Jazz Unites Fest

This listener arrived on day one during the magnificent performance of pianist Bethany Pickens. What a pleasure to be able to watch the growth and maturation of this young pianist as she seemed to be quite at home strolling up and down on the Grand Steinway Piano. Pickens (if the name sounds familiar, yes she is the daughter of Chicago's premier pianist Willie Pickens), was accompanied by Verne Allison on drums and bassist Joshua Ramos. Both are young veteran Chicago musicians who were a perfect complement to Ms. Pickens.

Pickens repertoire highlighted selections from her debut CD entitled "Bethany Pickens." It was quite appropriate that Bethany featured a selection called "Brazilian Breeze," which was reflective of the cool breeze that was rolling off of Lake Michigan on this gorgeous Saturday afternoon.

Pickens was followed by one of Chicago's underrated vocalists, Tecora Rogers. Ms Rogers was spectacular at last year's Fest and didn't disappoint the estimated 8,000 attendees. Rogers, just returning from a successful engagement in Russia, peppered her set with beautiful recognizable jazz standards that the appreciative crowd loved.

The "showstopper" of this set was her rendition of "Over the Rainbow," which received a well deserved raucous ovation for this "diamond in the rough" veteran vocalist. Rogers' set was also made easy to listen to because of the "all star' band that accompanied her. Keyboardist Miguel de la Cerna led this group that included guitarist Curtis Robinson, drummer Verne Allision and bassist Chuck Webb. The first day of the Fest concluded with the appearance of veteran trumpeter Dr. Donald Byrd of the 70s and 80s era when he revolutionized "funky jazz" with his "Blackbyrds" band at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Luckily for Byrd, he assembled some of Chicago's finest musicians to "assist"him during this performance as they jammed into the night while Byrd primarily was a spectator. Byrd had his drummer Terry Garrett, moments but it was James "Perculator" Perkins on sax, Curtis Robinson again on guitar, Junius Paul on bass and led by Robert "Baabe" Irving III on keyboards that saved the day. These guys, most notably Robinson and Perkins were sooooo "at home" playing Byrd's funky sounds that it gave the appearance that they were the headliners. No complaints from the crowd though as it loved every moment so much that it "demanded" an encore before these musicians exited the stage. They concluded this first day with "Change, Makes You Want to Hustle."

Classy vocalist Ava Logan was performing upon this listeners arrival for day two. Logan, who recently debuted her CD entitled "So Many Stars," has become a crowd favorite in recent months with appearances at Pete Miller's Clubs in suburban Chicago, Cuatro's in the South Loop, and Pops for Champagne on the near north side.

Although her set was somewhat abbreviated, it was very well received by the estimated 8,000 fans. The lovely Dr. Logan,(a veterinarian by trade), with personality that accompanies her wide ranging talent, primarily "operated" from the "standard jazz songbook," in addition to performing songs from her new CD. Ava was accompanied by a group of musicians she's recently been performing with: Rob Block on keyboard and guitar, bassist Kurt Schweitz, and Mel Davis on drums. As usual, it was a treat to see her perform. She always interacts so well with the crowd during her "cabaret" style performance and will be performing at the Drake Hotel in late August, October and November.

Veteran trumpeter Art Hoyle and his Quintet, featuring saxophonist Eric Schneider followed Logan. Also included in this ensemble was pianist Larry Novak, drummer Robert Shy and bassist Dan Shapera. What a group of veteran musicians.!! These guys put on a solid program with Hoyle even favoring the crowd with some vocals. If you haven't seen Art vocalize during a performance, you owe it to yourself to do so.

The Festival came to a climatic conclusion with sultry, jazz R&B icon Jean Carne. Jean's a veteran vocalist who really knows how to "work" a crowd .She performed many of her hits from the 70s, including her biggest hit, "Don't Let It Go To Your Head." She also paid tribute to Etta James with a stirring version of "At Last". Carne had this crowd on its feet from start to finish and only the lateness of the night prevented this "party" from continuing. Jean was accompanied by Damon Warmack on bass Alonzo McKenzie on Keyboards, La Dell Abrams on Drums and Kevin Crosby on Keyboards.

Congratulations to Jazz Unites founder Geradine de Hass, MCs Brenda Phillips, Linda Hall, and Jean Franks along with Vice President Clarence Williamson for their foresight and efforts in making this Festival a grand success.