Nov. 25--Chicago jazz lovers have a great deal to be thankful for this weekend.
Among the most promising attractions:
Benny Golson: If you've never heard the composer of jazz classics such as "Whisper Not," "Killer Joe" and "Along Came Betty," you owe it to yourself to check him out. And if you've caught Golson's annual appearances at the Jazz Showcase, you know of his immense appeal as saxophonist, songwriter and, not least, raconteur. A genial, whimsical presence as storyteller and a formidable figure as jazz improviser, the 86-year-old legend wears his many achievements lightly, yet he leaves a deep impression. He'll be joined by first-rate players, with Chicagoans Dana Hall on drums and Larry Gray on bass, plus former Chicagoan Michael Kocour playing piano. 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4, 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday; at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; $20-$40; 312-360-0234 or www.jazzshowcase.com
Jimmy Ellis: Another magnificent octogenarian, saxophonist Ellis came of age under the tutelage of Capt. Walter Dyett, who trained generations at DuSable High School. Like many Dyett disciples -- including Nat "King" Cole, Gene Ammons, Von Freeman and Johnny Hartman -- Ellis embodies musical traditions nurtured long ago on the South Side. Many of the DuSable stars have passed away, so we're blessed that Ellis still is at work. He hasn't performed a great deal this year, however, which makes this an important occasion. 5 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Andy's Jazz Club, 11 E. Hubbard St.; $10-$15; 312-642-6805 or www.andysjazzclub.com
Chris Foreman: Because so many great jazz musicians live here, and so many others pass through, we sometimes overlook the artists who play standing engagements year in and year out. Consider organist Foreman, whose weekly, after-work sessions at the Green Mill are unique. Working the Hammond B-3 behind the bar, Foreman draws from his broad knowledge of the repertoire, taking requests (or rejecting them) with elan. His cheeky banter and gravelly singing add to the mix, and the no-cover admission is difficult to resist. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway; free; 773-878-5552 or www.greenmilljazz.com
Schumacher/Weldon Organ Quartet: If it's the Thanksgiving weekend, then baritone saxophonist Dave Schumacher and tenor saxophonist Jerry Weldon are hitting hard at the Green Mill. The mighty reedists take over the club each year at this time, producing full-throated, epic-scaled performance. They'll share the stage with fine Chicagoans: drummer George Fludas, a swing master, and Dan Trudell, playing the Hammond B-3. 9 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway; $15; 773-878-5552 or www.greenmilljazz.com
The Brad Linde Expanded Ensemble: Here's something a little different: Saxophonist Linde -- who's based in Washington, D.C. -- leads a big band in new arrangements of Herbie Hancock's landmark album "Maiden Voyage." The arrangements have been penned by Miho Hazama, a protege of two masters: Jim McNeely and Phil Markowitz. How do Hancock classics such as "The Eye of the Hurricane," "Dolphin Dance" and the title track sound in Hazama's orchestral scores? We're about to find out. 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Andy's, 11 E. Hubbard St.; $15; 312-642-6805 or www.andysjazzclub.com
Eric Schneider: For those keeping very late hours on Friday, there's no more atmospheric setting, nor more freewheeling a session, than saxophonist Schneider's weekly, wee-hours stint. Visiting musicians and local players often sit in after their own engagements have concluded, so anything can happen. Regardless, Schneider fronts a seasoned, all-Chicago quartet staffed by the harmonically inventive pianist Dennis Luxion, veteran bassist Steve Hashimoto and drummer Rick Shandling. 1:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday (late Friday night) at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway; free; 773-878-5552 or www.greenmilljazz.com
Muriel Anderson: The eclectic guitarist returns for her annual "After Thanksgiving Concert," a feast of finger-style wizardry and far-flung repertoire. No one's going to call Anderson a jazz guitarist, but the level of her musicianship, the folkloric thrust of her music-making and the Americana spirit of her presentation appeal greatly to jazz listeners. She'll share the stage with singer-guitarist Daniel Champagne, plus visuals by Bryan Allen. 8 p.m. Saturday at Downers Grove North High School, 4436 Main St., Downers Grove; $15-$25; www.murielanderson.com
Chris Potter: A singular jazz musician, Potter brings as much brains as brawn to his playing. The muscularity of his work, in other words, is tempered by the high sophistication of his compositions and the driving energy of his improvisations. Any chance to hear him -- especially in a concert setting -- is worth seizing. 5 and 8 p.m. Sunday at the Old Town School of Folk Music's Szold Music Dance Hall, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave.; $25; 773-728-6000 or www.oldtownschool.org
hreich@tribpub.com
"Portraits in Jazz": Howard Reich's e-book collects his exclusive interviews with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and others, as well as profiles of early masters such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. Get "Portraits in Jazz" at chicagotribune.com/ebooks.
