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Story and Photos by James Walker, Jr.
ETA's monthly music bash on S.South Chicago Ave. was another crowd pleaser on
January 11th. And why not with a "house" band consisting of Chicago's premier
bassist Chuck Webb, young phenom keyboardist William "Kapt." Kurk, and world
class drummer Khari Parker, backing the night's headliner, multi-octave vocalist
Nanette Frank.
This "diamond in the rough" event is one of Chicago's best kept secrets but
continue to sparkle each 2nd Monday of the month with exceptional performances.
Before Ms. Frank took the bandstand, the trio "warmed" up the audience with an
opening number that was a prelude to an exciting evening of music.Each musician
stretched with solid solos with Parker's solo eliciting a rousing applause from
this veteran audience.
Such an opening could have intimidated a novice performer, but not Ms. Frank.
She jumped right into the fray with an upbeat version of Duke Ellington's
"Caravan". This sassy diva knows how to work an audience and continued with
"Birdland" in honor of her father who was a musician.
Throughout this two set performance, Nanette and Kapt. Kurk worked sooooo well
together; often engaging in friendly "call and response" bantering. In addition,
on one occasion Webb had his electric bass "singing" back to Nanette's
tantalizing phrasing. She's such the consummate professional who has performed
world wide and doesn't permit the audience to just sit idly. Oh yeah, audience
participation is a "requirement" at Nanette's gigs.
Other first set highlights included a crowd pleasing rendition of "Round
Midnight", "On Broadway" and "Green Dolphin Street", with Nanette scatting and
both Webb and Kirk distinguishing themselves with outstanding solos.
The second set was opened with "How High the Moon", and "Lush Life." Kapt. Kurk
introduced the latter with a brilliant display of keyboarding using fingers,
hands, and yes, his mouth.The crowd looked on in amazement as he ran the 88s
from one end of the keyboard to the other. By now, he has the audience in a
frenzy.
Nanette's beautiful arrangement of Henry Mancini's "Moon River" was done
primarily with only Kurk's accompaniment with style and grace.The same can be
said of her version of the classic "Funny Valentine", which followed.
This exceptional evening of jazz standards came to a climatic conclusion with
Kapt. Kurk almost "stealing" the show on "Summertime". He played lik a man
possessed, this time using all body parts (including feet) on his all out
assault of the keyboard. One had to be there to truly appreciate this
unbelievable spontaneous accomplishment. All present during this number were
nodding their heads in unison and astonishment.
This group needs to take this act on the road,as it truly merits an encore
performance. ETA's next Music Monday occurs February 8th, featuring baritone
vocalist Milton Suggs. For details refer to their website at http://www.etacreativearts.org.
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