Mohawk Avenue Jazz Band

The Mohawk Avenue Jazz Band came together to perform the music that first inspired its members to play their instruments - challenging and uncompromised modern jazz compositions that rarely get played. Each is an experienced musician united to this common purpose.

The Mohawk Avenue Jazz Band presents a musical experience not easily found, featuring the music of Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, Frank Foster, Chick Corea, Thad Jones, Billy Harper, Marshall Vente, and others.

The band gathers to blow at sessions each month on Mohawk Avenue in Glendale, Wisconsin. The foundation of the group is the rhythm section, comprised of pianist and arranger Marshall Vente, bassist Alan "AZ" Zuberbuehler, and drummer Jim Frakes. These three celebrate their 40th anniversary of musical association this year, dating from their first trio work together as undergrads at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Marshall has maintained a high level of professionalism as one of Chicago's best known and highly regarded recording artists and bandleaders. When Jim and AZ were inspired to take up playing again in 2001 after an extended layoff, the trio sessions started almost immediately as established musical ideas and familiarity between friends surfaced again.

Not long after, the trio expanded with various horn players joining the regular sessions lead by Marshall, each an opportunity to expand their talents and grow as musicians. This was not a nostalgia rerun. Today's ensemble gathered beginning in January 2009 as word spread in the local jazz community of inspiring sessions happening on Mohawk Avenue. The magnetic draw of camaraderie and stimulation attracts Marshall from Chicago, Brian Lydeen from Fond du Lac, Brad Curran from Oshkosh, Justin Keirans from the Berkley School of Music and Libertyville, Illinois, Tim Fleming from Mequon, Tom Perry from Menomonee Falls, AZ from Wauwatosa, and Jim Frakes from Glendale. These guys really are driven! Ready to step out to share their enthusiasm with a wider audience, The Mohawk Avenue Jazz Band looks forward to presenting a musical experience not easily found.

Tags