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Michael Hutchins
Via Gelato Cafe
July 31st 2010
1853 Tower Drive
Glenview, Ill 60026
Cost: $0
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Stacy McMichael
Julius Meinl
July 31st 2010
Addison / Southport
Chicago, Ill
Cost: $FREE
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Jazz Doubleheader at Andys Jazz Club
Jazz Doubleheader at Andys Jazz Club
Date Posted: January 08 2010
Written By: Randy Freedman
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Andy's Jazz Club, at 11 West Hubbard Street in the River North area of downtown Chicago, has been one of the top venues on the Chicago Jazz scene since the mid-1970s. Aware of its storied history and appeal to native Chicago jazz fans and tourists alike, I made Andy’s a special destination one Thursday evening in early November, both to have dinner and hear not one but two different jazz bands. Some of the individual members of the two bands (the Russ Phillips Quartet and BMR4) were familiar to me but I had heard neither group perform before.
As you enter Andy’s there is a small vestibule that leads directly to a large main room where a receptionist greets you. This room has a high loft-like unfinished ceiling with copper colored pillars stretching from floor to ceiling, and includes the bar, dining area, and stage. Once in the dining area the large square bar is to your left as you face the stage; it has tables of various sizes both in front and to the right of it.
The wall behind the bar is covered with photos of the many jazz musicians who have graced Andy’s over the years. To the right of them hang many colorful banners, each representing a different year of the Chicago Jazz Festival. The receptionist and wait-staff seem very responsive to fulfilling specific seating requests.
The first show starts at 5 pm, but full-menu food service starts at 4:30, and I had arrived early enough to have an appetizer before the music started. Andy’s has a varied American menu with some Italian influences. I ordered the Calamari Capri Costa, which was described as “tender calamari, hand-breaded & deep fried, tossed with parmesan cheese & fresh parsley with chunky tomato basil marinara.” The calamari was indeed tender, flavorful, and generously portioned. The marinara seemed to have overtones of red (perhaps chili) pepper as well as basil, which gave it a unique spicy favor.
A few hours later, between band appearances, I ordered the Grilled Portabella Sandwich: a “marinated portabella mushroom on tomato focaccia bun char-grilled with roasted peppers, scallions, mozzarella cheese and homemade potato chips.” The ingredients of the sandwich proved to be carefully chosen to blend together well and it was served warm, moist, and tangy. I feel compelled to mention that a totally delicious aroma of what seemed to be Italian sausage and green peppers came wafting my way from a nearby patron who had ordered pizza, and was begging me to overindulge. Next time, it’s pizza for sure.
First on stage was the Russ Phillips Quartet, which that particular night was actually a quintet, with Russ Phillips and Tim Caufman providing twin trombones and expertly supported by a veteran rhythm section of Andy Brown on guitar, Dennis Carroll on upright bass, and Phil Gratteau on drums. Despite the early hour, Andy’s was nearly full with the presence of a large Japanese tour group that was very demonstrative in showing their appreciation of the band’s efforts.
Along with Phillips’s relaxed and charming personal style, this created the right kind of late night atmosphere for an early show. Sometimes utilizing fabulous arrangements originally written for trombone greats Kai Winding and JJ Johnson playing together, Phillips and Caufman were both spellbindi ng and soulful.
Some particular highlights included “Out of This World” and “It’s Alright With Me,” as well as Phillips’s wife, vocalist Jeannie Lambert, sitting in and adding her impeccable phrasing and unique charismatic manner to “Born to Be Blue” and “The Best Thing For You Would Be Me.”
BMR4 was the late show that evening and consists of Chris Bernhardt on bass, Jay Moynihan on tenor and alto saxophone, Mike Robard on drums, and Neal Alger on guitar. These musicians proudly come from varied backgrounds in blues and rock as well as jazz, and incorporate that diversity into their musical presentation.
Song selection ranged from Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen” (which featured an impressive extended guitar solo from Alger) to Great American Songbook standards like “It Had To Be You” (which featured and closed with a swinging sax solo by Moynihan).
Andy’s Jazz Club’s reputation as one of Chicago’s top jazz venues proved to be well-deserved and it was eloquently represented this night by both the Russ Phillips Quartet and BMR4. Presenting two shows a night, seven days a week and maintaining such a high standard for the quality of music and dining makes Andy’s a special place worthy of consideration for all those in the River North or metropolitan area, and of being a special entertainment destination for those visiting Chicago.
For more information contact: andysjazzclub.com, russphillips.net, bmr4.com.
Chicago freelance writer Randy Freedman is a jazz connoisseur, photographer, food critic, humorist, and devoted music fan. He is a regular contributor to Chicago Jazz Magazine.
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