Whenever trumpet virtuoso Jon Faddis returns to Chicago, he sparks memories of a beautiful chapter in the city’s jazz life.
For from 2004 to 2010, Faddis was artistic director of the now-defunct Chicago Jazz Ensemble, a splendid orchestra that benefited from his copious bandleading experience and larger-than-life presence as soloist.
“I know they did a search, and they (auditioned) great musicians to lead the band — and I was honored to be chosen,” says Faddis, who will lead a quartet Friday and Saturday evenings at Andy’s Jazz Club on East Hubbard Street.
“I wanted to bring some of the New York attitude — to quote a Kenny Barron song — to Chicago, and to bring some of the things that I had been fostering with the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band in introducing commissions. Getting Slide Hampton and Michael Philip Mossman or Frank Foster to do some writing for that band.
“And to be able to follow in the footsteps of Bill Russo,” adds Faddis, referring to the ensemble’s late founder and long-revered leader. “He’s someone that my trumpet teacher used to talk about … in my early years.”
Faddis upheld Russo’s enormous legacy and built upon it, expanding the ensemble’s expressive reach. So its demise in 2012 – after a brief but promising period led by Chicago drummer Dana Hall – was a significant loss for the city and for jazz.
And though large audiences attended Faddis’ performances with the CJE, his impact extended beyond the orchestra’s public profile. Faddis and his CJE colleagues often ventured into the Chicago Public Schools to coach young musicians.
“Probably my favorite part was developing the Louis Armstrong Legacy Program and working with kids,” says Faddis.
“Going to a high school with (trumpeter) Pharez Whitted and seeing (teacher) Diane Ellis working with the kids — that’s something I’ll never forget.
“When Pharez walked into the room, the kids would say: ‘Hey Mr. Whitted, let’s get wid-it!'”
But life goes on. A year and a half ago, Faddis began teaching at the Manhattan School of Music, where he has noticed a distinct trend in jazz.
“There’s a lot of talent there, especially on the female side of things,” says Faddis.
“The other night I went to Carnegie Hall to see Artemis,” he adds, referring to the all-star female group featuring pianist and musical director Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, clarinetist Anat Cohen, saxophonist Melissa Aldana and others.
“It seems like the times are long overdue for groups with female leaders and female instrumentalists. It used to be that when someone thought of a female in jazz, everyone would think ‘vocalist.’ Now we’re seeing some extremely talented females playing drums, bass, piano, trumpet, all of those things.
“It’s something I’ve always tried to champion with the band that I had at Carnegie Hall, with Renee Rosnes — she was a key member. Her ears were incredible, and her talent and creativity were second to none.”
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Next year the jazz world will celebrate Charlie Parker’s centennial, and because Faddis stands as a leading disciple of Parker collaborator Dizzy Gillespie, Faddis seems likely to be playing several high-profile anniversary concerts. When asked about this, Faddis acknowledges that plans are in the works, but he hastens to add that there are other major jazz milestones in 2020.
“Clark Terry was born in 1920 — I’m pretty sure there’s going to be something celebrating him and his music,” he says. “And also Dave Brubeck, someone who was a big inspiration to me.
“The first trumpet performance I gave, at 11, I played ‘Take Five,'” adds Faddis, referring to the Brubeck Quartet’s hit recording of Paul Desmond’s composition.
“I once told an audience at the National Arts Club how important Dave Brubeck was — I was introducing him to receive an award.
“After I got done with my introduction, Dave came up and said: ‘I learned more about Jon Faddis tonight than I ever wanted to know.'”
Jon Faddis plays at 9:30 and 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 E. Hubbard St.; $20; 312-642-6805 or www.andysjazzclub.com.
Edo de Waart and CSO
Edo de Waart will conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in John Adams’ “The Chairman Dances,” Dvorak’s “Carnival” Overture and Symphony No. 8, and Stravinsky’s Violin Concerto, with soloist Leila Josefowicz. 1:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; ticket prices vary; 312-294-3000 or www.cso.org
A jazzy Christmas
Tim Warfield’s “Jazzy Christmas” will feature the saxophonist with trumpeter Terell Stafford, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, drummer Clarence Penn, bassist Rodney Whitaker and singer Lucy Yeghiazaryan. 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday; at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; $30-$45; 312-360-0234 or www.jazzshowcase.com
Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.