Joan Collaso
Hyde Park Jazz Society

Joan admitted being a little nervous as she began the first set, and why not when one is celebrating the music of two legends and wanting to do justice to both. Well, it didn't take long before she had the audience's undivided attention and unlike many sets at Room 43, one could "hear a pin drop." Looking gorgeous and elegant as ever, Joan kicked off the set with a beautiful ballad "A Time For Love." This number allowed Hanks to display his talent with a sweet and mellow solo.

That was followed by an upbeat number, "I Just Found Out About Love." Henry Johnson wowed the crowd with a staggering fleet fingered extended solo that seemed to gain energy as he forged ahead. Johnson's one of Chicago's most accomplished musicians and he demonstrated his varied skills throughout the entire evening (including a vocal duet with Joan during the 2nd set).

When Joan hit the first few notes of Nancy's "How Glad I Am," the crowd was ecstatic. This was certainly one of the highlights of the first set which received a rousing ovation. Another first set highlight was Shirley Horn's "Peel Me A Grape." This sassy number certainly was very popular with the women in the audience. It was so well done that even the men had to give Joan her props at its conclusion. Webb took his turn with some nice deep bass tones on his extended solo. Joan dedicated this number to the ladies.

Nancy's "Save Your Love For Me" opened the 2nd set with an introductory bass solo from Webb followed by Johnson before Joan took over. This song was velvet smooth as she again demonstrated her sparkling vocal instrument without committing musical sacrilege. Joan didn't attempt to imitate Shirley and Nancy during this tribute. She was herself and that's all that it took to satisfy this sophisticated "old school" audience.

Although Henry Johnson was superb all night long, he hit his peak on a compelling solo of Horn's "The Great City" with passionate playing, going into overdrive with fluidity. Later in the set, Johnson joined Joan in a vocal duet of "The Masquerade Is Over." He plays the guitar so well,that often one forgets what a fine vocal instrument he also possess. They were having big fun with this number with Johnson even doing a little scatting. This number elicited wild cheers from the packed house.

Nancy's classic signature song, "Guess Who I Saw Today" was the number everyone anxiously awaited. Before she could finish the first verse, the crowd began clapping and cheering. On this number she DID sound like Nancy, and the crowd again roared its approval with a standing ovation. This set was concluded with Horn's "Here's to Life." Joan initially had planned to sing this number on the 3rd set but decided to climax this set with one of her favorite songs. Guess what, another standing ovation!!!! Joan delivered this song with conviction and emotion and was visibly touched, as were many in the audience.

The final set afforded the band an opportunity to jam on a couple on numbers before Joan returned to the stage. Hanks dedicated Thad Jones' "A Child Is Born," to his recently born grandchild. Drummer Linard Stroud distinguished himself with some smooth power precision drummer on this piece.This spectacular evening concluded with Joan and Hanks rendering a number they composed entitled "Happy." How appropriate to end the evening on a "Happy" note by a gifted vocalist with a beautiful instrument; clear, firm and enviably focused.

Orbert Davis' Quintet will surely pack Room 43 this coming Sunday, February 28th. For those planning to attend, arrive early. With Ari Brown on sax, Ryan Cohan on keyboard, Stew Miller on bass and Ernie Adams on drums, this set will sell out. For details about other Hyde Park Jazz Society sets, refer to their website at www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org.