Corey Wilkes Black Slang live at Andys jazz concert review by Brad Walseth photos by John Broughton (original) (raw)

The weekend's Corey Wilkes double-header at Andy's began Friday night with Corey's Black Slang group. This configuration has evolved over the last few years into a tight yet exciting ensemble. Driven by hard-pounding "Big Ant" Anthony Capers and "rubber man" bassist Junius Paul, this group was hitting on all cylinders in laying down some killer grooves for the happy audience. Front liners Corey Wilkes and Kevin Nabors have developed into an excellent team - able to work off one another unconsciously to produce exhilarating solos and unison lines. Keyboardist Greg Spero's shimmering electric keys at times sounded like George Duke or Josef Zawinul - and this helped give the group an almost ferocious "electric Miles" feel. Meanwhile, vocalist Yaw was in fine form - and his heartfelt R&B-inflected vocalization resonated deeply with the crowd. The elements truly seem to be coming together with this group - which blends electric jazz, R&B and African rhythms into an exciting and pleasing melange.