Photo by Marvin Cole

Island Of Dreams

1. Slick' N Slide 5:06

 Hear a Sample

2. Africa 7:57

 Hear a Sample

3. The Look of Love 4:18

 Hear a Sample

4. I Say Freedom 5:24

 Hear a Sample

5. Don't You Know How Come 5:29

 Hear a Sample

6. Los Ninos 5:10

 Hear a Sample

7. Farewell, My Friend 4:55

 Hear a Sample

8. Sounds Good to Me 8:01

 Hear a Sample

9. Island of Dreams 5:52

 Hear a Sample

10. Love Upside Down 5:52

 Hear a Sample

11. In A Sentimental Mood 3:17

 Hear a Sample

12. Cancel Me Out 4:55

 Hear a Sample
Island of Dreams identifies Corky's ongoing approach to the sound of "total jazz", where he mixes the smooth, contemporary, fusion and traditional jazz from yesterday and today. His music is a celebration of the versatility of African-American's and their music. "Island of Dreams brims with optimism, adventurous contemporary rhythms and polished improvisational passages." (Mark Ruffin, Jazz USA, 2001) As you listen, you will feel McClerkin’s passion for his music. In this CD, Corky brings together some of the top musicians, vocalists, and creative minds while showcasing the unlimited talent within the Chicagoland musical community.

The Players

Dee Alexander

Mark Beringer

Joan Colasso

Theresa Davis

Yvonne Gage

Tyrone Hines

Michael Logan

Corky McClerkin

Pennington McGee

Kevin McIlvaine

Artee 'Duke' Payne

Dr. Curtis Prince

Sonny Seals

John Watson

John Whitfield

James Willis

Byron Woods
Produced by:

Corky McClerkin, Michael Logan & Kevon Smith

Reviews


JazzUSA Monthly

"Island of Dreams features McClerkin and some of Chicago's finest musicians,..."

"Los Niños Goes south-of-the-border with horn flourishes, latin rhythms and the whole nine yards.... Ole! Farewell my Friend is a slow, sweet R&B Ballad that showcases Joan Collaso's sweet vocals."

"Ellington's In a Sentimental Mood is not only technically good, but shows why McClerkin followed in Herbie Hancocks footsteps in high school. McClerkin closes things with the upbeat Cancel Me Out, featuring a strong bass from John Whitfield and throaty sax from Duke Payne. This is a strong ending to a good release."

Carmen Miller - JazzUSA Monthly - July 1, 2001      (Read The Full Article)


JazzUSA Monthly

"The keyboardist, on the other hand, feels that electric jazz, whether it's called smooth, contemporary or even fusion, is part of his heritage, just like traditional jazz. Therefore the first seven tracks of Island of Dreams are decidedly smooth, while the rest is blowing straight ahead music."

"McClerkin" perched on top of his keyboard with one hand in the past and the other firmly in the future."

"Island of Dreams brims with optimism, adventurous contemporary rhythms and polished improvisational passages."

Mark Ruffin - JazzUSA Monthly - August 1, 2001      (Read The Full Article)

News
Sunday, March 7th, 2010 1:46 PM

A MUSICAL GENIUS

"Ain't Misbehavin'", "Honeysuckle Rose"," Black and Blue", "Stompin' at the
"Savoy", "In the Mood"' and "Memories of You". Familiar songs to many. Lyrics of these six were written by Andy Razaf, an African-American. In the 1920's and early 1930's, Harlem recognized Andy, with over 800 songs to his credit, as one of their most accomplished and prolific lyric writers. Today, most of us, myself included, who regularly perform these songs, never heard of this talented writer. Interestingly, my Fake Book has NO composer or lyricist on five of the above listed tunes. How many other unknown African-Americans have made significant contributions to the fabric of this country? Sorry to say, quite a few.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 4:12 AM

HIGHWAYS TO KNOWLEDGE

Black History Month is over. But Information streams concerning African-Americans continues to free flow. Read Kevin Phinney's "Souled American: How Black Music Transformed White Culture", and Eric Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Jazz"? Some consider Jazz the Life-Source of African-American Soul. Find out why.
Monday, March 1st, 2010 1:30 PM

CORKY McCLERKIN TRIO at PETE MILLER'S

Pete Miller's in Evanston presents MONDAY MAGIC with the Corky McClerkin Trio, with Anthony Brock, bass and Tyrone Blair, drums. Enjoy Jazz with Pete's famous delicious steaks and seafood while listening to songs ranging from Duke Ellington to John Coltrane to Ray Charles and Michael Jackson.
Sunday, February 14th, 2010 7:14 AM

OUR HOUSE OF JAZZ

JAZZ: an African-American Creation, a Universal Connection. We have CD's, music videos and photos of Chicago's finest performers, CD Giveaways, Lyrics on request, calendar updates, soundbites, links to CD BABY,Rhapsody, etc, social commentary and more! Share your thoughts on any subject, scatter-chat with like-minded friends, and enjoy McCLERKIN'S HOUSE OF JAZZ!
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 3:35 AM

SEARCHIN' FOR THE SOUL

LP's are back! (well, some are). Straight Ahead Be-Bop, Soul Jazz and Down Home Funk from the 80's! Exposure on today's You Tube and Facebook with their Neverending Search for Something New Generation have made LP's ITEMS OF iNTEREST! CD copies of this album are available at CD Baby or Dusty Groove America, Inc. Revisit the Past, Enjoy the Present! Remember, Quality Music NEVER gets old--Because it's QUALITY!
Friday, January 1st, 2010 2:48 AM
"The FUTURE belongs to those who prepare for it TODAY" MALCOLM X
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 3:05 PM

CONCERT PERFORMANCE

Some months ago I was given the opportunity to perform a one Hour Solo concert for the Piano Forte Foundation on the Fazioli Piano,located;in Chicago's Fine Arts Building,This Italian made Piano continues to gain international recognition as the Piano for the 21st Century. I recommend All pianists: amateurs, profesional, classically trained and those bold souls in the Jazz tradition to find THEIR opportunity to hear,feel, and produce their own unique Fazioli Sound for the Future! Thank you, Thomas Zoells!
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 12:45 PM

Are You Kidding Me?

Some months ago I learned we're living in a post-racial society. For the uninformed, it means we're living in a society where one's race is no longer important. Perhaps someone forgot to remind those hiring new and older workers. Were many news commentators--before and after the 2008 election-- African American? Aren't membership in hate crime groups still on the rise? More people are threatening President Obama's life. Think we need to rethink our thinking.
Monday, October 5th, 2009 4:15 AM

Something To Remember

EbonyJet published an article in 2008 about Black Buying Power. I'd like to share some of their findings. "...African American consumption draws the attention of companies that make consumer goods and marketing professionals engaged in trend spotting because they know that tastes and preferences initiated in the African American community eventually intersect with the larger society and translate in importance to the overall market. Then there's the international bounce...Companies that set their sights on African American consumption know trends that emerge from the Black community also cross over overseas". Something to remember.
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 3:45 AM

Music from Brazil

I know South America has never hosted the Olympics. But did you know Brazil has discovered new oil reserves which could prevent dependence on Arab Nations? Since Rio de Janeiro was chosen for the 2016 Olympics, wonder if "OIL" might have affected their final decision? I think Carlos Jobim should rename his song Quiet Nights to Drilling Rights.
Friday, October 2nd, 2009 3:50 PM

LIVE RELEASE--- CORKY AT PETE'S

Recorded September 1st, 2009, listen to Corky McClerkin, Piano, Anthony Brock, Bass and Harold Morrison on Drums as they perform the classic
GREENSLEEVES. Click on the "Great Version of Greensleeves" link under Corky's picture. Wait while it loads.
 
 
 
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 2:36 AM

HIDDEN TRUTHS

I hope Congress passes a Health Bill for all Americans SOON. Statistics for quality health care scream for reform. Seen the documentary FOOD,INC.? If the phrase "you are what you eat" is still true, I'm afraid to look in the mirror. Also, from a credible source, I was told our current food and water supplies include pesticides, growth hormones, and estrogen that can sneak through water filtration plants. So tell me, after eating dinner, drinking a gass of water, and taking medicine before going to bed, can we wake up in "Good Health"?
Saturday, June 6th, 2009 5:13 AM

UNDERCURRENTS

Like to read? Visit  www.amazon.com  and check out the re-release of my book UNDERCURRENTS. Characters such as Dr. Dheade and the Black Headucator introduce the science of Gitology.Written years ago, past themes reflect present and future concerns. Try it. You'll like it.
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 3:44 AM

CHANGE

"Everything must Change, Nothing stays the Same..." These are the beginning lyrics to B. Ighner's Everything Must Change. Sound familiar? Find it on my CD Searchin' for the Soul. Old school Wisdom-- Old school Ideas.
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 10:16 PM

DOUBLETAKE

In 1942, Germany had concentration camps. On Feb. 1st, 2009, U.S. House of Representative Bill 645 calls for "national emergency centers" for keeping civilians (Code Words: political dissidents?) on military installations. They're not  the same thing, right? RIGHT?
Sunday, February 8th, 2009 9:21 PM

DID YOU KNOW........

M. Phil Brooks developed the disposable syringe; Dr. Daniel Williams performed the first successful open heart surgery; Dr. Charles Turner, zoologist, was the first to demonstrate insects can hear; Dr. Ben Carson is a neurosurgeon who led the first medical team to successfully separate Siamese twins; Otis Boykin invented 28 electronic devices including the control unit for the pacemaker; and Dr. Charles Drew, best known for his work with blood plasma, also established the first blood bank in England. These men are Scientists. They are also African Americans. Their accomplishments continue to benefit us all.
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 12:00 AM

WE ARE THE BEGINNING

Today is Special. VERY SPECIAL. President Barack Obama is in. George Bush is out. Yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday. His "Dream" will echo for decades. But on Wednesday the Celebration wiil be over. Tomorrow is the beginning which will give us hope for the future. But too many african americans, latinos, asians, and native americans and others believe the answer to Dr. King's Dream is President Obama. He is NOT. WE, YOU and I, are the real answers to our own Dreams. Can you find the answers to your life and future within yourself? When and if we can, we will all help President Obama and each other to solve the problems of Tomorrow.YES WE CAN because each of us is The POWER of ONE.

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 11:41 AM

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

"WAR is PEACE  FREEDOM is SLAVERY  IGNORANCE is STRENGTH" George Orwell 1984 or.....?

Monday, September 1st, 2008 10:53 PM

Troubled Waters

Despite the devastation of New Orleans four years ago by Hurricane Katrina, it remains a suffocating memory.Yes, the roots of jazz history have washed away but musicians across the world continue to keep the music alive. In 2008, Hurricane Gustav got lost on his way to New Orleans. Thanks, Mapquest. 

Sunday, June 1st, 2008 3:51 PM

Dingwalls/Searchin' for the Soul

A Serious Soul Shout to Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and Ether Records for including my 1983 title song Searchin' for the Soul as part of their 2006 release, DINGWALLS. To be associated with some of the world's greatest soul and jazz performers is an honor I will sincerely cherish.

Speaking
Engagements

Corky McClerkin is available for speaking engagements
Contact us for more details.

Home Biography Photo Gallery
Discography Schedule Contacts Us