Chris Gage #1 - The McClean Sessions Recorded 1952 CD280a

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

This second album concludes sessions with Betty Power and Chris Gage, also with John Emerson from a radio aircheck , Bud Henderson's Band. Jack Cullen of CKNW radio Vancouver's Owl Prowl makes a cameo appearance - with the usual comedic touches and fabulous piano from Chris Gage. Chris Gage's ensemble on Loch Lomond includes Ray Norris-g, Stan "Cuddles" Johnson-sb and Jim Wightman-d. Claude Logan-p and Henry Scammell-v of the Cave Supper Club in Vancouver recorded a souvenier 78 rpm about 1950-presented here as a bit of Vancouver history. I hosted and recorded some very casual jam sessions at my home with Harry Busby, Perry Dickison Andy Fielding, Lance Harrison, Sonya Marie of Rossini's Kitsilano, Gerry Teahan, Dave Todd. Also included are yours truly singing with a Vancouver Big Band and my singing debut with Kansas City Express recorded at the Hot Jazz Club . Last but not least is a bit of dialogue and music with Lance - I've always loved the way Lance talks with his charming sense of humour - ~ Mickey Clark

1. Almost like Being in Love - John Emerson?- Betty Power LERNER - LOWE
2. Who Wouldn't Love You?- Chris Gage & Jack Cullen CAREY-FISCHER
3. There'll Be Some Changes Made - Chris Gage & Jack Cullen OVERSTREET-HIGGINS
4. Down in Lily Valley - Bobby Hughes & Chris Gage RUDD
5. Loch Lomond - Chris Gage Trio Ray Norris - g? "Cuddles" Johnson - bb, Jim Wightman -d Bud Henderson & Betty Power
6. Our Love is Here to Stay GERSHWIN
7. Love You Madly take 2 ELLINGTON
8. When the Saints Come Marching In TRADITIONAL
9. I've Got a Crush on You GERSHWIN
10. Lover's Hideout UNKNOWN

    John Emerson & Betty Power

11. I've Got the World On a String KOELER-ARLEN
12. I Could Write a Book RODGERS-HART
13. My Romance -closing John Emerson RODGERS-HART
14. Charmaine -Claude Logan - piano Henry Scammell- vocal.... of the Cave Supper Club LEASER-RAPEE
15. Diane -Claude Logan - piano Henry Scammell- vocal..... of the Cave Supper Club RAPEE-POLLACK The following selections were recorded at live jams and gigs
16. Pennies From Heaven Dave Todd - c, Harry Busby - t , Lance Harrison, M.G.Teahan - p JOHNSTON-BURKE
17. Carolina in the Morning Perry Dickison & Mickey Clark KAHN-DONALDSON
18. Baby Won't You Please Come Home Harry Busby-t,Dave Todd Lance Harrison -cl -M.G.Teahan -p WARFIELD-WILLIAMS
19. The Lady is a Tramp - Sonya Marie -Mickey Clark RODGERS-HART
20. Our Love is Here to Stay-Harry Busby -t Dave Todd Andy Fielding - p g.Teahan M.Clark-v GERSHWIN
21. Swing down the Lane / Learning the Blues - Mickey Clark with Big Band JONES-SILVERS
22. I Can't Get Started -Kansas City Express & Mickey Clark -Hot Jazz Club Vancouver DUKE
23. Sentimental Baby Lance Harrison - Mickey Clark PALMER

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