Ernie Adams

Maestro Adams assembled an "all star" group of master musicians along with some of Chicago's "young turks" to thoroughly entertain another large crowd at this fabled Hyde Park Blues and Jazz club. Veteran bandmates included guitarist extraordinaire Henry Johnson, steady bassist Stewart Miller, and Chicago's most underrated keyboardist, Charley "fleet fingers" Johnson. What a combination! In addition, two other veterans joined the fray; percussionist Tony Carpenter, and world renowned seven-string bassist, Bill "Buddha" Dickens.

And if that wasn't enough, some of Adam's students and young proteges took center stage to the delight of the crowd. Included were violinist Jason Vinluan, vibraphonist Tom Havgen, Saxophonist Dudley Owens and trumpeter Zaid Krisberg.

The core group , along with Owens and Krisberg opened the set with extended solos on "Voyage". All, with the exception of Miller, flexed their muscels on this number while Miller held down the beat , as he would do all night long.

Adams opened "footprints" with an extended solo using the entire drum kit as is typical in an Ernie Adams led set. He later described this number as "African Style". It also afforded Miller an opportunity to establish his prowess on the bass while Charlie Johnson went into attack mode on the 88s. His fingers ran over the entire keyboard, while using both hands with equal ability, and sparing not a single key during this first of his many all out "assaults" on the keyboard.

Young Tom Havgen, performing in his first paid gig, accorded himself appropriately on "Naima" as he initiated this number on the vibes with a nice extended solo before being joined by the rhythm section. Also on this beautiful ballad, the "Brothers Johnson"(no relations), contributed nice soft solos.

The night's first highlight occurred on Chick Corea's "Matrix." Henry Johnson took the lead with Adams banging away in the background before "passing the baton" to Charlie Johnson who calmly ran away with an exceptional solo. This number concluded with Adams using primarily brushes bantered with bassist Miller. This piece certainly deserved the round of applause given by this excited crowd.

The first set concluded with violinist Jaxon Vinluan leading the way on a nice upbeat song entitled "Song for Bilboa." He was in complete command , gracefully gliding across the stage as he played.

The second set opened with percussionist Tony Carpenter pounding on the congos with speed and fluidity followed by rapid fire action from Henry Johnson and Charlie Johnson. They turned this selection into a "jam session," as Carpenter demonstrated fresh energy which seemed to renew the spirits of the other bandmates.

Charlie Johnson's arrangement of "Green Dolphin Street" began with some intricate chords on the keyboard and concluded with Mr. Adams abandoning the sticks for his fingers, hands and elbows. It was a sight to be seen. Ernie was at his best on this number and again the crowd just loved it.

Now for the absolute highlight of the evening. Bill "Buddha" Dickens. He almost "stole" the entire show on just two numbers. Using his unique 7-string bass, that also allows him to produce a lead guitar sound, "Buddha" caught most Checker Jazz fans off guard with his speed during the band's version of "Red Clay." His running up and down on the bass reminds one of the great bassist Marcus Miller, one of the fastest electric bassist this reviewer has ever seen. Henry Johnson also wasn't to be upstaged as he demonstrated similar speed on the lead guitar.

Buddha concluded his appearance with a beautiful ballad that he wrote entitled "Bernice." He effectively used all seven strings on this number that allowed him to produce both low and high sounding notes. What a demonstration of skill and talent!!!!

This five star performance came to an end after three hours with Charlie Johnson producing different sounds on the keyboard and synthesizer. He produced vocal sounds while inserting a few chords of blues and ragtime. What a talent, and what an evening of exceptional music. By far, one of the premier sets this reviewer has seen thus far in 2009.

Next Sunday, Checker Jazz presents vocalist Lenny Lynn. For detailed information about future sets,(including their special set at the International House in Hyde Park on March 22nd) refer to their website at : www.checkerjazz.org.