Frank Russell

Checkerboard Lounge
Chicago, IL
Sunday - April 13, 2008

Frank Russell

Story and Photos by James Walker, Jr.
Frank Russell, master bassist and master bandleader, continues to impress this writer with his leadership and outright ability to front an contemporary jazz band with his varied array of guitars. He also demonstrates his intellegence evident by the ace bandmates he surrounds himself with. On this evening, he assembled a top notch group of Chicago musicians who are leaders in their own right. Buddy Fambro having performed with the likes of Ramsey Lewis among others , held down the guitar slot, young phenom Greg Spero continued to excel on the keyboard, while Khari Parker, currently touring with Boz Scaggs, kept perfect time behind the drum kit and the ever present Corey Wilkes contributing with his trumpet and flugelhorn.

Frank started the set on the acoustic bass with a mellow solo that had a "flamenco" twinge before deferring to each of his bandmates for extended solos. This set the tone for the entire night as Russell let it be known that this would be a unified effort on the part of each member. During this first number, it didn't take Wilkes long to heat things up as he began hitting those stratospheric high notes that he's become associated with. Each bandmate engaged in nice interplay with drummer Parker on this inaugural selection.

"People Make The World Go Round", R&B song made famous by the "Stylistics in the 70s, was the next selection. Frank switched to the electric bass on this number and displayed a nice lead with his deep bass tones. At all times, he's able to maintain the basic melody, while also engaging in dramatic improvisation. They followed this number with Ramsey Lewis's classsic "In Crowd". Frank dedicated this to the late bassist Eldee Young who performed many years with Ramsey. It was during this number that Spero, had one of his many spectaculiar extended solos. He began with soft tickling of the "ivories" followed by interplay with Fambro and Parker. Not to be left out, Corey takes his turn blowing rapid fast pistol like chords.

Although Russell shared the spotlight throughout the evening with this exceptional group, there were also moments that he distinguished himself. One such moment was during the end of the first set when he was featured on Stanley Clarke's "Quiet Afternoon". Using a five string guitar, he quipped that about being a "frustrated" guitar players who plays the bass. He aquitted himself well with uncanny speed while gaining energy and ideas as he forged ahead. He was complimented by Fambro as they engaged in friendly bantering. The first set concluded with David Sanborn's "Maputo" featuring dynamic drummer Khari Parker. He demonstrated quick hands and instincts that revealed a melodic ingenuity on the drum kit. His power percision drumming was evident during the entire evening. Wilkes also displayed a soft touch with the trumpet using the muffled sound.

The second half of the Checker Jazz set was performed with the same vitality and gusto as the first. Actually, this group seemed to pick up steam as the night progressed. Miles Davis's "Seven Steps to Heaven" (also on Russell's "Covering all Basses" CD), was the first number and included long improvisational solos by Spero, Wilkes and Fambro. They even put a "Blusey" twist to the end of this classic Miles tune. The crowd roared its approval.

"Poinciana", also on Russell's CD, was well done with all sharing in the spotlight. This beautiful ballad included an delightful "call and response" between Russell and Wilkes. These guys know each other so well and are able to "play off " one and other without missing a beat. Toward the end of this number, they broke out into Herbie Hancock's funky "Chameleon." What a surprise that delighted all. Wilkes, was perhaps at his best with his rapid signature runs on this song. Khari Parker again demonstrated his expertise on the drums with a commanding solo that he exhibited throughout this entire performance.

Monks "Straight , No Chaiser" featured both Russell and Spero. Russell used his acoustic bass on this number which actually sounded like an upright bass. It's amazing how Russell is capable of producing such different sounds with his arsenal of string instruments. Spero uses his keyboards like a B-3 organ as he electrifies the crowd jumping between the keyboards primarily using his virtuostic right hand. This action brought the audience to its feet even before he concluded his solo. It was simply breath taking.

Although this set extended beyond the normal 11:00pm ending time, those remaining were rewarded with a reprise of the first set's "People Make the World Go Round." Fambro was afforded another opportunity to display his "Wes Montgomery" style and sound with the fleet fingers that he displayed throughout the evening. In addition, Wilkes and Russell also had their last shots at solos. When offered "a piece of this finale action," an exhausted Parker respectfully declined as he had just arrived in the city earlier in the day after being on the road with Boz Scaggs.

These master musicians really worked well together and individually all night long.They were a very cohesive unit and appeared to gain energy from one another. They are known fixtures in Chicago with perhaps Spero being the exception.Don't worry, that won't last long as he continues to gain the respect and admiration of local musicians and fans alike. This twenty-two year older continues to grow and reached levels on the 88s that were not expected. He has a bright future as a sideman and frontman in this business. Kudos to Khari Parker who has been on the road for the past several years but took time to sit in on this exceptional gig with distinction. For Russell, Wilkes, and Fambro, continue raising bar for others to strive for. As usual, they nailed it on this evening.

Saxophonist Ray Bailey performs at the Hyde Park Jazz Society's set this coming Sunday. For those who missed the recent Ken Chaney led "Awakening" Concert,it's scheduled for a repeat on May 4th. at Checker Jazz. For detailed information of all future sets, refer to their website at: www.checkerjazz.org.