Musicians Network/JAZZ LINKS
Musicans Supporting Musicans

Little Black Pearl
Cultural Center
Chicago,IL
Mar. 12, 2008

Tony Carpenter

Irving Pierce, Capria Berry & Zakiya Powell

Story and Photos by James Walker

This writer attended two events during the week of March 2th. that demonstrates the dedication and commitment that Chicago Jazz musicians have for each other and for aspiring young musicans.

The Musican's Network MECCA meets every Monday starting at 7pm at the Little Black Pearl located at 1060 East 47th Street. MECCA(Musicians Economically Conscious Creative Association) provides an avenue for experienced jazz musicians to engage in a jam session each week, in addition to nurturing aspiring musicians in their endeavor to develop their craft. Also a musician is featured each week, and on this occasion, that performer was vocalist Nanette Frank. Ms. Frank is a dynamic vocalist with a strong voice that she has complete command of. Although she sings several genres, jazz and R&B is primarily where she's the most accomplished.On this evening, she used the forum to pay tribute to R&B singer Angela Bofill. Ms. Bofill was stricken with a stroke several years ago and is in the process of recovering and rehabbing. Although Nanette often fronts her own group, she also has done background work for several noted R&B musicians , including Bolfill.
Even though this tribute was for only about 30 minutes, it was on point and full of emotion. Not only was Nanette superb, she was surrounded by a group by a group of outstanding musicals including multi-reedist James Perkins, keyboardist Larry Hanks, and exceptional percussionist Tony Carpenter. During her rendition of "You Know I Try", the friendly bantering between Nanette and Saxophonist James Perkins was simply moving. Musicians and audience members alike responded with equal enthusiasm during this segment. Although Nanette had earlier complained of not being at full strength, the mere emotion that she displayed during this song dispelled any thought that she was "under the weather."

She followed up that number with "She's an Angel," with spectacular percussion playing by Tony Carpenter. Nanette initially hadn't noticed Carpenter but couldn't help but to glance his way on several occasions in admiration for the work that he was performing. For those who have never seen him perform, if the opportunity prevails in the future to do so, take it. His work on the congoes is breathtaking.

What makes a set like this so special is its spontaneity. No rehearsing, just a group of professionals getting together to support one another and have a good time. To that end,mission was definitely accomplished. Ms Frank is a wonderful vocalist and a great performer. She has a lot of class and style and when on stage, she's in another world.

As previously mentioned, the Musician's Network also is about supporting novice musicians. Each week, young performers can sign up for a few moments in the spotlight with network members backing them.On this evening, several vocalists distinguished themselves along with a couple of instrumentalists.Its an excellent opportunity for these young people to perform and receive feedback from some of the seasoned performers.

Keep up the good work Musician's Network for the support you provide each other, in addition to mentoring that you do with the young musicians. For additional information about this group, refer to their website at: www.musicansnetworkmecca.com.

The Jazz Links is a program developed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago that brings veteran jazz musicians to high schools and elementary schools for an 8-session workshop that provides a real-life training ground for young people to learn and develop skills to become professional musicians. During this period, students have an opportunity to participate the second Wednesday of every month from October through May in a jam session. These sessions are held at the Chicago Cultural center, 78 E. Washington St. from 5-7 pm.

The most recent session afforded these aspiring jazz musicians an opportunity not only to jam with each otrher, but to perfrom with some of Chicago's world-class professionals in the Links "house band:" Robert Irving III on piano, Ernie Adams on drums and Lorin Cohen on bass. The session was emceed by pianist Ken Chaney.

To warm things up, the house band improvised on the spot an unnamed original. What a sight for these young artists to see these "giants" step up to the stage and just improvise on a new number without any preparation. Just watching the masters must give them encouragement. For the next two hours though, it was their time to shine.

The first ensemble to perfrom was Chris Linenberger on guitar, Alex Harrison on tenor sax and Irving Pierce on alto sax. Backed by the house band, this threesome played "All the Things You Are." They were followed by Capria Berry on alto, Andre Mills on baritone sax and Damen Talbert on tenor. They performed Horace Silver's classic "Song for My Father." Wat a pleasure to see Mills playing the baritone, an instrument so lacking from most jazz bands. This number was followed by Eddie Harris' "Cold Duck Time." Mills was a standout during this piece.

Pianist Alea Heatherton next performed admirably on Monk's challenging "Straight No Chaser." It must be noted at this point that ths students were undertaking jazz standards and classics that one would expect to hear at jazz clubs throughout the nation.

The absolute highlight of the evening was the performance of trumpeter William Miller and phenom pianist Michael King. They were accompanied by Chicago Jazz Ensemble's alto sax player, Jarrad Harris. Harris works with some of these aspiring talented musicians. they simply jammed on several selections with some extensive improvising during this segment. King was performing like a master and was in complete control as he undertook several extended solos. Irving, Chaney, Cohen and Adams all looked on in amazement as this young man just took over. When it was time for him to relinquish the keys, Irving just remained in his seat enjoying this amazing performance. This writer had a conversation several days later with bassist Cohen and he continued to shower accolades on young King. Cohen indicated he;s never seen such development in a young musician in just a few months as he has seen in King. Chicago, keep an eye for him in the future. In the meanwhile, he's looking to formally develop his craft at one of the East Coast music schools.

Trombonist Zakiya Powell took the stage with Capria Berry and Irving Pierce to play Sonny Rollin's "Sonnymoon For Two." Again, it was nice to see a novice musician playing an instrument seldom seen in most small ensembles. Let's hope she continues developing on this complex instrument.

Finally, the last young performer of the evening was trumpeter Chris Stein. Chris played the classic Joe Zawinul/Cannonball Adderly tune, "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy."

Congratulations to the Jazz Links students for an outstanding evening of music with the "masters." It must truly be an honor for them to have this privilege of working with and under the tutelage of some of Chicago's finest. Thanks also goes out to the Jazz Institute of Chicago for coordinating this activity. the future of Jazz in Chicago is in good hands.

For more information about Jazz Links, contact Diane Chandler-Marshall, jazz Links Program Director at 312-427-1676.