Ari Brown

Ari began the night with a selection that he recently wrote and is loosely entitled "Blood Flowing." He told the story of working with some high school students who really weren't into what he was trying to teach them, until he began playing this lively number. Ari called this a warm-up number as he began playing the soprano sax. Midway through this song, he switched to the tenor as brother Kirk and Yosef alternated with extended solos and short blasts from their respective instruments. Yosef is such an accomplished bassist who is well respected in the jazz community, but never receives the accolades that he deserves.

Throughout the evening, the band played songs from their "Live" CD, in addition to new compositions that Ari has been working on (sounds like another CD may be forthcoming in the near future). During the first set though, Ari did unlock his "time vault" to play Coltrane's "Miles Mood." This arrangement was written by Ari and his old friend, the late vocalist Luba Rashiek. What a beautiful selection done with Ari leading on the tenor. He played this song with feeling.

Dr. Cuz was featured on an old classic, "Old Man River." On this unique arrangement, Ari was superb using the soprano sax. His comfort level seems to be the same, no matter which instrument he's playing.

Perhaps one of the night's highlights occurred when all ensemble members had nice extended solos on Duke Ellington's "Sentimental Mood." What's a jazz set without at least one of Duke's songs. He left us with such beautiful music that should be played in his honor as often as possible. This large Checker Jazz crowd was very appreciative of their effort.

They closed out the set with a dedication to a friend of Ari's who recently passed. This number with a lLatin tinge was entitled "Venus" and allowed Dr. Cruz to explode on the congos with some solid playing. At the same time, Ari was at his best using the tenor as a "scatting" instrument, producing "scat" like sounds as he blew into his horn. One never knows what to expect from Mr. Brown when he's on stage, but one can usually expect the unexpected, and it's usually good.

Next Sunday's (March 22nd), Checker Jazz set will be held at the International House 1414 E. 59th. St. starting at 7pm instead of 7:30 for that Sunday only. Ken Chaney's Awakening Ensemble will be performing. They performed twice last year in Chicago to standing room only crowds, so it's advisable to arrive early.

For detailed information about future Hyde Park Jazz Society's events, refer to their website at www.checkerjazz.org.