gram PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN FEBRUARY 2020 WWW.JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG

YOUNG PHENOMS KICK OFF A YEAR OF TRIBUTES TO CHICAGO LEGEND !

NEXTGENJAZZ: FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE FEB 7 AT 7 PM FOSTER PARK 1440 W 84TH ST.

HOW MUCH OF A FREE SPIRIT WAS THE LATE, GREAT SAXOPHONIST Eddie Harris? "I love shocking people," he once said. "I'll play `Pop Goes the Weasel' and then suddenly go way out, and people will say, 'Oh man what happened?' and I say, `That'll teach you to program me!'"

And in addition to his stylistic adventures onstage, he invented an electric saxophone– and, using a trombone mouthpiece, the "saxobone." His psychedelic jazz was an early forerunner of jazz-rock fusion. He recorded with British rockers Stevie Winwood and Jeff Beck, dabbled in singing (he did a mean Billie Holiday impression) and even performed as a standup comic. (Hear his 1975 album, The Reason Why I'm Talking S--t.)

Free jazz? Harris was free in every which way. "He never stays in one spot," said John Scofield. "One minute, he'll be in a groove, and the next minute he'll play something that will just blow you away." Even the vaunted music program at DuSable High School led by Capt. , which turned out dozens of future jazz greats including , Muhal Richard Kurt Shelby Abrams and , couldn't contain Harris. Dyett, he recalled in an interview, "was against anybody playing anything that he didn't tell them to play." He was kicked out of the band twice and transferred to Hyde Park High School for his senior year.

Harris' devotion to being himself – he came up with the tag "The Unoriginality of Predictableness" as part of his mission statement – should make him a role model for all aspiring artists, in and out of jazz. Consider the young next-generation lineup drafted by the esteemed saxophonist and educator Jarrard Harris (no relation) for the first of JazzCity's 2020 tributes to Harris lucky to be plugging into his legacy. Performing some of Harris' most popular songs, including "Freedom Jazz Dance" – a hit for Miles Davis – will be saxophonist Len'i Glenn-McKinney, trombonist Royce Harrington, pianist Elio Adriano, bassist Kurt Shelby and drummer Josh Ross. All come from first-rate training grounds including the Merit School of Music. All boast strong reputations among their peers.

A tenor player in the driving Chicago tradition whose band regularly performs at clubs including Andy's and the Jazz Showcase, Jarrard Harris is a native of Louisville. He moved to Chicago in 1998 to attend DePaul University, where he acquired his Master’s degree in jazz studies. He has served on the jazz faculties of Northwestern University, Purdue University, Columbia College Chicago and the City Colleges of Chicago. He was a founding board member of the Jazz Education Network and serves as a board member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago. The Jazz Institute, which programs the JazzCity series, previously presented a yearlong examination of one artist and his impact on Chicago in 2018 with shows celebrating Von Freeman. Following a break to celebrate the Jazz Institute’s 50th anniversary, JazzCity continues its exploration of the lives and legacies of Chicago’s jazz giants with its Eddie Harris salutes. n

JazzCity is a free concert series initiated in 1997 by the Jazz Institute of Chicago in collaboration with the Chicago Park District to bring people together from across the city to listen to Chicago’s top jazz musicians. JazzCity is sponsored by WDCB 90.9 FM and WHPK 88.5 FM Radio and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 2 CHICAGO OUT-OF-TOWN: HEADLINERS AND CONNECTIONS

BY HOWARD MANDEL ©2020 [email protected]

CHICAGO MADE A STRONG SHOWING AT EVENTS FOR artists and activists of the world-wide jazz community held in New York City and New Orleans in early January. Some of Chicago's most recently celebrated locally bred- and based- players were headliners at the Winter Jazz Festival held in Manhattan and Brooklyn, while Jazz Institute principals plunged into the programs of the Jazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center, following the visit of Executive Director Heather Ireland Robinson's and Director of Education and Artistic Development Diane Chandler-Marshall to the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans.

The JEN conference is a key event of the year for high school and college educators and students, and Chandler-Marshall sat on JEN's board of directors from 2015 to 2019. The Jazz Congress, however, remains the more inclusive convening of artists, media, Heather Ireland Robinson, Howard Mandel and Adriana Prieto non-profit, business and philanthropic entities concerned with jazz's profile and impact as cultural expression, musical entertainment, viable for-profit industry and opportunity for individuals' personal pleasures. An outgrowth of conferences first held by the publication Radio Free Jazz (which evolved into JazzTimes) in 1979, this Congress is a result of 40 years of collaborations with multiple sponsors and partners. Its survival has been no mean feat!

This year held Monday and Tuesday, January 13 and 14, at JALC's two floors in the Time Warner Building overlooking Columbus Circle and Central Park, the Congress was dedicated to the legacy of vocalist and independent record producer Betty Carter. Panel participants with Chicago ties included Jaimie Branch, , Marquis Hill and Rufus Reid; Chicago-based BluJazz Records was a table sponsor. When not absorbing presentations, Heather and JIC Program and Marketing manager Adriana Prieto spent their Congress time connecting with peers from SFJazz, Jazz St. Louis, the Kennedy Center, Earshot Jazz () and DC Jazz Festival, among like-minded organizations. I was there, too, as a JIC board member and president of the Jazz Journalists Association (we held a small members' gathering off-site).

The weekend before, Chicago's up 'n' coming millennial instrumentalists -- some who trained through the JIC's Jazz Links program, most of them heard at the JIC's Jazz City or Jazz Festival shows – wowed the crowds rotating among a dozen walking-distance venues during the Winter Jazz Russell Malone, Kevin Eubanks and Mark Whitfield Fest Marathon nights (Friday Jan. 10 and Saturday Jan 11). Photo: Jazz at Lincoln Center Facebook Trumpeters Jaimie Branch's Fly or Die and Marquis Hill's "New Gospel Revisited," as well as the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (children of revered Chicagoan Celan Phil Cohran) and Makaya McCraven's groups were featured at The Dance, Mercury Lounge and Webster Hall. Vibist Joel Ross, saxophonists Greg Ward and Irvin Pierce and bassist Junius Paul appeared in those sets, and others.

Winter Jazz Fest listeners were abuzz about all these players, with excitement about Ross – who I saw in bassist Harish Raghavan's ensemble "Call for Action" -- and Paul, with his new International Anthem album just released, especially high. Of course! Titled Ism, Paul's debut album was recorded live at Chicago venues, and includes McCraven, Hill, Pierce, Vincent Davis, Justin Dillard, Corey Wilkes, Isaiah Spencer, Jim Baker, Rajiv Halim, Scott Hesse, Tomeka Reid and Xavier Breaker in its cast. If you've been following Chicago jazz, you know these are some cats. Now fans of New York's Winter Jazz Fest have learned that, too. n

JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 3

MIGUEL ZENON CELEBRATES SONERO!

BY COREY HALL

AS THE SONG'S LYRICS ABOUT FREEDOM were sung, the child's conscience consumed them whole. This child, ten years young at the time, had never heard the singer, Ismael Rivera, or the song, "Las Tumbas," before, but, three decades later, this initial impression remains in Miguel Zenon’s memory.

"I was taken by the song's overall structure and the way his voice worked within the song," said Zenon, an alto saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, whose music has earned him Guggenheim and MacArthur fellowships and multiple Grammy nominations. "The song's theme is about him being jailed and wanting to get out and walk the streets again. It's really powerful."

Here is an excerpt from "Las Tumbas," translated from Spanish by genius.com: "From the Tombs I want to leave/I don't know when it will happen. The graves are for the dead/And dead I have no na."

"Las Tumbas," along with nine additional songs style-stamped with Rivera's spirit, is included in Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera, featuring Zenon and his quartet, pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig, and drummer Henry Cole. Rivera, (1931-1987), is recognized in Afro-Caribbean music as a pioneer and "The People's Poet," as a 2014 biography by Rosa Elena Carrasquillo anointed him. While Zenon never saw Rivera perform live, he remembers hearing his parents talk about seeing the performer—affectionately nicknamed "Maelo," (Dude)—walking among the people in a neighborhood near San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenon's birthplace. "He was an important part of the community and really admired," he said, during a recent conversation.

A sonero, Zenon explained, is a singer endowed with special abilities. The sonero sets his talents above others by expertly improvising on songs from the Salsa genre. "You sing the song, and there will be call and response. The chorus will say something, and then you answer back," Zenon said. "Maelo was known as the greatest sonero of all time. He is the one who took this art form to the highest level."

Zenon and his quartet toast Rivera's improvisation skills by interpreting "Las Caras Lindas," a recording renowned for the lyrics the artist delivers during an instrumental solo. Multiple accounts about this performance exist, Zenon noted. One version claims that Rivera, after hearing the song played back in the studio, demanded to hear it again, and then immediately improvised lyrics onto the recording.

Recently, Zenon heard another take about what happened from a Rivera confidant: After hearing the song and its solo at home, Rivera composed lyrics that he then overdubbed onto the recording with a delivery that made it breathe spontaneity.

"Both versions have special meaning," Zenon said. "The first one speaks to Maelo's creativity and being in the moment as an amazing improviser. The other version speaks to his meticulous nature, trying to make everything as close to perfect as he could, and being prepared for the occasion."

This song's lyrics, Zenon added, celebrate Blackness, how darker-complexioned people should view their hue as strength, and how working-class people are valuable to their community. One verse, translated into English by translatelyrics is: "The beautiful faces of my Black race, so much crying, pain and suffering, they are the challenges of life, but inside we carry so much love." continued on page 6

JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 4

Berman and Nick Mazzerlla JIC EVENTS & AROUND TOWN February 27 (9PM): THE 4TH ANNUAL CHOPIN IN THE CITY FESTIVAL: Loose Assembly, Peter Cheslie Chopin piano-less, visuals February 7 (5pm): JazzCity 2020: Soul to Soul – A Celebration of Eddie by Lauren Deutsch Harris: NextGenJazz: Freedom Jazz Dance DRAKE HOTEL CHICAGO...... 140 E. Walton Foster Park | 1440 W. 84th St. | Free and open to the public! Coq d’Or at the Drake Hotel/312-932-4622 February 8 (3pm): Celebrating the Life of Thursdays through Saturdays: Jazz Vocalists, call for details. Baha'i House of Worship, Foundation Hall | 100 Linden Ave., Wilmette ELASTIC ARTS...... 2830 N. Milwaukee/elasticarts.org Free | see back panel for more information February 3 (9PM): Leroy Bach / Tim Stine & The Brunt February 12 (5pm): 2019 – 2020 Jazz Links Jam Session February 7 (9PM): D. Wyche 40th Bday: Wyche/Shippy, Allen Moore, Special TBA! Jazz Showcase | 806 S. Plymouth Ct. | Free and open to the public! February 14 (9PM): Kaze February 21 (6pm): Chicago Stage: Carmani Edwards Trio* (pre-show February 17 (9PM): Michael Zerang’s Blue Lights for Aaron Diehl Trio and Warren Wolf: The Modern Jazz Quartet) February 20 (9PM): Kimmel/Zucker/Roebke/Harris & Albert/ Café Logan | 915 E. 60th Street | *Free Abrams/Reed February 22 (8:15am): Jazz in the Chi Regional Jazz Band Festival February 27 (9PM): Eli Namay Solo & Berman/Jackson/Strom/ Ostvang Whitney Young High School | 211 S. Laflin St. | Free EXPERIMENTAL SOUND STUDIO...... 5925 N. Ravenswood 773-998-1069/www.ess.org *PLEASE NOTE: Not all clubs have their schedules FITZGERALD’S...... 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn/708-788-2118 CLUBS* set by our deadlines or present jazz exclusively. Wednesday SideBar Sessions sponsored by WDCB 90.9 Chicago’s Call ahead or check their websites. Jazz Station, 8pm, $10 suggested donation 210 RESTAURANT & LIVE MUSIC LOUNGE..... 210 Green Bay Rd, February 5 (8PM): Mitch Paliga Quartet Highwood, IL/847-433-0304/210restaurant.com February 6 (8PM): Bitters (Sidebar) February 9 (6PM): Chicago Grandstand Big Band The JazzLive@210 series is every Thursday 7-10pm February 12 (8PM): SideBar Sessions with Chicago Latin Jazz We also offer jazz or acoustic music Wednesdays 7-10pm Collective ANDY’S ��������������������������������������������������������� 11 E. Hubbard/312-642-6805 February 19 (8PM): SideBar Sessions with Event Horizon Showtimes: 5pm & 7pm / 9:30pm & 11:30pm February 23 (6PM): British Buddy Alumni Big Band with vocalist Frieda Lee Every Sunday: Charles Heath’s Early Risers Jazz Jam (7PM & 9PM) February 25 (7PM): Mardi Gras Party with Dibs Brass Band, Mario Every Monday: Ted Sirota’s Pure Cane Trio (7PM & 9PM) Abney & the Abney Effect Brass Band, Dan Ingenthron (SideBar) Every Tuesday: Vocalist Angel Spiccia (7PM & 9PM) February 26 (8PM): SideBar Sessions with Sam Robinson Quintet Every Wednesday: Thaddeus Tukes Duets (7PM & 9PM) Every Thursday: Soul Message Trio (7PM & 9PM)\ FITZ’S SPARE KEYS...... 119 N. York St, Elmhurst/630-379-5007 February 1: Saxophonist Mark Colby (5PM & 7PM), The Trumpet www.fitzssparekeys.com Summit (9:30PM & 11:30PM) 4th Tuesday of every month: Jazz Community Big Band 7:30 - 10:30 pm; February 7 & 8: Vocalist Elaine Dame (5PM & 7PM), After Dark a Reservations taken and suggested. Von Freeman Tribute Weekend (9:30PM & 11:30PM) FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE/ JAZZ RECORD ART COLLECTIVE. February 14 & 15: Vocalist Typhanie Monique (5PM & 7PM), 1821 W. Hubbard/773-852-2481. Valentines Vibes With Thaddeus Tukes (9:30 & 11:30 PM) fultonstreetcollective.com/ jazzrecordartcollective.com February 21 & 22: Greg Artry Trio (5 & 7PM), Pharez Whitted $10 Suggested donation/$5 with valid student ID. All ages. Cash only. Sextet (9:30 & 11:30PM) February 28 & 29: Andy Brown Quartet (5 & 7PM), Mike Smith & February 4 (9PM): Juliette Gardiner's Just'You'Six The Jordan Baskin Trio February 5 (9PM): Chris Greene Quartet perform Stan Getz’ BENNY’S CHOP HOUSE...... 444 N. Wabash/312-626-2444/ "Captain Marvel" www.bennyschophouse.com February 11 (8:30PM): Cesar Martinez Quintet w/ Alejandro BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS CHICAGO...... 700 S. Wabash Ave./ Salazar Quintet 312-427-1190/www.buddyguy.com. Sundays: 5-8pm February 12 (8PM): Dave Miller Quartet w/ Jake Victor Quartet CAFE MUSTACHE...... 2313 N Milwaukee Ave./773-687-9063 February 18 (8:30PM): Fission w/Joe Powers Quartet cafemustache.com. Live music Tuesdays-Sundays February 19 (9PM): Chris Madsen/Geof Bradfield Quintet perform Tuesday, February 4th (7PM): Tommy Carroll Eddie Davis & Johnny Griffin’s "Lookin' at Monk!" CALIFORNIA CLIPPER ...... 1002 N. California Ave. February 22 (7PM): Milton Suggs Live music Tuesdays-Sundays: 8pm-1:30am February 26 (8:30PM): Life In Time - Collective Quartet CATCH 35...... 35 W. Wacker Dr./ catch35.com 312-346-3500 GREEN MILL...... 4802 N. Broadway/773-878-5552 Tuesday-Saturday, from 6-9pm: featuring music from The Eric Hochberg SUNDAYS: (7pm-10pm) Uptown Poetry Slam/ (11pm) Soul Jazz Trio and pianist Steve Million Night with the Joel Paterson Trio featuring Chris Fore- Special Guest Artists: 2/4 Saxophonist | 2/5 Guitarist Peter man on the Hammond B-3 Organ Lerner | 2/6 Guitarist John McLean | 2/7 Tenorman Mark Colby | 2/8 MONDAYS: TBA TUESDAYS: (9pm-1am) The Fat Babies. Vocalist Typhanie Monique | 2/11 Reedman Eric Schneider | 2/12 Vocalist WEDNESDAYS: (9pm-1am) Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan/ Sarah Marie Young | 2/13 Guitarist John Moulder| 2/14 Tenorman Mark (2am) Late Night Industry Set with the Frank Colby | 2/15 Vocalist Stephanie Browning | 2/18 Bass Trumpeter Ryan Catalano Sextet Shultz | 2/19 Guitarist Ernie Denov | 2/20 Saxophonist Scott Burns | 2/21 THURSDAYS: (5:30pm-8pm) Andy Brown Solo Jazz Guitar Cocktail Tenorman Mark Colby | 2/22 Vocalist Dee Alexander | 2/25 Guitarist Hour Show/ (9pm-1am) Alan Gresik Swing Shift Derek Duleba | 2/26 Trumpeter Victor Garcia | 2/27 Vocalist David Orchestra Blamires | 2/28 Vocalist Dee Alexander | 2/29 Tenorman Mark Colby FRIDAYS: (5pm-8pm) “Flipside Show” with Chris Foreman on CITY WINERY...... 1200 W. Randolph St/312-733-WINE Hammond B-3 Organ/ After Hours Green Mill Quartet www.citywinery.com Jam Session feat. Eric Schneider immediately following CONSTELLATION...... 3111 N. Western/www.constellation.org previous show Show times and cover charges vary. Most shows 18 and over. SATURDAYS: (3pm-5pm) The Paper Machete/(midnight-5am) After February 7 (8:30PM): Mwata Bowden’s ONE FOOT IN-ONE FOOT Hours Jazz Party with Pat Mallinger and Company OUT February 1 (8PM): Warren Vache/Russ Phillips Quintet February 22 (8:30PM): Jeremy Cunningham Album Release February 3 (9pm): Abigail Riccards Quintet February 26 (9PM): Friends & Neighbors with special guests Josh February 7 (9PM) & 8 (8PM): Jean-Michel Pilc Trio

JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 5

February 14 (9PM) & 15 (8PM): Mama Digdown's Brass Band Quartet with Special Guest Ryan Cohan - piano, Dennis Carroll - February 21 (9PM) & 22 (8PM): Grazyna Auguscik bass, and - drums February 24 (9PM): Patricia Barber Trio JIMMY’S WOODLAWN TAP...... 1172 E. 55th/773-643-5516 February 28 (9PM) & 29 (8PM): Donny McCaslin Trio Sundays: 9pm, Curtis Black Quartet/Jam Session Second Set HIDEOUT...... 1354 W. Wabansia/773-227-4433 THE LIGHTHOUSE...... 1236 W. Chase/773-764-9414 Two sets, 9:30pm (unless otherwise noted) Every other Thursday (free) featuring Jimmy Bennington HONKY TONK BBQ...... 1800 S. Racine/312-226-7427 M LOUNGE...... 1520 S. Wabash/312-447-0201 Every Sunday: Chicago Cellar Boys at 8PM Free live music every Tuesday and Wednesday 7:00 - 10:00pm February 7 (9PM): Jamaican Jazz Ensemble MULTI KULTI...... 1000 N. Milwaukee, 4th Floor, 10pm, February 13 (9PM): Luciano Antonio Quartet Tuesdays: Jazz with Vincent Davis HUNGRY BRAIN...... 10pm, 2319 W Belmont Ave/773-935-2118, $10 Sundays: Improvisation jam session hosted by Henry Mayer Tuesdays: (7:30PM) Erwin Helfer/ (9PM): Tuesday Night Fellowship Music Monday: Inner City Studies, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, 773-752-3955 February 2 (9PM): Reed/Reid + Special Guests! Second Monday of the month: 7pm-10pm (doors open at 6:30pm). February 9 (9PM): Michael Moore + Special Guests Hosted by Joan Collaso and WVON Radio personality Cliff Kelley February 13 (9PM): Goran Ivanovic Trio MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO...... Nicholas Concert Hall February 20 (9PM): Jonah Parzen-Johnson // Dustin Laurenzi’s Natural Language 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston/ 800-838-3006 / musicinst.org/jazz-festival February 28 (9PM): Occidental Brothers Dance Band International MYOPIC BOOKS...... 1564 N. Milwaukee/773-862-4882 HYDE PARK JAZZ SOCIETY SUNDAYJAZZ AT THE Mondays: 7:30pm, Improvised Jazz Series PROMONTORY MUSIC VENUE...... 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, NORMAN’S BISTRO...... 1001 E. 43rd/773-966-5821 2nd floor. Doors open at 7pm. Two sets: 7:30 & 9:00pm Sundays: 9pm-midnight, Open Jam Sessions featuring Ernest $10 general admission & $5 with student ID Dawkins with Dennis Luxion, Michael Lough, and Isaiah Spencer February 2, 9, 16—On Winter Break. No jazz programming PETE MILLER’S...... 1557 Sherman, Evanston/847-328-0399 and February 23: Bill McFarland & The Chicago Horns 412 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling/847-243-3700 Mon.-Sat. evenings: Live jazz HYDE PARK JAZZ SOCIETY & THE LOGAN CENTER FOR THE LE PIANO...... 6970 N. Glenwood/773-209-7631/lepianochicago.com ARTS PRESENT 3RD TUESDAYS AT CAFE LOGAN PIANO FORTE...... 1335 S. Ave/312-291-0000 915 E. 60th Street. Free. 2 sets—7:30 & 9:00pm PHYLLIS' MUSICAL INN...... 1800 W Division/ 773.486.9862 February 18: Junius Paul, bass POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE...... 601 N. State/ 312-266-7677 ILLIANA CLUB OF TRADITIONAL JAZZ...... The Glendora House, Sunday-Tuesday: 9pm, Joe Policastro Trio 102nd and Harlem, Chicago Ridge/708-672-3561, 2-5pm * $18 in advance; * $20 at door. Students with ID – free admission THE PROMONTORY...... 5311 South Lake Park Ave. www.illianajazz.com *Prices will vary according to band. West Chicago (Hyde Park) promontorychicago.com JAZZ COMMUNITY BIG BAND....www.jazzcommunitybigband.com THE RHYTHM ROOM...... 1715 Maple Ave. Evanston, IL A swinging 18-piece big band, led by Marianne May Friday and Saturday: 7pm-11pm, live jazz February 23 (10AM) Park Ridge Community Church / 100 S. SABOR A CAFE...... 2435 W. Peterson Ave./773-878-6327 Courtland Ave. (Courtland and Prospect), Park Ridge, 60068 / 847- .saboracaferestaurant.com. Live music Thurs to Sat. 9 & 10:30pm sets 823-3164 SERBIAN VILLAGE...... 3144 W. Irving Park February 25 (7PM) Fitz's Spare Keys in Elmhurst Mondays: 9pm-1am, Pro Jazz Jam, Tom Muellner, piano, Jim Cox, Note: 7:00 pm start with the Pritzker College Prep Jazz Band bass, and Phil Gratteau, jam session opening for JCBB SKYLARK...... 2149 S. Halsted/312-948-5275/10pm No cover / Our regular 4th Tuesday of the month performance! Monday Night: Improvised Music Series JAZZY MONDAYS AT THE CENTER, A JCI/ICD PRODUCTION. SLATE ARTS...... 3203 W. North Ave./ 847- 312-1527 700 E. Oakwood Blvd, Chicago/Reservations: 312-808-0005 SOME LIKE IT BLACK CREATIVE ARTS BAR..4259 S Cottage Grove Hosted by Joan Collaso & WVON’s Cliff Kelley, every 2nd Monday Ave/773-891-4866 of the month! 6:30-9:30pm. Doors open 6pm. Every 4th Wed. at 7pm: Young Lions Open Jam ft. Jeremiah Collier JAZZ SHOWCASE...... 806 S. Plymouth Ct./312-360-0234 WATER HOLE...... 14th & Western Ave. Visit www.jazzshowcase.com for weekday JIC member discounts! Wednesdays: 8-11:30pm, Weekly jam sessions on Thursdays – JIC member card required. Two sets at 8pm & 10pm & Sunday Velvet Sounds Series: A Tribute to , house band: matinee at 4pm*. Scott Hesse, guitar, Michael Lough, bass, Justin Thomas, vibes. February 1, 2* (4PM*, 8PM, & 10PM): Saxophonist Ari Brown Every last Friday of the month is Jazz Night Quintet WHISTLER...... Logan Square/773-227-3530 February 3, 19 (8PM & 10PM): Brazilian Guitarist Luciano Antonio Trio Every Tuesday - Relax Attack Jazz Series, 9PM February 4 (8PM & 10PM): Saxophonist Brian Gephart Group February 3, 10, 17, 24 (9:30PM): The Whistler Jam February 5 (8PM & 10PM): The Jeff Kier Quartet feat: Jeff Kier February 4 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Restroy - piano, Mike Hershenson - guitar, Lanny Grilly - drums, Rafe February 11 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Free Real Estate Bradford - bass WINTER’S JAZZ CLUB.....465 N. McClurg Court (on the promenade) February 6, 7, 8, 9* (4PM*, 8PM & 10PM): Vocalist Alyssa Allgood 312.344.1270, www.wintersjazzclub.com, [email protected] Quartet Sets: Tues. - Thurs. 7, 8:30, 10pm, Friday and Saturday 8, 9:30, 11pm February 10 (8PM & 10PM): Saxophonist Mark Colby Quartet February 1: Jeremy Kahn Quartet with guest vocalist Angel Spiccia February 11 (8PM & 10PM): Pianist Dave Gordon Quintet with Brian | February 6: Jeremy Kahn Trio | February 7, 8: Better Together Gephart – saxophones, Jack Gallagher – bass trumpet, Dushun | February 9, 23: Andy Brown & Friends | February 13: Jo Ann Mosley – drums, Brian Sandstrom – bass Daugherty Trio + guest vocalist Leslie Beukleman | February 14: February 12 (5PM): Jazz Links Jam Session Denise Thimes Quintet | February 15: Petra's Recession Seven | February 13, 14, 15, 16* (4PM*, 8PM & 10PM): Vocalist Paul February 16: Ted Hogarth Mulligan Mosaics Big Band | February 20: Marinaro Quartet (Valentines Day Special on the 14th) Ryan Cohan Trio | February 21, 22: Chris Madsen Quartet with guest February 17 (8PM & 10PM): New Standard Jazz Orchestra vocalist Alyssa Allgood | February 27: Sarah Marie Young Quartet | February 18 (8PM & 10PM): The Bob Lark Septet February 29: Eric Schneider Quartet with guest vocalist Bobbi Wilsyn February 20, 21, 22, 23* (4PM*, 8PM & 10PM): Saxophonist Shawn YASSA AFRICAN RESTAURANT...... 3511 S. King Maxwell Quartet Album Release Drive/773-488-5599, Live Jazz 2nd Saturday of every month, 7pm February 24 (7:30PM): St. Charles North High School Band, Naperville Highschool Band & Larkin High School Band February 25 (8PM & 10PM): WDCB 90.9FM Presents: TBA — Free! February 26 (7:30PM): Drummer/Professor Rodrigo Villanueva, NIU Jazz Lab Band Fundraiser February 27 - 29 (8PM & 10PM): Saxophonist John Wojciechowski

JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 6

continued from page 3

Before Zenon and his quartet present their interpretations, Rivera's voice is heard in a brief audio clip, "Intro/Maelo A Capella." This impromptu performance happened during a 1966 radio interview in Puerto Rico. Rivera had just been released from prison after serving a four-year sentence on a drug offense, and the interviewer asked him to sing a few songs. What the listeners hear when Sonero begins, Zenon said, is a Brazilian song translated into Spanish that Rivera would record on Bienvenido!/Welcome! This album, recorded with his ace amigo, Rafael Cortijo, served as his reunion with his loyal audience.

"I thought this would be great to add to this project as a way of introduction," Zenon said. "It was important for me not only to have Maelo's music, but for you to hear his voice. When he sings here, he lays back, improvises in between, and does all the genius rhythms he usually did.

"What I would really love for people to understand," Zenon continued, "is that this is a tribute made out of love and admiration for his music. We're not trying to make it sound the way Maelo made it sound. We're just using what he gave us as inspiration."

Maelo's most moving moments, Zenon noted, were documented in "El Nazareno." The song's origins, he explained, exist in Panama, host to a ceremony celebrating the Black Christ figure. This ritual is highlighted by the natives carrying a statue bearing the image around a church ten times. Upon first experiencing this event, Rivera experienced an epiphany. Miguel Zenón

"Maelo talked about how this statue spoke to him and told him what he needed to do to get clean from drugs," Zenon said. "Every year after that, he would go to Portobelo, this really poor town in Panama, and make this pilgrimage, even when he was one of the most famous people in Latin America. He still marched with the pilgrims and did the whole ritual, because he felt that was keeping him clean. 'El Nazareno' speaks to this experience specifically."

An English translation from this song, as found on Genius Lyrics, reads: "The Nazarene told me/that he will take care of my friend's life/told me, he told me that there was a lot of good with me/And a lot of bad also; he told me/The Nazarene told me."

Zenon also recalled watching Rivera's funeral on TV. The imprint and impact his life and death had on Latin America were immense. "He wasn't well when he died. He was getting off drug addiction and homelessness," he said. "But everyone came together to pay respects to the man who did so much for our music and our people. He was a seminal figure in the history of Puerto Rico and Latin America." n

JAZZGRAM

A monthly newsletter published by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for its members. The Jazzgram represents the views of the authors, and unless so designated, does not reflect official policy of the Jazz Institute. We welcome news and articles with differing opinions.

Managing Editor: Adriana Prieto Design: Letterform | Production: Adriana Prieto Correspondents: Rahsaan Clark Morris, Corey Hall, Howard Mandel Board of Directors: President: David Helverson Vice Presidents: Timuel Black, Warren Chapman, Brian Myerholtz, William Norris, Roxana Espoz Secretary: Howard Mandel Treasurer: Darryl Wilson Emeritus Director: Joseph B. Glossberg Executive Director: Heather Ireland Robinson Board Members: David Bloomberg, Miguel de la Cerna, Dan Epstein, Beth Gallagher, Matthew Goldfine, Rajiv Halim, Jarrard Harris, Bill King, Jason Koransky, Terry Martin, Ted Oppenheimer, Bethany Pickens, Keyonn Pope, Mike Reed, Kent Richmond, Judith E. Stein, Conrad Terry, Neil Tesser

Founded in 1969, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, a not-for-profit corporation, promotes and nurtures jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building Chicago audiences and fostering a thriving jazz scene. 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago IL 60605 | 312-427-1676 • Fax: 312-427-1684 • JazzInChicago.org The Jazz Institute of Chicago is supported in part by The Alphawood Foundation | The Francis Beidler Foundation | The Chicago Community Trust | A CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Crown Family Philanthropies | The Philip Darling Foundation | The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation | The Arts Council Agency | Lloyd A. Fry Foundation | The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince | The National Endowment for the Arts | The Oppenheimer Family Foundation | The Polk Bros. Foundation | The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation | Wells Fargo Foundation

JAZZ IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 2020 7 EDUCATION CORNER

JAZZ LINKS JAM SESSIONS JAZZ IN THE CHI

This month’s Jam Session will take place Wednesday, JAZZ BAND FESTIVAL February 12th! Monthly jam sessions provide students with On Saturday, February 22nd, Whitney Young Magnet an opportunity to connect with other student musicians School will host the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s 2nd Annual and perform with world-class professionals Robert Irving Jazz in the Chi Jazz Band Festival! This year’s festival will III, Katie Ernst, Marcus Evans and Jarrard Harris in the feature 29 ensembles from 19 elementary and high schools, Jazz Links house band. Hosted in partnership with the Jazz as well as masterclasses from some of Chicago’s finest jazz Showcase, the jam sessions provide everyone with a chance performers and educators. For more information, visit to see young talent develop right before their eyes and ears. jazzinchicago.org

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND 5 PM - 7 PM 8:15AM - 6:15PM JAZZ SHOWCASE WHITNEY YOUNG MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL 806 S PLYMOUTH CT 211 S LAFLIN ST FREE! FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OPEN FOR STRAIGHT AHEAD JAZZ EXCHANGE!

We are pleased to announce that Straight Ahead Jazz Exchange will return to Columbia College Chicago July 20-24, 2020. The program provides music educators, jazz enthusiasts and students 18 and over with five days of jazz immersion featuring innovative, hands-on sessions led by professional musicians and clinicians. Sessions include lecture-discussions, workshops, and master classes.

New for 2020! Camp attendees will have the opportunity to rehearse and work in small combos that will perform at the end of the week. One admission to evening concerts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at The Promontory featuring some of the Special Guests is included in full-week registration price.

Special Guests for 2020: Tia Fuller, José Antonio Díaz, Sean Jones and Dana Hall.

Clinicians for 2020 include: Sharel Cassity, Geof Bradfield, Mike Reed, Victor Garcia, Robert Irving III, Jarrard Harris and many more.

As a valued member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, you are eligible to receive a special discount on your registration. Early bird rates are available now, so don't miss your chance to register at the lowest price!

Visit jazzinchicago.org for more information and to register. Enter code EARLYMEMBER at online checkout to receive a special discount on your full-week registration.

STRAIGHT AHEAD JAZZ EXCHANGE JULY 20 - 24, 2020 COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO 1014 S. MICHIGAN AVE.