Chicago Piano Showcase: Ron Perillo and Willie Pickens

Keyboardist Ron Perrillo led the first of two groups accompained by Kobie Watkins on drums, Pat Mallinger on saxophone and Native American flute, Edwin Bayard on saxophone, Tom Garling on trombone, Dennis Carroll on bass and Pharez Whitted on Trumpet.

Perrillo and Mallinger opened the set with a duo with Mallinger playing the Native American Flute. The remainder of the ensemble joined in with each member of the horn section taking extended solos followed by all playing together with Kobe and Dennis Carroll playing off of one another. Nice entree into this set of music that Perrillo wrote for this show.

He indicated most of the music from this suite was inspired by nature and the outdoors of Chicago. Although this concert was a showcase of pianos, Perrillo did not neglect to afford ample room for his exceptional band mates to stretch and explore. Special mention must be given to Kobe Watkins who is such a pleasure to watch perform. His body is constantly in motion and he never misses a beat. His quick hands and instincts revealed a melodic ingenuity on the drum kit that allowed him to react in the moment .They could have played all night long , but this four piece suite had to come to an end to make room for Chicago's master pianist, Mr. Willie Pickens.

Pickens was joined on stage by Stu Miller on bass, Robert Shy on drums and special guest Donald Harrison on alto sax. Harrison, a frequent visitor to the "Windy City" from his native New Orleans, was on point all night long.It's such a change of pace to hear the alto as it's often neglected from many jazz ensembles.

They opened the set with Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco". Although Pickens took lead on this number, drummer Shy let the audience know that he would be heard from this evening. He maintained the beat all night long and seems to have been energized the last few times this writer has seen him perform.

They paid tribute to Dr. Longhair, a legendary New Orleans musician with "Big Chief" . How appropriate since Harrison is actually a Madi Gras "Chief". This number defintely had that New Orleans "Second Line" beat.

Stu Miller stood out with some nice deep bass tones with his extended solo while Shy appropriately maintained the melody with his long solo.

Another selection performed was John Coltrane's "Moments Notice". Watching Maestro Pickens on this selection,as well as the others, reminded this writer how special he is and the depth of his command of the piano. He's such a gentle man but when he sits in front of the 88s, he plays with a valiant spirit while whipping his group into a whirlwind.

Although the skies opened up toward the end of the set, those remaining moved as close to the front of the stage to escape the wrath of mother nature while still enjoying these special moments from this special group of musicians.

The last of this year's series was held Sept.3rd with another celebration of Benny Goodman's 100th birthday.This will be reviewed in the very near future.