I’m very excited to invite you out to another great event at Saxquest this weekend (Saturday, August 4) from 1-3pm (*NOTE: Time changed from 2pm to 1pm). We’ll be hosting jazz tenor saxophonist, Chip McNeill, who will be performing with his full quartet, the Chip McNeill Quartet. As always, the setting will be informal and refreshments will be served.
Saxophonist and educator Chip McNeill is Department Head of Jazz Studies at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Since the late 1980’s he has been an active road musician. He played as a regular member of the Woody Herman Band for a couple years, toured with Maynard Ferguson for seven years where he eventually was made musical director, and toured with Arturo Sandoval where he was playing 220 nights a year while teaching full time at the college level. Chip’s high energy level shows through in his playing. He has the rare gift of possessing both “monster chops” (where he can play at lightning speeds over complex changes) and “exquisite sensitivity and musicianship” (where he can fold melody and sound into a beautiful musical experience). Chip will be performing with his quartet, the Chip McNeill Quartet consisting of Chip Stevens on piano, Matt Hughes on bass, and Jay Sawyer on drums, all top level players. This is certainly an event not to be missed.
I’m delighted to bring such a wonderful group into St. Louis and hope to see you there. Remember, our enthusiasm to continue hosting these kinds of events depends on how many people we get coming to check them out. Thanks for your support!!!
Also, mark your calendar with the following upcoming Saxquest clinic/performance dates:
– August 20 (6PM) Jeff Coffin and his Mu’tet (Dave Mathews saxophone player)
– September 9 (2PM) Bob Sheppard (Steely Dan’s saxophone player)
– October 20 (TBA) Victor Goines (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra tenor man)