I’m a little behind posting about this, but very happy (and a little exhausted) to report that my friend Chad McCullough and I have started a record label together. The first four CDs on Calligram Records came out August 4th, including releases from my quintet (Quaver), Chad (Charm of Impossibilities), Russ Johnson (Reveal), and Arman Sangalang (Quartet). We’re really proud of these and delighted with the response from critics, radio folks, and listeners all over. You can read all about the label in Michael Jackson’s excellent feature in this month’s issue of Downbeat Magazine. Four more outstanding sessions are coming next Friday from Steve Million, Atlantic Road Trip, Dave Bayles, and Scott Hesse. Listen and pre-order on Bandcamp, the best place to support independent artists!

I’m thrilled to bring my quintet to the legendary Jazz Showcase next week! I hope you can join me and this fantastic band as we dig into some new music of mine as well as the music of Hermeto Pascoal, Curtis Mayfield, and more.

GB-tenor saxophone

Russ Johnson-trumpet

Scott Hesse-guitar

Ethan Philion (Th-Fr)/Clark Sommers- bass

Neil Hemphill- drums

As we come out of the isolation and worse brought on by COVID-19, I’ve been inspired by many of my fellow musicians who somehow found a path to creativity in this period. I’m grateful to to contribute to their projects. A handful of these are out or coming soon, including trumpeter Darren Jonhston’s Life in Time (out now, tour dates in April and May in Gigs) and Michael Allemana’s epic tribute to his mentor Von Freeman, Vonology (April 15 release). I’m also thrilled to have a collaboration with two of my favorite tenor players anywhere, Scott Burns and John Wojchiechowski, out on the AFAR record label. You can read the Chicago Tribune review here and come celebrate the release with us in person at Winter’s Jazz Club on April 9. More to come later this year, including a live recording of my quintet at the legendary Green Mill! Stay tuned.

Digital download and pre-order for vinyl and cd

Delmark 5035

The collaborative trio of Ben Goldberg (clarinet, contra alto clarinet), Geof Bradfield (soprano and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet), and Dana Hall (percussion) explores new directions on General Semantics. Their Delmark Records debut features original music by the trio as well as unique interpretations of Duke Ellington, Cecil Taylor, and Hermeto Pascoal. The unusual instrumentation-especially the lack of a bassist- enables the musicians to transcend traditional instrument roles of accompaniment, improvisation, and interaction and create music that embraces form and harmony alongside freedom and spontaneous improvisation.

This recording was created with the generous support of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and a Northern Illinois University Research and Artistry Grant.