Chicago Jazz Orchestra
with Joey DeFrancesco

Evanston, IL
Friday, Feb. 6

Joey DeFrancesco

Joey DeFrancesco, Henry Johnson, Dennis Carroll,
Charley Harrison, George Fludas

Story and Photos by James Walker

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra(CJO) culminated the 6th annual Evanston Jazz Festival on February 6th. with a rousing 90 minute concert which featured the mighty Hammond B-3 organ player Joey DeFrancesco and world class guitarist Henry Johnson. What a lethal combination!!!! Along with the usual steady play of Jeff Lindberg's CJO, these two veterans thoroughly entertained the audience, which included several high school jazz bands from throughout the greater Chicago area.

To the delight of those assembled,much of the night's music was taken from the "Dynamic Duo" CD of organist Jimmy Smith and guitarist Wes Montgomery. Selections included "Down By The Riverside," "Happy Go Lucky,""Boss City," "NightTrain," and "Walk On The Wild Side." Most of these tunes featured both Johnson and DeFrancesco, often with the two engaging in friendly bantering with call and response. Both players were at their best throughout, and it was quiet evident to the jazz aficionados that they were simply having a great time playing with one another.

Joey De brought the house to its feet as he wailed away on "Walk on the Wild Side" and "Old Man River." By the conclusion of the former number, the B-3 was scorching red hot. After restoring relative calm to the Evanston Township High School Auditorium, they immediately slowed the pace with a nice Wes "Bossa" tune entitled "More, More, Amore." What a sight to see the fleet fingered Henry Johnson on this beautiful number with a bossa nova tinge. Once Johnson gets into his "zone," he unleashes his staggering six-string facility with reckless abandon.

Although this concert featured Johnson and Joey De, CJO members also took center stage during several numbers. One such occasion was on "NapTown Blues" where saxophonist Pat Mallinger, trumpeter Doug Scharf, and trombonist Tom Garling, had an opportunity demonstrate their solo skills.

It was toward the later portion of the concert that Joey De and Johnson, diverted from the script and rendered a lovely version of "Nearness of You," with Joey doing the surprise vocals. Drummer George Fludas and bassist Dennis Carroll also got a piece of this action. This song was followed by a "2 by 6" which featured both Johnson, and CJO's associate artistic director, guitarist Charley Harrison. Charley is currently serving as Director of the UCLA Jazz Orchestra in Los Angeles.

This fantastic concert was brought to an end on Jimmy Smith's "Step Right Up," with Joey De and Johnson "standing toe-to-toe" on intricate unison lines and" heated exchanges". The crowd roared its approval with exciting wild cheers.

Special mention must be given to the Evanston Township High School (ETHS) Jazz Band, as they preceded CJO with a very productive preliminary set. Their appearance featured two ETHS alums, CJO guitarist Charley Harrison, and Chicago trumpeter extraordinaire, David Young.

CJO's next local concert takes place on April 11,2009 at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at Northwestern University in Evanston. This concert features Northwestern's Jazz Studies Program Director, multi-reedist Victor Goines.

For ticket information, refer to CJO's website at www.chicagojazzorchestra.com.