Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The late 2024 loss of producer, composer, arranger, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader and first ever Black record label executive Quincy Jones was immeasurable, but he’ll never be forgotten thanks to a remarkably prolific stretch of collaborations, soundtracks and standalone singles since the early 1950s.

And thanks to the locally grown PureSoul Presents, the fellow Chicagoan who took home 28 Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy and four Golden Globes, was the subject of “A Quincy Jones Celebration” at a sold out City Winery.

Although the world-class collective of interpretive musicians is a regular at the esteemed venue, this marked the inaugural undertaking in honor of the legend in the Windy City, where for 105 minutes, an audience as diverse as the jazz, R&B and pop material he recorded received a history lesson like no other.

The PureSoul players were comprised of Marqueal Jordan, Chris Lofton, Sam Thousand, Tony Cazeau, Chris Greene, Paul Hall and Tina Crawley, each of whom authentically and lovingly addressed the main angles of Jones’ colossal career, starting with “Soul Bossa Nova” straight off the screen of “Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery.”

It would be one of many representing movies, musicals and television shows, which included “Ease On Down The Road” from “The Wiz” and even the “Sanford And Son Theme (The Streetbeater),” plus the general standards “Killer Joe,” “Give Me Tonight,” “Baby, Come To Me,” “One Hundred Ways,” “I’ll Be Good To You” and “The Dude.”

As iconic as they all are, Jones’ work behind the boards for Michael Jackson’s “Off The Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” record-breakers are often considered paramount and were solely represented by “Billie Jean,” though fans not fear, PureSoul Presents more solo work by “The King Of Pop” and The Jackson Five on Sunday, January 26 during the same venue’s Soul Brunch.

The majority of concertgoers may have bet “We Are The World” would’ve been the conclusion, but it turns out “Home” was just as appropriate and anthemic of a choice, while those who applauded gratefully were granted a bonus visit to “The Secret Garden.”

Given the quality and quantity surrounding his extensive annals, there could easily be a sequel to “A Quincy Jones Celebration,” or at the very least, a repeat performance prompted by anyone who saw this City Winery debut attesting to its excellence.

For additional information on PureSoul, visit PureSoulPresents.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Kindred The Family Soul (Jan. 3-4); Beatles Brunch (Jan. 5); Jahari Stampley (Jan. 5); Adam Ness (Jan. 6); Smells Like Nirvana (Jan. 8); Jenipher Jones (Jan. 9); The Grateful String Band (Jan. 10); Abbey Road (Jan. 11); Anita Wilson (Jan. 12); Polky (Jan. 13); Lynne Jordan (Jan. 14); Omar (Jan. 15); George Willborn (Jan. 16); Cathy Richardson (Jan. 17); Howard Hewett (Jan. 18); Midnight Sun (Jan. 19-20); Alfonzo Jones & The Universal Sonic Diaspora (Jan. 21); Chrisette Michele (Jan. 22-23); Stephen Kellogg (Jan. 24); Soul Brunch: PureSoul presents Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 (Jan. 26); YahZarah (Jan. 26); Close Enemies featuring Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith (Jan. 28); Mindy Smith (Jan. 30) and Keith Washington (Jan. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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