If you're from Chicago you've undoubtedly heard the name Ken Vandermark.
Since his arrival in the Windy City in 1989, Ken has played tenor
saxophone/clarinet in some of the most influential music groups of the
decade including the NRG Ensemble(Delmark 485), DKV Trio, The Vandermark 5,
and The Peter Brotzmann Chicago Tenet, just to name a few. Since that time
Ken has released numerous records and is currently celebrating his second
release on the Delmark label with his innovative group the Sound In Action
Trio, entitled "Design In Time,"(Delmark 516). The group features Tim
Mulvenna on percussion and the legendary percussionist Robert Barry, best
known for his work with Sun Ra's Arkestra not to mention Sonny Stitt, Von
Freeman, Lin Halliday and Johnny Griffin. The Sound In Action Trio,
provides a vehicle for expression unlike any other group that Ken has led.
While the instrumentation gives him the harmonic freedom to stretch
musically, the presence of Robert Barry adds an historical foundation to
the music that can only be accomplished with a player of Barry's stature.
"Design In Time" will undoubtedly become known as one of Ken Vandermark's
greatest accomplishments to date.
Born on September 22, 1964 in Rhode Island, Ken was exposed to jazz and
classical music at an early age. While growing up in Boston, Ken and his
father went to nearly every jazz concert whether it be swing, be bop, or
avant-garde. Ken started playing trumpet in the 4th grade, but upon
hearing Joe McPhee's "Tenor" album he decided to switch to playing tenor
saxophone at the age of 17. Ken attended McGill University in Montreal to
study film, but upon graduating in 1996 he decided to pursue music
full-time. Through his dedication, unyielding will, and endearing persona,
Ken has succeeded in reviving the avant music scene, inspiring a younger
generation to support jazz and avant music in Chicago and around the world.
This year Ken's achievements were recognized on a national level when he
recieved the prestigious MacArthur Foundation "Genius Grant".
