Sax in the City

Hyde Park Jazz Society
Checkerboard Lounge
Chicago
December 23, 2007

James Perkins, Audley Reid, Skinny Williams, Ray Silkman

Story and Photos by James Walker, Jr.

If you like good "Sax," the weekly Hyde Park Jazz Society's Sunday Night set on Dec. 23rd was certainly the place to be. "Sax in the City",featuring four of Chicago's finest contemporary saxophone players, brought out a "Standing Room Only" crowd on one of Chicago's most intensely cold nights. Charlie Thomas of the Jazz Society had warned fans via email to arrive early to avoid being turned away at the door. By the 7:30pm start time, Charlie was quite prophetic, as late arrivals had to wait outside until the 2nd set for admission.

"Sax in the City" players Ray Silkman, Audley Reid, James Perkins and Skinny Williams, have previously performed together with the most recent occasion being the very successful Hyde Park Jazz Festival in late September. On this night, they were ably "backed" by Roger Weaver on keyboard, Paul Richmond on bass and Derek Henderson on Drums. All are veteran sidemen who perform regularly throughout the area with some of Chicago's outstanding Jazz groups.

The sidemen waisted little time warming up the frigid crowd with a sizzling rendition of Grover Washington's "Mr. Magic". How proper to get things started with this selection from the pioneer of smooth jazz sax, the late great Grover Washington, Jr. From the four corners of this packed spacious room, with horns blasting away, the foursome slowly converged onto the stage to the delight of the excitable crowd.

Skinny continued the festive mood with a beautiful ballad entitled "Our 1st Dance". Although Skinny is noted for his hard bopping sound, he demonstrated his soft side on this tune that brought the crowd to its feet.

As promised, this would be a Holiday Party with both Christmas music and standard Jazz melodies. "This Christmas", featuring Audley was the first holiday selection played. During this piece of music and throughout the evening, all had opportunities to solo when they were not producing vibrant sounds in unison. Hearing the four horns together is unusual but these young men were quite capable of pulling this off pull without it being overebearing. On the next song, Skinny on the tenor and Ray on the Alto "dueled" on"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." What a beautiful sight, seeing them going back and forth.

James Perkins took front and center with a lovely Stevie Wonder ballad called "My Cheri Amour". He seamlessly concluded this number with "Never Can Say goodbye". This was one of the first set's highlights.

The group concluded the first set playing the John Coltrane standard "My Favorite Things". This is a song that's played by so many and tonight "Sax in the City" did "Trane" proud on this number. This first ninety minutes were certainly well done by all as they played an enjoyable mixture fo holiday and standard jazz numbers.

The second set was as exciting as the first with only a few of the "SRO" crowd leaving to make room for those waiting outside during the inaugural set. They started with the same energy playing "Pick up the Pieces". It was quite evident during this number, as well as throughout the evening, that this aggregation enjoys performing together. They complemented each other nicely with James Perkins and Audley Reid featured on most ballads and Skinny and Ray picking up the beat on the uptempo numbers. They also delighted the throng weaving through the house with joyful horns blaring from all directions. Audley even surprised one audience member when he invited her to the stage and serenaded her as he played. She instantly became the envy of many of the females present.

Finally, kukos to bassist Paul Richmond as he expertly soloed with James Perkins on George Benson"s "This Masquerade". Paul's deep bass tones were felt throughout the spacious room. Drummer Derek Henderson kept the beat all night. He's an exceptional "time keeper" and often fronts his own band. Keyboardist Roger Weaver was steady from start to finish.

They concluded this fine night with a rousing version of "The World is a Ghetto". By this time, the crowd was in a frenzy, clapping and expressing it's approval of this exceptional Christmas Party. What a fantastic evening. Before leaving , Skinny promised to bring the group back together in the spring for a live recording. Let's hope they are able to fulfill this promise because this group needs to be chronicled for all to enjoy.

Hyde Park Jazz Society isn't resting on it's recent laurels as the following high profile schedule has been set for the next five weeks:

Dec. 30 . Crosswind featuring Vocalist Marvinetta

Jan.6 Ari Brown, Sax.

Jan. 13 Tammy McCann , Vocalist

Jan.20 Willie Pickens , Keyboard

Jan. 27 Charlie Johnson, Keyboard

For details about these and other Jazz Society events, refer to their website here.

On behalf of JazzChicago.net, here's' wishing each of you a very safe and prosperous New Year.