Illinois Jacquet T-Shirt

Product Description

Illinois Jacquet was one of the most exciting, extroverted jazz tenor saxophone players, especially in his heyday of the 1940’s. Jacquet first got noticed for his famous solo on Lionel Hampton’s 1942 recording of “Flying Home,” and continued on to stardom with Count Basie before starting his own group after World War II. Jacquet comes from a school of playing called “Texas Tenor,” and he is its most famous adherent, playing honking, highly rhythmic, blues-tinged solos. His post-war group defined “bebop” in its most popular form, and their recordings of “Mutton Leg,” “Robbins’ Nest” and others were huge hits in an era of declining popularity for modern jazz. We here at Growling Hamster consider him a god, and have worn out vinyl recordings of his solos from the very first “Jazz at the Philharmonic” concert. His altissimo playing alone was revolutionary for that era, and while his ego matched his talents, even the best jazz players have grudgingly admitted his importance. The imprint here features a vintage poster of a 1948 Jacquet live appearance, along with the man himself and a quote. Jacquet points out that “horns should crackle, like the sound of eggs being dropped into a pan full of hot grease.” We agree.