Jazz Showcase
Closes it's Doors

Venerable Chicago Venue Closes on New Years Eve
and we were there
Chicago, IL
Dec. 31 2006 - January 1, 2007

Joe Segal on drums

Story and Photos by James Walker

Bringing in the New Year was oh so bittersweet this year, because of the closing of one of Chicago’s most beloved venues - the Jazz Showcase. Henry Johnson and the Organ Express were in top form as they closed out Joe Segal’s Grand Avenue location before an S.R.O. room crowd with an exhilarating set to give the popular establishment a fine send off.

Guitar extraordinaire Henry Johnson is well known throughout the area as one of Chicago’s finest guitar players. Henry, who played for years with the alte, great Joe Williams, was “in a zone” this evening. This writer has seen Johnson perform on numerous occasions throughout the years, but tonight Henry was at his best.

Johnson was joined tonight by his Organ Express band of Chris Foreman on the Hammond B-3 organ, Peter Roothann on Sax, and Greg Rockingham on drums. They were joined this evening by David “Fathead” Newman on the alto and tenor sax and flute. “Fathead” played for years with Ray Charles and is an exceptional reedest. He played with such comfort tonight and appeared to be right at home with the Organ Express. The Organ Express has been playing together for about 20 years, and tonight “Fathead” was able to ease in as though he was a regular member of this outstanding group.

Throughout this 90 minute set, each musician had an opportunity to display individual skills with crisp solos that weren’t overbearing. And as they ushered in the New Year, Showcase owner Joe Segal even joined the band with a bit of scatting, and even closed the set playing an informal duo on the drums with Chris Foreman. What a night!

Joe was a gracious host tonight, even providing champagne and leading a toast at the stroke of midnight. Although this was Segal’s final set at the Grand Ave location, Joe promises to have a new site within a few months. Let’s hope it isn’t too long before we are toasting a new location with champagne, only this time jazz fans need to be more supportive of the Showcase, as it is the only jazz club in Chicago dedicated to bringing national and international jazz to this great city at an affordable cost. Good luck, Joe! See you soon!