Is Century’s Patchwerk Playhaus evolving into home away from home for the prime players in Chicago’s vibrant new jazz scene? Judging by the response from the recent Ken Vandermark gig, word must be spreading, because Keefe Jackson’s Fast Citizens will treat us to some of its righteous Delmark debut, Ready Everyday. Jackson blows tenor and bass clarinet, and provides the compositions, which, though ostensibly free, are probably more closely related to mid- and late-60s Blue Note classics like those of Wayne Shorter, Jackie McLean or Freddie Hubbard. Jackson’s sextet includes a who’s who of the current Chi-town scene: Aram Shelton (alto, bass clarinet), Josh Berman (cornet), Anton Hatwich (bass), Frank Rosaly (drums), and on cello the ubiquitous and ridiculous(ly good) Fred Lonberg-Holm. Host Brent Bagwell, Ben Kennedy and Ben Best will get folks warmed up with an opening set of reeds/cello/guitar hijinks. Donations for the touring musicians are truly encouraged. 8:30 p.m. Century, 2005 Central Ave. 704-277-2259. www.myspace.com/patchwerkplayhaus.
This article appears in Sep 5-11, 2007.
