Al Basile first met Duke Robillard in 1969. Duke talked Al into joining Roomful of Blues in 1973, and Al Basile became Roomful of Blues' first trumpet player. While with them he played with Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Red Prysock and Joe Turner. In 1975 he left to become a teacher but continued to work in the New England area and played with Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Johnny Johnson and others. Duke Robillard finally released "Roomful of Blues" first album and thus elevated himself into blues history. After Duke left Roomful of Blues Al's songs began to appear on Duke's records for Rounder, Stony Plain, Pointblank and Shanachie. His songs have been used in television, film and even recorded by Ruth Brown. Duke Robillard and Al Basile have remained friends throughout the years and Duke has produced all four Al Basile records.

"Red Breath" Al's third album was released in 2003 on the "Sweet Spot" label. "Red Breath" begins with a wonderful instrumental, Rodgers and Hart's, "Are You My Love". Al Basile plays "cornet" on it and thus begins this dream of an album. The next song is about Al's favorite team, The Red Sox, but he doesn't really say. He does say however, "This Could Be the Year, there's a brand new beginning if you could stay past the end". Once again the cornet solo is wonderful as is Paul Odeh's piano. Duke plays the guitars as Marty Ballou handles the bass while Marty Richards plays drums. "Could It Be You" is next. Marty's bass and Paul's piano solo perfectly. This and the previous song are wonderful original compositions. Vernon Duke and John La Touche's "You Took Me By Surprise", and Duke Ellington's "I Didn't Know About You" follow. Seven of next eight tracks are all Al Basile originals; especially notable is "Facing the Winter Alone".

Al Basile makes you want to sit down and relax, to listen and to appreciate what we have. My appreciation now is for the talent of Al Basile. If you listen you will not be disappointed. Approximately one year after the release of "Red Breath" Al Basile released "Blue Ink". "Blue Ink" is also produced by Duke Robillard and it highlights thirteen of Al's blues compositions. Duke once again handles the guitars while Matt McCabe piano, and Jerry Portney, harp are featured. This time Marty Ballou bass has Mark Teixeira on drums as his rhythm partner. All the vocals are done by Al.

Any bluesman looking for original material might consider listening to this record, especially notable are "The Catch-Up", "Hooray for Me (And to Hell with You), and "School in Hell". Al Basile was also the featured cornet player on Duke Robillard's "Blue Mood, A Tribute to T-Bone Walker". It may have taken a while but I believe Al Basile's time is here.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com