"People ask me why I didn't leave Chicago? It's because I love Chicago and it loves me." - Von Freeman

Von Freeman © Jimmy Katz

Iconic Chicago saxophonist Von Freeman and his quintet will perform on Friday, December 11th and Saturday, December 12th at Andy's Jazz club, 11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago. The nusic begins at 9:30 p.m. each night and tickets are $15. Freeman created a unique and captivating tenor style in the 1940s and 50s but didn't lead his first recording in 1972 at the age of 49. When Freeman was in his 70s and playing better and stronger than ever, he began a series of albums that have made him a cover story in major jazz magazines, a much-demanded performer at festivals the world over, and the recipient of a mayoral proclamation (with a street named for him), as well as a doctorate from Northwestern University, at the age of 80.  Now 87 and still swinging, Von Freeman released his latest album, Vonski Speaks on Nessa Records last week.

David Sánchez, photo by Devin DeHaven.

In 1959, three extraordinary innovators – John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Miles Davis – released three of the most adventurous, influential, and ground-breaking recordings in the history of Jazz.  On Thursday, December 10, at 7:30 pm, two of today’s most creative young saxophonists, David Sánchez and Steve Wilson, will join John Faddis and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” Coleman’s “The Shape of Jazz to Come,” and Davis’ “Kind of Blue” at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago.  Tickets from $15 to $45 and available online at www.harristheaterchicago.org.

"Moulder's compositional abilities have become clear, cleverly mixing Chicago nightclub cool and melodic exploration with European ambience and instrumental experimentation". - Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

John Moulder

The John Moulder Quintet is celebrating the release of Bifröst on Origin Records on Friday, December 4th from  9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. and on Saturday, December 5th from 8:00 p.m. until midnight The John Moulder Quintet features John Moulder on guitar, Nick Bisesi on saxophones, Muriel Anderson on acoustic guitar, Brian Peters on bass and wind instruments, and Paul Wertico drums.

Dave Schumacher © Adam Wissing - Jerry Weldon © Don Berryman

Dave Schumacher/Jerry Weldon Organ Quartet returns to the Green Mill on Friday, November 27th from  9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. and on  Saturday, November 28th from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.  Dave Schumacher on baritone sax, Jerry Weldon on tenor sax, Dan Trudell on Hammond B-3 organ, and George Fludas on drums. Dave Schumacher and Jerry Weldon are both veterans of the late, great Jack McDuff's Heatin' System and are steeped in the jazz organ tradition. Tickets are $12. Organ combo fanatics can have a double treat on Saturday by staying after the show for the after-hours jazz party from midnight until 4:00 a.m. featuring Sabertooth.