The legendary tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson died this past Thursday, June 24th, after a heart attack, at the age of 81. Large crowds of friends, musicians, and longtime admirers will turn out to pay respects during his memorial service tonight at Leak & Sons Funeral Home at 7838 South Cottage Grove Avenue (the wake is at 5 p.m.; the funeral service starts at 6 p.m.)... Read more
The pianist Laurence Hobgood is perhaps best known as the long-time collaborator and accompanist of the singer Kurt Elling, in equal measure for his sterling keyboard work and ingenious small-group arrangements. Last year, Hobgood put out the tremendous solo/duo album, When the Heart Dances, with the legendary bassist Charlie Haden; but for this trip back to Chicago he'll lead a sextet of old local friends, including the saxophonists John Wojciechowski and Pat Mallinger... Read more
Six years and several albums later, with the genre intact and universal order restored, the eclectic trio The Bad Plus returns to town on the heels of its new album Read more