Ernest Dawkins' Chicago 12

For the 2006 recording, Dawkins garnered a group of primarily young talented musicians to travel with him to Paris for this special occasion. Remarkably, most of the original members were present for the Velvet set. Included were: Kevin Nabors, tenor saxophone; Aaron Getsug, baritone saxophone; David Young, trumpet; Norman Palm III , trombone; Justin Dillard, piano; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Isaiah Spencer, drums; Khari B, spoken word, and Dee Alexander, vocalist. What an esteemed group of exceptional musicians performing straight ahead and Avant Garde jazz.

They began this two hour set with the Disco Poet, Khari B's spoken word with only the sound of Spencer's tribal sounding drum beat in the background. Shortly, one could hear the booming sound coming from Young's trumpet, followed by the first of many solos by trombonist Norman Palm, this was all complemented by the serene scatting and chirping coming from the golden vocal chords of Chicago's first lady of jazz, Dee Alexander.

With this being a "Opera," and not the typical concert, Khari B continued his role as the story teller while reciting the events surrounding the murder of Fred Hampton. Although Dawkins directed this entire program, he did find opportunities to demonstrate he varied skills as a master saxophonist. He didn't take many solo spots as he introduced the movements and acted as a catalyst for his impressive band mates.

Although each musician had an opportunity to showcase his skills, it was keyboardist Justin Dillard who really distinguished himself throughout the entire evening. There was an occasion toward the end of the program that this listener thought the keyboard would explode, as Dillard engaged in an absolute "killer" solo unlike any that had been seen before. With perspiration flowing from his brow, he hammered away with rapid speed, never divirting too far from the intended theme. It was truly the highlight of the evening and left the audience breatheless.

As Alexander vocalized during the next movement, veteran bassist Bankhead responded with a nice solo, in the mode of a flamingo guitar player. It was very well done, which is the norm for this outstanding bassist.

Before concluding the set, baritone saxophonist Aaron Getsug and tenor man Kevin Nabors exercised their chops with a couple of vibirant solos.

As this Op'era began, it concluded in the same manner with Khari B summerizing Hampton's death and vowing never to forget the tragic way in which he was killed.

This writer would like to commend Ernest Dawkins for not only composing an excellent piece of music, but also for his years of dedicated service to the Chicago jazz scene in general, and his untiring and steadfast mentorship to those young talented musicians willing to accept the discipline and expertise of this master director, composer and musician.

Dawkins can be seen performing at the Velvet Lounge on a regular basis. For details about Velvet's nightly schedule, refer to their website at www.velvetlounge.net.