Friday August 6
8:00pm - 12:00am
The Metropolitan Jazz Octet featuring vocalist Dee Alexander:
John Kornegay – alto saxophone
Jim Gailloreto – tenor saxophone
Peter Brusen – baritone saxophone
Chad McCullough– trumpet
Andrew Meyer – trombone
Bob Sutter – piano
Doug Bistrow – bass
Bob Rummage – drums
Dee Alexander – vocals
The Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO) is the reawakening of a group founded in the 1950s by saxophonist/arranger Tom Hilliard (1930–2006). In 1959, the original group recorded “The Legend of Bix,” a tribute to the artistry of cornetist/composer Bix Beiderbecke. Near the end of Tom Hilliard’s life, he bequeathed his life’s work of music to his former student, MJO co-leader, Jim Gailloreto. MJO is thrilled to collaborate with a Chicago treasure, jazz vocalist Dee Alexander, to produce their latest Delmark album “It’s Too Hot for Words”, a reimagining of 10 classics from the great Billie Holiday. The album includes well-known songs such as “The Blues Are a Brewin’”, “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”, “I’m a Fool to Want You” and more; each one tells a story filled with varied moods, textures and colors.
