2007 had several deserving candidates for Chicago Jazz artist of the year.
Vocalist Dee Alexander came into her own in 2007, spreading her wings and taking her voice to the ears of captivated audiences in various settings. Her tribute concert to Nina Simone and Dinah Washington at Millennium Park was one of the highlights of the year, but she also paid tribute to Abbey Lincoln and joined in on the fun at our concert of the year with Double Trouble.
Among others, CJE director Jon Faddis had an excellent year. Vocalist Kurt Elling's new album was universally lauded. Chicago legend Ari Brown came out with a stellar live album ("Live at the Green Mill"), while Maggie Brown (no relationship) continued to remind us why her father Oscar Brown, Jr. was so important in keeping his work alive for a new generation. Rob Mazurek released an excellent album ("We Are All From Somewhere Else") and led his Exploding Star Orchestra in a now legendary set with Bill Dixon at Jazz Fest - his experimental work will no doubt continue to explore and shatter boundaries. Robert Irving III produced a wonderful tribute to Monk at Jazz Fest, along with his several other ventures. Fred Anderson's after Fest concerts along with his dedication to Chicago Jazz is always noteworthy. On the contemporary scene, smooth jazz saxophonists Skinny Williams and Ray Silkman thrilled crowds with their playing, while Tammy McCann also opened eyes at Jazz Fest with her delicious vocal set. Meanwhile, James and Caroline Davis came out with two excellent releases - "Angles of Refraction" and "zing." And of course, Corey Wilkes continued to operate as the "face" of Chicago Jazz. The ubiquitous Mr. Wilkes was seemingly everywhere this year, working tirelessly for the promotion of the city's great music.
But Chicago flautist Nicole Mitchell was a tornado of activity in 2007. The musician/artist/composer wrote and performed original works celebrating Alice Coltrane, Octavia Butler and her father, appeared with the Exploding Star Orchestra" (her flute is a major component of the sound) on record and at Jazz Fest and the Green Mill, played numerous concerts leading varying ensembles, appeared on other artist's releases and still found time to release her first album as a leader and DVD ("Black Unstoppable," Delmark). In the end, Mitchell proved to be "unstoppable."
Runners up:
Dee Alexander
Corey Wilkes
Rob Mazurek
Check out our complete coverage of the 2007 Chicago Jazz Fest
Return to Jazzchicago's top Jazz of 2007