Willie Pickens

Pickens, perhaps Chicago's premier pianist, led his group with timeless standards and continously received rousing spontaneous ovations throughout this splendit evening. Cole Porter's "Night and Day" kicked off the evening and it was immediately noticable that Pickens was in command of the 88s as he used rapid fire lines from one end of the piano to the other. This would be a theme all night long. Pickens was simply in a "zone" and at his best.

By no means was this a one man show as seasoned drummer Robert Shy was given ample room to express himself on the drum kit. There were occasions during his solos that he glanced at Pickens for directions but was ignored and allowed to display solos full of innovative ideas. It was nice to see Shy exciting the crowd on numbers like Miles Davis' "Walkin" and Dizzy Gilespie's Latin-tinged "Mantigua".

Bassist Rosenberg kept strong bass tones throughout this gig and distinguished herself on Cedar Walton's "Bolivia". She's quite familiar with Walton as he backed her on her Pieces Of..... CD in 2000. She's such an underrated bassist, whose soloing is patient and thoughtful with impeccable touch.

During the evening, Pickens worked the piano overtime on Benny Golson's "Whisper Not", "Laura", and Lester Young's "Lester Leaps In". It was on that song that people were clapping to the beat and dancing in their seats. Pickens was putting on a piano clinic.

Pickens also used this occasion to dedicate " How Deep Is The Ocean" to his "sweetheart" of 50 years. How appropriate on Valentine's Day. And of course, his rendition of "My Funny Valentine" was beaitifully done.

Young crooner Milton Suggs caught many by surprise when Pickens asked him to sing "The Very Thought of You". This dynamic baritone wowed the audience with this crowd pleaser and had to perform an "encore". He chose " In the Mood For Love", and received a second standing ovaton. This young twenty-something has a bright future as a jazz vocalist and it's so refreshing to see a young male undertake such a challenge.

The Willie Pickens Trio made Valentine's Day very special for the Room 43 crowd. This is defintely the place to be on Sunday evenings for world class jazz. Vocalist Joan Collaso renders a special set this Sunday as she pays tribute to Shirley Horn and Nancy Wilson. Come early for this 7:30 pm concert as it promises to bring out another capacity crowd.

For information pertaining to future Hyde Park Jazz Society sets, refer to their website at www.hydeparkjazzsociety.org.