Naria Kim and Evan Solomon | Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

By TOM BOWSER

Dame Myra Hess Concerts are free to attend and occur every Wednesday at 12:15 within the fabulous Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago at 55 E. Wacker Drive in Chicago, IL. Artists that appear at Dame Myra Hess concerts are of high quality and worthy of your time and attention. Performances are 45-minutes long. Dame Myra Hess concerts are a perfect lunch break during the week if you work downtown. My wife and I occasionally meet during lunch hour and then head back to our respective days. NOTE: Seats are limited so arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the 12:15pm start time if possible.

The Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert series features a variety of "classical" music artists and instruments. Performances range from solo piano, to violin or cello and piano, string quartets, flute, clarinet to brass and saxophone ensembles and more. One of my recent favorites was the beautiful Chicago Harp Quartet.

Those of you who have read my "About Me" page will notice I have worked with a range of music types and musicians from jazz and country to setting up for The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2 tours. However, I was a classical music fan long before I listened to that first Aerosmith Rocks album, my highschool friend Mark Ashby lent me. One of my favorite childhood memories was driving with my father while listening to his favorite classical music (Shostakovich). Now that he's passed on this memory holds even more significance.

Parents bring your children if they are old enough to sit quietly and attentively through a 45-minute performance. As they mature your children will remember and cherish the classical music experiences you shared with them. College students who live and attend school downtown should consider Dame Myra Hess concerts as a welcome break during their day. Music students have a great opportunity to see and learn from working musicians.

New to live classical music events?

1. Turn off or silence your phone or other noise making device before the show begins.
2. If you take pictures do not use a flash.
3. It's customary to hold your applause until an entire piece of music (song) has completed. If you're not sure when to clap simply wait until a majority of the audience has begun to applaud.

Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts is produced by the International Music Foundation of Chicago. All Dame Myra Hess concerts are recorded and broadcast live on WFMT 98.7 FM. Concerts are also streamed live from the WFMT Web site.

Naria Kim and Evan Solomon

I enjoyed the performance. I found Naria's playing to be very musical and fluid. She played with passion and articulated the more complicated double stop sections with ease. Naria and Evan worked well together. Piano can become too loud in Preston Bradley Hall with the many highly reflective surfaces of the room. Evan did a nice job maintaining an appropriate volume level that did not overpower Naria's playing.

Naria and Evan performed:

- Nocturne Op. 51, No. 3 (3') composed by Jean Sibelius

- Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor (14') by Claude Debussy
I.   Allegro vivo
II.  Intermede: Fantasque et leger
II. Finale: Tre anime

- Violin Sonata, FP. 119 (20') composed by Francis Poulenc
I.   Allegro con fuoco
II.  Intermezzo. Tres lent et calme
III. Presto tragico


NOTE: The Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert series is free to attend. However, it is funded in part through donations. Please consider making a donation to insure the continuance of this long running and important concert series. Whether you donate five dollars or ten thousand dollars I'm confident your donation will be put to good use.

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The band "Ask Your Folks" | Chamber Monday Concert Series

By TOM BOWSER

The free Chamber Music Concert Series at the Chicago Cultural Center has been evolving to include a wider variety of music. I like the change as it allows me to experience a diversity of music styles and genres that I might not otherwise be exposed to. The band scheduled to play on December 14, 2015 was Ask Your Folks.

Ask Your Folks showed they had more than just a clever name. Their musical style seemed influenced by both jazz and folk music. Their clean, well rehearsed performances demonstrated their classical music roots and DePaul University music school training.



One of the standouts for the show was the violin playing of Libby Burton. Her playing style and clean tone gave a modern feel to a genre of music rooted in the more organic feel I associate with fiddle players. I'm sure that with continued work, Libby's vocal abilities will rise to the level of her violin playing. Owen and Eli played well together and formed a solid foundation for the original compositions Ask Your Folks performed.

The sound production for the event was well done. The overall volume was good for the room. The mix between instruments and musicians was well balanced. The overall sound had excellent clarity. The band did a good job working with the single mic technique used to reproduce the musicians vocals and instruments.

My wife and I both enjoyed our lunch hour all the more while listening to the music of Ask Your Folks. I suggest you make an opportunity to see their next performance. The show was another great free event sponsored by the folks at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

The band, Ask Your Folks, is ready to fill the role as an opening band for a larger tour. Looking to hire Ask Your Folks for a corporate event, party, wedding or festival? For bookings contact the band at askyourfolks at gmail.com.

The band:
Owen Burton - Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Libby Weitnauer - Violin, Vocals
Eli Broxham - Bass Fiddle (Double Bass)

Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble | Chamber Mondays Concert Series

By TOM BOWSER

One of the many things I like about Chicago is the huge number of completely FREE, high quality events sponsored by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). DCASE events are always high quality and well organized. One of my favorite free weekly events is the Chamber Monday Series held at 12:15pm every Monday in beautiful Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. Preston Bradley Hall has a breath taking Tiffany stained-glass dome above it. The dome is the largest of its kind in the world.

Chamber Monday concerts feature a wide range of music that routinely changes. One week you might hear opera, another week jazz or maybe classical or folk. The music is always interesting and the musicians are very high caliber. The audiences are diverse and appreciative. The setting is casual so come as you are. My wife and I often meet during work lunch hours. You can quietly leave early if you need to. It is a nice break from any busy day.



The fabulous Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble performed pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, Francesco Geminiani, Michel Blavet and Georg Phillipp Telemann. The show was flawless and well received by the audience. The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble is composed of Michael Henoch, oboe, John Thorne, flute, Paula Kosower, cello, Jason Moy, harpsichord playing Baroque Chamber Music.

If you are not familiar with Baroque Chamber Music I suggest you give it a listen. It's quite beautiful and relaxing!

Fifth House Ensemble | Rush Hour Concerts | Free Concerts

By TOM BOWSER

Chicago is one of the epicenters of music innovation and creation in the world. Whatever type of music you like you will find it here in Chicago. I love live music for its spontaneity. I'm able to connect with the musicians and music in a way that is not possible by listening to recorded music.

Rush Hour Concerts presents FREE concerts every Tuesday night from June through August at the beautiful St. James Cathedral at 65 East Huron Street in downtown Chicago. Performances feature an interesting variety of classical music performed by musicians from world-class organizations to include the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The audience is diverse and everyone is welcome. The format of the concerts is casual, so come as you are whether directly from work or home. Refreshments are served prior to the concert. Attend the FREE pre-concert discussion at 5:15pm to learn more about the performance. The concerts are broadcast live by 98.7 WFMT, which adds an interesting element to the event. Concerts begin at 5:45pm.

Fifth House Ensemble performed at the Rush Hour concert. Their performance was moving and compelling. My wife and I both enjoyed the event. The music and inspiring setting were a refreshing break from our busy day.

Fifth House Ensemble members for this event included:

• Jani Parsons, Piano
• Drew Williams, Violin
• Jennifer Woodrum, Clarinet

Guitarist Paul Kaye and Harmonica Hinds | Chicago Blues Music

By TOM BOWSER

Chicago Blues musicians Paul Kaye and Harmonica Hinds played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium in the Harold Washington Library Center in downtown Chicago. The Cindy Pritzker Auditorium is a great theater to see live music and other performances. The seats are comfortable and the acoustics are good. The in-house sound techs consistently do a nice job producing the sound for events. The FREE event was made possible by the Chicago Library's One Book One Chicago program and the Old Town School of Folk.

Both Paul Kaye and Harmonica Hinds are veterans of the Chicago Blues music scene. Harmonica Hinds gained notoriety in the early 1970s as a member of the house band in Chicago-based Theresa's Lounge where he played with greats like Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. Legendary Blues musicians, including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, and many more, have played Theresa's Lounge.

Paul Kaye established himself in the Chicago blues music scene playing with Honeyboy Edwards, Buddy Guy, Jr. Wells and many other well-known musicians. Paul also teaches acoustic blues guitar classes at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music.

It was an entertaining show my wife and I both enjoyed. Paul Kaye and Harmonica Hinds played a wide variety of blues standards and played them well. Some of my favorite covers they performed were "Catfish Blues" by Honeyboy Edwards and Jimmy Reeds, "Take Out Some Insurance", Muddy Waters' 'She Moves Me' and Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'".

Both Paul Kaye and Harmonica Hinds play at Buddy Guy's Legends, the Chicago club owned by the internationally known Chicago Blues guitarist Buddy Guy.

NOTE: Click on any image below to view a larger version.

RAGAMALA | Celebration of Indian Classical Music in Chicago

By TOM BOWSER

Ragamala is a free special event that occurs annually as part of Chicago's Free World Music Festival. Ragamala featured 12 hours of Indian classical music beginning at 8:00pm and ending at 8:00am the following day. It is an incredible opportunity to hear talented musicians play a variety of Indian music styles and instruments.

Ragamala was held in the beautiful Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. Preston Bradley Hall is a nice room for this event. The room's lights were dimmed creating a relaxed, meditative feel. The beautiful Tiffany glass dome was a perfect complement to the exotic instruments and clothing of the musicians. The music was produced at a comfortable listening level.

I've been a long time fan of Indian violinist L. Shankar. One of the violins L. Shankar plays is a one of a kind, custom designed, double necked electric violin. This was the first time I had seen Indian music performed live. I found the music, instruments and musicians fascinating. The musicianship was impeccable.

Chicago native Lyon Leifer opened Ragamala, 2015 playing a flute made of bamboo called the Bansuri. Subhasis Mukherjee played with him on a pair of small drums he played with his hands called the Tabla. Ms. Shruti Joshi played a rather large, droning instrument called the Tambura. It appeared to keep time for the musicians. I was transfixed by the skill and various techniques required to play each instrument. If you have not experienced Indian music Ragamala is the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately my wife and I had to get up early the following day. We only stayed for the first event. We both wished we could have stayed longer.

Lyon Leifer is also an accomplished Western classical musician who plays the flute. Visit his website for more information and upcoming performances.

The Musicians:

7. Lyon Leifer - Bansuri
8. Subhasis Mukherjee - Tabla
9. Ms. Shruti Joshi - Tambura

Joshua Abrams Quartet | MCA Chicago | Free Jazz Tuesdays

By TOM BOWSER

The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art hosts "Tuesdays on the Terrace". Free, high quality jazz concerts on Tuesdays, June through September. Food options include a more formal buffet amd casual dining, including Hamburgers (they looked very good) house-made sausage, salads, cold beverages, wine and cocktails. The terrace where the event is hosted is quite nice. Chairs are arranged in front of where the music is performed. There is a grassy area for picnic style seating and eating. It's a nice way to spend an evening!

I'm not a professional writer, photographer, jazz critic (obviously). I'm a music fan. There are many different styles of jazz, each with unique characteristics that influence the final sound. I admit I like some styles of jazz more than others. I do my best to keep my mind open to new things. You never know with complete certainty whether you like something until you try it (maybe a couple of times).

My wife and I had seen David Boykin perform in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2014 Chicago Jazz Festival. David was playing with a large talented ensemble that was in my opinion too large for the stage of the Claudia Cassidy Theater. The sound system was not adequate for the large ensemble. Feedback was a problem on a number of occasions. The overall volume was too loud for the Claudia Cassidy Theater which is small with a capacity of under 300 people. I think the ensemble would have been better suited to playing the much larger Pritzker Pavilion. I did, however, find David Boykin's playing intriguing. I hoped I would have the chance to see him perform again.

This was the first time I had seen the Joshua Abrams Quartet. I enjoyed the mix of compositions which ranged from what I consider avant-garde to those more grounded in melody. I like experimental music, but I feel contrast between compositions is necessary to keep a live performance in its totality interesting. I was happy to be able to hear David Boykin play in a smaller ensemble. I found it much easier to focus on what it is that makes him unique as a saxophone player. Each band member was individually talented yet played well as a member of an ensemble. I look forward to seeing the Joshua Abrams Quartet again at some point in the future.

The Band:

• Joshua Abrams - Double Bass
• David Boykin - Tenor Saxophone
• Jason Adasiewicz - Vibraphone
• Frank Rosaly - Drums

Juan Pastor - Chinchano | Chicago Jazz Festival 2015

By TOM BOWSER

NOTE: If you plan to attend a Juan Pastor Chinchano performance, be sure to arrive early. The venue was filled to capacity, with people standing along the sides the day we saw them.

It was day three of the Chicago Jazz Festival at the Jazz and Heritage Pavilion, North Promenade. As our exploration of the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival continues, my wife and I saw Juan Pastor perform with the James Davis band Beveled. Juan Pastor's performance with Beveled demonstrated his talent as a musician. We decided we needed to see him perform in his element as a drummer and percussionist playing Latin-influenced jazz.

Juan Pastor is an entertainer as well as a good musician. His enthusiasm for making music propelled the band and enthralled the audience. The band was tight and well- rehearsed. I liked the interaction between Patrick Mulcahy on double bass and Stu Mindeman on piano. Stu Mindeman's piano playing was perfect to round out Chinchano's sound.

I was impressed by Marquis Hill's versatility. He appeared to easily adapt his playing style to Latin-influenced music. This was the fourth different group Marquis had played in by this point in the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival. Marquis Hill and Rich Moore played wonderfully together. I sensed a healthy competition between Marquis and Rich, with one musician driving, pushing the other. Rich Moore's sax playing was tasteful and compelling.

The Band:

• Juan Pastor - Drums and Percussion
• Patrick Mulcahy - Double bass
• Rich Moore - Alto Saxophone
• Marquis Hill - Trumpet
• Stu Mindeman - Piano

The technicians who work behind the scenes to make any live music event happen, rarely get the credit they deserve. Mixing live sound is a challenging job. The sound company did a good job producing a quality mix at a comfortable sound level. Nice work, guys!

The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the largest, high quality, FREE jazz festivals in the United States.

Ben Waltzer | Chicago Jazz Festival 2015

By TOM BOWSER

Ben Waltzer played the first show held in Preston Bradley Hall during the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival. Preston Bradley Hall is located in the Chicago Cultural Center. It is a spectacular looking room with a beautiful dome made of Tiffany Favrile glass. The dome is one of the largest of its kind. The stunning chandeliers suspended above the main seating area are also made by the Tiffany Glass Company of New York. The walls consist of hand-inlaid tiles that form intricate mosaics. It has been an especially beautiful room when lit for evening events I've attended, for example, Ragamala, held during the Chicago International Music Festival.

The construction materials used for a room ultimately affect and help determine the acoustics of the room. The acoustics of Preston Bradley Hall are bright/live, which makes it one of my least favorite venues in which to listen to amplified music. Performances within Preston Bradley Hall can become loud because of the many hard, reflective surfaces. I prefer Preston Bradley Hall for quieter, unamplified/acoustic instruments.

Ben Waltzer assembled a talented crew of musicians to work with for this show. Marquis Hill won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition. He is also the bandleader of a talented group of musicians, "The Blacktet". The Marquis Hill Blacktet is well worth adding to your must see list. Yosef Ben Israel plays with Chicago's own Ari Brown Quintet. Bill McHenry and Gerald Cleaver are both jazz veterans who are currently part of the New York jazz scene.

I grew up listening to Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Jan Hammer on keyboards. Ben Waltzer introduced me to a different realm of jazz piano than I had previously listened to. I liked what I heard. After the show, I became motivated to discover more about Ben Waltzer and the music he plays. A crowd favorite (and mine) was Ben Waltzer's interpretation of Chicago pianist Art Hodes' composition “Clark and Randolph”.

The Band:

1. Ben Waltzer - Piano
2. Bill McHenry - Tenor Saxophone
3. Marquis Hill - Trumpet
4. Yosef Ben Israel - Double bass
5. Gerald Cleaver - Drums

NOTE: Unfortunately, it was difficult to take photos of Ben Waltzer from where I was sitting (sorry, Ben!). I did manage to take a few pictures of the other band members during the show. I'm NOT a professional photographer (barely a hobbyist) but hopefully the images help chronicle the event.

The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the largest, high quality, FREE jazz festivals in the United States.

Makaya McCraven Quartet | Chicago Jazz Festival 2015

By TOM BOWSER

It was day 3 of the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival in the Jazz and Heritage Pavilion. This was the first time my wife and I had the opportunity to see Makaya McCraven's Quartet. We had seen Makaya as a member of the Marquis Hill Blacktet when they performed for the Chicago Sound Palette III. Marquis Hill and the Blacktet gave a fantastic performance that night. My wife and I were both impressed with Makaya McCraven's precision, and attention to detail as the drummer of the Blacktet.

Makaya McCraven's Quartet included two familiar and talented players from the Blacktet including trumpet player Marquis Hill (winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition) and Justin Thomas on vibes. Marquis Hill plays with an intensity that makes him one of my favorite trumpet players in the Chicago area. Justin Thomas was killin it even more than usual on the vibes, during this show. Justin will be playing at the upcoming Hyde Park Jazz Festival on September 26th, 2015 here in Chicago.

The quartet also included bassist Junius Paul and guitarist Jeff Parker. The addition of Junius and Jeff added a different vibe to the group's sound from that of the Blacktet, making it worthwhile to see both bands if you have the chance. My wife and I enjoyed the show!

Makaya's drum solo, toward the end of the show, demonstrated why he is one of the top drummers in Chicago. Make time to see Makaya McCraven's quartet when you have the opportunity.

The Band:

• Makaya McCraven - Drums
• Marquis Hill - Trumpet
• Jeff Parker - Guitar
• Justin Thomas - Vibraphone
• Junious Paul - Bass

The Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the largest, high-quality, FREE jazz festivals in the United States.