Hyde Park Blvd

After Charlie Haden, it’s Avishai Cohen when it comes to bassists.

Two towering musicians, an extraordinary rendition of a beautiful song (written by Arturo Castron from the album Nocturne).  Haden/bass, Rubalcaba/piano, Joe Lovano/sax, Federico Britos Ruiz/violin, Ignacio Berroa/percussion.

King Oliver Creole Jazz Band originated in New Orleans, migrating to Chicago to play at the Lincoln Gardens on East 31st Street.  In 1922, Oliver telegraphed the young Louis Armstrong, musician (and home-town competitor to Oliver), inviting him to join the band as second cornet.

The combination was like the discovery that two lead guitars could transform a rock band (think Allman Brothers or Derek and the Dominoes).  Chicago, ground zero in the 1920s for the emerging musical style, was electrified.  In addition to the cornets, the band included Johnny Dodds on clarinet, Bud Scott on banjo, Baby Dodds on drums (and that pennywhistle that comes out of nowhere), and Lil Harden, who became Louis Armstrong’s second wife, on piano.

It was Lil that convinced Louis to leave King Oliver and never again be second cornet to anyone.