Frank Russell
live at the Checkerboard Lounge

Chicago, IL
Oct. 7, 2007

Frank Russell

Makaya McCraven

Story and Photos by James Walker

After experiencing their recent successful Jazz Festival (see our review and photos here), the Hyde Park Jazz Society has embarked upon a series of very high-profile sets at their weekly Sunday evening Checker Jazz gigs. This past Sunday was no exception, as master bassist Frank Russell brought his quintet to the Checkerboard Lounge for some Chicago-style, contemporary jazz.

Russell was joined on stage by a couple of Chicago's top musicians along with two young players who certainly will be heard from in the very near future. Although trumpeter Corey Wilkes is only 28 years old, he's a young veteran who joined Frank's group as a very special guest that evening. Other members of the quintet included guitarist Buddy Fambo, up-and-coming 22 year old keyboardist Greg Spero and East Coast-transplant, 24 year old drummer Makaya McCraven. This mixture of the generations really worked well together.

The set started with Corey Wilkes blowing full golden tones that make others sound like they are playing with one lung. Corey always plays with a vibrant spirit that whips up an interactive whirlwind behind him. Russell, meanwhile, played an array of bass instruments, including the acoustic and electric bass. Throughout the evening, he created a flowing, polyrhythmic pulse underneath the group that elevated the music. This writer witnessed a side of Russell previously not seen. He played some very serious, straight-ahead bass without losing the context of the song's melody, as is often the case with some bass players. Throughout his solos, he combined uncanny speed and horn-like facility, while seeming to gain energy . This was especially evident on Herbie Hancock's “Butterfly,” which also featured a fine flugelhorn solo by Corey.

The highlight of the first set was the group's rendition of “Killer Joe.” Special mention must be given to young phenom, Greg Spero on the electric keyboards. This young man really found his groove on this piece on this piece and had the relatively small, but very appreciative crowd begging for more at its conclusion. He really “walked” on the keys, displaying an arsenal of rapid-fire, fleet fingers that had all gasping for air. He played throughout the evening like a veteran beyond his years.

Buddy Fambo is a respected guitarist in the George Benson/ Wes Montgomery mode. When Fambo is playing, their legacies are in good hands. His call and response with Russell on Stanley Clarke's “Quiet Afternoon” was a sight to see. Fambo also stepped up on the beautiful ballad, “Poinciana.”

Although his opportunities to solos were less frequent, drummer McCraven held down the beat all evening long. He's an exciting drummer with plenty of positive energy and fueled the proceddings with his power-precision drumming.

Finally, yes, “Checker Jazz” at the Checkerboard Lounge on Sundays has found its niche in the Chicago Jazz scene. They have some exciting events planned over the next several weeks. Outstanding drummer, Ernie Adams heads an exceptional group of bandmates there on October 21st. He'll be joined by Henry Johnson on guitar, Stewart Miller on bass and Charles Johnson on piano. One of our favorite vocalists, Maggie Brown, closes out the month on October 28th, while future shows include the return of trumpeter Orbert Davis and veteran vocalist Joan Colasso. Chicago, take advantage of these gems in the near future!