Superblue was an American jazz ensemble that released two albums for Blue Note Records in 1988 and 1989. ^{[1] [2]} It was led by Don Sickler. ^[3] The ensemble played in the hard bop style of Blue Note acts of the 1950s and 1960s. ^[4]

The Los Angeles Times wrote of the ensemble's debut: "Watson's ripe-toned alto on 'Summertime' and Pierce's romping tenor on 'Sesame' are just two highlights of this excellent effort that reaffirms the lasting value of mainstream jazz." ^[5] The Globe and Mail determined that the second album avoids the "out-and-out revivalism with little-big-band charts that remove the tunes to some distance from their funky origins." ^[6]

Superblue

Superblue (1988) featured an octet including Bobby Watson, Roy Hargrove, Mulgrew Miller, Frank Lacy, Bill Pierce, Kenny Washington, Don Sickler, and Bob Hurst.

1. "Open Sesame"
2. " I Remember Clifford"
3. "M. and M."
4. "Marvelous Marvin"
5. "Once Forgotten"
6. "Conservation"
7. " Summertime"
8. "Time Off"

Superblue 2

Superblue 2 (1989) featured Sickler, Watson, Hurst, Wallace Roney, Robin Eubanks, Ralph Moore, Renee Rosnes, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

1. "Flight to Jordan"
2. "Nica's Dream"
3. " 'Round Midnight"
4. "Take Your Pick"
5. "Blue Minor"
6. " Autumn Leaves"
7. " Blue Bossa"
8. "Desert Moonlight"
9. "Low Tide"
10. "Cool Struttin"

References