Ernie Adams

Adams, arguably Chicago's finest and busiest drummer assembled an all star cast that included pianist Meguel de la Cerna, bassist Larry Gray, trumpeter Victor Garcia, saxophonist Tom Gullion,and percussionists David Clark and Tony "Toca" Carpenter.

Adams opened the set with Stanley Clarke's "Why Wait," using a free style format that afforded all musicians an opportunity to stretch and improvise. .It was quite apparent from the outset that the spotlight would be shared by all, as Adams exercised his prerogative as an "equal opportunity" employer to equally share the stage with all. It's also ironic that Adams has collaborated on the recordings of dozens of musicians but until now never found time in his busy schedule to record a CD under his name.

Adams second number was very special to him as it was an original selection written for his lovely wife entitled "The First Time We Met." Percussionists Carpenter and Clarke joined in with Garcia playing his flugelhorn and Gullion displaying a mellow sound with the soprano sax on this beautiful ballad.

Jazz standard "Well You Needn't" featured an explosive solo by Adams, that's quite common whenever he's behind the drum kit. It was full of energy and ideas that he displayed throughout the performance. The first set concluded with Wayne Shorter's "Aung San Suu Kyi." Garcia, unknown to most of this Hyde Park crowd, displayed fleet fingered rapid speed and stunned the audience with his blazing chops. He was outstanding all night long and on this number, he was scintillating.

The second set consisted of several ballads that allowed all to demonstrate a soft, but compelling touch. Watching Larry Gray operate on the acoustic bass was such a sight to see. He is like a surgeon as he carefully plucks away on the strings with precision. He's the consummate professional and appeared to be in a "zone" throughout the three hour set.

Tom Gullion also was an unknown, but shouldn't be for long as this Wisconsinite can hold his own in a city noted for world class tenor players.His approach to soloing was patient and thoughtful and his touch impeccable.

Although Carpenter and Clarke primarily were in the background, their presence was noted, especially on a Latin tinged number. Finally, pianist Miguel de la Cerna, usually accompanying vocalist Dee Alexander, had a rare opportunity to stretch and demonstrate his varied skills on the 88s. He's underrated, but one of Chicago's finest pianist and arranger.

Not only was this an exceptional evening of music, it also was special that Adams was finally recording his first CD as a leader. This listener has urged him to do so for years and it finally happened in grand fashion.

Two for Brazil reunites Paulinho Garcia and Greg Fishman at this Sunday's Hyde Park Jazz Society's weekly affair. Again, this set will be held at the Hyde Park Union Church Social Hall at 5600 S. Woodlawn. For details about future HPJS events, refer to their website at www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org.