Club Seen!
Carl Fischer

The Joynt, Chicago,IL
Friday March 5, 2010

Carl Fischer

Story by Brad Walseth,
Photos by John Broughton, Copyright 2010

Trumpeter Carl Fischer blew into town last week in support of his newly released CD - “Adverse Times” (see our review here . The hard-blowing member of Billy Joel's band took the stage at The Joynt (650 N. Dearborn) and – backed by a stellar band – proceeded to heat up a chilly night. Fischer's band included his usual keyboardist – Ron “The Octopus” Oswanski – whose incendiary keyboard riffs were a highlight. There was no need for a bassist on this night either, as Osawanski took care of that need as well. Drummer Ladell Abrams was on hand from Motown to provide solid funky beats all night long, while Chicagoans – trombonist Tom Garling and guitarist John McLean added their sizzling work to the fun. Meanwhile the crowd packed into this comfortable and friendly included members of Billy Joel and Elton John's bands (including Joel's guitarist/musical director Tommy Byrnes) and their road crews. This fact was made quite apparent when Abrams broke his bass drum pedal and half the audience pulled Allen wrenches out of their pockets.

With Fischer hitting the high notes like former mentor Maynard Ferguson, the trumpeter and his band galloped through fiery versions of the gritty, funky, soulful numbers that appear on the new record, as well as some new ones. The crowd was really picking up on the energy given off by the band – and the good-time, party atmosphere was in full swing. The personable Fischer displayed his considerable chops with aggressive and energetic solos, but also showed he could slow it down on flugelhorn on such numbers as Joel's “Elegy for the Fisherman.” Garling showed why he is a first call trombonist in our fair city, while McLean made Chicago proud with his ultra funky rhythms and simmering leads. Abrams has played with CeCe Winans and Usher and was quite adept at laying down the groove.

An entertaining and pulse-racing evening of music in a great club – let's hope this hot young trumpeter returns for more Chicago engagements.