We went out last night with friends to see the regular Sunday night "CheckerJazz" program at the Checkerboard Lounge--the updated version of the legendary blues club, now located just up the street from us. 

   The featured artist was vocalist Tammy McCann, and she killed.   Backed by a four-piece ensemble, she demonstrated terrific range and intelligence.  She reassembles standard numbers and makes them her own:  Ellington's "Mood Indigo" becomes utterly contemporary, Miles Davis' "All Blues" sprouts lyrics and magically merges with "Everyday I Have the Blues," "The Girl from Ipanema" becomes a boy and moves to the South Side.  A recent profile in the Chicago Tribune described McCann aptly as " the greatest Chicago jazz singer you never heard of."

   The bar was packed, and the crowd had a terrific vibe.  McCann grew up in the neighborhood, and she seemed to know half the people in the crowd.   It's great to live in a place where jazz is still the music of the neighborhood.   I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to check this regular gig out.