Pat Mallinger © Andrea Canter

This weekend (May 4-5), Chicago resident and alto saxman Pat Mallinger brings his quartet back to the Green Mill with all-star pianist (and fellow Minnesotan) Bill Carrothers. Mallinger's latest release, Moorean Moon, recorded live at the 2000 North Sea Jazz Festival, followed his highly regarded Monday Prayer to Tunkashila. Of his first recording, which the Chicago Tribune dubbed “a stunning debut by any measure,” Saxophone Journal noted, "Not only do his solos exhibit a thorough understanding of America's art form, but his knowledge becomes especially visible through his exceptional writing and arranging skills. Each Mallinger composition shows remarkable craftmanship!"

As a youngster in St. Paul, Pat Mallinger was inspired by the Grass Junior High Jazz Band and recordings of Paul Desmond, and decided jazz rather than dentistry was his destiny. He played in the Sibley High School band, studied with his uncle Tommy Bauer and Brian Grivna, and often heard the great Eddie Berger perform around town. In addition to Desmond, Pat cites such early jazz influences as Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, and Miles Davis. After high school, Mallinger earned a degree in jazz studies from North Texas State and, in 1986, moved to Boston where he played with the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Relocating to his current home in Chicago in 1990, Mallinger has played with Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.; he’s toured with Charles Earland, Woody Herman, and Cab Calloway, and appears in concerts and festivals around the world. In Chicago, he regularly performs with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Kurt Elling, Howard Levy, and the 911 Mambo Orchestra; he co-leads the ensemble Sabertooth which performs weekly at the Green Mill. Pat is also a committed jazz educator whose efforts include inspiring inner city students to pursue jazz as a member of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors Sextet. He also teaches at Columbia College and in the Chicago Public Schools. (Click here for an exclusive Jazz Police interview with Pat Mallinger.)

Bill Carrothers © Andrea Canter

Nominated for the French "Grammy", Les Victoires du Jazz, Bill Carrothers spends much of his playing time in Europe and most of his down time in Michigan. The Excelsior, MN native has garnered rave reviews throughout the U.S. and Europe for his recent diverse recordings, including Armistice 1918, April in Paris, the free improvisations of Shine Ball, and most recently, Keep Your Sunnyside Up.

Pat Mallinger © Andrea Canter

At the Green Mill, May 4-5

Have spring fever? A night or two with the Pat Mallinger Quartet will remind you what fever really is! This is a golden opportunity to hear this rising alto star in the company of one of the most inventive pianists of his generation, Bill Carrothers. They will be joined by Dennis Carroll on bass and Dana Hall on drums.

The Pat Mallinger Quartet performs Friday and Saturday nights (May 4, 9 pm; May 5, 8 pm) at the Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, Chicago; www.greenmilljazz.com; $10/$12 cover. Moorean Moon will be available at the Green Mill.