Sep 6

Sep 6 Chicago Jazzfest-Day 4

Blues, Chicago, Chicago Tourism, Festivals, Jazz, Musicians, Performance, Things to Do in Chicago

Today’s trip to the 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival began early, with a 10 AM gathering of the jazz journalists at Ming Hing Cuisine, which is just north of Millennium Park. Howard Mandel, the President Emeritus of the JJA, organized the outing. An excellent choice. I had the good fortune to sit next to Maggie Brown, who performed Thursday night.

After a hearty meal, everyone made the short trek to Millennium Park for today’s performances. Let’s just say by 8:00 PM I was exhausted. Throughout the afternoon, I circulated between the WDCB Jazz Lounge on the south end of the Millennium Park promenade and the Von Freeman Pavilion the north end.

First up today was M.A.D.D. Rhythms, the tap dancers who I have seen several times over the years. I loved their exuberant moments and performance, but they should have been the opening act during evening performances on the Pritzker Pavilion’s stage, which would have exposed many more people to their talents. The Von Freeman Pavilion is just too small and utilitarian for such a visual act.

After a few numbers, I headed to the other end of the promenade for a performance by the Arman Sangalang Quintet. A few years ago, Sangalang was the new kid on the block; not anymore. Leading the way with his tenor saxophone, Sangalang’s quintet includes guitarist Dave Miller, bassist Ethan Philion, and drummer Quin Kirchner. Each is a seasoned veteran, which is further proof that Sangalang is a very talented player.

Midway through the set, I took a brief walk over to the Pritzker Pavilion to see what was happening on the lawn. Standing in the middle of the field, i heard Sangalang’s tenor soaring over the trees, which put a smile on my face.

Eventually, I found myself listening to the John Wojciechowski’s Quartet. Wojo, as he is known, was supported by the dynamic duo—bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. I am still not sure who is Batman and who is Robin. Sommers and Hall are attached at the hip—always staples at jazz festivals. Pianist Xavier Davis rounded out the group. Not surprisingly, Hall and Sommers did battle, bringing out the excellence in each other.

The group played a Wojo penned number entitled Peripheral Vision, which he claimed was inspired by Poinciana. Notably, the number began with a bass solo by Sommers. Not surprisingly, Hall eventually joined in. Surprisingly, Wojo remained largely silent during what became a number performed by a piano trio. Wojo eventually joined in with a spectacular solo. What I was hearing was the sort of jazz that I grew up listening to.

After returning to the WDCB Jazz Lounge for a little more Sangalang, I made my way back to the Von Freeman Pavilion where bassist Chuck Webb was leading his group, Guru Tonic. With him were guitarist Tim Fitzgerald, drummer Linard Stroud, and keyboardist Tom Vaitas. What Guru Tonic was playing was perfect for a warm Sunday afternoon. Best described as cool jazz, the music was not particularly challenging, but no one was complaining.

The programming committee must have intentionally slotted Alex Beltran and his Sunday Soul in the same time period at the WBCD Jazz Lounge because Beltran and company were playing very similar music. I believe it was Beltran who referenced Eddie Harris and Les McCann in describing the music, which was an accurate description. Beltran also performed a tribute to Hank Mobley, which I believe was composed by Duke Pearson. Then, much to my surprise, I heard the group break into Simon and Garfunkel’s Mrs. Robinson. It took me a minute to name the curveball tune that had just been thrown. Simon and Garfunkel created a lot of great music, but jazz musicians have not added the duo’s songs to the American Songbook.

Somehow, I also manage to catch snippets of Jeremiah Hunt’s, Ricardo Jiménez’s, and Michele Thomas’ sets. Hunt brought along guitarist extraordinaire Bobby Broom, one of my favorites. I was unfamiliar with vocalist Thomas, but I was very glad to hear her sing.

I spent most of the evening at the Pritzker Pavilion rather than doubling back to the stages on the promenade. Tonight’s opening act was the Bruce Henry Quintet, with pianist Miquel de la Cerna, bassist Charles Health, bassist Joshua Ramos, and saxophonist Kevin King. Henry is a serviceable singer, but a little too low key for my liking. To his credit, he surrounded himself with a terrific group of musicians.

Once saxophone phenom Isaiah Collier took the stage, all Hell broke loose (in a good way). Collier’s tribute to John Coltrane was without doubt the best set of the evening. At one point, he brought out the legendary saxophonist Ari Brown, who needed assistance as he walked out. Although Brown appeared physically frail, his playing was anything but. To his credit and as a sign of his maturity, Collier stood back for much of the set, allowing Brown to shine. But before Brown came out, Collier opened the set with an extended version of Coltrane’s A Few of My Favorite Things, which clocked in at 15 minutes. It was during Lonnie’s Lament that Brown joined Collier, for what was another extended number that included lots of improvisation.

Following Lonnie’s Lament, the group took on India, which can be found on Coltrane’s 1961 recording, Live at the Village Vanguard. Somewhat surprisingly, a violinist—I did not catch her name—joined the group on stage, which certainly added some variety to the mix. But at the end of the day, it was Brown’s mournful and lamenting solo that carried this number.

I believe, Collier’s set only included four or five numbers, but each was a killer. No doubt, in the years to come, Isaiah Collier remain a festival staple.

Pianist Bethany Pickens and her Soulful Coalition had the unenviable slot of following Collier. I was always a huge fan of the late Willie Pickens, who was Bethany’s father. Tonight she carried on the family tradition, turning in an excellent set. Vibist Thaddeus Tukes was largely responsible for spurring Pickens on. His bright notes danced over the rhythms laid down by Pickens, bassist Joshua Ramos, and drummer Charles Health.

Pickens included Pennies from Heaven in her set, but most impressive was a song entitled Chick, written in honor of the late Chick Corea, who just so happens to be one of my all time favorites. The band also performed a samba, in keeping with the many performers who added Latin-inspired numbers to their sets.

Puerto Rican saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera closed the festival with a set that highlighted his Latin roots. At that point, I must admit, I was exhausted, so I only stayed for 30 minutes. D’Rivera is a powerful saxophonist and confident player. I liked what I heard, but I needed to get something to eat and some sleep, so I unfortunately short-changed him.

Cover Photo: The cover photo shows Mario Abney, the leader of the Windy City Ramblers, assisting one of his young proteges. Abney leads a New Orleans-style brass band that marches through Millennium Park each year during the festival. Abney and the Ramblers create visual spectacle and infectious music. The only problem is that there appearance is never listed in the program, so witnessing them is hit and miss. I would definitely like to see them given a much larger role next year.

Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]