Roosevelt Wardell

Roosevelt Wardell (1933 – April 29, 1999) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer.

Roosevelt Wardell
Born1933
DiedApril 29, 1999
Smyrna, Delaware, U.S.
GenresJazz, rhythm and blues
Occupation(s)Musician, composer
InstrumentsPiano, vocals
Years activeLate 1940s–mid-1960s
LabelsRiverside

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. Danchin, Sebastian (2001) Earl Hooker, Blues Master. University Press of Mississippi.
  3. Norwood, Doug (September 1, 2012) IAJRC Journal.
  4. "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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