Rich mix of bebop and some free jazz, with deep roots in the tradition. Bopping, soulful, spiritual, joyous, LOUD. Dawkins is a gem of the Chicago scene, carrying on and extending the traditions set down by the likes of Coltrane and Art Blakey. And the solos really cook, too. We've got some of these tracks on other Dawkins CDs, but the energy of live performance turns them into something entirely new.

Live album recorded at Fred Anderson's old Velvet Lounge, which as of this writing is in transition (its old South-Side Chicago location was torn down, and the club is awaiting a chance to open in a new, nearby spot).

1- Squeaky rustling, a 48-second intro
2- Fast bebop over rolling bass/drums. Hard-digging sax solo.
3- Mid/fast straight bop with blues changes; nice '50s Trane feel
4- A blues, with vocals. Slow and celebratory. Not the strongest voice, but it's earnest and soulful.
5- Calmly crazy theme, into fast rolling solos
6- Slowish; ceremonial feel. Then faster, for a crisp trumpet solo
7- Happy and swingy; gets into a New Orleans style group solo. Opens w/stage banter; ends with band intro.