On Saturday, September 11, 1993, Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra headlined the Petrillo Bandshell in Grant Park as part of the annual Chicago Jazz Festival. Also on the bill were a trio called Monk’s Dream, the E. Parker McDougal Quintet, the Count Basie Orchestra directed by Frank Foster, and the Ellingtonians, featuring bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Grady Tate. The concert was followed by a BOSE-sponsored laser show.
I’m not sure if this was a part of a larger tour. LMO had appeared in March of that year in Boston. The orchestra consists of twelve people, not including crew. The travel logistics could be mind boggling.
As Charlie announces from stage, the setlist was taken entirely from 1990’s Dream Keeper, his third LMO album. Recorded in Berkeley, CA. at Fantasy Studios, several tracks featured the Oakland Youth Choir. Here the group is joined by the Chicago Childrens Choir. It’s a stunning, inspired set with incredible playing by everyone.
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