The Art of Blakey

With a lineup, led by pianist Robert Irving III, and including bassist Harrison Bankhead, saxophonist Kevin Nabors, trombonist Kendall Moore, trumpeter Corey Wilkes, and special guest drummer Winard Harper, no wonder the frigid, cold weather did not deter a packed house from arriving early for what would be close to three hours of exceptional music performed by these masters and "young lions." And with all Jazz City events, the price is always right,......NOTHING. Not a single cent is expended by the audience to witness a night of world class jazz performed by some of Chicago's finest.

Art Blakey was a mentor to many apprentice musicians, and it was with this thought in mind that Irving assembled a mixture of veterans and "young" veterans to pay tribute to one of the world's outstanding drummers. According to Irving, "Harper embodies the aesthetics of Blakey more than anyone"

The first number began with a nice extended solo by trumpeter, Corey Wilkes. It was such a pleasure seeing Corey don a Chicago stage after touring in Europe for nearly six weeks. Welcome back CDub. This was followed by similar solos by other ensemble members with Harper's distinct drumming recognizable in the background with bassist Harrison maintaining the beat.

As is usually the case with an Irving led set, he shared many anecdotes about Harper and Blakey. One such story dealt with Blakey's introduction as a drummer at a New York Night Club after the owner fired the previous drummer and told Art this was his new assignment. You see, prior to that moment, Blakley was a pianist. And as is often said, "the rest is history."

This august band next played a musical "suite" with "Thunder Drum." Wilkes showcased his varied skills during this segment with his patented "riffing" at the maximum, with Harper bringing the piece to a crescendo with his rapid fire drumming.

Irving dedicated "Crisis" to former Jazz Messenger member Freddie Hubbard, who recently has been hospitalized with a serious ailment. Trombonist Moore demonstrated why he was chosen to perform with this all star group. Moore, least known of all ensemble members is a graduate student at the U.of Miami, but hails from the Aurora area. His sliding of the trombone won the approval of the audience with Wilkes again exploding on an extended solo. This was surely a first set highlight.

Not to be upstaged, saxophonist Nabors had his best moment, as they concluded the first set with "Moanin." He hit some very high notes and "bellowed" those low notes that are often associated with tenor man Ari Brown. The audience responded with a well deserved spontaneous standing ovation.

The second set began with Wayne Shorter's "One By One." It seems that there's a "love affair" going on with Shorter and Chicago musicians. Recently, it appears to this listener that most jazz sets must include a Shorter composition. Nevertheless, perhaps the single most pointed moment of the evening occurred with the playing of Cedar Walton's "Mosaic." With his lightening fast quick sliver hands, Harper again brought the house to its feet with his all out assault of the drum kit.

What's a Chicago Jazz set without at least one bluesy number? and that was accomplished on the finale with Irving leading the way and Bankhead using the bow ever so nicely. All ensemble members had a opportunity at the spotlight on this number and again the audience responded positively. Another hot night of jazz on a very cold night. One can always count on Jazz City to warm the hearts of all assembled. They begin the '09 series in February with a tribute to Freddie Hubbard. Let's pray that Freddie will be able to appreciate a well deserved testimonial.

For detailed information about Jazz City and other Jazz Institute events, refer to their website at www.jazzinchicago.org.