brecker, Louie Bellson, Rosemary Clooney, and Eliane Elias. For
the last five years he has been working regularly with famed pianist Marian
McPartland. Jim's extensive discography includes projects across a wide range
of musical styles: jazz, bluegrass, klezmer, folk, and New Age. He teaches
string bass at three Chicago area colleges as well. Jim Cox is a solid,
inventive bass player, and we eagerly anticipate his contributions to many
more Blue Night releases.
, like so many of Chicago's finest jazz musicians, also studied
at the University of Illinois. He maintains a rigorous musical schedule in
Chicago, playing with The Don Cagen Orchestra, with his own rock group The
Saltines, and with a host of additional musical talents. Curt writes jingle
and soundtrack music. He shares his knowledge and expertise with several
guitar students as well. In addition to his soulful guitar solos and complex
textural backup, Curt's impressions and wacky jokes make any recording studio
a fun place to be. Blue Night Records is proud to present the jazz guitar
of Curt Morrison.
has been a mainstay at Woodside Ave. studios for many years,
helping rhythm sections coalesce. Amazingly adept at a wide range of styles,
from swing jazz to electronic drum programming, Kevin has appeared on CD's by Cynthia Barber, Eric Barnes, Michael
Brandmeier, Jim Gill, Megan McDonough, Steve Rashid, and many others.
He has also done several
jingle and soundtrack dates (e.g., McDonalds, Bud Light, Oldsmobile, Sears,
Quaker Oats, Starkist Tuna, and Weber Grills), many of which he wrote himself! Kevin is also
the propietor of Kevin Connelley Drum Studio, where he imparts to young students (and
professionals) the skills which have made him one of the most called upon
musicians on the Chicago recording and performing scene.
is yet another University of Illinois jazz alumnus. During one tour of duty as a teaching
assistant he even tutored a young Curt Morrison, making their appearance on
this recording a reunion of sorts. Art's academic credentials are surpassed
by his reputation in the real world of jazz. He's toured with Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra, and
has appeared with such greats as Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Dizzy Gillespie,
Natalie Cole, Clark Terry, Diane Shure, Rosemary Clooney, and Louie Bellson.
Art has recorded with many well-known performers as well, and is trumpet
player of choice for everything from traditional to mainstream to modern jazz gigs in
Chicago.
is the real deal. He is legendary on Chicago's jazz scene, not
only as a reed virtuoso, but as a guru and mentor as well. One evening on a
bandstand the leader introduced a Nat King Cole arrangement. "Ah yes, Nat
King Cole," said Richie "my first big gig!" His credit list also includes
Peggy Lee and countless other superstars of the jazz idiom. Richie sees the
bright side of life. "We are the lucky ones" is just one of his famous
sayings, a reference to the privileges and joys (as opposed to hardships and
travails) of being a musician. Richie co-leads a quintet with trombonist Bill
Porter at On Green Dolphin St. in Chicago, and is in constant demand for any
gig or session involving sax, clarinet, or flute.
was born to play the jazz trombone. He proudly carries the
legacy
of his father, Russ Phillips Sr., who played with Louis Armstrong. Russ
leads his own Windy City All-Stars at Andy's, one of Chicago's most popular
jazz venues. He also performs with The Ken Arlen Orchestra. Outside of
Chicago, Russ has attracted a legion of fans on the jazz festival circuit,
where he makes appearances as an All-Star or guest artist with musicians such
as Howard Alden, Warren Vache, and Jake Hanna. Russ has also performed with
Lionel Hampton, Doc Cheatham, and Buddy DeFranco. He is currently putting
the finishing touches on a long awaited solo project.
brought his unique musical gifts from his birthplace in
Costa Rica to Chicago more than two decades ago. A creative
multi-instrumentalist, he has been known to play everthing from drum kit to
tree branches. His energy has propelled hundreds of sessions, including work
for such well known artists as James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Janet
Jackson, Dr. John, Taj Mahal, and Dave Mason. Alejo has also performed with Benny Carter, Dizzy Gillespie, and
Joe Williams, just to name a few.
Alejo shares his knowledge of Latin rhythms with children in Chicago schools
and with students in percussion clinics. His own band, Chevere, is a Latin
jazz powerhouse that must be seen to be believed. When Alejo arrives at the
studio, the rest of the cats, the engineer, and even the executive producer
gather 'round wide-eyed as he unveils "the toys" his rich experience tells
him will enhance the music.
is a multifaceted individual. His skills as a trumpeter and
bandleader are well documented on his quartet album "Together Again" on
the Lake Shore Jazz label. He's also an attorney, specializing in civil
rights cases. Originally from New York (another town with a decent jazz
scene), Steve studied at Julliard, the Manhattan School of Music, and Eastman
School. The soloing skills he displayed on "About Time" were also cultivated
in Steve's musical family --- his father plays guitar, his mother is a pianist and teacher, and his
uncle played (of all things) the mandolin!