Chris Gage #1 - The McClean Sessions Recorded 1952 280amp3

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Chris (b Giesinger, Christian) Gage. Pianist, organist, b Regina 12 Dec 1927, d North Vancouver 27 Dec 1964. He began his career at seven as the pianist in a dance band led by his brother Jerry, a tenor saxophonist, travelling with the band in midwestern Canada for some 15 years, save for a period ca 1946 spent working with Paul Perry. He was heard on CKCK radio from Regina, and on the CBC from Winnipeg. Settling in Vancouver in 1949 Gage quickly became that city's leading jazz pianist, for many years accompanied by the bassist Stan Johnson (b Calgary 23 May 1931, d Vancouver 24 May 1999) and the drummer Jim Wightman (b Regina 5 Jul 1930). Reportedly declining offers to tour with Louis Armstrong, Gerry Mulligan, and Peggy Lee, Gage remained in Vancouver until his death. He led the houseband 1961-3 at the nightclub the Cave, starred on 'Blues and a Ballad' (1960), and appeared in such CBC TV series as 'Meet Lorraine' (1958, with Lorraine McAllister) and 'Quintet' and 'Eleanor' (1962 and 1964, both with Eleanor Collins). ~ Bob Smith for The Canadian Encyclopedia

s album is dedicated to Chris Gage -a talented performer who met his end far too soon. This jam session shows the promise of a 23 year old musician with others who continued to be performing during my time in Vancouver.This was recorded by Jack Cullen of CKNW radio .The first disc features Betty Power in the McLean sessions from 1951.

second disc has other sessions with Betty Power and some recordings I myself recorded at jam sessions at my home with Lance Harrison, Dave Todd, Harry Busby , Gerry Teahan, Sonya Marie , Andy Fielding . Also included are two songs with a "Big Band" ~ Mickey Clark