With the conclusion of the holidays just a couple of weeks behind us, it was good to get back to some music that we all love. The return of saxophonist Walter Beasley to the queen city was a welcome relief from the cold and snow that this time of year brings. You could feel the buzz in the air as the patrons filled the auditorium and the lights grew dim.

Local trombonist Buff Dillard began the show with some nice classics that included “Summertime” and “For the Love of You.” It is rare to hear a soloist trombone player these days, so it was a real treat to hear Buff. One of the highlights had to be Christopher Cross’ “Sailing.” The keyboards laid down a nice pattern to layer the trombone’s melody to. The addition of vocals to two of the songs in the set added even more, as the crowd settled in for the evening.

A quick change over, and Walter hit the stage with both saxes in hand, and ready to entertain. He opened the show with “Brother” which included some nice guitar work. It’s always a crowd favorite, and went over well here as he went into some new songs from his new release Backatcha!   The slow and deliberate pace of “Ellie’s Theme” showed off some of the technical versatility of this Berklee professor. He pulled up a stool and added his vocals to the mix on the ever popular “Lovely Day” and then on his soprano a song titled “The Call” which is featured on the new disc as well as his live one. The upbeat happy mood it provided was enjoyed by all. He slowed the pace down somewhat and told the background story to “Her Presence” as he brought out the alto once again that featured some nice bass work.

Walter introduced the band of local musicians and went into another vocal number called “Be Thankful.” His sax work often overshadows his vocals, but he proved again tonight what a real voice he has. He finished up with his tribute To Grover Washington Jr. on “Mister Magic.” It was a great way to finish up the show. The crowd was wanting more, so he came back out for a really nice encore as he really got into “Free.”

We were all wanting more as the night was coming to a close, but we knew it was late, and there is more smooth jazz just over the horizon. It was a great way to kick off the new year with an old friend and a really fine show. We were glad to have Walter “back at us” and the great music he warmed us with on this chilly night.