the impeccable NYC saxophonist known for his collaborations with Joey DeFrancesco, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and James Morrison. I’m in love with his full-bodied tone, jaw dropping fl uidity over any style, and spontaneous development due to the fact that he’s always listening and interacting with his bandmates.

my good friend who arrived in Chicago around the same time I did. One of the most creative minds I know, he can play any style with imaginative flair, and yet what really lights him up is creating with other people and supporting their creative decisions. Ben is the glue in this session, and I know the music will be fresh every single time he’s at the piano.

another good friend from way back, and one of the most in-demand bassists in Chicago and beyond. You can hear his stellar work on most of Kurt Elling’s projects over the last 10+ years, and he’s now emerging as a dynamic composer with several solo albums out and a new large ensemble recording of original works due out soon. One of the sweetest bass sounds on the planet, every note is played with extreme care, intention, with perfect intonation and groove. This is why everyone loves him, and I’m thrilled to have him on this project.

a 10-year vet of NYC, whom I first met when he was a grad student at the University of Illinois, where I teach. We share so much in common, from music to sports to personality, and I knew I wanted him on this project. His skill, groove, and creative imagination gave this music the freedom to wade freely between spang-a-lang, bomba sicá, and NY underground jazz hip hop beats.

a native of Chicago but with that Puerto Rican soul released by every strike of the cuero. Not just one of the greatest congueros on the scene, but a truly deep and flexible musician who is able to adapt and add just the right mix for whatever the music is calling for. Mad respect for mi hermano, and so glad to have him on this record.