Chicago Soul Jazz

On a delightful Friday evening, we strolled down the Chicago Riverwalk to take in a set from a local sextet, the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. After a funky first tune, they welcomed vocalist Dee Alexander to the stage for a set of originals.

The music featured an electric bass groove a bit like motown and the two horns played tight lines together. I particularly liked the solos of the tenor sax and leader, John Fournier. The pianist, Amr Fahmy, also offered dynamic solos. Some of trumpet players best work was with a mute, giving his horn a distinctive tone. The jury was out on vocalist Dee Alexander. I enjoyed her work overall, but some were turned off by a first scat solo on a tune about a redwing bird–she warbled through it.

Winters Jazz Club was a nice clean listening room. Unpretentious, welcoming and warm. And it was nice to stroll along the river afterwards.

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