On June 14 an overflowing crowd of jazz enthusiasts were treated to a funky, but groovy afternoon of highly charged jazz music. Les McCann and company provided toe tappin’ rhythm all afternoon for those wanted to see and hear the legendary jazz singer and keyboardist. The soon to be 80 years old headed up a star lineup of professional musicians who showed up from far and wide to play. Although it was obvious that the band members had not rehearsed, they gave it their all. The famous bass player, Abe Loboriel, was in rare form and really got into his infectious solos. Another stand out was guitarist John Chiodini playing some beautiful cords all afternoon. Singer, Lee Hartley kept things moving right along and was featured on many tunes including Horace Silver’s “Song for My Father”. It was fun to hear our local star, Jeff Elliott playing and trading stories of their time on the road in the 80’s with his former boss. McCann keep the band going all afternoon with his exciting beat, but wasn’t really heard much until he was featured on a lovely, and moving rendition of “Amazing Grace”. He accompanied his vocal with some lovely keyboard cords and showed us that he indeed still had it! The show closed with two vintage McCann hits, “Cold Duck Time” and “Compared to What”. I don’t think anyone in the crowd left disappointed!
– Natalie Wilson
-Photos by Mark McDonald
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