Albert Dailey was a neglected and underrated pianist throughout his life. His skill and versatility as a soloist were highly appreciated and eulogized after his death. Stan Getz, who worked with him in the mid-’70s, was particularly fond of his hypnotic style and shimmering phrases. Dailey studied piano at an early age and then joined the Baltimore Royal Theater’s house bands in the mid- to late ’50s. In the latter half of the 1950s, he attended Morgan State University and Peabody Conservatory. From 1960 to 1963, Dailey toured the United States with Damita Jo, and then led a trio at Bohemia Caverns, Washington, D.C., until he moved to New York in 1964. While recording with Freddie Hubbard, Dailey performed with Roy Haynes and Sarah Vaughan as well as Dexter Gordon and Charles Mingus. He recorded and performed with Woody Herman at 1967 Monterey Jazz Festival. Dailey was a frequent performer with Sonny Rollins and toured and recorded with Stan Getz. He also did sessions with Elvin Jones, Archie Shepp, and Archie Shepp during the 1970s. In the ’80s, he performed at Carnegie Hall as well as in the Mobil Summerpier Concerts Series. He also played in the Upper Manhattan Jazz Society along with Charlie Rouse and Benny Bailey. He recorded for Columbia and Steeplechase as well as Muse and Elektra. His 1972 album, The Day After the Dawn, received widespread critical praises, but Columbia didn’t sell enough to drop him. Only one session is available on CD. bio from www.allmusic.com/
