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

Thursday, November 6th, 2008 3:44 AM

CHANGE

"Everything must Change, Nothing stays the same..." These are the beginning lyrics to B. Ighner's Everything Must Change. Some years ago, vocalist Theresa Davis, Dr. Curtis Prince and I created our own arrangement. You can find it on my CD Searchin' for the Soul. Check it Out. I believe President-Elect Obama would
be pleased.
Monday, November 3rd, 2008 12:09 PM

THE DAY THE EARTH WAS THRILLED

48 hours. Then we will know.The Race to the White House. One man wins. One man loses. Words of Negative Past will become Words of Power Potential. "Everything must Change. Nothing stays the Same...." Music such as Jazz, Blues, and R&B will evolve for they speak to the past, present,and future. To perform and appreciate this music is to reflect a higher power within ourselves. Who will win? The Senator from Arizona? Or the Man from Africa, Hawaii, Harvard, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. All my global friends from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Singapore and elsewhere, will be affected. The World Waits. Soon One Man will lead us. Into the Future.
Saturday, November 1st, 2008 2:48 AM
"The FUTURE belongs to those who prepare for it TODAY" MALCOLM X
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 7:14 AM

Our Invitation to You

JAZZ: an African-American Creation, a Universal Connection. We have CD's to sell, music videos and photos of Chicago's finest performers, CD Giveaways, lyrics on request, calendar updates, short downloads, links to CD BABY, Rhapsody , etc., and more! Share your thoughts on any subject, scatter-chat with like-minded friends, and enjoy McCLERKIN'S HOUSE OF JAZZ!
Friday, August 29th, 2008 4:53 AM

ENOUGH!!

Last night Barack Obama, an African American, accepted the Democratic nomination to become President of the United States. His speech was inspirational and unforgettable. I only wish Ma and Dad were here to share and witness this historical event. To quote another, "I HAVE A DREAM". Will OUR dream come true?
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 10:53 PM

Troubled Waters

Despite the presidential election, devastation of New Orleans three years ago by Hurricane Katrina remains a suffocating memory. Yes, the roots of jazz history have washed away but musicians across the world continue to keep the music alive. Hurricane Gustav is moving towards New  Orleans with Mapquest directions. Maybe he'll get lost.  
Monday, August 11th, 2008 11:41 PM

Too High In The Sky

The Olympics represent the best in athletic achievements. Some countries hold hands with their neighbors and sing "We are the World". Unfortunately, during the next forty-eight months many of these same countries return to "unsportsmanlike conduct". The Olympics could serve as a springboard, a gateway to the possibilities of world peace.  Can't we all just get along?
Friday, August 1st, 2008 2:30 PM

INSIDE BLACK AMERICA

CNN's Soledad O'Brien four hour epic on Black America last month seldom reflected an accurate picture on the dynamics within our community. I wanted the world to know we have black scientists, inventors, intellectuals, educators, creative geniuses (including Spike Lee), astronauts, etc. But my biggest problem was the final story: Reverend Dyson's brother returns to prison to do serious jailtime. The final memory of "Black America" reduced to another black man in prison? Is there a hidden message in plain view?

Monday, April 7th, 2008 5:40 PM

Jazz Right, Jazz White

According to credible sources, believe it or not, there appears to be a movement, primarily limited to some parts of Europe, dis-acknowledging the beginnings and development of Jazz within the African American community. As Richard Pryor said, "Swear fo' God!!". I see Duke, Art, Horace, McCoy and others shaking their heads. Jazz grew out of the African American experience. It has developed with the contributions of people from around the world.We have always welcomed all cultures to participate and create. And we are happy to share our creativity with all. But NO ONE should be able to take credit for creating something that was never theirs to begin with. Sorry, but it's our ball. You can't have it.
Monday, February 18th, 2008 4:39 AM

AA Men

Many newsworthy items in the last 6 weeks. Oscar Peterson, a mentor and great jazz pianist died in December. Will Smith's movie, "I am Legend" has grossed over 100 million. Denzel Washington reminds us: To Debate is to Educate. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama makes history daily. Herbie Hancock, my neighbor from Chicago's 45th St. won a Grammy for Best Album of 2008. Thanks to Herbie, Jazz will once again be included and accepted by mainstream america. But when you combine these items, isn't there a greater grand and glorious reality, namely the Potential Influence of African American Men? Listen to the Talking Drums. THEY will tell the story.
Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 12:12 AM

JAZZ, SCIENCE FICTION AND BLACK WRITERS

As a full time musician, occasional writer and part time teacher, I decided to do some research on three of my favorite subjects: African American writers, science fiction, and jazz. My results have both surprised and inspired me. Explore the connections between these seemingly unconnected parts of the African American community.
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008 11:41 AM
"WAR is PEACE
FREEDOM is SLAVERY
IGNORANCE is STRENGTH"
George Orwell
1984 or.....?
Saturday, December 15th, 2007 2:04 AM

Downloads, MP3's, Ringtones, etc.

WinCor Record's Island of Dreams, The Power of One, and Searchin' for the Soul are available on RHAPSODY, APPLE iTUNES, + many others. Do it Today!!
Friday, June 1st, 2007 3:51 PM

Dingwalls/Searchin' for the Soul

A Serious Soul Shout to Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, and Ethan 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