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Story and Photos by James Walker On Friday, December 22, I decided to stop by Close-Up 2, the South Loop's newest smooth jazz club on South Wabash for a beer on my way home from the Bulls' basketball game. I had no idea who was playing this night, but to my delight, it was the Skinny Williams Quartet.Skinny is one of Chicago's finest contemporary sax players and is regularly seen at Joe's BeBop Cafe at Navy Pier. He was joined tonight by: Wally Hudson on bass, Jahari Parker on drums, and Roger Harris on piano. Each of these fine musicians is seen throughout the area either with other groups or fronting their own group. On this evening though, they were heating things up at Close Up2 with a couple of steamy sets. Harris is a real easy-going, smooth keyboardist who doesn't have to "dig into" the piano to produce great sounds; he just plays. At the other extreme is Hudson on the bass guitar. His every movement during his solos is full of vigor and energy. He really makes the bass "talk" with every stroke. It's a joy to watch him play. Jahari on the drums is a band all by himself. Often drum solos become disjointed, but not when Jahari is keeping time. He stays within the melody and doesn't miss a beat. That leaves us with the front man, Skinny Williams. He blows a hard sax and does a great cover of Grover Washington tunes, in addition to bluesy tunes like "Ms. Celia Blues" from the movie The Color Purple. One can tell that he's influenced by Grover, but doesn't limit his repertoire to just Grover Washington classics. What an enjoyable and relaxing evening that was had by all during the final weekend before Christmas. I'm really glad that I decided to wander in Close Up 2 this evening. Live smooth jazz can be enjoyed most weekends at Close Up 2 - located at 416 S. Clark in the South Loop. If you have yet to check out this cozy club, you owe it to yourself to do so. |
 Skinny Williams |
 Roger Harris |
 Wally Hudson |
 Jahari Parker |
 Skinny Williams & Group |
 Skinny Williams |
 Jahari Parker |
 Wally Hudson |
 Roger Harris |
 Skinny Williams & Group |