Tammy McCann

The Hot House
Chicago, IL
May 8, 2007

Tammy McCann

Story and Photos by James Walker
Welcome back Tammy McCann. Who is TammyMcCann? Vocalist McCann is a Chicago native who returned to her roots last year after touring in Europe for the last 10-plus years with Ray Charles, The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Soul Stirrers and others. Locally, she has performed with such greats as Ramsey Lewis and George and Von Freeman. Tammy is a classically-trained vocalist, with a range of songs from gospel, opera, standards, to jazz. McCann performed Tuesday night at the Hot House in the South Loop, and the on the normally quiet evening, she was really hot.

This evening, Tammy was joined on stage by some of Chicago’s finest musicians. Multi-talented James Perkins displayed his varied skills while playing alto, tenor and soprano sax, in addition to the flute. James and Tammy “dueled” all night long with neither missing a beat. One must experience a James Perkins performance, for he is one of the few jazz sax players who performs while sitting down.

Musical director Tom Vaitsas has been playing the keyboard with Tammy for more than ten years. This young man is another one of those exceptional piano players playing throughout Chicago. Eric Hochberg played the electric bass, but he would have distinguished himself more had he appropriately used an upright for a set like Tuesday’s.

What can be said about drummer Ernie Adams that hasn’t already been stated in previous reviews. He’s perhaps Chicago’s finest drummer, and that’s saying a lot. Ernie has been accompanying Tammy for several years, and this night he was simply at his best. It’s such a pleasure to watch Ernie work his magic fingers with such power and grace. His solos never seem to stray too far from the melody, as is often the case with many drummers.
Let’s get back to the star!! McCann, throughout the night, reminded the near-capacity crowd that her music was basically about Love. She displayed this theme all night with an occasional glimpse toward the direction of her soul mate with her beautiful infectious smile. Don’t try to label this sultry songstress as simply a jazz singer, because her songbook is very deep. She acknowledged an appreciation for such show tune singers as Ethel Merman and Barbra Steisand, in addition to jazz greats, Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Horn, Carmen McCrae, Nina Simone and Dinah Washington.

Her two set performance was highlighted by such standards as “All Blues,” “Boy From Impanema,” and “Autumn Leaves,” in addition to a beautiful duet with Ernie Adams of Nina Simone’s “Black is the Color.” Much of Tuesday’s music can be found on Tammy’s current cd “Classic,” with the exception of a new song co-written by a young vocalist by the name of Carmen London. The song, “Blue Woman,” will appear on McCann’s upcoming cd. This was a beautiful song that had the crowd begging for more.

The night finally came to a conclusion with a fine rendition of the old standard “Autumn Leaves.” What an exciting evening for all in attendance. For many, it was an introduction to perhaps one of Chicago’s best kept secrets, the dynamic and sultry Tammy McCann. Check her out this spring and summer, for she will be performing around Chicago at different venues, including Friday August 31, 2007 at the Chicago Jazz Festival. You won’t regret it!!!