Chicago Jazz Ensemble

Each year, they put on five or six performances in the city and their latest installment featured their regular vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn, guest vocalist Ron Hawking and world class trombonist Curtis Fuller.

As per most of these sets, jazz critic Neil Tesser engaged in a preconcert conversation with Faddis and Fuller. These are usually very informative, and this occasion was no exception. Neil is extremely knowledgeable of all areas of jazz, and of course, it's always a pleasure hearing Mr. Faddis part with his words of wisdom.

Faddis began this concert playing the National Anthem. This has become a tradition for Jon and really sets a nice tone for the evening. It's also an opportunity for the audience to hear the vibriant sound coming from his trumpet, without accompaniment from the Ensemble.

The theme for this evening was "The Great American Songbook" with a salute to composer and pianist Hank Jones in celebration of his 90th birthday. Two new works were commissioned by (ASCAP) in Mr. Jones' honor. Richard Sussman, an established Jazz composer, and Tyler Gilmore, an emerging Jazz composer, were selected to produce these new compositions.

Sussman's piece, "Ivorie Towers", featured pianist Jeremy Kahn and trumpeter Pharez Whitted, two of Chicago's most underrated musicians. Saxophonist Jarred Harris was featured on Gilmore's complex "Piano Roll". Harris, an accomplished musician and teacher, was up to the task.

During the first set, the Ensemble entertained the crowd with a Cole Porter /Irving Berlin medley, in addition to songs like "Come Fly with Me," and "What is this Thing Called Love." Faddis displayed his virtuoso skills on the medley. It's always a pleasure to hear Jon hitting those high notes that most trumpeters only dream about.

It was also during the first set that vocalist Ron Hawking took his turn at the mic. He opened his segment with a salute to Frank Sinatra medley. The crowd pleaser was his rendition of "(That's Why) The Lady is a Tramp."

The second half featured selections from trombonist Curtis Fuller. His short set included "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," and "I've Told Ev'ry Little Star," which featured the deep sounds of saxophonist Pat Mallinger.

CJE's principal vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn was last to grace the Harris Theater stage, but by no means did she take a "back seat" to those who preceeded her. Bobbi's an experienced songbird, and belted out standards like "I Get a Kick Out of You", "Lover Man", and "The Man I Love" before concluding this fine evening of music with an exceptional duet with Hawking on "They Can't Take That Away From Me."

In addition to the special guests who performed on this evening, and those previously mentioned, one must also give kudos to trumpeter Tito Carrillo, trombonist Tracy Kirk, saxophonist Rob Denty and drummer/music director Dana Hall.

There's one last opportuity to see this Ensemble on June 5, 2009 with special guest, violinist Regina Carter at Symphony Center. For detailed infomation about this concert and other CJE events, refer to their website at www.chicagojazzensemble.com.