Sep 4

Sep 4 Chicago Jazzfest (IV)

Chicago, Festivals, Jazz, Musicians, Performance, Things to Do in Chicago

To be honest, I was tired as Day 4 of the 2022 Chicago Jazzfest rolled around, but in a good way. I felt like the ground must feel after being saturated with rain for three solid days. I just couldn’t “hold” anymore music, but I did my best.

Unfortunately, the skies were threatening for much of the day, but for the most part the rain held off. I stood under a tree next to the WDCB tent when there was some drizzle.

As for the music, once again excellent, although I do have my beefs. The biggest one is with Donald Harrison, the closing act on the Pritzker Pavilion stage. Harrison is a major player in the world of jazz and a crowd pleaser because of his longstanding association with Mardi Gras.

Years ago I saw him in New York playing with Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint at a small theatre space in what was once the Meatpacking District. Great fun, obviously, but that was over two decades ago. Sleeping walking through his set, gave the audience a forgettable lesson in the history of jazz—playing what I suspect was some Louis Armstrong, and then a classic John Coltrane number. There was nothing original in the set. Despite my objections, Harrison does exude a dynamic stage presence, so the audience, many also saturated by four days of music, greatly enjoyed what was a fun, but unchallenging set.

Earlier, audience in the Pritzker Pavilion was treated to pianist Kris Davis’ Diatom Ribbons. I have seen Davis several times, and each times she does something different. Today, she was working with drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, DJ Val Jeanty, who worked a turntable and various electronics, and Trevor Dunn on bass. Davis makes what might otherwise be inaccessible free-form music very accessible. The electronics and loops kept things interesting. I am glad that the jazz world has creative spirits like Davis challenging both musicians and listeners.

Alto saxophonist Nick Mozzarella preceded Kris Davis. He is another one of the young Chicago jazz musicians who exhibit an enduring bond with each other, all playing on each other’s projects. So it was no surprise that Quin Kirchner (drums), Matt Ulery (bass), Tim Stine (guitar), and Nate LePine (tenor sax and flute) showed up to support Mazarella’s effort. Together, they put together an excellent set of relatively straight-ahead jazz.

Earlier in the day, I saw Immanuel Wilkins at the Von Freeman Pavilion, where I was heard sheets of notes flying out of Wilkins saxophone, but I couldn’t stay for the entire set because I had to catch singer Denise Thimes at the Harris Theatre stage. She didn’t chart any new territory, but she has a rich voice, which made her song selection work, particularly with Henry Johnson laying a solid foundation. Lots of swing and blues.

Speaking of singers, I caught Chicago favorite Dee Alexander at the WDCB tent. Alexander normally headlines festivals, but today, those who went for the small stage received a treat. Dee up close and personal.

And so that’s how Day 4 of the 2022 Chicago Jazz Festival went. I can’t wait until next September.

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