Lenny Lynn

Baritone crooner Lenny Lynn and some of his friends were successful all night long belting out jazz standard after standard, to the delight of the moderate crowd that had assembled on another snowy Chicago night. Musicians joining Lenny on the stage was organist Pete Benson, guitarist Mike Allemana, and drummer Derrick Henderson. Derrick was a last minute "fill in", being called to the "gig" shortly after the scheduled start time of 7:30pm. Luckily, Derrick is a Hyde Park resident , and was able to arrive and set up shortly after 8pm. What a professional!!!!!! Derrick , considered to be one of Chicago's finest drummers, aptly "filled in" minus any opportunity to rehearse or even discuss the playlist with the band.

"April in Paris" was the first selection of the night with both Allemana and Benson wailing on extended solos. This was a preview of what was to come from these exceptional musicians. Lenny appeared to be in peak form as he peppered the crowd during the first set with "I Remember You," "Lover Come Back to Me" and a "bluesy" number that he delivered with style that was remnisent of the days of the old South Side Clubs like the Apartment. He seems to really be at home singing the Blues and does it better than most of the well known Chicago Blues singers. Lenny's probably one the best kept secrets on the Chicago music scene, but this Checker Jazz Crowd knew exactly what to expect from the "throaty" baritone. He commands attention with his scatting and singing , but this didn't preclude his band mates from highlight solos as they concluded this first set.

Lenny took requests during the 2nd set which included "The More I See You," "Danny Boy," "Angel Eyes," Oscar Brown, Jr.'s "Jeannine" and his signature song, "Moanin'." This number really got the crowd excited as he completed the second set

The 3rd set began with an nice opening selection from this impeccable band. That was followed by Lenny singing "In the Still of the Night." On this number, guitarist Allemana really distinguished himself. He's so laid back as he sits in a chair, rocking back and forth stroking his guitar with speed and grace. He's also under the radar among Chicago guitarist, but this writer is rapidly becoming one of his admirers. He's that good.

At that point , Lenny turned to some of his "friends" for cameo appearances. The sassy vocalist Barbara Gogins didn't hesitate to come to the stage when Lenny began to invite vocalists to share the spotlight. Barbara sang "It Might as Well be Spring," and had the crowd in "stitches" with her stage presence and showmanship. By the way, the lady can also sing. She received a well deserved standing ovation.

Barbara was followed by Charlotte Foster who rendered "The Masquerade is Over", Kathy Whitney with Houston Person's "Why Not Love," and Loretta 'Lady Lee' Lee on Billie Holiday's "Fine and Mellow."

Lenny concluded this fun evening of vocals appropriately with "What a Wonderful World." This was a rare Lenny Lynn appearance,but let's hope he resurfaces in the very near future.

World class saxophonist Ari Brown appears this Sunday (March 8, 2009) at Checker Jazz. Ari's a Checker Jazz favorite and should draw a large crowd.

For detailed information about Hyde Park Jazz Society's future events, refer to their website at www.checkerjazz.org. Please be reminded that their March 22nd set, featuring Ken Chaney's Awakening group, will be held at the International House 1414 E. 59th Street instead of the Checkerboard, at the special start time of 7pm.