As a frequent attendee of the Jazz Fair before I left town (kicking and screaming) I must second everything Howard writes about. The scene is Chicago is wonderfully open to various flavors of jazz. At the Green Mill in one week, one could hear the likes of Kurt Elling, Ken Vandermark, Von Freeman, and a performance of Kathy Kelly and the wonderful Chicago Jazz Composer's Collective. All of which would be enthusiastically received.
The Chicago Jazz Festival was a staple in my growing up. I remember sitting transfixed hearing Dexter Gordon and the "Round Midnight Band" on a warm night with the most beautiful skyline in the world behind him. Yes, I am biased...
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I heard a "This American Life" episode once that dealt with a Chicago native being show around NYC for the first time and saying something along the lines of "yeah, it's great but it's no Chicago". I think I will always feel this way about my beloved Chi-town.
The Hawk may be out, but I know the warmth that is always there...
I miss that scene - Jim Gailloreto, Brad Wheeler, Von-skis, Mitch Paliga, Eric Schneider, Ari Brown, Ken Vandermark are just a few of the saxophonists/composers that I include in my pantheon of influences.
Enough sentiment - I have writing to do. The woodwind piece is due on Tuesday and score and parts must be edited. I'm still not sure about the fugue either....
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