SBC Jazz at Symphony Center Featured Charles Lloyd Quartet

Tenor Saxophonist Charles Lloyd took several hiatus from the jazz scene at the height of the quartet's progressive trend in 1970 but returned to assist the young pianist Michel Petrucciani and with that collaboration regained his critical acclaim in America, the United States and Japan. Then when pianist Petrucciani became famous he disappeared again, but return in 1988 with a new quartet and has been active every since. It is obvious that he did progress while absent from public performance.

The audience at the Symphony Center this past weekend were amazed at his artistic prowess as he was assisted by Geri Allen on Piano, John Abercrombie, guitar, Robert Hurst, brass and Eric Harland on drums.

While reed virtuoso is quite mature, he ability to perform in various styles of jazz has not suffered. The tenor's abundant talent enchanted the audience and there was evident that kind of honey-haired vigor for which he is famous is present. His technique is that kind of effortless agility which a great artists maintains with his individuality and masterful authority.

SBC Jazz at Symphony Center series 2003-2004 concerts will be held with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on Feb. 13, Cassandra Wilson on March 19, Herbie Hancock Quartet with special guest Wayne Shorter on April 9, Herbie Hancock, Dave Holland, and Jack DeJohnette on April 16, Dave Brubeck Quartet on May 7, Hank Jones Trio on May 28 and John Scofield "Real Jazz" Trio with the Brad Mehldau Trio on June 25.

PIANIST AHMAD JAMAL introduced Centre East inaugural jazz series. Jamal who lived in Chicago and operated a restaurant on Michigan near 14th St. provided the kind of performance that is fitted for kings and excites people who just enjoys listening to him perform. He has often been featured at the Jazz Showcase, at Mister Kelly's at the Sutherland and other places.

Following Pianist Jamal, the future series continues with be Jane Monheit Saturday, March 27 and Dianne Reeves Friday, May 21. All performances will be held in the Centre East Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The Jazz Institute of Chicago in partnership with the hot-house/Center for International Performance and Exhibition (CIPEX) is presenting the first Jazz Links High School Jam Session Thursday, Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Hot House, 31 E. Balboa.

Roscoe Mitchell, co-founder of Chicago's Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), founding member of the world-renowned Art Ensemble of Chicago and an interpreter of contemporary music.

The Jazz Institute and the Hot House gratefully acknowledge Kraft Foods for its support of this series.

Article copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photograph (Ahmad Jamal)