Chicago is so rich with talent and artistry that performers from every genre gravitate here, especially in blues and jazz. A kernel of each was brought here from the South and jazz was nurtured and truly born right here. Saturday was a beautiful display of that, as the Chicago Jazz Festival's blossoming stage of brilliant talent and original compositions took over Millennium Park.
Bassist Dennis Carroll was the opening act with DC and The Love. The Love is made up of journeymen in the Chicago jazz orbit: saxophonist Greg Ward, pianist Joey Skoch, drummer Neil Hemphill, guitarist Lee Rothenberg, and a bright new talent singer Mara Villaseca. DC and The Love played original music, composed by Dennis Carroll. The music is steeped in the beauty of nature and the mysterious construct of time. Mara's voice in "Spinner of Time" is clear with a Blossom Dearie sound blended with Zero 7. The compositions have wonderful codas that seem to float in with a change in tempo or mood. The set ended with a song titled "The Love." It is a sensual journey with that amazing sound of being on the road with just the right music playing. Dennis Carroll has been the backbone of many musician's gigs. He sets a standard and has a reputation for being a perfectionist. What I saw on the stage was a zen-like man immersed in the sound so much that he became the music. I want to hear more from this group.
Next up was Jeff Parker and the New Breed. Parker emerged from AACM leader Ernest Dawkins' New Horizon Ensemble. Parker has contributed to some of my favorite groups including Makaya McCraven who jammed at the 2023 Chicago Jazz Festival. His group The New Breed blends several genres to form an original sound. I will say that I do not enjoy distortion and sampling on repeat, which was the opening number. When they played a more traditional experimental jazz it was more enjoyable. Josh Johnson played alto saxophone and keyboards, Paul Bryan played bass and Korg synthesizer, and Jeremy Cunningham played drums and a sampler. For the most part, their style and rhythms are laid-back and subdued. Maybe it's a California thing where Parker is now based. If you are going to do the Pritzker Stage, I think there should be energy and some stage presence.
The energy level ramped up when René Marie floated onto the stage. The lady has a killer voice that can change register with a gliding break. Her charisma and humor add to the wondrous sound of her voice. I hear the influence of Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Betty Carter in her style but she makes it her own. "What a Difference a Day Makes" became a swaying samba. "Just My Imagination" was turned into a jazz riff made poignant by Marie's dramatic interpretation. Her band is called Experiment in Truth and is made for the turbulent times in which we are living. Pianist Xavier Davis, drummer Quentin Baxter, and bassist Rodney Jordan are tight and smooth with just enough funk stirred in. Her original composition "What Would Happen If" is an inspirational and uplifting jazz anthem about the blessings of life. She made a change with the lyrics of the classic "L-O-V-E." The words became "V-O-T-E" and I was there for it. She has been known to court controversy with her interpretations of songs like changing the "Star Spangled Banner" lyrics to "Lift Every Voice and Sing" in Denver. It is a treat to see her kick off her shoes and make every note and lyric hit home.
I first experienced Kenny Garret back in 1996 with his album "Pursuance: The Music of John Coltrane". I was thrilled to hear a young saxophonist playing so true to Coltrane's style and emanating the spiritual vibe that Coltrane did with his music. Garrett was backed by an amazing group of musicians called Sounds From the Ancestors. Garrett had the crowd up on their feet with his solos and funky beats. He evoked the spirit of Charlie Parker with a solo that played like a man possessed. Garrett leans into a gospel sound, which of course is in the roots of jazz. The music was joy in full bloom. He was accompanied by Keith Brown on piano, Jeremiah Edwards on bass, who is 19 years old but plays like a veteran of the Blue Note era, Michael Ode on a drum kit like I have never seen, Rudolph Bird on an array of percussion, and vocalist Melvis Santa. Saturday's set was from a 2021 album called "Sounds From the Ancestors," which leaned into an Afro-Caribbean and West African sound. It was the perfect way to close the evening. I could feel the buzz in the air of energized people and felt bliss from what I heard and saw.
The Chicago Jazz Festival concludes on Sunday, September 1, with more music from three stages. From what I hear the weather will be perfect, so get yourself to Millennium Park. The festival is free and one of the coolest events all year.
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