May 1997

Rich Corpolongo Quartet Plus Two
Just Found Joy
Delmark Records

By Sunsh Stein

Chicago saxophonist Rich Corpolongo's intimacy with and knowledge of his horn are immediately apparent when he enters the pianistic tranquillity of "Valse," the first piece on this recording. Corpolongo, who has almost 40 years of musical background, exhibits a range of influences encompassing Bird, Trane and beyond. Despite a title cut with whimsical touches, don't expect a lighthearted joy on the remaining originals, Corpolongo and his most able bandmates deliver a melancholy soulfulness.