Frank Russell

Frank, a native of the music rich Gary, Indiana often performs with this aggregate, and it shows. This is a tight unit, with each artist a leader in his own right. Prior to this gig, they performed an afternoon set and was ready to "cook" as soon as they began with John Coltrane's "Impressions". As would be the case all night, they alternated on extended solos from the top. Although Russell is the leader, this is certainly an "equal opportunity" ensemble.

"Poinciana," Ahmad Jamal's signature number, was next on the menu. This was one of four songs they played that's on Frank outstanding "Covering All Bases" CD. Frank performed this number with his new five-string electric bass. This was a beautiful piece with maestro Russell putting the finishing touch on this classic standard.

There were many highlights during the first set with their rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly" being one. "Mr.Smooth", Charles Heath demonstrated that one does not have to rapid fire on the drum kit for affect. His gentle touch on the snare drum was a sight to see. This observer never tires watching him keep time. Russell added a little "funk" to this number.

Frank dedicated "Sailing" to the McClendon family of Gary who recently lost their parents during a senseless home invasion and murder. Frank produced a mellow "flamenco" sound with his bass. He often utilizes the full range of his instrument to produce different sounds.

They concluded the first set with Pat Martino's version of "Sunny". This was certainly a crowd pleaser with Heath demonstrating his "rapid fire" side on the drum kit.

Second set began with Chick Corea's Latin-tinged "Spain". Both Lerner and Spero excited the crowd with excellent extended solos. These guys were on point all night with an exclamation point on "Spain".

Frank added another funk number with Hancock's "Sly", which again allowed Spero to do his best Hancock impression. By now the crowd is ecstatic!!! Spero's such a fine young talent and continues to improve his craft, especially when performing with veterans like Frank Russell.

Before sharing the stage with a few guest artist, Russell and Lerner 'dueled' on Stanley Clarke's "Quiet Afternoon". What a beautiful sight see the two of them face to face with their "cring" instruments.

Keyboardist Billy Foster from Gary was the first guest to join the group as they played "Stella by Starlight". He was followed by another keyboardist, Larry Hanks, and vocalist Barbara Gogins. Gogins recently was featured at Room 43, and as usual, had the crowd "hooting" with her version of "Stormy Monday".Barbara's such an entertainer and a pure pleasure to watch.

This exceptional evening of music was concluded with Russell dedicating "Pretty as a Roz" to his lovely wife Rosalind, and "Amazing Grace". What an appropriate note to end this Sunday set with this beautiful Spiritual.

The next edition of Hyde Park Jazz Society's Sunday set takes place this Sunday at Room 43 featuring multi reediest Eric Schneider and honoring trumpeter Art Hoyle and radio personality Cliff Kelley.

Please refer to www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org for details about future events.