Velvet Lounge Chicago: Big Sound in a Compact Club

The Velvet Lounge Chicago, located just south of the Loop, is a jazz goldmine —  the prime place to hear the Chicago Sound. Founded by the legendary late saxaphonist Fred Anderson, the Velvet Lounge Chicago prides itself on experimental jazz once described by a fan as "insane Coltrane with a heavy dose of funk."

One of Chicago's longest-running jazz clubs, the Velvet Lounge long has been a hot spot for up-and-coming talent. George Lewis, Steve Lacy and Hamid Drake rank amongst those who have cut their teeth there since the club opened in 1982.

Fred Anderson died suddenly during the summer of 2010, leaving a great void in the city's jazz scene. Determined to keep his vision alive, the Velvet Lounge is now run by his granddaughter. "The only thing that has changed at the lounge is that my grandfather is not here," said Ras Harris. "But his spirit is here and we're going to keep it alive as it's what granddaddy wanted to do with his life."

Harris has on display at the Velvet Lounge four large photo albums of Fred Anderson's years at the club. In time, Harris said she may name it "Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge" and a tribute concert will be held in early 2011.

Although the setting is a small storefront with a bleak facade, the sound inside is big. Patrons catch outstanding music on any given night, and the intimate atmosphere can't be matched.

At tops, the lounge seats 99 patrons, each perched at small Formica tables. There's not a poor seat in the house! Overhead hang two vintage shaded brass chandliers casting a soft light against the blue and green walls.

Framed photos of local jazz legends, such as Ken Vandermark, hang under subdued lighting. Plenty of portraits of Anderson's guiding light, fellow saxophonist Charlie Parker, bedeck the Velvet Lounge's walls, despite the difference in the two sax legends' musical styles.

Anderson co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. And that's exactly what you'll find at the Velvet Lounge. If you're looking for covers of beloved jazz oldies, the Velvet Lounge might not be the spot for you. To be sure, however, you will, on any night, hear musicians who know their craft.

Despite the small setting, the Velvet Lounge sound emerges warm, robust and full , yet never overwhelming. Better  yet, you get to sit so close to the musicians that you can literally reach out and touch them on the sleeve.

While it is a drinks-only establishment, patrons rarely chatter during performances. They come to hear the music.

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