Chicago Smooth Jazz fest 2008 (original) (raw)

Story and Photos by James Walker, Jr.

Close Up 2, Chicago's premier Smooth Jazz club, held its 2nd annual Jazz Festival the weekend of June 20th, with a star-studded lineup. Just imagine, Chicago's favorite son, trumpeter Corey Wilkes heading the first night during the week his first CD, "Drop It" debuted, followed by the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan on Saturday, and concluding with another Chicagoan, guitarist Nick Colione closing out the weekend on Sunday night. Ironically, all three national performers premiered their new CDs during the week. In addition to the headliners, each day was full of both local and national acts for about ten hours each day.

Although the weekend was full of thunderstorms each and every day, the enthusiasm of the crowd never wavered. Unfortunately, the weather probably deterred some from coming out, but with the non-stop music on display at Pritzker Park (State and Van Buren Streets), it was worth getting a little wet. In addition, an after-set was held each night following the festivities, at the club located at 416 S. Clark Street. The aftersets were hot and heavy "jam" sessions like those held during the "bebop" days.

Day One: The festival opened with a sterling performance by the Curie High School Jazz Band. CU2 has entered into a relationship with the Chicago Public Schools to purchase musical instruments. A portion of the evening's proceeds (only a $5.00 admission charge after 5pm) were donated to CPS. Continued donations and/or instrument donations can be made at any time by visiting the club Monday through Saturday.

Superb keyboardist William Green from Atlanta and his ace band mates had the crowd rocking for a solid two hours. Green, no stranger to Chicago, once lived in the City and was the headliner for CU2's anniversary party last November. Green was accompanied by Charlie Sullivan on trumpet and vocals, James "Mudbone" Turner on drums, and the hard working Chicagoan Mike Sterling holding down the bass line, and Chicago vocalist, "Honey" contributing a few sultry numbers. Green entertained the crowd with selections from his current CD, "Green Valley, " and his upcoming CD, "Music for Life." The charismatic Green was the perfect act to get the crowd in the mood for three days of funk and jazz.

New Orleans native, violinist Michael Ward was next on the bill. This exciting and energized young man, unknown to most in attendance, surely developed a new following with his unique brand of jazz. It's not often one sees a violin leading a jazz group. Ward's band included Eric Nicholas on keyboard, Monica Rose on bass, Shannon Hamilton on drums, Matt Williams on guitar, and musical director and keyboardist Daryl Lavine.

This dynamic group didn't limit its set to one genre; they included sounds from Motown, Bob Marley's reggae sound, old-fashioned country hoe-down, and of course, a selection or two which necessitated a New Orleans "Second Line." And the crowd loved each and every minute of the two hour set. Let's hope Frank Goss and the staff at CU2 will invite Mr. Ward back next year, perhaps as a headliner.

Chicago's own Corey Wilkes closed out the first day's festival with his "Black Slang" group. This is one of the many groups Corey fronts, and it includes a male vocalist/rapper and female African dancers in addition to his seven man band. This is a highly energetic program that often attracts a younger jazz audience, which enables Corey to bridge the gap between "hip hop" and jazz. Assisting Corey were saxophonists Kevin Nabors and Jabari Liu, bassist Junius Paul, guitarist Frankie Blaze, drummer "Big Ant" and keyboardist Will "Captain" Kurk.What a way to end this first day of continuous music, with Corey engaging in a dance with wife Mashaune during the "African" dance.

Although this ended the festival, it was only the beginning for Corey, as he took most of this group to Close Up2 for his release party. With Makaya McCraven replacing Big Ant on the drums, and former Miles Davis pianist Robert "Baabe" Irving on the keyboard, Corey switched gears a bit to highlight selections from his recently released Delmark CD entitled "Drop It." After performing about 90 minutes at the festival, the CD release party lasted another three hours at the club. They were having sooooo much fun that they didn't want to stop the music. Day one finally concludes around 3am. This listener isn't sure if he can endure two more days at this pace.

Day Two began with the lovely, vivacious vocalist Julia Huff gracing the stage. Although the weather appeared to be perfect, with plenty of sun and no rain in sight, that would unfortunately, soon change. Julia, one of Chicago's unheralded vocalists was backed by Frank Parker on drums, Dexter Sims on bass, Dale Prasco on guitar, Ebonie Taylor on vocals, and her long-time musical director, Joel Burt on keys. Julia's set consisted of a variety of sounds including R&B and jazz standards. This lady is so versitile that no matter what she sings, it's usually sultry and sensational.

By the time this songbird concluded her two hour set, the small, but appreciative crowd was begging for more. Special mention must be given to keyboardist Joel Burt for his steady, if not at times sensational, keyboarding. Burt is one of many outstanding Chicago pianists who doesn't receive the credit he deserves as a result of the plethora of exceptional keyboardists in the area.

CU2's favorite saxophonist, Harlan Jefferson followed the beautiful Julia Huff. Harlan hails from Rockford and often gigs at CU2. His current Cd, "You're All I Need," has recently been getting airplay on WNUA (95.5) for the single "Get Your Step On." It was during the playing of this number that the crowd really got in the dancing mood. Harlan invited a couple to the stage to "get their step on." Miss Jane the Clown even got in on the action.

Harlan was accompanied by Alan Burroughs on guitar, George Stewart on keys, Clyde Davis on drums, Troy Malone on bass, and his longtime sidekick from Rockford, Alfonzo "Cheeseburger" McClain on the keyboards. The highlight of this set was Harlan's coming into the audience to serenade the crowd on Johnny Gill's "My My My." The ladies especially loved this segment.

Another CU2 and Chicago favorite, saxophonist Skinny Williams, with his four horns, donned the stage before headliner Stanley Jordan. Skinny performs throughout the Chicago area, and when he is not performing is often seen at clubs or concerts as a spectator. He simply loves what he does and does it well. His performance on this evening was no exception. He really brought his "A" game. Skinny's band included drummer Tony Dale, bassist Josh Ramos and hard working keyboardist Will "Captain" Kurk. What a set!!!! This writer knew what to expect from Skinny, and he didn't disappoint. What was unexpected was the performance by Capt. Kurk. This writer has seen him on prior occasions, but never as energetic and dynamic as he was on this evening. He was "out of control," playing the keyboard with his feet, backwards, sitting down on the ground, with one hand.... it was a sight to see. Corey Wilkes commented "I've never seen that before." It was truly Kurk's coming out party, with even more to follow at the after set.

By night fall, the crowd anxiously awaited the appearance of the incomparable guitarist, Stanley Jordan. The Chicago-born Jordan, along with his exceptional band mates, bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer David Haynes were sensational. Whether it was Stanley playing a coule songs solo, or bassist Moffet displaying his unique talents, these ace musicians were in a "zone." Jordan is such a rare talent who isn't compromised by commercialism, and highlighted his new CD, "State of Nature." This gifted musician's spotlight of the evening easily occurred when he simultaneously played the guitar and keyboard on Horace Silver's "Song For My Father." Wow!!! What a a pleasure for these jazz fans being entertained by perhaps one of jazz's most talented guitarists. One never knows what to expect from Jordan, but on this evening he gave it all.

And if that wasn't enough, the after set at CU2 was easily the highlight of the entire three days. Saxman Rick Parma and his band was the house band. Rick was joined by Demiris Vaughn on the drums, Mike Sterling on bass and Capt. Kurk on the keys. If one thought Kurk was out of control at the festival, you should have seen him at the club. Words cannot describe the "show" he put on during the first set. Not only did he play the keys backwards, but he even lifted it off the stand, stood on a chair and began playing. He played it between his legs and behind his back and the crowd went crazy. Kurk's display was remarkable!!!!

Just when one thought one had seen it all, in walks Stanley Jordan and his bandmates ready to jam with the fellows. This was totally unexpected, yet this talented guitarist was ready to groove with some smooth jazz. And did he jam!!! For about two hours, Stanley, his bandmates, trumpeter Corey Wilkes, saxophonists Skinny Williams and Kevin Nabors all took turns jamming the night away with Parma and his band. What a thrill this must have been for some these local musicians to share the bandstand with one of the world's most talented musicians. This was a moment that would be committed to the memory of musicians and fans alike. At one point after this set, Stanley packed his guitar, only to unpack it later to return for more action. This was truly a very special night for all. It was obvious that Mr. Jordan was having such a good time in the intimate surroundings of CU2.

Day three's festival was opened by saxophonist Rick Parma and his fine group of bandmates. In addition to his regulars, Demeris Vaughn on keys and Mike Sterling on bass, keyboardists Paul Coscino and Lisa Micelli joined them for this final day gig. This writer had not witnessed either Coscino or Micelli before and both gave solid performances. In addition, drummer Vaughn was at his best after being inspired the night before performing with Stanley Jordan. His solo on "Cold Duck Time" was as expressive as this listener had previously observed from this steady timekeeper. Parma, also a CU2 regular, performed with the energy that he's noted for.

Michael Ross, a George Benson sound-alike, took the stage next. Ross, an exceptional guitarist with silky smooth vocals set the stage for headliner Nick Colionne's appearance later in the evening. This underrated guitarist was accompanied by former R. Kelly bassist Ron Hall, drummer Clyde Davis and dynamic keyboardist Mike Logan. This was as fine an aggregate as was assembled all weekend. All have performed with national acts and were a cohesive, well-tuned group that never missed a beat. These professionals were well-received by this Sunday afternoon crowd.

Saxophonist Carlos Cannon warmed up the stage before Nick Colionne closed out this highly successful jazz festival. In addition to his regular bandmates, drummer Jason Grant, keyboardist James JT" Taylor, bassist Garrett Gbody and guitarist Robert Burks, he was joined on vocals by Vivian "Songbird" Davis and Wendell Sudduth. It was before this set that the weekend's heaviest downpour occurred. Nevertheless, this did not dampen the spirits of the crowd or Mr. Cannon. As usual, Carlos was a crowd pleaser.

Finally, this three-day festival came to an end with an appearance by Chicago's own, national recording star, Nick Colionne. Nick, always dapper, brought along his sidekick of eight years, bassist Dave Hiltebrand, in addition to drummer Jabari and local standouts, Mike Logan on keys and Buddy Fambro, another longtime collaborator, on guitar.

Although Colionne experienced technical difficulties with his wireless amp which inhibited him from his traditional "journey" into the audience, his two plus hour set was magnificent. Nick was debuting his new CD entitled "No Limits" and highlighted several selections from this recently released recording. Colionne thrilled the large finale crowd with several "duels" with the ever-present bassist Hiltebrand. It simply was the highlight of the evening. Nick has a huge Chicago fan base and they seemed to enjoy every moment from the talented guitarist/vocalist. He was the perfect option to close this festive three-day affair.

Although the weather was not cooperative during the weekend, the staff from CU2 did an exceptional job in assuring the success of their second Smooth Jazz Festival. Of course, kudos to Yon Kim and Frank Goss,Cu2's proprietors, Barron Lewis, operations manager, Tommy, bar chief and Curtis, the stage manager. They all worked tirelessly for three days during the fest, and many more leading up to the affair. Also, the wait staff at the club was patient and courteous during some trying moments during the after parties. And last, but not least, MCs Victoria Wilson and Tamara Baggett kept the show rolling and on time each and every day. It takes complete team work to pull off such a large endeavor, and they all made it happen. Let's hope CU2 will continue this much needed smooth jazz festival in the future.

For additional information about CU2 and its events, refer to their Web site at www.closeup2jazz.com