William Thomas Dupree
b. July 4th, 1910 in New Orleans (Louisiana)
d. January 21st, 1992 in Hannover (Germany)
CABBAGE GREENS
Okeh
JUNKER BLUES
Travelin' Man
NEW ORLEANS BARRELHOUSE BOOGIE
Columbia
June 1940 - November 1941
Né d'un père congolais et d'une mère d'origine Cherokee, William Thomas Dupree devient orphelin très jeune. L'enfant est alors placé dans une institution (Colored Waifs Home à la Nouvelle Orléans, la même qui avait accueilli Louis Armstrong quelques années plus tôt) où il passera plusieurs années jusqu'à ses 14 ans. Adolescent, il est initié au piano par un dénommé Drive 'em Down (alias Willie Hall). Dans le même temps, Jack souhaite se lancer dans une carrière de boxeur. Une carrière qui durera environ 8 ans, le temps de disputer 107 combats (son surnom de Champion Jack lui sera donné à cette époque). Vers 1938-39, il quitte la Nouvelle Orléans et s'installe à Indianapolis après avoir passé quelques mois à Chicago (logeant chez Tampa Red). A Indianapolis, il sympathisera notamment avec le guitariste "Scrapper" Blackwell jouant fréquemment avec lui et sera une attraction régulière du Cotton Club. Mais, c'est bien à Chicago que sa carrière musicale démarre. En juin 1940, accompagné d'un contrebassiste d'Indianapolis Wilson Swain, il grave ses premiers morceaux pour la firme Okeh. En l'espace d'un an et demi, Jack enregistre une vingtaine de faces remarquables : "Cabbage greens", "Chain gang blues", "Jackie P. Blues", "Black woman swing", "Dupree shake dance", "Junker's blues", "All alone blues". Son style puissant et chaloupé - hérité des barrelhouses - y est mêlé d'influences urbaines de Leroy Carr.
Born to a Congolese father and a Cherokee mother, William Thomas Dupree becomes orphan at a very young age. The child is then placed in an institution (Colored Waifs Home in New Orleans, the same which hosted Louis Armstrong a few years earlier) where he spent several years until his 14 years. As a teenager, he learned piano by a man named Drive 'em Down (aka Willie Hall). In the meantime, Jack wants to start a boxing career. A career that will last about 8 years, the time to play 107 fights (his nickname Champion Jack will be given at that time). Around 1938-39, he left New Orleans and moved to Indianapolis after spending a few months in Chicago (staying in Tampa Red's house). In Indianapolis, he will sympathize especially with guitarist "Scrapper" Blackwell frequently playing with him and will be a regular attraction at Cotton Club. But it is in Chicago that his musical career starts. In june 1940, accompanied by an Indianapolis-based bassist Wilson Swain, he cut his first tracks for the Okeh company. Within one year and a half, Jack recorded about twenty remarkable sides : "Cabbage greens", "Chain gang blues", "Jackie P. Blues", "Black woman swing", "Dupree shake dance", "Junker's blues", "All alone blues". His powerful and swinging style - inherited from barrelhouses - is mixed with urban influences of Leroy Carr.
THE JOE DAVIS SESSIONS
Flyright
April 1945 - March 1946
Pendant la seconde guerre mondiale, Jack est cuisinier dans le Pacifique. A son retour, il s'installe à New York où il résidera jusqu'en 1960. Il signe sur le label de Joe Davis pour une vingtaine de morceaux - repartis sur quatre séances - dans lesquels il est seul au piano : "Rum Cola blues", "FDR blues" (en hommage au président Franklin Delano Roosevelt), "Fisherman's blues", "Black wolf", "Walkin' by myself", "Forget it mama", "Love strike blues".
During world war II, Jack is a cook in the Pacific. On his return, he moved to New York where he lived until 1960. He signed on the Joe Davis label for about twenty tracks - spread over four sessions - in which he is alone at the piano : "Rum Cola blues", "FDR blues" (in tribute to president Franklin Delano Roosevelt), "Fisherman's blues", "Black wolf", "Walkin' by myself", "Forget it mama", "Love strike blues".
LOW DOWN BLUES
Continental
1945
Sur la première face de ce microsillon sont recueillis des titres de Champion Jack Dupree pour le label new-yorkais Continental. Accompagné par Brownie Mac Ghee (guitare) et Count Edmonson (contrebasse), il délivre quelques superbes réussites comme "Hard feeling", "Mean old Frisco", "Bad whiskey bad women", "Bus station blues". La seconde face est consacrée à Sonny & Lonnie.
On the first side of the LP is collected Champion Jack Dupree's titles for the New York label Continental. Accompanied by Brownie Mac Ghee (guitar) and Count Edmonson (bass), he delivers some great songs like "Hard feeling", "Mean old Frisco", "Bad whiskey bad women", "Bus station blues". The second face is dedicated to Sonny & Lonnie.
RUB A LITTLE BOOGIE
Krazy Kat
1945 - 1953
Krazy Kat
1945 - 1955
A partir de 1945, Champion Jack Dupree travaille pour de nombreux labels de New York comme Continental, Alert, Apollo, Gotham, Apex ou Red Robin parfois sous divers pseudonymes. Une période faste et fructueuse pendant laquelle Jack enregistre aux côtés d'artistes de premier plan tels que Brownie Mac Ghee (présent sur presque tous les titres), Sticks Mac Ghee, Sonny Terry, "Big Chief" Ellis. De nombreuses merveilles (certaines sont des chefs d'oeuvre) verront le jour : "Stumbling blocks blues" (provenant d'une remarquable séance produite par Bobby Robinson), "Deacon's party", "Rub a little boogie", "Drunk again", "Fifth Avenue blues", "Shim sham shimmy". Contrairement à ce qui est noté dans le livret (et suggéré dans le titre), la séance de "Ragged and hungry" et "Somebody changed the lock" date de 1955. Quoi qu'il en soit, cette sélection s'impose comme un remarquable panorama de cette période. En 1948, à la suite de la mort accidentelle de sa première femme, il se remarie avec Lucille Dalton.
From 1945, Champion Jack Dupree works for many labels in New York as Continental, Alert, Apollo, Gotham, Apex or Red Robin sometimes under various pseudonyms. A prosperous and fruitful period when Jack records alongside first-rate artists such as Brownie Mac Ghee (present on almost all titles), Sticks Mac Ghee, Sonny Terry, "Big Chief" Ellis. Many gems (some are masterpieces) will see the light of the day :"Stumbling blocks blues" (from a remarkable session produced by Bobby Robinson), "Deacon's party", "Rub a little boogie", "Drunk again", "Fifth Avenue blues", "Shim sham shimmy". Contrary to what is written in the sleeve (and suggested in the title), the session "Ragged and hungry" and "Somebody changed the lock" took place in 1955. Nevertheless, this selection stands out as a remarkable overview of this period. In 1948, following the accidental death of his first wife, he married Lucille Dalton.
BLUES FOR EVERYBODY
Charly
July 1951 - November 1955
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE SINGS THE BLUES
King
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Odeon
April 1953 - November 1955
TWO SHADES OF BLUES
Ember
Audio Lab
February - November 1955
En juillet 1951, il entame une superbe collaboration avec King (un label de Cincinnati). Dupree - habitué à cette époque à passer d'un label à l'autre - restera environ quatre ans chez King. Pour ce label, il proposera une vingtaine de faces entouré de Brownie Mac Ghee, Willis Jackson, Mickey Baker, "Papa" George Lightfoot, George "Harmonica" Smith. Encore une fois, il enchaine les réussites entre Blues et Rhythm & Blues : "The blues got me rockin'", "Please tell me baby", "Harelip baby", "Blues for everybody", "Failing health blues", "Stumbling block", "Mail order woman".
In july 1951, he began a superb collaboration with King (Cincinnati-based label). Dupree - used at that time to move from one label to another - stay about four years at King. For this label, he will offer about twenty sides surrounded by Brownie Mac Ghee, Willis Jackson, Mickey Baker, "Papa" George Lightfoot, George "Harmonica" Smith. Once again, he delivers many successes between Blues and Rhythm & Blues : "The blues got me rockin'", "Please tell me baby", "Harelip baby", "Blues for everybody", "Failing health blues", "Stumbling block", "Mail order woman".
SHAKE BABY SHAKE
Detour
Rondolette
September 1956 - October 1957
Cet album reprend les titres gravés pour Vik et Groove (labels dirigés par Bob Rolontz et appartenant à RCA). Entre Blues urbain, Rhythm & Blues et même Rock & Roll, Jack livre un disque exceptionnel et doté d'une qualité sonore parfaite. Le groupe qui l'accompagne est aussi de premier ordre : le superbe Larry Dale (guitare), Sticks Mac Ghee (guitare), Al Lucas (basse), Gene Moore ou Willie Jones (batterie) selon les séances. Plusieurs pépites extraordinaires figurent parmi les meilleurs réussites de Jack : "Just like a woman", "Old time Rock & Roll", "Down the lane", "Dirty woman", "Shake baby shake", "The wrong woman", "Story of my life" (disponible en version lente et en version rapide). On doit ce magnifique recueil à Bob Jones et Chris Bentley qui l'éditent sur Detour en 1987. Puis, il sera repris sur CD par Rondolette. Un disque admirable, indispensable à toute collection Blues.
This album contains titles recorded for Groove and Vik (labels led by Bob Rolontz and owned by RCA). Between Urban Blues, Rhythm & Blues and even Rock & Roll, Jack delivers an exceptional record with perfect sound quality. The group that accompanies him is also top-notch : the great Larry Dale (guitar), Sticks Mac Ghee (guitar), Al Lucas (bass), Gene Moore or Willie Jones (drums) depending on the sessions. Several extraordinary gems are among Jack's best achievements : "Just like a woman", "Old time Rock & Roll", "Down the lane", "Dirty woman", "Shake baby shake", "The wrong woman", "Story of my life" (available on both slow and fast versions). We must thank Bob Jones and Chris Bentley to have assembled such a beautiful collection on Detour in 1987. Then, it will be reissued on CD by Rondolette. A wonderful album, essential to any Blues collection.
BLUES FROM THE GUTTER
Atlantic
February 1958
En février 1958, Champion Jack Dupree signe chez Atlantic et enregistre ce sublime album sous la supervision du producteur Jerry Wexler à New York. Son groupe ressemble à celui de l'époque Vik-Groove avec notamment Ennis Lowery à la guitare (en fait Larry Dale sous son vrai nom) et Pete Brown au saxophone. Il s'agit d'un album sombre et d'une grande beauté. Jack est à son meilleur et opte pour un son parfois jazzy. On pourrait quasiment citer tous les titres tant l'excellence est constante : "Strollin'", "Can't kick the habit", "Evil woman", "Nasty boogie", "Bad blood", "Goin' down slow", "Frankie & Johnny". Généralement, "Blues from the gutter" est considéré - à juste titre - comme le chef d'oeuvre de Champion Jack Dupree.
In february 1958, Champion Jack Dupree signed to Atlantic and recorded this sublime album under the supervision of producer Jerry Wexler in New York. His group looks like his Vik-Groove's band including Ennis Lowery on guitar (actually Larry Dale under his real name) and Pete Brown on saxophone. This is a dark and beautiful album. Jack is at his best and sometimes opts for a jazzy sound. One could mention almost all the titles as excellence is constant : "Strollin'", "Can't kick the habit", "Evil woman", "Nasty boogie", "Bad blood", "Goin' down slow", "Frankie & Johnny". Generally, "Blues from the gutter" is considered - rightly - as the masterpiece of Champion Jack Dupree.
NATURAL AND SOULFUL BLUES
Atlantic
Collectables
November 1959
Premier album européen de Jack Dupree, il symbolise le début d'une nouvelle aventure pour celui-ci. En effet, lassé des Etats-Unis, il s'installe en Europe à l'instar de nombreux autres bluesmen (Mickey Baker, Memphis Slim) et y restera jusqu'à la fin de sa vie. Venu avec le Harold Davidson's Jazz Shows, il tourne en Grande Bretagne et trouve l'opportunité de graver ce disque. Produit par Denis Preston, accompagné par Alexis Korner et Jack Fallon, il livre un bon album de Piano-Blues dépouillé et élégant avec un bel hommage à Big Bill Broonzy ("Death of Big Bill Broonzy") et de beaux titres comme "Don't leave me Mary", "Seafood blues", "Bad life" et "Mother in law blues".
First european album of Jack Dupree, it symbolizes the beginning of a new adventure for him. Indeed, tired of the United States, he settled in Europe like many other bluesmen (Mickey Baker, Memphis Slim) and will remain there until the end of his life. Came with the Harold Davidson's Jazz Shows, he tours in Britain and found the opportunity to cut this disc. Produced by Denis Preston, accompanied by Alexis Korner and Jack Fallon, he delivers a good album of Piano Blues - stripped and elegant - with a beautiful tribute to Big Bill Broonzy ("Death of Big Bill Broonzy") and nice songs like "Don't leave me Mary", "Seafood blues", "Bad life" and "Mother in law blues".
THE LOST & FOUND SERIES vol.2
CST
December 1959
A l'invitation du jazzman anglais Chris Barber, Jack revient sur le sol anglais. Dans cette anthologie, trois de ses titres sont repris. Il est ici sur une scène londonienne accompagné de la section rythmique de Chris Barber (Dick Smith et Graham Burbridge). On notera que c'est lors de ce voyage en Grande Bretagne qu'il rencontre sa nouvelle femme Shirley.
At the invitation of the british jazzman Chris Barber, Jack comes back on English ground. In this anthology, three of his titles appear. He's here on a London stage accompanied by the rhythm section of Chris Barber (Dick Smith and Graham Burbridge). Note that it was during this trip to Britain he met his new wife Shirley.
CHAMPION OF THE BLUES
Atlantic
Storyville
Collectables
December 1959
Enregistré à Copenhague dans les derniers jours de l'année 1959, ce disque présente Jack seul au piano. Il s'agit d'un album relativement sympathique mais parfois un peu plat. Initialement, les bandes étaient la propriété de Storyville qui les a revendu à Atlantic.
Recorded in Copenhagen in the last days of 1959, this album presents Jack alone on piano. This is a relatively nice album but sometimes a little flat. Initially, the tapes were the property of Storyville who resold them to Atlantic.
BARRELHOUSE BLUES & BOOGIE WOOGIE vol.1 - 3 (LP) vol.1 - 6 (CD)
Storyville
PIANO BLUES vol.1 & 2
Storyville
December 1959 - June 1962
BOOGIE WOOGIE, BOOZE AND WILD WILD WOMEN
Storyville
December 1960 - February 1964
Comme beaucoup de ses confrères bluesmen, Champion Jack Dupree s'installe en Europe en 1960, d'abord à Zurich avec sa femme Shirley. Puis, cinq ans plus tard, le couple déménage à Copenhague au Danemark. La collaboration de Jack avec le label danois Storyville va se révéler extrêmement fructueuse. Depuis la fin de l'année 1959 (et les séances de "Champion of the blues") jusqu'à février 1964, le pianiste américain va enregistrer intensément pour ce label dirigé par Karl-Emil Knudsen. De nombreux albums verront le jour (détaillés plus bas) mais il apparaitra aussi dans plusieurs anthologies comme la série des "Barrelhouse blues & boogie woogie" et des "Piano blues" dans lesquelles on peut trouver des inédits. La compilation "Boogie woogie booze and wild wild women" (et sa jolie pochette) dresse un panorama plutôt convaincant de cette longue et inégale collaboration.
Like many of his fellow bluesmen, Champion Jack Dupree moved to Europe in 1960, first in Zurich with his wife Shirley. Then, five years later, the couple moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. Jack's collaboration with the Danish label Storyville will be extremely fruitful. Since the end of 1959 (and the sessions of "Champion of the blues") up to february 1964, the american pianist will intensely record for the label run by Karl-Emil Knudsen. Many albums will see the light of the day (detailed below) but also appear in several anthologies like the series "Barrelhouse blues & boogie woogie" and "Piano blues" in which one can find unreleased titles. The compilation "Boogie woogie booze and wild wild women" (and its attractive cover) paints a rather convincing overview of this long and uneven collaboration.
NEW ORLEANS PIANO BARRELHOUSE - PIANO BLUES 1960
Magpie
September 1960
Ce CD relate une session anglaise captée à Herstmonceux dans le Sussex. Lors de ces deux jours d'enregistrement - produits par Francis Wilford Smith - Jack grave 34 titres. 19 d'entre eux verront le jour sur ce CD édité en 1992. Le répertoire est varié et l'interprétation inspirée et vivante : "Gravier Street blues", "My cabin inn", "By my mother's bedside", "Mean old Frisco", "Nagging woman blues", "London special".
This CD compiles an english session captured in Herstmonceux in Sussex. During these two days of recording - produced by Francis Wilford Smith - Jack cut 34 titles. 19 of them will emerge on this CD released in 1992. The repertoire is varied and interpretation inspired and alive, "Gravier Street blues", "My cabin inn", "By my mother's bedside", "Mean old Frisco", "Nagging woman blues", "London special".
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE PLAYS LEROY CARR (EP)
Storyville
December 1960
Leroy Carr fut une influence majeure dans le jeu de Champion Jack Dupree. Il a d'ailleurs souvent repris ses morceaux durant sa carrière. Dans cet EP, il donne de belles lectures de "Blues before sunrise", "How long", "Midnight hour", "In the evening".
Leroy Carr was a major influence in Champion Jack Dupree playing. He has often covered his songs during his career. In this EP, he gives beautiful readings of "Blues before sunrise", "How long", "Midnight hour", "In the evening".
TROUBLE TROUBLE
Storyville
December 1960 / October 1961
Centré sur les premières séances pour Storyville notamment celles d'octobre 1961 avec Chris Lange à la guitare, le disque possède quelques bons moments : "Cryin' woman blues", "Schoolday blues", "Broken hearted blues", "Trouble trouble", "I ain't going to be your lowdown dog". Comme pour beaucoup d'autres microsillons Storyville, il fut substantiellement augmenté pour la réédition CD.
Focused on the first sessions for Storyville notably those from october 1961 with Chris Lange on guitar, this disc has a few good moments, "Cryin' woman blues", "Schoolday blues", "Broken hearted blues", "Trouble trouble", "I ain't going to be your lowdown dog". Like many other Storyville LPs, it was substantially enhanced for the CD reissue.
PORTRAITS IN BLUES vol.5
Storyville
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Everest
MERCY ON ME
Time Wind
DOOR TO DOOR BLUES
Tobacco Road
BLUES ROOTS vol.6
Storyville
December 1960 / June 1962
Ce disque provient en grande partie des copieuses séances de juin 1962 et rassemble quelques bons titres, souvent des tempos lents (à l'exception de "When I've been drinking") : "Mercy on me", "Sleeping in the street", une belle reprise de "Lonesome bedroom blues" (composé par Curtis Jones). Il est seulement accompagné de Mogens Seidelin à la contrebasse.
This album comes largely from copious sessions in june 1962 and brings together some good titles, often slow tempos (with the exception of "When I've been drinking"). "Mercy on me", "Sleeping in the street", a beautiful cover of "Lonesome bedroom blues" (composed by Curtis Jones) is only accompanied by Mogens Seidelin on bass.
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Storyville
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE OF NEW ORLEANS
Storyville
December 1960 - June 1962
Nouveau recueil provenant du matériel Storyville. "Three o'clock in the morning" (avec la guitare de Chris Lange), "Whisky head woman" retiennent l'attention. Un ensemble correct mais pas forcément d'une grande originalité. Ici aussi, le microsillon original a été augmenté pour l'édition CD.
New collection from Storyville material. "Three o'clock in the morning" (with Chris Lange on guitar), "Whisky head woman" stand out. Decent set but not necessarily original. Again, the original LP was enhanced for the CD edition.
THE BLUES OF CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Storyville
December 1960 - February 1964
La dizaine de séances pour Storyville donna la matière à plusieurs disques qui peuvent facilement se confondre et qui furent fréquemment réédités et augmentés. Il n'est donc pas toujours facile de s'y retrouver. Dupree est ici seul au piano et réussit quelques belles interprétations de "Things I used to do", "In prison too long", "It's too late", "One by one blues", "President Kennedy blues".
The ten sessions for Storyville gave the material to multiple albums that you can easily confuse and were frequently reprinted and enhanced. It is therefore not always easy to navigate. Dupree is here alone on piano and achieved some great interpretations of "Things I used to do", "In prison too long", "It's too late", "One by one blues", "President Kennedy blues".
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Storyville
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Storyville
TRUCKIN' ON DOWN
Storyville
December 1960 - February 1964
Les recueils Storyville se ressemblent beaucoup et peuvent paraitre parfois routiniers. On trouve ici plusieurs morceaux sympathiques avec le guitariste suisse Chris Lange : "You got to do as I tell you", "Truckin' on down", "Deep sea diver", "Automobile blues", "My baby's gone", "Please don't dog your woman". Ces deux microsillons simplement intitulés "Champion Jack Dupree" ne sont que partiellement repris dans le CD "Truckin' on down".
The Storyville collections are very similar and can sometimes stick to routine. Here we find several nice tracks with the swiss guitarist Chris Lange : "You got to do as I tell you", "Truckin' on down", "Deep sea diver", "Automobile blues", "My baby's gone", "Please don't dog your woman". Both LPs simply titled "Champion Jack Dupree" are only partially included in the CD "Truckin' on down".
THE INCREDIBLE CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Sonet
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Jazz Man
December 1960 - February 1964
Ce disque proposé par Sonet reprend des faces issues des séances pour Storyville. "Big fat mama", "41 highway", "Going to look the world over", "Gravier Street special", "Don't worry" sont des titres agréables, typiques de son style hérité des barrelhouses.
This disc proposed by Sonet compiles sides from Storyville sessions. "Big fat mama", "41 highway", "Going to look the world over", "Gravier Street special", "Don't worry" are nice songs, typical of his barrelhouse style.
THE WOMEN BLUES OF CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Folkways
April 1961
Lors de cette session suisse produite par Chuck Edward Smith, Jack se retrouve leader d'une petite formation électrique composée de Chris Lange (guitare), Fritz Ruegg (basse) et Bobby Lentwiler (batterie). L'ensemble parait parfois un peu monolithique mais mérite largement l'écoute en particulier "Talk to me baby", "Old woman blues", "Hard feelings", "Bus station blues", "Rattlesnake boogie".
During this swiss session produced by Chuck Edward Smith, Jack finds himself leading a small electrical band composed of Chris Lange (guitar), Fritz Ruegg (bass) and Bobby Lentwiler (drums). The whole seems a bit monolithic but is largely worth listening especially "Talk to me baby", "Old woman blues", "Hard feelings", "Bus station blues", "Rattlesnake boogie".
THE BEST OF THE BLUES
Storyville
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Xtra
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Amiga
BLUES MASTERS vol.6
Storyville
October 1961 / June 1962
Ce disque fut réédité sous de nombreux habillages différents par Xtra, Amiga et Storyville avec une track-list assez changeante selon les éditions. Malgré quelques passages un peu ennuyeux ("Tomorrow night"), on trouve quelques bons titres comme "Mean mistreater", "Sporting life blues", "You've been drunk", "Diggin' my potatoes".
This set was reissued in many different packaging by Xtra, Amiga and Storyville with a quite changeable track-list depending on the edition. Despite some passages a bit boring ("Tomorrow night"), there are some good songs like "Mean mistreater", "Sporting life blues", "You've been drunk", "Diggin' my potatoes".
AMERICANS IN EUROPE vol.2
Impulse
January 1963
I BLUESKVARTER vol.3
Jefferson
January 1964
Champion Jack Dupree est enregistré pour une radio suédoise par Olle Helander (qui l'avait rencontré à Copenhague). Il interprète à cette occasion "Drive 'em down special", "I feel like a millionaire" et "Barrelhouse woman" le tout entrecoupé d'extraits d'interviews passionants.
Champion Jack Dupree is recorded for a swedish radio by Olle Helander (who had met in Copenhagen). He interprets for this occasion "Drive 'em down special", "I feel like a millionaire" and "Barrelhouse woman" all interspersed with excerpts from fascinating interviews.
THE BLUES OF CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Storyville
February 1964
Dernière séance pour Storyville en février 1964 dans laquelle Jack est accompagné par Ole Christiansen (basse) et Alex Riel (batterie). Ce petit groupe lui permet d'avoir un son un peu plus dynamique que d'habitude. Il y a notamment une très belle version de "I feel like a millionaire" et une jolie reprise de "Drinkin' wine spodee-o-dee".
Last session for Storyville in february 1964 in which Jack is accompanied by Ole Christiansen (bass) and Alex Riel (drums). This small backing band allows him to have a little more dynamic sound than usual. There is especially a beautiful version of "I feel like a millionaire" and a nice cover of "Drinkin' wine spodee-o-dee".
LONDON SPECIAL (EP)
Decca
June 1964
Cet EP possède l'intéressante particularité d'être la première séance de Jack pour Decca en juin 1964 en compagnie du Keith Smith's Climat Jazz Band (alors que Dupree était encore en contrat avec Storyville). L'entente entre le jazz band et Jack n'est pas forcément toujours évidente mais l'ensemble s'écoute avec interêt. On note la présence du jeune Jimmy Page enregistré en overdubs.
This EP has the interesting particularity of being Jack's first session for Decca in june 1964 alongside Keith Smith's Climate Jazz Band (while Dupree was still under contract with Storyville). The feeling between the jazz band and Jack is not necessarily always obvious but the whole can be listened with interest. We note the presence of the young Jimmy Page recorded afterwards in overdubs.
BLUES NOW
Decca
June 1964
FROM NEW ORLEANS TO CHICAGO
Decca
Crosscut
WON'T BE A FOOL NO MORE
See for Miles
LIVING BLUES
Decca
November 1965
Avec le producteur anglais Mike Vernon, Champion Jack Dupree est présenté ici en compagnie des jeunes musiciens du blues boom anglais : John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Tony Mac Phee, Keef Hartley. A ce titre, il s'agit d'un album historique pour ce qui est de la diffusion du blues en Europe. Beaucoup de belles réussites sont à mettre au crédit de ce disque : "Third degree" (un classique d'Eddie Boyd), "He knows the rule" (avec le bottleneck d'Eric Clapton), "Big leg Emma's", le traditionnel néo-orléanais "Oh la la", "Pigfoot and a bottle of beer", "Shim sham shimmy".
With english producer Mike Vernon, Champion Jack Dupree is presented here with the young musicians of the british blues boom : John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Tony Mac Phee, Keef Hartley. As such, it is a historical album in terms of Blues spreading in Europe. Many achievements are contained here : "Third degree" (an Eddie Boyd's classic), "He knows the rule" (with Eric Clapton's bottleneck), "Big Leg Emma's", the New Orleans traditional "Oh la la", "Pigfoot and a bottle of beer", "Shim sham shimmy".
RAW BLUES
Ace of Clubs
Decca
November 1965
On trouve ici deux morceaux supplémentaires issus des séances organisées par Mike Vernon en novembre 1965 : le superbe "Calcutta blues" avec Eric Clapton et une jolie reprise du "24 hours" d'Eddie Boyd.
Here are two additional songs from the sessions organized by Mike Vernon in november 1965 : the superb "Calcutta blues" with Eric Clapton and a nice cover of Eddie Boyd's "24 hours".
DUPREE 'N MC PHEE
Ace
November 1965
Malgré ce qui est écrit un peu partout (et sur la pochette du disque), cette séance s'est déroulée en novembre 1965 et non en 1967 d'après la Blues Discography officielle, quelques jours après les séances de "From New Orleans to Chicago". Jack est ici uniquement accompagné par le guitariste anglais Tony Mac Phee. Les deux hommes se complètent parfaitement : Jack chantant avec aisance et goût, Mac Phee procurant un jeu de guitare pertinent et varié.
Despite what is written everywhere (including the album cover), this session took place in november 1965 and not in 1967 according to the official Blues Discography, a few days after the sessions of "From New Orleans to Chicago". Jack is here only accompanied by english guitarist Tony Mac Phee. The two men complement one another perfectly : Jack singing with ease and taste, Mac Phee providing a relevant and varied guitar playing.
JIVIN' WITH JACK
Jasmine
May 1966
Concert à la Manchester Sports Guild (où siégeait la Manchester's Jazz Society) en mai 1966. Il s'agit d'une performance inédite proposée par Jasmine en 2002. Un double CD un peu long : des morceaux auraient gagné à être raccourcis, nombreux intermèdes parlés. Peu après en 1967, Jack et sa femme s'installent à Halifax, une ville proche de Leeds et Manchester.
Concert at the Manchester Sports Guild (where sat the Manchester's Jazz Society) in may 1966. This is an unreleased performance offered by Jasmine in 2002. A double CD a bit long : tracks would have been best shortened, many spoken interludes. Soon after in 1967, Jack and his wife moved to Halifax, a city close to Leeds and Manchester.
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE FEATURING MICKEY BAKER
Decca
BGO
JACK AND MICKEY IN HEAVY BLUES
Sire - London
April 1967
Nouvelle livraison pour Decca avec Mike Vernon comme producteur. En compagnie d'un orchestre complet (comprenant Mickey Baker et une section cuivres), Jack propose un album plaisant composé de faces convaincantes comme "Barrelhouse woman", "One dirty woman" ou "Garbage man".
New installment for Decca with Mike Vernon as a producer. Accompanied by a full orchestra (including Mickey Baker and a horn section), Jack offers a pleasant album including convincing sides as "Barrelhouse woman", "One dirty woman" or "Garbage man".
WHEN YOU FEEL THE FEELING YOU WAS FEELING
Blue Horizon
THE COMPLETE BLUE HORIZON SESSIONS
Blue Horizon
April 1968
Premier album pour Blue Horizon produit par Mike Vernon. Le microsillon original contient deux faces bien distinctes : la première dans laquelle Jack est seul au piano, la seconde est orchestrale avec Duster Bennett, Paul Kossoff entre autres. Relativement ennuyeux, semblant parfois improvisé ("Roll on"), ce disque n'est pas très satisfaisant (on peut éventuellement ressortir "Gutbucket").
Blue Horizon debut album produced by Mike Vernon. The original LP contains two distinct sides : the first in which Jack is alone on piano, the second is orchestral with Duster Bennett, Paul Kossoff among others. Relatively boring, seeming sometimes improvised ("Roll on"), this set is not very satisfactory (you can possibly point out "Gutbucket").
ANTHOLOGIE DU BLUES vol.1
Vogue
THE TRICKS
Vogue
GNP - Crescendo
I HAD A DREAM
Vogue
April 1968
Séance parisienne en compagnie du guitariste Mickey Baker. Leur entente est parfaite (on les entend, d'ailleurs, discuter et plaisanter). Plus dépouillé que ses dernières productions pour Decca ou Blue Horizon, ce microsillon, édité par Vogue, propose un blues acoustique prenant et inspiré. Quelques très beaux moments comme "The tricks", "In the evening", "Early in the morning", "My next door neib", "I had a dream" sans oublier l'hommage recueilli "Death of Luther King". Certainement un de ses meilleurs albums des années 60.
Paris session with guitarist Mickey Baker. They play together perfectly (we hear them, moreover, discuss and joke). More stripped than his past productions for Decca or Blue Horizon, this LP, edited by Vogue, offers engaging and inspired acoustic blues. Some great moments like "The tricks", "In the evening", "Early in the morning", "My next door neib", "I had a dream" without forgetting the collected tribute "Death of Luther King". Certainly one of his best albums of the 60's.
SCOOBY DOOBY DOO
Blue Horizon
BLUES MASTERS vol.10
Blue Horizon
THE COMPLETE BLUE HORIZON SESSIONS
Blue Horizon
February 1969
Pour ce second opus chez Blue Horizon, Jack est entouré d'un ensemble de cordes, une section cuivres et d'un groupe disparate avec Mick Taylor, Aynsley Dunbar, Keef Hartley. La pochette est un peu ridicule, certains titres sont sans interêt ("I want to be a hippy", "Puff puff"). Mais, quand les musiciens se recentrent sur le Blues, le résultat est meilleur ("Blues before sunrise", "Grandma"). Globalement, ce "Scooby dooby doo" est plus réussi que "When you feel the feeling you was feeling".
For this second installment for Blue Horizon, Jack is surrounded by a string ensemble, a horn section and a disparate group with Mick Taylor, Aynsley Dunbar, Keef Hartley. The cover is a bit ridiculous, some titles without interest ("I want to be a hippy", "Puff puff"). But when the musicians are focusing on Blues, the result is best ("Blues before sunrise", "Grandma"). Overall, "Scooby dooby doo" is better than "When you feel the feeling you was feeling".
THE COMPLETE BLUE HORIZON SESSIONS
Blue Horizon
June 1969
Dans ce double CD qui reprend "When you feel the feeling you was feeling" et "Scooby dooby doo", on trouve également plusieurs pistes inédites provenant d'un concert anglais de juin 1969. Les musiciens sont restés inconnus. Les bandes sont d'une excellente qualité sonore et méritent l'écoute.
In this double CD that contains "When you feel the feeling you was feeling" and "Scooby dooby doo", there are also several new tracks from an english concert in june 1969. The musicians have remained unknown. The tapes have an excellent sound quality and are worth listening.
THE HEART OF THE BLUES IS SOUND
BYG
Charly
HOME
Charly
ST CLAUDE AND DUMAINE
Fuel 2000
August 1969
Cet album a été gravé à Londres pour le label français BYG et produit par Jean Luc Young et Jean Georgakarakos. L'idée était d'associer le bluesman Champion Jack Dupree et le groupe anglais The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Le son est confus parfois cacophonique et on a l'impression qui les musiciens improvisent tous de leur côté ("You rascal you", "The japanese special"). Ce disque inepte a été réédité sous de nombreux habillages.
This album was cut in London for the french label BYG and produced by Jean Luc Young and Jean Georgakarakos. The idea was to combine the bluesman Champion Jack Dupree and the english group The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. The sound is confused sometimes cacophonous and it seems that all the musicians improvise on their side ("You rascal you", "The japanese special"). This inept disc was reissued under many packagings.
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL '70
Scout
L+R
November 1970
Invité pour la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival de 1970, Jack est simplement accompagné de Willie Dixon et Clifton James. Accompagnement minimal mais efficacité maximale, sa prestation s'avère excellente (une superbe version de "Going to Louisiana").
Invited for the American Folk Blues Festival 1970 tour, Jack is simply accompanied by Willie Dixon and Clifton James. Minimal accompaniment but maximum efficiency, his performance is excellent (a great version of "Going to Louisiana").
CLUB SESSION
CSA
February 1971
Dans ce microsillon suédois, Jack interprète des standards du blues en mode jazzy et en public, en compagnie d'Ole "Fessor" Lindgreen. Des standards joués dans des versions un peu longues et ennuyeuses.
In this swedish LP, Jack interprets standards in a jazzy blues mode and in public, along with Ole "Fessor" Lindgreen. Standard played in little long and boring versions.
ALIVE LIVE AND WELL
Chrischaa
OH LORD WHAT I HAVE DONE
Ornament
Chrisly
CMA
May 1971 / October 1972
Ce disque a été assemblé à partir de deux concerts allemands par Siegfried Christmann. Seul au piano, Jack Dupree délivre une performance correcte (une reprise de "Drinkin' wine spodie-o-die" et un hommage inattendu au jazzman Fats Waller) mais souvent plate.
This set was assembled from two german concerts by Siegfried Christmann. Alone at the piano, Jack Dupree delivers a decent performance (a cover of "Drinkin' wine spodie-o-die" and an unexpected tribute to jazzman Fats Waller) but often flat.
BLUES AT MONTREUX
Atlantic
Collectables
June 1971
Lors de son passage au prestigieux festival de Montreux, Champion Jack Dupree s'associe au saxophoniste King Curtis. D'un point de vue musical, les deux artistes n'ont pas beaucoup de points communs. Pourtant, le résultat s'avère remarquable ("Junker's blues", "Sneaky Pete", "Get with it"). Derrière eux, on trouve Cornell Dupree (guitare, aucun lien de parenté avec Jack), Jerry Jemmott (basse) et Oliver Jackson (batterie).
During his performance at the prestigious Montreux Festival, Champion Jack Dupree joins the saxophonist King Curtis. From a musical point of view, the two artists have not much in common. Yet, the result is remarkable ("Junker's blues", "Sneaky Pete", "Get with it"). Behind them, we find Cornell Dupree (guitar, no kinship with Jack), Jerry Jemmott (bass) and Oliver Jackson (drums).
I'M HAPPY TO BE FREE
Vogue
GNP Crescendo
THE DEATH OF LOUIS
Vogue
Blues Legacy
July 1971
Lors de cette séance de l'été 1971, Jack est entouré du saxophoniste Hal Singer, du guitariste Mickey Baker et d'une section rythmique française (Henri Tischitz et Claude Guilhot). L'ensemble est assez inégal malgré des moments plutôt intéressants ("Real trouble", "One bourbon one scotch one beer", "Alberta"). La réédition CD ajoute cinq titres inédits.
During this summer 1971 session, Jack is surrounded by saxophonist Hal Singer, guitarist Mickey Baker and a french rhythm section (Henri Tischitz and Claude Guilhot). The set is quite uneven despite rather interesting moments ("Real trouble", "One bourbon one scotch one beer", "Alberta"). The CD reissue adds five unreleased titles.
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Festival
1971
Bandes live sur une scène européenne possédant une qualité sonore passable. Une performance routinière sans flamme franchement ennuyeuse pour l'auditeur. Dessin de pochette vraiment moche.
Live tapes from a european stage with a passable sound quality. A routine performance without flame frankly boring for the listener. Really ugly drawing on the cover.
THE LEGACY OF THE BLUES vol.3
Sonet
THE SONET BLUES STORY
Verve
1971
"The legacy of the blues" était une série de disques publiée par la firme suédoise Sonet dont la production était confiée à Sam Charters. Champion Jack Dupree est ici associé à de bons musiciens anglais : Hughie Flint, Benny Gallagher, Peter Curtley, Paul Rowan. Album dynamique et abouti, on y trouve notamment l'excellent "Vietnam blues" ainsi que "Anything you want", "Down and out", "Jit a bug jump".
"The legacy of the blues" was a series of records published by the swedish firm Sonet whose production was entrusted to Sam Charters. Champion Jack Dupree is here associated with good english musicians : Hughie Flint, Benny Gallagher, Peter Curtley, Paul Rowan. Dynamic and accomplished album, we find especially the excellent "Vietnam blues" and also "Anything you want", "Down and out", "Jit a bug jump".
ALL NIGHT LONG LIVE
BEV
1972
Concert datant de 1972 capté à Ulm par Siegfried Christmann. Les bandes appartenant à la firme Ornament furent revendues pour cette édition CD. Une qualité sonore très correcte pour une performance souvent ennuyeuse avec des titres trop longs.
Concert from 1972 in Ulm captured by Siegfried Christmann. The tapes belonging to Ornament company were sold for this CD edition. Sound quality very good for an often boring performance with too long tracks.
BAD LUCK BLUES
Blue Nose
July 1973 / August 1975
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Friendship
January 1974
THE HAMBURG SESSION
Happy Bird
Vagabond
Take 5
1974
Séances acoustiques et électriques en compagnie de musiciens allemands. Un ensemble plutôt plaisant quoique mineur qui devrait intéresser les fans confirmés de Champion Jack Dupree.
Electric and acoustic sessions with german musicians. A rather pleasant although minor set that should interest confirmed fans of Champion Jack Dupree.
SHAKESPEARE SAYS
Saravah
April 1976
Séance française pour le label Saravah de Pierre Barouh gravée en seulement 4 heures. Jack est accompagné de Larry Martin (guitare), Zox alias François Camuzeaux (basse) et Jacques Mahieux (batterie). Un bon set de blues qui mérite l'écoute notamment grâce à l'ambiance chaleureuse qui semble régner dans le studio.
French session for Pierre Barouh's Saravah label recorded in just 4 hours. Jack is accompanied by Larry Martin (guitar), Zox alias François Camuzeaux (bass) and Jacques Mahieux (drums). A good set of blues that deserves listening especially thanks to the warm atmosphere that seems to reign in the studio.
1977
Isadora
WALKIN' THE ROAD
EPM
HAMHARK & LIMER BEANS
Paris Album
January 1977
Jack est accompagné de Larry Martin (guitariste et producteur), Paul Pechenaert (guitare), Michel Carras (orgue), Zox (basse) et Jacques Mahieux (batterie). "Hamhark & limer beans", "Let me in I am drunk", "Walkin' the road" figurent parmi les meilleurs titres de cet album plutôt correct.
Jack is backed by Larry Martin (guitarist and producer), Paul Pechenaert (guitar), Michel Carras (organ), Zox (bass) and Jacques Mahieux (drums). "Hamhark & limer beans", "Let me in I am drunk", "Walkin' the road" are among the best songs of this pretty decent album.
LIVE
Free Bird
March 1979
Ce LP reprend quelques longs morceaux issus d'un concert en région parisienne. Ambiance relachée mais set-list bien classique et privilégiant les tempos lents. Une prestation scénique mineure et parfois ennuyeuse.
This LP compiles some long tracks from a concert in Paris' suburb. Relaxed atmosphere but very classic set-list favoring slow tempos. A minor and sometimes boring stage performance.
JAMMING WITH ALBERT
Blues Tune
July 1979
Deux très long titres (plus de 10 minutes) de Champion Jack Dupree en leader sur ce disque majoritairement consacré à Albert Collins. Ces deux morceaux proviennent de la prestation de Jack au festival de Montreux en 1979.
Two very long titles (over 10 minutes) of Champion Jack Dupree as a leader on this disc mainly devoted to Albert Collins. These two tracks come from Jack's performance at the Montreux Festival in 1979.
REAL COMBINATION
Dig It
WEA
February 1980
Associé cette fois à des musiciens finlandais - en particulier l'harmoniciste Henry (alias Henry Ojutkangas) - Jack Dupree délivre un sympathique opus de Piano Blues. Bien que bon harmoniciste, Henry est par contre un piètre chanteur.
Associate this time with finnish musicians - especially harmonicist Henry (aka Henry Ojutkangas) - Jack Dupree delivers a nice set of Piano Blues. Although good harmonica player, Henry is however a poor singer.
FREEDOM
Pinorekk
February - March 1980
LIVE AT ROCKPALAST
Mig Music
1980
Ce double-CD + DVD a été édité à l'occasion de la célébration des 25 ans de la mort de "Champion" Jack Dupree en 2017. Très à l'aise lors de ce concert allemand de 1980, il propose un répertoire varié entre slow-blues brillant ("Schooldays", "Bad luck"), boogie woogie ("Jack's Pinetop boogie") et quelques standards ("Baby don't go", "Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee"). Jack raconte aussi histoires et plaisanteries au public dans une ambiance joyeuse. Il est accompagné du guitariste danois Kenn Lending (au jeu toujours bien placé). Un regret tout de même : des titres souvent un peu trop longs.
This double-CD + DVD was issued on the occasion of the celebration of 25 years of "Champion" Jack Dupree's death in 2017. Very comfortable during this german concert of 1980, he offers a varied repertoire between brilliant slow-blues ("Schooldays", "Bad luck"), boogie woogie ("Jack's Pinetop boogie") and some standards ("Baby don't go", "Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee"). Jack also tells stories and jokes to the audience in a happy atmosphere. He is accompanied by the danish guitarist Kenn Lending (his playing is always well placed). A regret however : titles are often a little too long.
THE LEGENDARY CHAMPION JACK DUPREE 1980-1988
Pinorekk
1980 - 1988 ?
I HAD THAT DREAM
Pinorekk
ROCKIN' THE BOOGIE
Blue Moon
April 1982
GET YOU AN OL' MAN
Paris Album
WALKIN' THE ROAD
EPM
January 1983
Jack grave ce disque à Ivry sur Seine (production de Michel Carras) en compagnie de Louisiana Red et de la chanteuse Brenda Bell. Une curiosité inattendue : le titre "President Reagan" consacrée au président américain.
Jack records this disc in Ivry sur Seine (production by Michel Carras) with Louisiana Red and singer Brenda Bell. An unexpected curiosity : the title "President Reagan" related to the american president.
BLUES FOR EVERYBODY
High Grade
August 1983
AFTER ALL
Ornament
CMA
July 1984
THE JUBILEE ALBUM : THE 75 YEARS OF CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Pinorekk
Blue Moon
September 1984
CHAMP'S HOUSEWARMING
Vagabond
February 1988
ON STAGE WITH CHAMPION JACK DUPREE
Vagabond
February 1988
LIVE AT THE BURNLEY BLUES FESTIVAL
JSP
THE FIRST BURNLEY BLUES FESTIVAL
JSP
LIVE WITH THE BIG TOWN PLAYBOYS
JSP
GET BACK JACK DO IT AGAIN
Catfish
March 1989
Capté en mars 1989 lors du festival de Burnley (à côté de Manchester en Angleterre). Les Big Town Playboys (Andy Silvester, Ian Jennings, Alan Nicholls, Clive Deamer) assurent un accompagnement dynamique et homogène. Cependant, certains morceaux gagneraient à être raccourcis. Champion Jack Dupree - presque octogénaire - se montre en pleine forme et n'a rien perdu de sa verve ("I used to love you", "Sweet little baby", "Junker blues", "Rock the boogie woogie").
Captured in march 1989 at the Burnley festival (near Manchester in England). The Big Town Playboys (Andy Silvester, Ian Jennings, Alan Nicholls, Clive Deamer) ensure a dynamic and homogeneous support. However, some songs would benefit from being shortened. Champion Jack Dupree - almost octogenarian - shows himself in top form and has lost none of his verve ("I used to love you", "Sweet little baby", "Junker blues", "Rock the boogie woogie").
BACK HOME IN NEW ORLEANS
Bullseye
May 1990
Comme le titre l'indique, Champion Jack Dupree fait son retour aux USA après plus de trente ans d'absence. Ce retour se fait à l'occasion du New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival de 1990 puis par l'enregistrement de ce disque. Pour Bullseye (un label appartenant à Rounder), le vieux bluesman est entouré de musiciens compétents et attentifs : Kenn Lending, Wayne Bennett, Alvin "Red" Tyler, Gordon "Sax" Beadle. La production de Ron Levy donne aussi beaucoup de relief à la musique jouée ici. "When I'm drinking", "I don't know", "Freedom", "Way down" méritent assurément l'écoute.
As the title suggests, Champion Jack Dupree made his return to the USA after more than thirty years of absence. This come back is made at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1990 and then by recording this record. For Bullseye (a label owned by Rounder), the old bluesman is surrounded by competent and attentive musicians : Kenn Lending, Wayne Bennett, Alvin "Red" Tyler, Gordon "Sax" Beadle. Production of Ron Levy also gives much relief to the music played here. "When I'm drinking", "I don't know", "Freedom", "Way down" certainly worth listening.
CHAMPION JACK DUPREE SINGS BLUES CLASSICS
Vagabond
September 1990
FOREVER AND EVER
Bullseye
May 1991
ONE LAST TIME
Bullseye
Pinorekk
1991
Dernier album du pianiste Champion Jack Dupree mettant un point final à une carrière fructueuse qui dura plus de 50 ans ! Après une nouvelle participation au New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival et une tournée organisée par Dick Waterman, il grave ici son troisième opus pour Bullseye (production de Ron Levy). Il contient de belles reprises de "She's jail bait", "Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee", "Early in the morning". Jack décède au début de l'année 1992 à Hanovre (Allemagne) où il résidait depuis de nombreuses années.
Last album of pianist Champion Jack Dupree putting an end to a successful career that lasted over 50 years ! After further participation in New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and a tour organized by Dick Waterman, he cuts here his third album for Bullseye (production by Ron Levy). It contains beautiful covers of "She's jail bait", "Drinkin' wine spo-dee-o-dee", "Early in the morning". Jack died in early 1992 in Hannover (Germany) where he resided for many years.