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Ron Wallace
93 days ago |
[Concert Review By Dick Marsho] The Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band kicked off the night with "Broke Foot Blues". This is a song that Larry Harms attributes to Billy Cook, but Billy continues to not claim credit for it. Whatever...it is a real blues toe tappin' piece that does feature Billy Cook, on guitar. Larry dedicated their next tune, "Nature Boy", to Jane Lady, who was our Jazz Society President for many years. Larry, on tenor sax, started it off very nicely and everyone did their rounds with solos to finish this one off with a special touch for Jane. A popular Count Basie tune followed "Shiny Stockings". Larry opened it with a very swinging, light touch in the upper register of his horn. Next, he opened things up a bit in the mid to lower ranges. Billy took over with his characteristic chords and interesting structures. The whole group gradually built up to the typical strong Basie ending. "Sophisticated Hippie", by Horace Silver, followed with its unique rhythm. Cory Flanigan, on drums, skillfully drove the beat, along with Aaron Miller on his electric bass. Billy provided a moving solo, while Larry contributed a powerful solo to this popular tune.
Things settled down very nicely to "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" what a pretty song! Larry built a beautiful intro to this tune from way back. Billy joined in quietly and was gradually followed by the rest of the group. This was a fine contrast to the Horace Silver piece. It featured Larry and he did a terrific job of recreating such voices as Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter, June Christy and others, who sang this sultry song over the years. Larry recognized Bill Duncan for the terrific work that he does each month, providing the high quality sound for all of our Jazz Society programs. We all appreciate it. The pace picked up with Cannonball Adderley's "Unit Seven". Cory's drum intro got things moving. Billy's nice chords and spacing helped drive this piece. Larry's lively and creative solo added to the whole effect. Next, we were treated to some vocals by Sam Hartley. Sam is a junior at Richwoods High School, where he is involved with choir, theater and piano. The proud Dad, Billy Cook, introduced Sam as he returned after his debut at the Jazz Society last September. He opened with "Orange Colored Sky". Sam did a great job by providing all of the emphasis that comes with this tune from way back. He followed with "Route 66" and slipped in all of the swing that is expected with this old favorite. It was great to have you back Sam and do return! Thanks to the CIJS House Band and Larry Harms for another fine music program.
The Boss Trio started their set with a familiar Beatles tune, "Can't Buy Me Love", at a pretty quick pace. John Miller, on guitar, set the pace for the night with a real moving solo. The Boss Trio is led by Mike Nellas, on organ, with Jason Brannon on drums, and John on guitar. They featured Jim Curless, on tenor sax. Things slowed down very nicely to "These are Soulful Days", as John created a very melodic solo with the fluid sounds that he builds. A real easy flowing blues piece, "Mo' Better Blues", followed again featuring John. It has a soothing, wavy flow throughout that is much different than the typical blues structure. This was a real "easy listening" tune. It was now time for the creative version of "It Ain't Necessarily So", by Grant Green, as originally composed by George and Ira Gershwin. John played the role of Grant Green, on guitar, extremely well on this tune that kicks pretty subtly.
Jim stepped aside, as the group really became a "trio" for Peter Bernstein's "Dragonfly". The song featured John on guitar. However, Jason kept the rhythm steady on this tricky piece and added a driving solo. Mike did a fine job with the catchy organ patterns, with their unique and mysterious sounds. Mike had a chance to showcase his organ talents on "Bobblehead", following in the footsteps of Larry Goldings. Mike nearly made the organ talk on this one. Jim also contributed a strong solo on this jumping piece. Things mellowed down nicely with Kenny Burrell's "Chitlins Con Carne". John very ably played the role of Kenny on guitar, while Jim laid down some smooth solos to this one that Kenny recorded on Midnight Blue back in 1963. They followed with even more mellow sounds with "Night Mist Blues", as Jim and John were featured on this beautiful tune. Mike set the rhythm for the "Things We Said Today", as he established a catchy Latin touch to this timeless Beatles tune. They closed out the night with a Brother Jack McDuff tune, "Lew's Piece", that let Mike crank up the organ - it was his turn, since this is really his group, and what a group! Mike dedicated this last tune to Steve Degenford, who was away in sunny Florida.
This was a great night of music and fun. Thanks to Mike and The Boss Trio.
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