Review of Music Institute of Chicago, jazz concert, featuring guitarist Russ Malone, “tribute to Les Paul”
On-Line Event 3/ 13/22 Evanston, Il.
by Maja Rios
MIC presented a guitar- centered tribute to late guitarist and innovator, Les Paul, by New York based guitarist, Russ Malone, one of my favorite jazz guitarists. The understated rhythm section included, Tom Vaitsis, piano, Eric Hochberg, bass, and Samuel Jewell, drums. Tammy McCann, vocalist, was added to the mix as well. All did a fine job on standard jazz compositions.
Russ Malone chose songs he said were favorites of Les Paul, as well as some of his own favorites. The first song was jazz standard, “Avalon,” done as a breezy bossa- nova, that featured Malone’s skills as a guitarist and bandleader. A heavy Grant Green influence, is felt throughout. Tom Vaitsis solo on this tune, reminded me of pianist Vince Guiraldi, which was truly, in the bossa pocket! Second song was “Moonglow, “done as a slow relaxed swing. The rhythm section never overpowered the guitar, which was, great. Next Tammy McCann did a nice bluesy feel, on “That Old Feeling”.
Next came famous standard, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, super relaxed feel by Russ, on this slow swing version. This song was followed by” Savoy”, one of my favorites on guitar, done as a medium swing.
Tammy McCann, sang old standard “After You’ve Gone”, done as up-tempo swing that grooved along. Russ was featured next in W C Handy St. Louis Blues. Russ did a duet next, with drummer, Samuel Jewell on Latin tune Caravan, that really grooved. After that number, Tammy McCann sung a soulful rendition of ” Am I Blue”. Variety is the spice, as the evening concluded with Every time, We Say Goodbye”, featuring Russ and Tammy, as a duet. The whole evening was a treat! I Hope Russ comes back to Chicago soon!
