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Roosevelt Wardell
Roosevelt Wardell (1933 – April 29, 1999) was an American jazz and rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer. Life and careerWardell 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 styleBillboard magazine commented on Wardell's "lightning-fast rippling run technique, with occasional passages of full, rich block chords" on his album.[4] InfluencePianist Horace Tapscott listed Wardell as one of the musicians who had influenced him.[5] References
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