Ernest Dawkins and the Chicago 12 live at Hamilton Park Remembering Emmett Till Jazz concert review and photos by James Walker, Jr. (original) (raw)

With the exception of Rosa Parks, Emmett Till's brutal murder in Mississippi in 1955 became the leading symbol for the early Civil Rights movement in the South. Chicago's master saxophonist and composer Ernest Dawkins marked the anniversary of Till's death with a powerful piece of music that tells this tragic story in a format that only Bro. Dawkins seems capable of capturing.

In conjunction with the Jazz Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Park District, Dawkins unleashed this historic piece at Hamilton Park on December 4th, in the same neighborhood that Till was reared in.

Dawkins and The Chicago 12 recorded this last "Trilogy of Tragedy" for events and heroes of Chicago in Paris, France, in February, 2008. Joining Dawkins at Hamilton Park was: Khari B spoken word; Dee Alexander, vocalist; Aaron Getsug, baritone saxophone; Norman Palm III, trombone; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Josh Abrams, bass; Justin Dillard, piano; Isaiah Spencer, drums; Hamid Drake, drums; and Larry Bowen, trumpet (Corey Wilkes is trumpeter on original recording).

Prior to the actual concert, the Neighborhood Writing Alliance representatives read pieces inspired by Till. Those participating included Delores Tolliver, Aileen Taylor, Pamela Dominguez, Phyllis Humphries, Malvin Jefferey,and Charlene Smith.

While Khari B retold the story and Chicago's first lady of jazz, Dee Alexander rendered vocals through the eyes of Emmit's mother Mamie, and the "12" blasted triumphant sounds from their instruments, while the capacity crowd at Hamilton Park seemed to be in awe of this inspiring night of celebration.

Bro Dawkins, a task master when necessary, seems to bring out the absolute best in these young performers. Throughout the two hours, all musicians were called upon for an opportunity to express their feelings through music. This was especially evident by the renderings from Dee Alexander, Khari B and pianist Justin Dillard. It was easy to see that these three in particular were emotionally involved and were truly expressing their inner self. It was almost akin to being in a historical African American church on Sunday morning.

This is not to say that others didn't excel, as highlight moments were also captured by trombonist Norman Palms III, trumpeter Larry Bowen, and the double bass duo of Harrison Bankhead and Josh Abrams. And when he wasn't directing the august group of exceptional musicians, Dawkins reminded all that he's one of Chicago's finest tenor players.

Dawkins continues to do his part to keep on the consciences of all the historical events that shaped the American Social Movement , no matter how much it hurts. And for those jazz aficionados, this was done through the lens of a master musician and composer. How fortunate we are to experience such an important lesson in our history through music.

Congratulations to Ernest Dawkins, the Chicago Park District and The Jazz Institute of Chicago for the audacity and foresight to bring to the neighborhoods such important programing. Perhaps the Institute and Park District will join forces a present this "must see" event downtown at the Millennium next summer as part the the 2010 summer jazz series.