Curtis Robinson

Curtis and his ace bandmates were paying tribute to the late great guitarist, Wes Montgomery. To this day, Montgomery, is considered the patriarch of jazz guitar and is often imitated by the best. Seldom does a featured guitarist NOT pay homage to Montgomery with one of his classic tunes.

Joining Robinson was bassist Chuck Webb, premier drummer Leon Joyce, Jr. and another underrated Chicago keyboardist, Roger Harris.They opened the 2nd set with Wes' "Jingle" Both Harris and Joyce were featured on this number. Before beginning the next song, from the audience, vocalist Dee Alexander coaxed Curtis to do a couple of verses of "Did You Ever Make Love to A Midget." Curtis swears that Dee wrote this song. This was the type of night these musicians were having. They were having as much fun as the audience. The charismatic Robinson is such a jokester and banters with the band and audience throughout his performance.

Robinson then played a George Benson selection using vocals and his guitar ala Benson. He even engaged the audience in a "sing-a-long." This was followed by "Georgia." Although this writer has heard this number performed by many musicians, Robinson was putting a special soft touch to the strings as Joyce lightly stroked the skins with his brushes. Suddently, Robinson changed the tempo, and began playing from an upbeat "gospel" chord. He quipped, "I know some of you didn't go to church today, so I'm bringing it to you." Again, the audience loved this change of pace and Curtis' quips.

Bassist Webb and Joyce were again highlighted on "Careeba" before Robinson invited Webb's wife, vocalist Margaret Murphy to the stage. Keeping the atmosphere light and jovial, Margaret sung "Meet Me With Your Black 'Draws' On." It was that type of night and this number was met with audience approval. Dee Alexander was next in line to join the action and wowed the crowd with "Feeling Good." This writer has seen Dee perform that number on many occasions and it always done it that special Dee style. As usual, she used her vocal instrument "chirping" while producing a beautiful bird like sound. Not to be out done, Robinson decided to "challenge" Dee to a "duel" with each having to repeat and exceed the previous sound of the other. This friendly improvised bantering was perhaps one of the highlights of the evening.It spontaneously brought the audience to its feet.

Curtis concluded this fine evening of music with a beautiful rendition of "Rainy Night in Georgia." Robinson had his guitar "crying" out during this number as he again displayed his serious side on the lovely ballad.

Another great night of music finally came to an end around midnight. Again, the Checkerboard Lounge was full of musicians. Another dozen or so stopped by to support their colleagues and simply to enjoy some great sounds.

For detailed information about future Hyde Park Jazz Society's events, refer to their website at: Checkerjazz.org.