Pencil This In: Sam Burckhardt CD Release Party At Green Mill

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 1, 2012 5:20PM

With the release of his new album Bobolink, saxophonist Sam Burckhardt celebrates a few milestones. It marks the Swiss-born musician's 30th anniversary in Chicago; the 40th anniversary of his Airway Records—a label founded by his onetime musical mentor Sunnyland Slim; the tenth CD on the label and the 20th anniversary of Airway's first CD release.

In addition to his work with Slim, Burckhardt is known as one of the original members of the Mighty Blue Kings and is comfortable playing in both blues and jazz combos—guitarist Guy King plays on the album. His eponymous combo mines familiar swing jazz territory with passion and a keen sense of dynamic, fitting for the prairie blackbird for which the album gets its name. Burckhardt and his combo will celebrate the release of Bobolink Saturday night at Green Mill, starting at 8 p.m. Cover is $8.

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