Lenard Simpson Quartet

Saxophonist/composer Lenard Simpson will perform two sets of original music from his recent release, New Beginnings, with a quartet of excellent Chicago-based musicians.

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Lenard Simpson is “quickly becoming one of the most important saxophonists of this generation” (Kiefer). From his early days as a self-taught beginner to his formal studies at Northern Illinois University (B.M., jazz performance) and UCLA’s Herbie Hancock Institute (M.M., music performance jazz), Simpson’s natural ability and outstanding musicianship have been recognized by some of the most celebrated jazz musicians and pedagogues across the world, including Herbie Hancock, Christian McBride, and Wayne Shorter. An in-demand performer, composer, arranger, and educator, Simpson “is trusted and called upon by some of the highest-level musicians anywhere” (Kendall Moore) due to his “profound soulfulness combined with a sparkling intelligence and curiosity” (Billy Childs) and compassionate, individualized approach to teaching. Simpson’s quartet has played at the major jazz festivals in the Midwest and recently released an album entitled New Beginnings. Simpson has performed locally and/or abroad with Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, Kiefer, Knower, Sara Gazarek, Clayton Cameron, and Brian Lynch.

As an educator, Simpson serves as the saxophone and lab band director at Harper College. He also teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Jazz, has served as an adjunct saxophone professor at Northern Illinois University, and has taught masterclasses for International Jazz Day in Melbourne, Australia and at the Sitka Jazz Festival in Sitka, AK.

Band Members:
Lenard Simpson – Saxophone
Samuel Jewell – Drums
Runere Brooks – Bass
Julius Tucker – Piano