Corey Wilkes & Black Slang

As usual at Andys on Fridays, the place was packed to check out one of Chicago's finest musicians (Corey was recently recognized by Downbeat Magazine as one of the nation's "Rising Star Trumpeters"). This group has few limitations as was displayed on this evening.They usually perform many genres including , R&B, Funk, Hip-Hop, and jazz.

They opened the first set with Nabors taking the first lead on a long extended solo on the tenor , followed my Wilkes. This afforded these exceptional horn players an opportunity to stretch from the outset.

It didn't take Corey long to display his patented rapid fire riff as he appeared to be in top form during their second number. It was also on this number that Nabors displayed his skill on the soprano sax. This writer had not seen much of this instrument from Nabors and from what was observed, he should include it in his repertoire.

Black Slang's excellent vocalist "Yaw" took center stage for the remainder of this set and had the house "Rockin" with his infectious vocals on numbers like Earth Wind and Fire's "Can't Hide Love" and a nice jazzy version of R&B selection "People Make the World Go Round". It was on the EWF number that Yaw even involved the audience in a little participation. Fun was had by all during this segment.

No matter what the configuration, Corey Wilkes always brings his "A" game and continues to move up the latter to the top of this country's elite trumpeters. Chicago is fortunate that he still calls this place home. Do yourself a favor and check him out in the near future.

Also, Andy's is one of the few Chicago Chicago Clubs with Jazz and food seven days a week. Refer to their website www.andysjazzclub.com for future engagements.