Featured Artist: Morgan Turner and IRIS
The Morgan Turner Quartet (Iris) is a contemporary jazz quartet led by bassist Morgan Turner. The group plays a hybrid of original compositions and fresh takes on old favorites. Members include Arman Sangalang on tenor saxophone, Andrew Sudhibhasilp on Guitar, and Paul Barilles on Drums. The Quartet can be heard playing regularly around Chicago at venues such as Fulton Street Collective, Elastic Arts, and many more.
Follow Morgan Turner and current group Iris on Instagram, YouTube, and Bandcamp to see and hear more.
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Featured Artist: John Miller and The Romaniacs
Local legend John Miller leads the Romaniacs on guitar. Joining John are Andy Crawford on bass, Joe Park on guitar, and Larry Harms on clarinet and soprano sax.
The Romaniacs’ repertoire includes classic Django tunes, modern Gypsy jazz and romantic French musettes. The fare includes some light humorous vocals, a la Freddie Taylor. The band swings hard and creates lots of fun for the listeners as well as the performers. Gypsy Jazz is happy romantic music with universal appeal. The Romaniacs’ performance guarantees good times and good feelings.
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Jazz Master Greg Ward Continues to Pay It Forward in His Adopted Hometown
When saxophonist Greg Ward was growing up in Peoria, his parents encouraged his love of music but discouraged his idea of being a professional musician. His gospel-rooted father, who played the Hammond B-3 organ at church (often accompanied by his very young son), had struggled in his quest for professional success. Knowing what he knew, he wanted to spare Ward the hardship that he himself had endured. But the warnings didn’t work.
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