Ken Chaney's Awakening

When asked by this writer who would replace him, Corey without hesitation answered, "I'ld recommend Pharez ""(Whitted).Pharez, one of Chicago's most underrated sidemen did not dissapoint this capacity crowd, as he truly emerged as the "star" on this evening. As if he had something to prove(and he didn't because Pharez can blow with the best), Pharez waisted little time establishing the mood for the night on the first number, "Looking Ahead", with a banging extended solo. Unlike the first two episodes of the Awakening, this one included some nice new pieces of work. During the playing of this initial number, all members had an opportunity to express themselves. This was truly an equal opportunity ensemble, and that was the case all night long.

"Spring Thing" was next on the agenda. This was from the original 1972 Awakening group which they recorded on the Black Jazz Label. This mellow tune was also recorded by Chaney on his 2007 CD of the same title.Again, all were afforded extended solos. This was followed by Galloway's "Lady Marion", an tune he wrote for his wife as a "birthday gift".Of course this featured T.S. but also included an sweet segment where the horn section played the melody in unison.

Before concluding the first set, another T.S. composition "Afroesque" became undoubtly the hightlight of the initial set. Ari pulled out the soprano sax for some high notes, Pharez displayed his rapid fire riffs , but it was Mr. Adams who exploded by taking his drum solo to another level. Ernie "took no prisioners" on this solo and the crowd was estactic. It was simply what one expects to see from Ernie during his solos.

The second set started just as the first one ended, with the group on fire. !!!!! They opened with Ari's "Richard's Tune", a mid tempo number which again showcased the varied skills of Whitted. He's still on fire and is in a "zone". Chaney is sooooo smooth on the keyboard as he simply allows his fingers to softly glide accross the 88s with his eyes closed, while producing such a vibriant and explosive sound. This number is on Ari's critically acclaimed "Live at the Green Mill" CD.

Another highlight of this set was Ari's new "The Good Side", with Mr. Brown "bebopping" ala Johnny Griffin "Old School Style". Ari reached down low producing a "bellow" like sound in rapid fire action. Ari does this as well as anyone.

The third set was played before a house that still had a nice crowd , even though it was past 11pm. Most Checker Jazz third sets are played before a sparse crowd, but on the evening , these jazz enthuisiasts hadn't gotten enough. It was worth their stay, as the Awakening jammed until close to midnight. They began with Chaney's "Bronzeville", a number he wrote for his old South Side neighborhood. On this selection, they all soloed and toward the end, they alternated on snipets and played in different modes. This resulted in a very special sound.

What's an "old school" group without paying tribute to the master, Captian Walter Dyett. T.S. wrote this beautiful ballad, "Little Giant" for the late saxophonist, Johnny Griffin. Again, Ari was featured on this number as all again took turns with splendid solos.

Finally, this wonderful evening of almost four hours of music came to a climax with the finale of the night , Chaney's "Hit Me". Again, all had a take at this last piece of action. What a Night!!!!!!! These masterful musicians did it again.They were on point all night and never missed a beat. Let's hope that these gentlemen will find time in the near future to preserve this beautiful music on disc. Perhaps a live version at a venue like the Checkerboard would be appropriate. Come on Mr. Chaney, how about making that happen !!!!!!!!!!!

For future CheckerJazz concerts check out their Web site at www.checkerjazz.org.