Greg Spero and his Amazing Chicago Jazz Quartet - First Northern Dates Announced

Chicago has produced many Jazz greats- Herbie Hancock, Lou Rawls, Benny Goodman, Ramsey Lewis and Anthony Braxton. That’s just to mention a few! And the city continues to generate the very best jazz musicians. Four such young Chicago lions arrive in the North West to play a series of concerts in May. With each member of the quartet being an outstanding musician in their own right, the combined talents will make the Greg Spero Quartet an irresistible force on stage.

Greg Spero (piano) is Chicago’s Jazz Entertainer of the Year 2013 and as the piano player with the Buddy Rich Big Band is establishing his reputation on the world stage. Drawing influence from American jazz and world dance music, Greg mixes these things together with rock, hip-hop and metal to produce a jazz fusion that’s ahead of the field.          

“Spero is fresh and exciting”adds Chicago’s most prominent female Latin artist, Gina Rivera.  “Even people who don’t like jazz, like Spero. He’s that good.”                        

Makaya McCraven (drums) blends  his love for real hip-hop, rock and any form of forward-thinking music into a dynamic instrumental fusion that is undeniable to the listener. Makaya is a true improviser who, with each performance, cracks a new live music experience.

“Makaya...has cracked the upper echelon of the music scene.” – Chicago Tribute (Howard Reich)

Junius Paul (bass) is well-established in many genres, ranging from hip-hop, house music, funk, classical and gospel and his passion for music shows consistently in all of his playing. Junius  has shared the stage with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Curtis Fuller, Donald Byrd, Fred Anderson, Roscoe Mitchell, Donald Harrison, Nona Hendryx and Roy Hargrove.

De’Sean Jones (saxophone) is well versed in the traditions of jazz as well as the experimental sounds of the future. His colourfully rich tone coupled with a powerful sound brings the best out of a musical legacy that contains jazz, rock & roll, hip-hop and soul.          

“De’Sean Jones’...performances have the bustling energy of a neighbourhood picnic. The young tenor player knows his way round the classics, but he prefers to play originals. He also has a fat-ass sound, and can make his tenor swing and sing at the very same time...a roaring young lion.” – Charles L. Latimer: Metro Times

GREG SPERO QUARTET WILL PLAY:

·        Friday, 9^th May – New Continental, Preston

·        Saturday, 10^th May – Dacre Hall, Lanercost

·        Sunday, 11^th May – Splinter at the Bridge, Newcastle

·        Friday 16^th May – Upfront Theatre, Near Penrith

·        Sunday, 18^th May at 3pm – Wainsgate Chapel, Hebden Bridge

·        Tuesday, 20^th May – Bramples Bistro, Brampton (solo piano)

There may be other gigs listed. For additional information and/or ticket prices, venues, etc., please contact David Gosling at dgos2@aol.com or 01697 741829.
David Gosling.