Tammy McCann

Although Tammy recently released a critically acclaimed CD entitled Never Let Me Go, she primarily chose jazz standards paying tribute to great composers for this performance. She immediately captivated the attention of the audience with the Rogers and Hart selection of "My Heart Stood Still". Without any introduction, she walked onto the stage singing. One could surmise that this would be a very special evening of "Cabaret" sounds.

Tammy's a story teller and introduced "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" in reference to when she first met her husband (not realizing that he WAS the one). This beautiful mid-tempo number was complimented by the serene sounds coming from Jackson's saxophone. These two "talked" to each other all night long to the delight of this capacity crowd.

Ray Noble's "The Very Thought Of You" reminded this listener of Nancy Wilson. Not that she was imitating Nancy, her sparkling vocal instrument was just reminiscent of Nancy's style. Jackson again demonstrated his sensuous side as he blew soft notes in the background before extending a solo. Viatsas tickling of the 88s also stood out during this number.

Rosenberg, new to this ensemble, was on point all night long. She's such a pleasure to watch workout on the bass and her deep bass sound can always be discerned in the background as was the case on "Cherokee".

  One of the many night's highlights occurred as she vocalized on "Blue Woman". This was one of the few selections extracted from the new CD. Tammy , as usual, allows her band-mates to showcase their skills on this number. Viatsas and Jackson took advantage of such opportunity. Jackson chose the soprano to express himself on this selection. He did the same on "I've Got Rhythm", as Tammy did a little scatting . Rosenberg finally had a nice extended solo on this piece which seemed to meet the approval of the audience.

After performing for 90 minutes during the first set, the second set consisted of selections from the Ellington/Strayhorn song book. What an appropriate manner in which to end a night of paying homage to great American songwriters. "Daydream" was the first number as Jackson and Tammy "talked back" to one another. "Mood Indigo" followed with Tammy only using Rosenberg's bass to accompany her. This was so well done as the women demonstrated their ability to "shine" without the men folk.

Before concluding this outstanding performance with "You Ain't Gonna Love Me," a can't miss selection she wrote with Kevin Beauchamp and Henry Johnson, Duke's "Caravan" again highlighted Jackson on the soprano sax.

Tammy was certainly in a comfort zone on this occasion with this exceptional group of musicians that she assembled. Although drummer Perry Wilson wasn't highlighted, this timekeeper's presence was noted. This veteran drummer starts the action and keeps everyone on point. Let's hope Ms. McCann keeps this group intact as they make such beautiful music together.

Prior to McCann's performance, the Jazz Links Ensemble rendered a few outstanding selections.

For future Jazz Institute events, refer to their website at www.jazzinchicago.org, and Tammy's information can be obtained at www.tammymccann.com.