There is something about a dimly lit club setting (and a cocktail) that adds something to the jazz experience. Nonetheless, despite the sterile setting of the Northwestern University Law School's Thorne Auditorium, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra's performance was a delight. In the first half, "Jazz Goes Hollywood!", the orchestra played famous TV and movie themes originally composed for big bands. The second half was a tribute to the late Stanley Turrentine, one of saxophone greats, featuring tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander.The first half was a pleasant surprise. We weren't expecting much from the TV-inspired program, but this was real music originally composed for big band. And who wouldn't enjoy a little Pink Panther or the theme from Mission: Impossible. While a bit gimmicky, the band leader, Jeff Lindberg, got the audience involved with a contest of our knowledge. We were handed a "test sheet" and asked to identify the order of the songs—which were listed in the program only in alphabetical order. Watching a lot of TV growing up—and some knowledge of jazz—helped; 45 people got everything right.
The only drawback to the first half, in our view, was tight, studio sound. Given the short scores of each piece, there was no time for improvisation. It was safe music. Those expecting a looser, improvisational style and swing would have been disappointed—until the second half. The second half started with the appearance of saxophonist Eric Alexander. Based on appearance alone—he looked like a recent college grad going on his first interview, with his preppy dress suit, buttoned up white shirt, and a red tie—you would probably guess he was just another white, uptight studio musician. And that's how he sounded—at first. But trumpeter Pharez Whitted took a solo within the first few minutes and the music and musicians began to loosen up. When Eric took his first solo, well, it was how great improvised jazz should sound.
Since the hall is fairly small, the audience could see how Eric handled the instrument to get the sounds he produced. And as he and the orchestra went through the set's six or seven pieces, the music got better and the orchestra loosened up and started to swing. Various musicians had their chance to solo and shine. The only thing missing was the banter among musicians encouraging each on during solos.Check out the Chicago Jazz Orchestra's website, www.chicagojazzorchestra.com for the upcoming season, including a free concert in Millennium Park this summer. You owe it to yourself, whether you're a jazz fan or not, to see what the praise is all about.
