ETA
Music Monday

Chicago,IL
Mar. 12, 2008

Skinny Williams

Will Kirk, Chuck Webb & Khari Parker

Story and Photos by James Walker

Although ETA Creative Arts Foundation is noted for its mainstage theatrical productions,this nonprofit, tax exempt organization located at 7558 S.South Chicago Avenue endeavors "to provide professional opportunities by the way of training and performance for the development of both youth and adults as artists." To this end, their monthly "Music Mondays," which is held the second Monday of the month, has become the place to be to relax and enjoy some of the best jazz that can be found anywhere in Chicago.

This writer recently had the opportunity to review an evening of exceptional music highlighted by the talented Chicago saxophonist, Skinny Williams. Before Skinny took center stage,several other performers got things started with a variety of artistic fetes.

Local poet Lloyd Taylor opened the show with a poem entitled "Faithful Servant," in honor of Charles Lawrence, noted Chicago Jazz aficionado who recently passed away. Lawrence was a regular at ETA 's Music Mondays, Checker Jazz's sets at the Checkerboard, in addition to other jazz venues in Chicago.

Skinny's exceptional sidemen, consisting of bassist Chuck Webb, drummer Khari Parker, and keyboardist Will Kirk, kicked things off with an introductory number featuring Khari with an extended solo. Khari, known throughout the area as one of Chicago's funkiest timekeepers, set the mood early on.

Sue Conway, a fine vocalist in her own right and the program's monthly hostess, rendered a beautiful number dedicated to the memory of Charles Lawrence. Her version of "Here's to Life" was sung from the heart. One could easily see the pain on Sue's face as she belted out the lovely jazz standard. This writer is sure that Lawrence had a "smile on his face" as she almost was overcome with emotions at its conclusion.

As previously mentioned, this set is unlike other jazz venues in that, when appropriate, aspiring young talented artists are afforded the opportunity to take center stage. On this evening, a VERY YOUNG performer took advantage of such an opportunity. Six year old drummer Kenari Allison took the sticks from Khari to lead the band in "Play That Funky Music White Boy." Folks, the future of jazz drumming is in good hands. This young man was simply amazing. His command of the drum kit is remarkable, especially for someone his age. His extended solo brought the appreciative crowd to its feet. He criss-crossed hands, played behind his back, while at all times maintaining the rhythm and melody of this smooth jazz tune. Kudos to ETA for its effort to foster the talent of our young people.

After this remarkable performance, Cliff Kelly,longtime WVON talk radio host and Music Monday's MC, introduced headliner Skinny Williams. Skinny quipped as he took the stage "I can't follow that.....yall set me up." Nevertheless, Skinny started the set with "Lost Without You." As is usual with Skinny, he squandered little time energizing with crowd with his hard bopping. This selection was also accompanied by a nice solo from keyboardist Will Kirk.

Although Skinny is noted for his "funky" sound, he's an exceptional contemporary jazz artist. This was demonstrated during his rendition of Stanley Turentine's classic "Sugar." Skinny reached for and hit some OH SO high notes during this number. The appreciative crowd responded warmly to this song.

The versatile Williams, next picked up the soprano sax to play the lovely Paul McCarthy ballad "My Love." Although Skinny plays tenor, alto, and soprano, it had been quite a while since this listener had heard this instrument being played by this charismatic instrumentalist. This was followed by Duke Ellington's "Sentimental Mood." This song appeared to be quite appropriate for this intimate "night club" environment. On this occasion, Skinny played the alto sax. Khari's use of the brushes complemented a nice mellow solo by keyboardist Kirk. Of course, what's a Duke tune without a keyboard solo.

This set was concluded with their stirring version of "Cold Duck Time." This Eddie Harris number was the night's highlight, with Will Kirk distinguishing himself as he hopped up and down while the toe-tapping, head shaking, hand clapping crowd demonstrated its approval.

What a nice set full of a variety of music from Duke Ellington to the Beatles, with a mixture of a funky Eddie Harris and soulful Stanley Turentine. This group was outstanding. Although little mention was given to bassist Chuck Webb, he was steady from start to finish. This young man, along with wife vocalist Margaret Murphy will be featured at ETA later this spring. For details about future Music Monday sets, please refer to their website at http://www.etacreativearts.org.