Willie Pickens

These three were at their individual and collective best for two 90 minute sets that had the audience spellbound throughout the evening. Although there was an expectation that Pickens and Russell would excel, it was drummer Shy who nearly "stole the show" with his quick hands and ingenuity on the drum kit and animated drumming. This listener has observed Mr. Shy during previous engagements where he lived up to his last name, but on this evening he was simply remarkable in his energetic performance.

Shy's solos all evening resulted in several thunderous ovations from this experienced jazz crowd. Perhaps he was inspired by the masterful playing of Pickens and Russell, nevertheless, he was "on point" all night long. One such highlight occurred during the playing of Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance." His long thoughtful solo delighted the crowd.

Russell also distinguished himself on this number as he "spanked," "stroked" and "thumped" away on the Fender bass. The crowd interacted with rhythmic clapping and foot tapping on this first set highlight.

Maestro Pickens was in a "zone" during the first set. During his rendition of Benny Golson's "Whisper Not," he was all over the keyboard, running up and down and back and forth with the greatest of ease. It truly was a sight to see. Pickens' finest moment occurred during his solo playing of Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady." He performed this number in a "classical" mode, with a slight ragtime tinge throughout. He changed speed and pace with great effect and the crowd loved it. This was especially true when he slowed the rapid pace to a sudden slower one.

The first set concluded with Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia." Again, both Russell and Shy led the way on this classic Dizzy tune. Shy used all of his "old school" tools on this piece. He certainly wasn't "shy" on this song or any of the others.

Although the 2nd set didn't have ALL the highlights of the first set, these guys nevertheless were thoroughly entertaining, technically sound and played extremely well together. Perhaps the featured number of this set was a 15th Century English Battle song entitled "Our Love, How Deep, How Long, How High." Mr. Pickens was again awesome on his solo playing, primarily in the middle of keyboard with repeated with repeated strokes, with sweet background drumming from Shy.

They concluded this outstanding evening of music with guest guitarist Peter Lerner joining in on Ellington's "Caravan" and "Take the 'A' Train." Peter had a nice solo on "Caravan," along with his buddy Russell on his acoustic bass. These two perform together as a duo or in a group often. Pickens had the last spotlight on "a Train" as he and Lerner engaged in friendly bantering, with the guitarist occasionally finishing Pickens' initial phrase. Just as he began the night, the master pianist concluded it with a bang. What a wonderful evening!!! Again, another successful Checker Jazz set sponsored by the Hyde Park Jazz Society at the Checkerboard Lounge.

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