February 23, 2010 was a night to remember and Platinum Grille was in for a performance that only Lynn Riley could deliver. It was cold and wet but the music made up for the miserable weather.

Platinum Grille is located at 7719 Crittenden Street (Market Square Shopping Centre); Philadelphia, PA 19118; 215-247-2312. The event was presented by the Chestnut Hill Jazz Society.

As expected, Lynn Riley and The World Mix band played cuts from the “Too Cool” album and music from other artists. Lynn Riley on saxophone, Rubin Edwards on bass guitar, Harry 'Butch' Reed on drums and Aaron Graves on keyboard made up the foursome.

The nuances of a live performance are what bring authenticity to the artist’s music. In person, you can hear the unique stamp on each song. Here is a sampling of what was played that night.

“Missing You” from the “Too Cool” album already has an island influence with an undercurrent of seductiveness. Primarily, the saxophone is heard on the album but live was the keyboard along with the sax. Tonight’s rendition had a pronounced exotic introduction that continued subtly to the end.

From current to this Rhythm and Blues classic was Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” from his “Just As I Am” album (released in 1971). The Dynamic Duo (Lynn and Rubin) joined forces and rendered this song unrecognizable from the original. They were taking turns (and sometimes simultaneously) mesmerizing the audience. This was a scorcher of a rendition as the sun rose and set with a quiet ending.

Stevie Wonder’s “Golden Lady” from his “Innervisions” album (released in 1973) never had this much heat. Lynn poured her heart and soul into every note. Instead of mellow Lynn put another face on this classic by funking it out 2010 style. The keyboard was played in grand fashion and took you on a rollercoaster of ups and downs. It was ‘swunky’ - swanky and funky.

The pièce de resistance was “The Chicken” composed by ‘Pee Wee’ Alfred Ellis from the Maceo Parker’s “Mo Roots” album (released in 1991) and made famous by Jaco Pastorius. Brassy, horny and groovy were some words that came to mind when listening to this composition. There was nothing held back as she played. It rivaled the original and required every ounce of energy one could muster. The band [and Lynn] was up for the challenge and it was spectacular. The keyboard had overtones of Jimmy Hendrix and the sax could have been part of a cut from “Fred Wesley & the Horny Horns”.

A performance that compared to an emery board – one side smooth and the other side rough. Lynn really got down and funky tonight. She played with just the right amount of attitude and grittiness that left the audience wanting more. “Too Cool” and the other classics played against each other with an angst that worked.

Why wait for a live performance when you can purchase the “Too Cool” album at http://www.lynnriley.com/.