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Culbertson leads jazz show with class |
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Written by and photos by ANDY ARGYRAKIS
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Wednesday, 06 December 2006 |
In keeping with smooth jazz radio station WNUA’s annual tradition of hosting multi-act holiday bills, multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson and several of his friends packed a nearly sold out Chicago Theatre. Though the keyboardist/ trombone player/ composer/ arranger was clearly the headliner, he brought along several genre jumping guests, including Ray Parker, Jr., Bobby Caldwell, Warren Hill and Eric Darius, who all took turns for a variety of solo spotlights and collaborative selections.
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Brian Culbertson and friends
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 Entertainment
Art
Chicago Theater
Chicago, Ill.
December 2, 2006
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Seasonal tunes were a main priority given the nature of this particular concert, many of which were culled for Culbertson’s latest album A Soulful Christmas. As has been the switch hitter’s tradition on regular studio CDs (such as last year’s It’s On Tonight) the tunes incorporate an array of easygoing arrangements, with an underlying blue-eyed soul appeal that falls in line with fans of Ramsey Lewis and Dave Koz. A few of his particularly robust selections included “This Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” three of the Yuletide’s most cheerful memories that were characterized by sunny rhythms. That toe-tapping shuffle continued come the originals “All Through the Christmas Night” (sung by Caldwell subbing for his CD partner Michael McDonald) and “Let’s Get Started,” but both thankfully fell far from elevator music range for more sophisticated jazz/neo-soul jam sessions.
Speaking of soul, Parker, Jr. was also in the house, adding his rich vocals and old school flashbacks to both original and holiday material. Though the singer is arguably best known for his role in shaping the “Ghostbusters” movie, he’s clearly shed that 80s dance skin in favor of a more serious style, apparent throughout a sparkling acoustic version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and his own “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do).” And when it came to dust off that aforementioned soundtrack smash, the whole cast contributed with brass smacked attitude and soulful harmonies that went well beyond novelty and nostalgia. The genre was also represented by the breezy Caldwell, whose best known for the retro smash “What You Won't Do for Love.” Of course, he obliged with the celebrated tune, stripping away bits of its light rock radio stains for a fresh coat of paint.
However, the evening wasn’t without its drawbacks, including the somewhat sluggish material perpetuated by saxophonist Warren Hill. While he was still spunkier than Kenny G, the jazz player played it safe with somewhat pedestrian interpretations of “O Holy Night” and his own “Still In Love.” Fellow sax man Eric Darius had a bit more groove in his step, especially on an extended cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain't Got You,” but he demonstrated watered down funk for his own come “Steppin’ Up.”
Though the show as a whole clocked in at a generous two act, nearly three hour night, it might have made for a tighter, more cohesive concert with a little less of that somewhat lackluster pair. But even with these missteps, fans were treated to a thorough trip into the serenity of the season, with Culbertson leading the pack and producing the most spirited sounds of the experience. |
patty
Written by Guest on 2006-12-08 06:39:03
Bobby Caldwell was so cool! |
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