Latin Inferno: James Sanders Conjunto

The group started off with a classical piano/violin duet that reminded the crowd of Sanders' classical training, and provided the first of several moments where the music veered into moments of reflection. and melancholy. This bittersweet sadness was most appropriate on an evening in which the late Fred Anderson - a mentor of Sanders (as well as many of Chicago's young jazz musicians) was to have appeared. But such feelings were fleeting, and the rhythm section soon kicked in with gusto, with Sanders joining in on fiery violin. One nearly expected the powerful violinist's instrument to burst into flames at any moment, and one could imagine the air filled with the smell of singed horsehair as he shredded his bow.

The entrance of the dancers in their vivid colors with leaps, rubber-like body contortions and wild, primal, yet modern gyrations took the energy to a new level as they lanched their bodies in multiple directions like sparks from a firework fountain. This maelstrom of activity was the perfect complement to Sanders' vibrant music. Swirling with nonstop energy, the dancers combined and broke apart into smaller units like sub atomic particles in a nuclear accelerator.

Birthday boy Whitted joined the fray in time for Sanders' tribute to his wife, Tamara. The dancers, in turn, put on a sultry exhibition, before Reid's lovely cello and Sanders' heartfelt violin paid tribute to the late lamented Anderson. This incredibly touching moment was preceeded by Sanders' nearly choking up as he discussed Baaba Fred's influence. This wonderful tune built slowly to a peak like a Crescent City funeral march, with the brilliant Eisen utterly shining forth on his tenor. The music suddenly whittled away to leave Sanders standing alone on a mournful solo. A memorable moment of sheer beauty.

Many folks may remember the Hyde Park Jazz Fest two years ago, when an obviously shaken Sanders learned of his mother's death, but still bravely took the stage in support of Dee Alexander within the confines of the sublime Rockefeller Chapel. On this night he remembered his mother on a tune he dedicated to all of the mothers. One of Cerqua Rivera's principal dancers Raphaelle Ziemba provided glorious choreography to this number.

Next, beloved Latin singer Papo Santiago showed his skills on the nylon-string guitar while singing in a duet with Sanders. Putting down the guitar, Santiago showed off his noted ability to croon, while demonstrating the suave demeanor and smooth dance steps which cause the ladies to scream.

Other highlights included Cerqua Rivera leader Wilfredo Rivera dancing an original solo, great solos from Reid, O'Connell, Whitted and Eisen on flute and sax, excellent ensemble work from the rhythm players, and the moment near the finale when the dancers surrounded Sanders - giving him the appearance of a well-pleased sultan in his harem. Another triumphant event - and again, the Jazz Institute, the City of Chicago, the Cultural Center, Millenium Park staff, all of the corporate sponsors and especially these exceptional musicians and dancers deserve considerable credit for making the Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz series a must see event Thursday night every year.

Check out great Chicago jazz happenings at JazzChicago.net.