Jimmy Ellis
Live at the Checkerboard Lounge

Chicago, IL
Sunday April 27, 2008

Jimmy Ellis

Story and Photos by James Walker

Veteran tenor saxophonist Jimmy Ellis doned the Hyde Park Jazz Society's Checker Jazz stage on Sunday evening in front of many longtime friends and fans. Ellis, a favorite amongst South Side jazz fans was accompanied by bassist Cecile Savage, keyboardist Stephen Thomas and drummer "Bugs" Cochran. Throughout the evening, Jimmy "coaxed" many of his friends to join the band for a number or two. As a result, this performance became an all star set with the likes of pianist Willie Pickens, vocalists Joan Collaso and Ava Logan joining the band to the delight of this capacity crowd.It appeared that none were expecting to perform, but Mr. Ellis can be very convincing.

Jimmy started the set off with a nice smooth ballad, "Day By Day." As was the case throughout the night, master saxophonist Ellis and his ace bandmates primarily played old standards and ballads. Ellis ,deboniar as usual is so smooth with his delivery. He often just sits back on his stool and just blows nice mellow notes without any exertion. Jimmy, being a "old schooler" doesn't amplify his horn with a microphone and occasionally, when he moved away from the comfort of his stool, the sound would somewhat fade. Nevertheless, Ellis still has the "chops" that enabled all in this spacious room to enjoy his tender sound without straining.

Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk" was next on their playlist. Jimmy promised to "get nasty" on this number , but Mr. Ellis's "nasty" is still cool. No loud and long runs, just mellow chords from the master. Cecile Savage demonstrated some deep bass tones on this mid tempo number. Cecile, who often fronts her own band, was "steady as a rock" all night.

Before completing the first set with"Nothing Ever Changed My Love For You," Jimmy recognized Willie Pickens in the audience and congratulated him on his birthday.

The second set began with Jimmy borrowing his niece saxophonist Diane Ellis' sorprano sax. Jimmy, being the story teller that he is, quipped about growing up in the "valley" around 50th and Champaign and attempted to "paint" a picture of the area on a Sunday morning. On this number, Bugs even "played" a "gong" that Jimmy obtained in China. Jimmy had fun on this number, but indicated at it's conclusion that he was unfamiliar with Diane's soprano and would "retire" it for the night.

While pondering what number to play next, he gazed into the audience and asked Willie Pickens to play a number. While Jimmy left the stage, Maestro Pickens took his seat at the keyboard to play Duke Ellington's "Satin Doll." As usual, it was a pleasure watching Pickens do what he does best. Willie is a Chicago legend and often visits the Checker Jazz set as a spectator when he's not performing. Also, he's headlined at this fabled room on several occasions. The crowd was delighted to hear this classic Ellington selection.

Jimmy kept the guest artists busy during this set as vocalist Ava Logan gave the audience a sample of her skills with "Just in Time". Ava, an actress and singer will debut her new CD in a few weeks. She has a beautiful instrument and also complemented the night's star studded set. She was followed by veteran vocalist Joan Collaso. Joan indicated that she received her first opportunity to perform from Jimmy. She affectionately calls him her "Jazz Daddy." Jimmy seemed to gain energy as Joan, with her strong vocals, belted out "Route 66" with gusto.

Although the third set was somewhat short, Jimmy treated those few remaining fans with his vocals and scatting on "Sunny Side of The Street." This writer had never seen this side of Jimmy, and it was delightful seeing him "ham it up" with the audience.

Finally, kudos to keyboardist Stephen Thomas. Although this writer had never seen this veteran perform, he acquitted himself well this evening.He had several nice solos while demonstrating improvisational skills. This writer continues to be amazed of the number of exceptional keyboardists performing in Chicago.

This was a fun evening of good music and next Sunday's set should be one of this year's Checker Jazz highlights. Ken Chaney's Awakening Group, consisting of trombonist T.S.Galloway, saxophonist Ari Brown, drummer Ernie Adams, trumpeter Corey Wilkes,and bassist Josh Ramos performs an encore set that they played recently before a packed house at Sherman Park. This ALL STAR group surely will pack the Checkerboard Lounge - so its advisable to arrive early.

For additional information about future Checker Jazz sets, refer to their website at: www.checkerjazz.org.