James Sanders | Proyecto Libre | 2016 Chicago Jazz Festival

By TOM BOWSER

Day 2 of the 2016 Chicago Jazz Festival: The Chicago Jazz Festival is produced by the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) and programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago.

It was yet another beautiful early fall day in Chicago. A perfect day to listen to world class jazz. My wife and I both especially enjoy events that are held in some of the smaller more intimate stages & spaces used during the Chicago Jazz Festival.

James Sanders and Proyecto Libre played at the Von Freeman Pavilion (South Promenade). It's a medium sized tent. Seating consists of both benches near the stage and chairs further back. The sides of the tent can be opened or closed depending on the weather. Today the sides of the tent were open allowing a light, comfortable breeze to refresh the space. Ample, clean bathrooms are available on both the left and right sides of the Pritzker Pavilion main stage which is a short walk from the Von Freeman Pavilion. Walk about 1 block west (opposite beautiful Lake Michigan) and you're on Michigan Avenue which has a variety of restaurants and shops. (Click on a picture to view a larger version.)

My wife and I moved to Chicago. One of the many things we like about Chicago is the diversity of people, languages spoken, foods and cultures that call Chicago home. James Sanders’ music reflects the diversity of the people and cultures that make Chicago the great city it is. James Sanders grew up in Chicago. His mother was from the Dominican Republic and his father was born in the United States.

James Sanders is a classically trained violinist with a Masters Degree in performance from Yale University. According to a bio I read James Sanders became motivated to begin his journey exploring the world of jazz when he met jazz violinist Johnny Frigo. Johnny Frigo is also a Chicago native. Johnny Frigo often played in a style similar to the great jazz violinist Joe Venuti. Johnny Frigo and Joe Venuti are also similar in that they both played with one of the Dorsey Brothers bands when the big band era flourished.

James Sanders playing style and sound is uniquely different from his early inspiration Johnny Frigo. James Sanders has a modern feel with a Latin American flavor that makes him unique when compared to other jazz violinists. His playing is improvisational and rich in emotion.



The joyful drumming of Avreeayl Ra and solid bass playing of Joshua Abrams kept the rhythm of the band tight. Joshua Abrams is a talented bassist. I've seen him a number of times in different musical ensembles. On a number of occasions the sound techs running the live sound have had problems mixing Joshua's bass sound. A big part of the problem is his bass is often reproduced using an EV-RE20 microphone placed at or around the F hole of his bass. This microphone position produces too much emphasis on the low frequency range at the expense of the clarity, articulation and attack that should be present in the missing mid frequency range of the reproduced bass sound. The result is his bass tends to sound a bit boomy in the low frequency range. Not Joshua's fault. Also, as he moves while playing his bass, his bass also moves relative to the mic. The change in position alters how the microphone reproduces the tone/sound of his bass. Joshua's bass would sound better if he had a statically mounted pickup or microphone. This would improve the consistency of his bass sound when played through live sound systems.

My wife and I both liked the interesting feel that bassist Harrison Bankhead added to the music. The conga playing of Jean-Christophe Leroy added the final Latin touch to the soundscape created by James Sanders and Proyecto Libre. Lastly, a standout in the band the day we saw them was the saxophone playing of Edward Wilkerson. (Click on a picture to view a larger version.)

If you like improvisational jazz you will enjoy the unique approach and sound of James Sanders on electric violin and his solid, talented band Proyecto Libre. My wife and I both enjoyed the show.

The Band:
James Sanders - electrified violin
Avreeayl Ra - drums
Joshua Abrams - bass
Harrison Bankhead - bass
Jean-Christophe Leroy - congas
Edward Wilkerson - saxophone

View the James Sanders discography.

NOTE: I took pictures of all the members of the band as I always do. Unfortunately not all the pictures turned out well and some had to be omitted. Sorry guys!

Dan Trudell | 2016 Chicago Jazz Festival

By TOM BOWSER

Day one of the 2016 Chicago Jazz Festival. Many people recognize Dan Trudell as a talented Hammond B3 organ player. The Hammond B3 organ is probably one of the most universally recognized organs currently used in music. You'll hear it in many types of music from rock to blues, jazz, and gospel. Dan Trudell's other passion is playing the piano as part of the Dan Trudell Trio.



The show was held in the Claudia Cassidy Theater on the second floor of the stunning Chicago Cultural Center. The Claudia Cassidy Theater is small enough to make it feel intimate. The acoustics are fine if the music is not to loud. The show was sponsored by Chicago's DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events). DCASE does a great job providing high quality events throughout the city of Chicago.

My wife and I were not disappointed. Dan Trudell is a talented pianist. Dan's experience playing the organ influences his piano playing style in ways that give him a unique and interesting sound as a pianist. His trio was tight, musical, and fun to watch. One of my favorite moments from the show was his performance of the Ramsey Lewis Trio's tune "The In Crowd".

A few months prior to seeing the Dan Trudell Trio my wife and I attended a Chicago Lake FX event where the world famous jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis spoke. The event was also held in the Claudia Cassidy theater. During the conversation, Ramsey Lewis stated he did not think white people could play jazz.

I guess Ramsey Lewis never heard Dan Trudell's version of "The In Crowd". I've been listening to jazz for over 40 years. What I heard Dan Trudell playing was jazz, Ramsey! The large audience that had assembled for the Dan Trudell Trio responded with hearty, thankful applause. See Dan Trudell play the piano. You will enjoy it!

The Band:
Dan Trudell - piano
John Sims - bass
Matt Wilson - drums


Click on either of the two images below to view a larger version. The image of drummer Matt Wilson shows him putting his left foot on top of his snare drum. He is using the heel of his shoe to alter the tension on the head of his snare drum to change its pitch. Don't try that at home, folks !



Dan has a new CD called Dan Trudell Plays the Piano. It's worth the money. One of my favorite tunes from the CD is "I Let a Song Out of My Heart" featuring Joe Sanders & Matt Wilson. I've always enjoyed Ella Fitzgerald's version of the song. Dan Trudell and his Trio put a fresh face on an old classic.

As always, I apologize in advance for the lousy photographs. I'm not a professional photographer.

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Theo Huff | 2016 Chicago Blues Festival Preview

By TOM BOWSER

Theo Huff performed at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago as part of a series of FREE Chicago Blues Festival preview events. The Blues Festival preview events are a nice way to get a taste of some of Chicago's talented Blues bands, and performers prior to the start of the Chicago Blues Festival. The events are generally held in smaller venues in the city of Chicago. Preview events have a laid-back, family reunion feel to them. My wife and I enjoy going to the Blues Festival preview events every year. Click on any small image below to see a larger version.


Theo Huff grew up on the west side of Chicago. He is a singer, bandleader and occasionally works with Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater. Theo is good at connecting with his audience. He gets audience members involved during his performances by having people come up on stage or through playful banter during his strolls through the audience area. Theo is fun to watch, and he does a great job making everyone feel welcome. Theo and his talented band have a sound, look, and feel unique to Chicago! Buy Theo Huff's album The New Beginning from Amazon.com.



Listen to Theo Huff singing "Soul Swing".