Tammy McCann

Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago, IL
Sunday, Feb. 8

Tammy McCann

Story and Photos by James Walker

What a pleasure to see the dynamic songbird Tammy McCann back on stage at the Checkerboard Lounge during the weekly CheckerJazz Set that's sponsored by the Hyde Park Jazz Society each Sunday. Evident by the Standing Room Only crowd, Tammy's fans were also elated to see her back "home."

It's been about a year since this writer last saw Tammy and she was in top notch form with her new band. Joining Tammy was drummer Perry Wilson, bassist Dan Anderson, keyboardist Thomas Gunther and guitarist Mike Allemana. This excellent quartet was a perfect accompaniment with Allemana demonstrating "highlight" solos throughout the evening.

Tammy is classically trained, but has an affinity for jazz standards. Her three set performance on this evening consisted primiarily of classics from "great american songbook." Many of the selections were taken from her current CD, "Classic." During the first set, her rendition of Jobim's "Boy from Ipanema" painted a picture of one enjoying a beautiful afternoon on a beach in Brazil. She almost brought that song to life, as she always does.

Guitarist Allemana showcased his skills during that set on "The Very Thought of You." He has such an easy going touch on the guitar as he's perched on a stool rocking back and forth. This song could have easily been done by just Tammy and Mike.

Perhaps the highlight of the first set came when Tammy dedicated "Free At Last" to her high school music teacher, Dr. McLinn. It was a song in honor of our 44th President, Barack Obama. It was a very moving number which was very well received by this overflow crowd. That number was followed by a beautiful version of "Motherless Child." Drummer Wilson took his turn in the spotlight with a banging solo.

Throughout the remaining two sets, Tammy peppered the crowd with lovely ballads and standards including "I Got Rhythm," "Green Dolphin Street," "More," "All Blues" and "Mood Indigo."

"All Blues" was sung with soul and emotion as Tammy created "new" lyrics along the way. Keyboardist Gunther had his finest moment as the audience enjoyed this impromptu version. That was followed by "Mood Indigo," with guitar and bass only. This was so well done, and in this writers opinion, perhaps the absolute highlight of the entire evening.

Welcome back Tammy!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work.Tammy can be seen at Pops for Champagne, 601 North State Street on February 27th and 28th.

For future Checker Jazz Sets, refer to their website at www.checkerjazz.org.