Phil Upchurch

by Ron WynnA prolific guitarist who is comfortable playing blues, soul, R&B, and jazz, Phil Upchurch has been a prominent figure in Chicago music circles since the mid-50s. He initially did freelance sessions with such musicians as Jerry Butler before becoming house guitarist for Chess. Upchurchs sensitive, often funky chording, riffs, and licks were heard on numerous releases by such artists as the Dells, Howlin Wolf, Gene Chandler, and Muddy Waters. He frequently teamed with drummer Maurice White, who later headed Earth, Wind & Fire. He formed the Phil Upchurch Combo in the early 60s, and had a hit with the instrumental You Cant Sit Down in 1961. They did some follow-up singles, but none equaled the initial records success. Upchurch did several soul-jazz and funk dates for such labels as Sue and Cadet in the mid- and late 60s. He signed with Blue Thumb in the 70s and split his time between sessions with the Crusaders and Ben Sidran and making his own albums. Tommy LiPuma produced Darkness, Darkness and Lovin Feelin in 1972 and 1973. Upchurch did one LP for Creed Taylors Kudu label in 1975, Upchurch Tennyson, with pianist/vocalist Tennyson Stephens. He returned to studio work, but recorded as a leader for Palladin in 1985, Ichiban in 1991, and Ridgetop in 1995 and 1997. He remains active as a session musician and bandleader, returning in 1999 with Rhapsody & Blues. Tell the Truth appeared in spring 2001.