Description
Kicking off the show with material from their new "LIVE FIRE" CD, The Chicago Horns started the set with the beautifully orchestrated version of Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower". Band leader, Trombonist Bill McFarland, and Saxophonist Hank Ford led the band into a fine start of the show with their touching horn notes as Keyboardist Kirk Brown, Bassist Jack Zara and drummer Shirazette Tinnin delivered an also touching, medley and rhythm section which matched up perfectly with Bill and Hank's horn performances. Bill's Trombone solo and Kirk Brown's Piano solo early in the song set the bench mark for the rest of the show which would be a wonderful evening of Chicago Jazz at its finest. Bassist Jack Zara followed Kirk's Piano solo with his personalized Bass solo that quickly caught the attention of all in attendance. Then Drummer Shirazette Tinnin took the spotlight during her pristine Drum solo that followed with Jazz perfection.
Bill then led the band into their island jumpin' version of Sonny Rollins "Saint Thomas". Bill and Hank traded off horn segments early in the song as the band accompanied them vibrantly and then had the crowd in the palm of their hands as these Jazz music lovers hung on every note performed. Kirk Brown then showed his Piano versatility with a finely crafted Piano solo to the delight of everyone.
Then it was time for some Jazz love as Hank Ford took the lead solo and eased the band into The Chicago Horns 'Medley' of Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood", Gene DePaul's "You Don't Know What Love Is" and Thelonius Monk's "Round Midnight" with Kirk Brown's Piano solo following, in dramatic fashion. Following this great "Medley" performance, Bill took The Chicago Horns and their fans in attendance back in time with a song from their previously released debut CD "Fire Horns" with Webster Lewis' "Mild Wind". With Bill and Hank showing their dynamic Horn presentations that they are nationally know for, their version took this beautifully orchestrated song to another level of greatness. Again, trading off Horn solo's, Bill and Hank, along with the continual outstanding performances of the band, set up the finale of the show, showing their versatility, and professionalism of traditional world renowned Jazz perfection. There surely was more than a mild wind blowing through this night club in the Windy City during their performance.
Closing this outstanding Jazz performance on a beautiful September evening in Chicago, Bill led the band into his own original Jazz creation featuring The Chicago Horns trademark song "Harold The Great". Once again, as it has been flawlessly performed many times in the past, "Harold The Great" now held The Chicago Horns fans attending the show in shock and awe with their dynamic performance and the devastating brass attack of Bill McFarland and The Chicago Horns.
All in all, Bill McFarland and The Chicago Horns CD Record Release on Sopro Records of "LIVE FIRE" now joins their previous CD Releases "Fire Horns", "Alive and Live" and their DVD Release "Totally Live" into the Jazz world of Chicago and across America as some of the finest Jazz Music in the Nation. Bill McFarland and The Chicago Horns have proven once again that they are one of the premier Jazz Projects in America, featuring their timeless traditional Jazz arrangements and their provocative new millennium Jazz style of dynamic performance.