CHIP WHITE: Harlem Sunset

“…a  reputation-making debut… White has assembled an all-star cast…  …what makes this album soar is White’s angular, propulsive compositions, tunes that are unusually lyrical for a drummer… “Harlem Sunset” represents the best modern jazz has to offer.“- Boston Herald

This acclaimed Postcards Records album, “Chip White: Harlem Sunset”, is Jazz drummer Chip White’s debut album as a leader. Featuring saxophonist Gary Bartz, trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibraphone player Steve Nelson, bassist Buster Williams, and trumpet / flugelhorn player Claudio Roditi, the album allows the group to focus their energy and enthusiasm on Chip White’s original compositions, as well as one tune written by Roditi. Additionally, the ensemble plays a renowned version of Billy Eckstine’s classic, “I Want to Talk About You”.

“Critic’s Choice: White’s auspicious debut as a leader… This smart, swinging set flies high…” – Billboard Magazine

Working as Houston Person’s longtime drummer and having played alongside legends such as Tom Waits, John Abercrombie, Frank Wess, Chet Baker, Benny Powell, and; Dave Liebman, Chip White is a Jazz musician who focuses on the music rather then fame. This remarkable debut Postcards Records recording, Chip White: Harlem Sunset is a spectacular example of his musical focus, as well as his propulsive and innovative style.

“Buy “Harlem Sunset”… It has strong new lines on which to improvise (composed by White), solos which flame with passion, and startling sonic immediacy.” – CD Review

Song Selection:

1. Another Planet	Chip White	11:32
2. Excuse Me Now	Chip White	6:32
3. I Want To Talk About You	Billy Eckstine	7:21
4. Club 609	Chip White	4:13
5. The Wizard	Chip White	8:42
6. Circle Dance	Chip White	7:04
7. We (to Kristen and Me)	Claudio Roditi	5:18
8. Harlem Sunset	Chip White	2:32

Chip White: Drums
Gary Bartz: Alto saxophone and soprano saxophone
Robin Eubanks: Trombone
Steve Nelson: Vibraphone
Claudio Roditi: Trumpet and fluegelhorn
Buster Williams: Bass

Produced by: Ralph Simon
Executive Prodcuer: Sibyl R. Golden
Total Time: 53:14 minutes

About Chip White:

Alan White (21 December 1946 – 5 August 2020), known as Chip White was a fine drummer who performs in advanced jazz settings, Chip White is also a talented composer and poet. He began studying percussion when he was nine. White attended Ithaca College, studied at the Berklee School of Music and later took orchestration and arranging lessons from Frank Foster. In the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, he played with many top jazz musicians including Carmen McRae, Jaki Byard, John Abercrombie, Johnny Coles, Enrico Rava, Mulgrew Miller, Gary Bartz and John Hicks, recording with many of them. He formed the Chip White Ensemble in 1984, produced a jazz musical (Manhattan Moments) in 1990 and toured with the Houston Person-Etta Jones Quintet. In 1994, Chip White recorded “Harlem Sunset” (for Postcards), his debut set as a leader.