Joan Collaso

The classy Ms. Collaso slowly doned the stage asking this large crowd to have patience with her as her energy level wasn't quite at the normal level as a result of a very busy weekend of performing. She opened this set with Dizzy Gillespie's "Night In Tunisia." This, along with other songs performed tonight, is on Joan's "Live" CD. By the time she began singing "Moondance/Summertime," it was apparent that this "Class Act" was rapidly gaining energy that she was receiving from the warmth of this spirited crowd (several patrons were celebrating birthdays).

By the time Joan completed the first set with her version of "Route 66," it was obvious that not only was her heart into the music, her voice was as pristine as ever; matching her ever present charm and charisma. Being the professional that she is, she worked through a little weariness to give the audience what it came to see.

Hanks and the trio began the 2nd set with a number that featured some deep bass tones from Marlene Rosenberg. Joan's highlight of this set came when she sang Nancy Wilson's classic "Guess Who I Saw Tonight." This number was extremely well done which segued into the next number,"I Wish You Love." Joan indicated if she was in that circumstance, she would have "wished him love" on his way out the door. The audience simply loved the way Joan put those two songs together.

It was also during this set that Joan's friend, Samantha Bannister joined her on the stage to sing "Nearness Of You". This beautiful ballad included an nice keyboard solo by Larry Hanks. They conluded this set with Joan and Larry's composition of "New Day" , from their I Do CD.

The final set started with another guest appearance. Drummer Brian Grice joined the fray for a couple of numbers. Brian is a former classmate of Hanks working in Chicago with the touring company of the play "Turn Of The Century," which was being performed at the Goodman Theater. This wonderful evening came to a climatic conclusion with Joan singing a request from the audience the beautiful ballad," Here's To Life", and a blues duet with Bannister on T Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday" and "I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water".

Although Ms. Collaso was the star of this show, this writer would be remiss if special mention wasn't given to "maestro" Larry Hanks and his bandmates. They were on point all night long.

Please check out Hyde Park Jazz Society's website www.checkerjazz.org for details about future Sunday evening sets at the Checkerboard.