Chase

Chase is an American jazz rock band formed in 1970 by trumpeter William Edward Chiaiese, known as Bill Chase. Born on October 20, 1934, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Chase had a musical upbringing and played with notable orchestras including those led by Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman before forming his own group. The band initially consisted of four trumpeters, including Bill Chase, Alan Ware, Ted Piecerfield, and Jerry Van Blair, along with Angel South on guitar, Phil Porter on keyboards, Dennis Johnson on bass, Jay Burrid on drums, and Terry Richards as vocalist. Chase’s debut single “Get It On” (1971) garnered significant attention for its powerful brass section. The band’s self-titled album Chase (1971) received critical acclaim, earning Chase the title of second-best musician pop and rock of the year by Down Beat magazine, with Bill Chase named “best trumpeter” and the album recognized as “best pop album of the year.” Following this success, they embarked on international tours. The band’s subsequent albums included Ennea(1972) and Pure Music (1974). However, the group faced a tragic end when Bill Chase and three other members died in an airplane crash on August 9, 1974. A later album, Watch Closely Now (1977), was released featuring surviving band members and tribute performances.

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