Illinois Jacquet

The jazz tenor sax player died July 22 at the age of 81 in Queens, N.Y. A seminal figure in R&B, Jacquet played with some of the great big bands, including ones led by Lionel Hampton, Cab Calloway, and Count Basie. (Rebroadcast From Oct. 13, 1988).

The tenor saxophonist's father led a big band; Jacquet later played with Count Basie's group. He says that, early on, he was able to imitate the sound of great musicians of his era, but was slow to develop his own style.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the reissue Jumpin at the Apollo (Delmark) featuring saxophonist Illinois Jacquet.