Paul Asaro’s ebullient stride-piano technique vividly
evokes an earlier era. You don’t encounter pre-bebop jazz
of this quality and commitment very often anymore.”
– Howard Reich of Chicago Tribune
Browsing Author Archives
Paul Asaro And The Fat Babies – New Album on CD and Vinyl!
“What A Heavenly Dream” In this highly-anticipated Rivermont Records release, Paul Asaro and The Fat Babies pay homage to the recordings of “Fats” Waller and His Rhythm. Asaro takes center stage here with piano and vocals that recall the humor, wit, and sublime pianistic talents of Waller without ever resorting to slavish imitation. With him are The Fat Babies, favorites on the Chicago jazz scene, who fully capture the spontaneous excitement of the original Waller recordings with a fresh twist. In addition to Asaro at the piano, the band includes Andy Schumm, cornet; John Otto, clarinet; Jake Sanders, guitar; Beau Sample, bass; and Alex Hall, drums. CD includes a 12-page illustrated booklet with liner notes by Paul Asaro. 54 minutes. NOTE: This recording is available both as standard audio CD and also as an audiophile-grade vinyl LP limited to 500 copies (in your choice of crystal clear or standard black vinyl). BONUS: Each LP includes a complimentary CD copy of the entire album. Enjoy the album on vinyl and CD for the same price as the CD alone. Available at any Fat Babies appearance or visit www.rivermontrecords.com to order online.
First Fat Babies Album Release on Delmark Records
The debut release by Chicago’s newest hot jazz group, The Fat Babies. The band was founded by string bassist and band leader, Beau Sample, and has held down a Sunday residency at Chicago’s Honky Tonk BBQ and a Tuesday residency at Chicago’s Green Mill ever since. The Fat Babies consists of Sample, bass; Andy Schumm, cornet; John Otto, clarinet/saxophone; Dave Bock, trombone; Paul Asaro, piano; Jake Sanders, tenor banjo; and Alex Hall, drums. Chicago Hot is a collection of 20s and 30s tunes mostly from Chicago’s south side. The band takes on recordings by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Erskine Tate, Freddie Keppard, Jimmy Noone, and Bix Beiderbecke which are infectiously danceable and endlessly engaging. CD can be purchased at any Fat Babies appearance or online from Delmark Records at http://jazzmart.com/product/delmark.htm
Golden Wedding (Live at the Blind Pig)
The Blind Pig in Champaign, IL is my local saloon to relax and play on my own piano when I’m off the road. It’s usually much too dark to get a good video there so I’m happy to have this footage carefully shot by my brother, Peter Asaro. “Golden Wedding” is a classic arrangement by one of my all time favorite stride piano players, Donald Lambert.
Blind Pig Blues (Live at the Blind Pig)
Improvised blues live at the Blind Pig, Champaign, IL.
Snowy Morning Blues, Live!
This is from my recent solo tour for Allied Concerts. More to come…
Paul Asaro on “Boardwalk Empire” with Vince Giordano
Paul just finished four days of shooting for the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire”. He will appear on screen as the pianist in a six piece band featuring Vince Giordano. Vince just won a Grammy for the musical soundtrack of this show. Keep a look out for season three…
“Caravan”
The Fat Babies are recording an album…
The Chicago based jazz band The Fat Babies will heading into Pogo Studio in Champaign, IL in late January to record their first album. The tunes will be selected mainly from the classic recordings of the Fats Waller & His Rhythm band played in an early 1930s swing groove. Besides Paul on piano the band will include Beau Sample, bass, Alex Hall, drums, Jacob Sanders, guitar, Andy Schumm, cornet, and John Otto, clarinet & sax.
On Stage with Leon Redbone
On Tour with Leon Redbone
I’ll be on tour with Leon Redbone in the coming months.
Check out my tour schedule and come out to a show!