Roosevelt Wardell (1933 – April 29, 1999) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer.
Roosevelt Wardell | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1933 |
| Died | April 29, 1999 Smyrna, Delaware, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer |
| Instrument(s) | Piano, vocals |
| Years active | Late 1940s–mid-1960s |
| Labels | Riverside |
Life and career edit
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 edit
Billboard magazine commented on Wardell's "lightning-fast rippling run technique, with occasional passages of full, rich block chords" on his album.[4]
Influence edit
Pianist Horace Tapscott listed Wardell as one of the musicians who had influenced him.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Rhythm & Blues Record Releases". (February 2, 1952) The Billboard. p. 38.
- ^ a b c Danchin, Sebastian (2001) Earl Hooker, Blues Master. University Press of Mississippi.
- ^ a b c d e Norwood, Doug (September 1, 2012) IAJRC Journal.
- ^ a b "Reviews and Ratings of New Albums". (March 20, 1961) Billboard Music Week. p. 30.
- ^ Cohen, Elaine "Horace Tapscott: Part 2, Interview". Cadence. Volume 10.