Henry Johnson © Andrea Canter

Guitarist Henry Johnson brings together gospel, blues, and jazz. His strongest and earliest influences included Kenny Burrell, George Benson and, most significantly, Wes Montgomery. Beyond the inspiration of these great guitarist, Johnson also cites Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, big bands, and jazz orchestras as integral forces that shaped his sound and style. It’s not a stretch to connect Johnson with jazz organ: In 1976, he went on the road with organ great Jack McDuff, leaving after a year when he was called to work with vocalist Donnie Hathaway. In 1979, Johnson began an association with Ramsey Lewis, and in 1985, another jazz legend, Joe Williams, added Johnson to his touring band. Johnson's latest recording on A440 Music Group, Organic, features the guitarist with the NEA Jazz Master vocalist Nancy Wilson, backed by the Organ Express—organist Chris Foreman, saxophonist Peter Roothaan and drummer Greg Rockingham.<

Chris Foreman is a masterful musician on a star trajectory. Blind at birth, Foreman started playing piano at age five and began formal studies at seven. As a teenager he was attracted the world of jazz organ after hearing the amazing sounds of Jack McDuff, Groove Holmes, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff. Unlike many of his organ peers, Chris didn't start his apprenticeship as a church organist until he was almost twenty years old, well after his jazz roots were established. His signature blend of blues, gospel and jazz is marked by his stunning command and range on the instrument, evident in his work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie and The Mighty Blue Kings.

Drummer Greg Rockingham began playing when he was just three years old and debuted as a professional musician at age five in his father's jazz ensemble. An alumnus of the famed Interlochen Arts Academy and Northeastern University, Greg has performed or recorded with the orchestras of Glenn Miller and Guy Lombardo, vocalists Freddie Cole, Patty Page and Jerry Vale, and instrumentalists Nat Adderley, Kenny Burrell, Charles Earland and Ellis Marsalis.

David Newman © Andrea Canter

In the 1980s, Newman worked with outstanding rhythm sections that included Cedar Walton, Buster Williams, Louis Hayes, and Jimmy Cobb. He has appeared on many television shows including Saturday Night Live, David Sanborn's Night Music, David Letterman, and in Robert Altman's film. "Kansas City." He has recorded for Atlantic, Muse, Kokopelli, with the Kansas City Orchestra on Verve, and most recently a series of nine recordings for High Note, including his 2008 release, Diamondhead. His 2005 I Remember Brother Ray was ranked as the top-playing jazz CD nationwide.

What can be hotter for New Year’s Eve than a steamy guitarist, smoldering organist, volcanic drummer and a two-sax line led by David “Fathead” Newman? How about four more nights at the Jazz Showcase? This gig continues through January 4^th.

The Jazz Showcase is located at 806 S. Plymouth Court in the historic Dearborn Station building in the south Loop. Shows at 8 and 10 pm, 4 pm matinee on Sundays. Call for ticket information, 312-360-0234; www.jazzshowcase.com

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