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MUSICAL BIZ_ARCHIVES
News & Favorite Topics Archives:
WEB RADIO November/December 2001 - Did you know that you can catch the best music the web has to offer including those outstanding ladies who make up the GOSPEL SUPREMZ. You know that fabulous Gospel music group we enjoyed for so long at a well known food joint on Chicago's river walk for Sunday brunch.
Web Radio Station "WGCR" is keeping their music alive along with lots of other entertaining music and commentary.
Diane P
23rd ANNUAL CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL.
September 2001 - For several years now I have been talking about and overwhelmed by the enchantment of Ravinia Festival, especially the jazz series which startkicks it off.Well this year's Chicago Jazz Festival at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park threw down the gauntlet and more than met the challenge to generate some magic of its own. The entire festival was just chocked full of the greatest group of musical virtuosos one could ever hope to hear in such a short span. I mean that shock, blown away, outstanding, acclaim, captivate, and astound are the understated terms to use for the affect this entire group of performers had on its grateful listeners.
As I approached the park from the Daley Centenniel Plaza, I could hear the speakers radiating the gracefully melodic sounds of the KAHIL EL'ZABAR Ritual Trio and I felt the first hint of something different about this year's event. I began to sense and to see that the atmosphere that was so familiar to me from my treks to Ravinia Park was apparently present here. The Trio along with PHAROAH SANDERS, was absolutely alluring.
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER whom I had enjoyed during her time under contract at what was then Electra-Assylum Records, won top honors as the most talked about how phenomally outstanding she was after her ultra stellar performance. She received the greatest ovation of the entire festival, which was broadcast by public radio station WBEZ all over the northern part of the western hemisphere. I had the opportunity to briefly speak with the master architect of one of the most outstanding orchestras of our era. The GERALD WILSON Orchestra was every bit of what I expected and more; being one of my favorites since the sixties when he made "Viva Tirado" famous. And their execution of the renown "Carlos" and "Viva Tirado" was the thrill factor of the evening.
Surprizingly a little known artist by the name of JACKIE ALLEN, http://jackieallen.com was the shock value of the series with her velvety warm enchanting deliveries with the JOHNNY FRIGO Quintet. Where has she been hiding and why?
You know... I just want to know how a band that executes in such a phenomenally proficient and mesmerizing way of delivering jazz ain't a household name in America; because they have got to be in Germany. I'm talking about the astonishing NDR big band. Now I didn't have a chance tO see audience reaction because I was listening and watching from the Metro Mobile Truck, where the illustrious wizardry of TIMOTHY POWELL at the helm of recording this fabulous concert was happening. As I was realizing that something very special was going on on that stage with NDR, and I kept thinking I want to see this up front and personal; I just honestly could not move. Too captive. I have to admit though that Tim and his mighty crew Skinner, Darrien et al had a lot to do with why I couldn't move. There were times I went to the stage and front of house during the performances; and went back to the truck and realized Timothy had his two cents in there if you get my drift.
Speaking of FOH, this is one of the few times I've listened to a concert at the Petrillo from the audience and wasn't wishing someone else was at the board. Jim did an incredible job and I respect and admire the heck out of him.
I went to the wings to listen to TERENCE BLANCHARD and the formidably expressive CASANDRA WILSON, pondering and wondering how they were ever going to follow NDR's amazing delivery. Well! Boll me over...cause when Mr. Blanchard puckered up with his instument; all apprehension just disappeared and I realized he was just what was needed to cap off this momentous occasion. His group's stirring performance certainly defined what headlining means to showcasing and the only let down was the brevity of it. Cassandra's apparent love and joy of performing just enlivened the stage; and of particular interest to me was the attitude of the profoundly accomplished drummer..
This 23rd annual was the supreme signature stamp of the departing event chief, Ms. Penny Tyler to new and distant lands. Much appreciation to her and her efficacious staff for giving us such a wonderful experience.
Diane P
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