Nicole Mitchell's Ice Crystal Quartet Chicago live at the Velvet Lounge jazz concert photos by John Broughton (original) (raw)

Nicole MItchell's appropriately-named Ice Crystal Quartet performed Friday night at Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge (67 E. Cermak). The quartet - made up of Ms. Mitchell, vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz, drummer Marcus Evans and bassist Darius Savage (filling in for Josh Abrams) made a far-too-rare appearance. On this evening, the combo played several delightful Mitchell compositions including "Aqua Blue," "Diga Diga," "Journey," "Aquarius," "Above the Sky," and "Sunday Afternoon." Adasiewicz played with his usual energy, while Evans was a solid timekeeper and Savage showed some a nice array of gooey, funky chops. Meanwhile, Chicago fans had another opportunity to catch Mitchell - one of the best jazz flautists in the world - in action, and her quicksilver runs of notes were enthralling every time she put her flute to her lips. Spirits were high - with Mitchell providing comic relief for the crowd, as was the intensity - as Savage broke an A-string (!?) on his acoustic bass and had to make an emergency run to get his fretless electric. Additionally, some of Mitchell's young students were given an opportunity to play with their mentor - with young brothers Joel and Joshua Ross (on vibes and drums) and flautist Kegdrick Pullum joining Mitchell onstage, and these talented young men acquitted themselves very well - showing considerable promise as musicians and providing hope for Jazz's future. Mitchel is obviously a great teacher, although when she finds the time is riddle as her busy schedule so far this year has included recording on three cds - including one with Dafnis Prieto in New York. She will be also (in her spare time) be premiering her new Mother Earth Suite Thursday, Feb. 11, 6:30pm at Preston Bradley Hall - Chicago Cultural Center. The work will be performed by Mitchell's top-notch Black Earth Ensemble with the incredible jazz harpist Edmar Castenada as special guest. I would recommend that Chicagoans make a point to catch these world-class musicians in action by attending this free concert.