Roberta Thomas
Music Mondays

The show opened with the "house band" warming up the audience with a couple of hot numbers. Some "house" band, that consisted of bassist Chuck Webb, keyboardist Mike Logan, and Mike's son Mike, Jr. on the drums.This was Mike Jr.'s first jazz engagement with his dad and he accorded himself favorably. I guess the "apple doesn't fall too far from the tree" as Mike Sr. is one of the most respected musicians/composers/producers in Chicago. Although you may never see Mike fronting his own band, he's one of the most sought after sidemen for "national" artists when they are performing in Chicago.

Back to "Ms. Dynamo". Her first set comprised of many jazz standards including a phenomenon version of Billy Holiday's "Good Morning Heartache." Her range and pitch was amazing. This was as close to "Lady Day" that this listener had ever heard. The same could be said when she belted out "When I Fall In Love." Througout this set, Chuck and Mike Sr. displayed their varied skills. This was particuliarly evendent on "Duke"s" "Take The A Train". Logan tickled the 88s on an extended solo that delighted the appreciative Music Monday audience. Webb also had the crowd on the edge of its seat with some deep bass tones on this classic. Roberta demonstrated her eclectic style as she closed out the first set with Aretha Franklin's "Baby I Love You". What a set. This lady sings everything with conviction and style. She makes singing look soooooo easy.!!!!!!!!!!!

The second set began with another sizzling Aretha tune, "Dr. Feelgood".This was a showstopper and by now it was quite evident that this lady could sing a nursery rhyme and make it sound special. The absoute highlight of the entire evening came when belted out the classic from the musical Dreamgirls, Jennifer Holiday's "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". This listener has heard this song done by so many vocalists (including Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson), but Roberta nailed it. This song received a well deserved standing ovation as Roberta kneeled to one knee convincingly pleading her case that she was not "letting her man go."

Before closing out the evening by getting back to her roots with the gospel number, "God Will Take Care Of You", Roberta invited Logan's mother to the stage to sing a duet with her. The crowd loved their rendition of the Staple Singers' " I'll Take You There." Mrs Logan almost stole the show as she sang and danced. Now we know where Mike gets all of his talent from.

Another successful Music Monday at ETA Creative Arts Foundation. Vocalist Isha Molinea will be the featured artist on December 8th. For details about all ETA's events, refer to their website at www.etacreativearts.org.