Corey Wilkes
Tuesday Lunchbreak

Cultural Center, Chicago,IL
Mar. 11, 2008

Corey's horns of plenty

Story and Photos by James Walker

It's a busy noontime throng at the Chicago Cultural Center as the lunch crowd gathered for an hour or so of relaxation at the Randolph Street Cafe, while serious jazz fans anxiously awaited the arrival of Chicago's premier jazz musician, trumpeter Corey Wilkes. This weekly "Lunchbreak Jazz and Blues Set," sponsored by the Chicago Cultural Center, is perhaps one of the best kept musical secrets in the city. Scheduled to begin at 12:15pm, Corey's band mates were mingling around waiting for the arrival of their leader. It's exactly 12:17pm, as Corey calmy walks into the hall, unpacks his horns and immediately launches into 60 minutes of extraordinary music. What made this beginning so remarkable was the fact that it was done without any warm up or tune up. Corey, being the consumate professional that he is did not appear to be flustered at all.

One might expect for this group to ease into the set with a ballad while adjusting to the environment, but with Robert Irving III on keys, Junius Paul playing the bass, and the ever present Ernie Adams maintaining the time on the drums, these guys immediately jumped into the Horace Silver uptempo number entitled "Nika's Dream." Irving, the former pianist for Miles Davis, demonstrated his recognizable extended runs using perhaps all 88 keys. Paul and Adams, also distinguished themselves with nice solos on this number. It was very apparent from the top of this show that these ace musicians had often previously played together. Each fronts his own band on occasions and today, all four musicans played parallel parts that worked together and never sounded busy.

Adams and Corey's bantering on Cole Porter's "Night and Day" was special. On this number, Corey brought out the flugelhorn. During this friendly 'call and response' neither attempted a "knock out punch" during the "battle." Just friendly sparing between two friends.

The final number of this noontime set was Miles Davis's "All Blues." When asked about their version, Junius Paul described it as "spiced up." This was truly a fitting finale to a great set. All were into this number and the expressions on their faces told the story. They were having a blast. It was like four friends sitting around one's living room having a good time.

Many in attendance during this session were not jazz fans but roared their approval with a rousing ovation at its conclusion. They just happened to be there to enjoy their daily lunch, not knowing that the musical dessert would be free. Music can be so soothing and mood setting, and thanks to Corey Wilkes and his manificant colleagues, on this afternoon, those who did have to return to work, certainly did so with a very positive frame of mind.

In addition to their Tuesday Lunchbreak jazz and blues sessions, the Chicago Cultural Center sponsors many free activities each and every day including music of all genres. For detailed information, refer to their website at: www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.