Charlie Johnson

Charlie opened the set with one of this writer's favorite numbers, Horace Silver's "Song For My Father," as Garcia took the first lead with his flugelhorn. Adams didn't take long to launch full throttle on his drum kit as he normally does. He's such a pleasure to see and hear perform. Arguably, he's one of Chicago's best.

For those not having seen Dickens in action before, they were truly in for a treat. On this initial number he was making his seven-string bass "moan and cry." He's a phenomenon bassist with very few peers. These cats had the crowd working overtime after the first song!!!!!

"Gravy Waltz" was their second number and again Garcia took the first lead. Leader Johnson gave a glimpse into his ranging talent as he covered the entire keyboard in a slow and easy manner, while Dickens stretched the limits of his bass with those high guitar like notes. And he makes it look sooo easy. Garcia hit some high octave notes at the conclusion of this song.

They concluded this three song sixty plus minute set with their arrangement of "Little Sunflower." This number was perhaps Dickens most profound, as he simply took over during his extended solo as his band mates watched him operate like a skilled surgeon. He went from break fast speed to a soft and slow single picking during his improvised solo.

The second set opened with Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage." Johnson did Hancock proud on this tune as he used every one of the 88s, demonstrating his ability to equally use both right and rock solid left hand. This stunning display resulted in a rousing ovation from the audience. Johnson continued his dominance on "Some Day My Prince Will Come," this time displaying a soft touch while Garcia's muted horn aptly complemented Johnson. Dickens played the high notes with his seven string bass and again they left the crowd ecstatic.

Johnson invited several of his friends to the bandstand to vocalize a few numbers at the conclusion of the second set. Margaret Murphy, Tammy McCann and Natalie Yokley thrilled the crowd with some fine singing. Murphy and McCann rendered verses of "Everyday I Sing The Blues" while Yokley brought this set to climatic conclusion with a sparkling version of "Get There". This resulted in a spontaneous standing ovation from this stunned crowd.

The final set consisted of an exceptional version of "Softly In The Morning Sunrise" with all having one last opportunity to put their "prints" on this exceptional night of jazz. Let's hope this aggregate does this again in the near future. Johnson rarely performs in this type of forum yet he's truly one of Chicago's most underrated and accomplished pianist.

Trumpeter Pharez Whitted assembles an outstanding group for May 30th Hyde Park Jazz Society's set which will probably attract a large crowd this Holiday Weekend. For details about future Society's events, refer to their website at www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org.