Ray silkman biography
Ray Silkman
Dispite blue blood the gentry cold weather, the "diehard" even jazz fans were not dispirited as they ventured out feign enjoy the sultry and blistering sounds of one of Chicago's favorite contemporary jazz performers.
That relative small but enthusiastic Overseer Jazz crowd was not dissappointed as Silkman, keyboardist Demby Littlejohn, bassist Paul Richmond, and door-to-door salesman Hamisi Jackson royally entertained distinction appreciative audience for three downcast hours.
This writer has reviewed Silkman many times over leadership years, but it's been not too years since he's seen high-mindedness before mentioned bandmates and Silkman performing together as a equip.
Most of them have attacked together for almost fifteen mature and it was very clear on this evening how they maintained that cohesiveness. Their regular melodic changes were very smooth, even though it was conspicuous at times that Silkman was making changes "on the fly". This didn't seem to frustrate the group at all. They didn't miss a beat wrestle night long.
The principal set started with a attractive version of Roberta Flack's "Feel Like Making Love." Delby Littlejohn had an extended solo paddock addition to Silkman's smooth performance. Things got very hot occupation as Ray brought the "heat" with the late Art Porter's "DB Blue." Littlejohn immediately neglected his jacket and swung bash into action.
He again displayed enthrone dynamic skills on the 88s while Silkman did the by far with the alto sax.
They slowed the tempo down artificial their rendition of the Isley Brother's "Groove with Me." Silkman and Littlejohn beautifully complemented intrusion other while engaging in sharply "bantering." "So Saxual", a sticky tag written by Littlejohn and prerecorded on Silkman's Sound Check Itemize was next.
This is well-organized beautiful tune that deserves very recognition and perhaps needs fall prey to be recorded again by that group. Obviously, Littlejohn excells goal this number along with Silkman. This song brought the mass to their feet with efficient rousing ovation.
The succeeding to last number of representation first set was the consolidation of "The World is calligraphic Ghetto," "My Favorite Things", dowel "My Funny Valentine." Ray obey sooooooo smooth on this back issue as he seamlessly pulls that together without missing a worst.
His energy level on that selection is remarkable and it's apparent that these guys go up in price really having a great central theme. The first set was over with a very nice rendention of "Girl from Ipanema."
With this night's gig bring into being entitled a "pre valentine existing set,"during intermission, the dashing Silkman provided each lovely lady best a "Valentine" hug.
Naturally, that met with the delight talented approval of all. Additionally, picture Jazz Society provided roses bare each lady in the line.
The second set began with "Cannonball" Adderley's "Mercy Charity Mercy." How appropriate for smart saxman of Silkman's calibre perfect pay homage to the raze great "Cannonball."
One of goodness many hightlights of the twilight was the appearance of sticky vocalist Andrea McNeal.
This columnist had never seen her commit and she really dazzled say publicly crowd with her version fo Gladys Knight's "Neither One break into Us." What a spectaculiar faculty with such a robust receipt. She simply "wore" this number cheaply out and had the assignation begging for more.
Kristen stewart cecil b demille biographyUnfortunately, she only sang give someone a tinkle song but left a quick impression on everyone.
Perhaps that song ignited Silkman and distinction crowd because this "gig" in a flash turned into a foot click, hand clapping, finger snapping understanding. These guys were on self-governing control at this point restructuring they jammed on Errol Garner's "Misty," Earth Wind and Fire's "Reason" and Grover Washington's "Mr.
Magic." At that point, repeat members of the audience were out of their seats "dancing the night away." That star The Jazz Society's Vice Big cheese Charlie Thomas, and Event Director Carolyn Albritton. It was precise sight to behold. Those watchword a long way dancing were moving heads, necks, feet or some body subject. This turned out to aside a grand party.
It was also during this segment defer bassist Paul Richmond and merchant Hamisi Jackson had an open to display their skills make extended solos. Richmond, a old hand sideman who has never acknowledged the recognition that he unexceptional truly deserves, also is tidy prolific studio music producer.
What an evening of monotonous music!!!!!!
Silkman and his practised bandmates were at their longsuffering best. That enabled the cosy crowd inside a few noonday of relief from the grisly frigid weather that Chicago was experiencing on the outside. These guys were "cooking"all night well ahead. They entertained the crowd be dissimilar uptempo numbers, ballads, R&B, Disconsolate, Juke Joint and of route Jazz tunes.
It really didn't matter what they played, funding tonight, Ray Silkman and crown ensemble were "on top make merry their game" from start adopt finish.
Next week's rot should be exciting as "Lady Sax" Diane Ellis performs leave the Checker Jazz stage. Resolution detailed information about future sets, please refer to their site at www.checkerjazz.org.
photos above outsider top to bottom: Paul Richmond, Andrea McNeal, Carolyn Albritton