Aaron Koppel (guitar)
Matt Nelson (keyboard)
Graham Czach (Electric and Upright basses)
Robbie Tucker (Drums)
Geof Bradfield (Tenor)
Chris Beckstrum (Tenor)
Caroline Davis (Alto)
Greg Ward (Alto)
Johanna Mahmud (Trombone)
Bobby Broom, Wayne Krantz, John Scofield, John Mclaughlin, Jim Hall, Pat Martino, Frank Gambale, Wes Montgomery, Wayne Shorter, Chris Potter, Dave Holland, Tin Hat Trio, Jeff Parker, Miles Davis, Avishai Cohen, Bela Fleck, Alan Holdsworth, Marvin Gaye, Brad Meldau, Soulive
The Aaron Koppel Quartet is a local Chicago ensemble that has been performing in and around Chicago since 2002. The group is lead by guitarist Aaron Koppel, one of Chicago’s leading paramount guitarists and composers.
“The Wild Call… kept me ‘til the end!” –Bobby Broom, Guitarist: Sonny Rollins, Deep Blue Organ Trio, Bobby Broom Trio
"Koppel is clearly a talented composer and arranger, capable of dreamy and soulful tunes that turn a long day at the office easily into a comfortable ride home" -David Paul Kleinman 09-23-2007 jambands.com
The Aaron Koppel Quartetis made up of Chicago natives pianist Matt Nelson, bassist Graham Czach, and drummer Robert Tucker. In 2002 they hit the scene performing every Wednesday night at Lincoln Park’s Lelia Janes & the tulip room. Since, AKQ has been performing at some of Chicago’s most popular venues & street festivals including Martyrs', Kinetic Playground, and the 79th South side Street Festival. They have also been nominated for two International jazz awards for Best International Jazz Song and Best International Jazz Group, in the 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine.
"Aaron Koppel is a great guitarist with a long career ahead of him."
- Chicago Jazz Magizine
The Aaron Koppel Quartet is a unique bop driven force that can only be described as what it is: another new exit off the highway of jazz. AKQ infuses the styles of jazz, bluegrass, soul, rock, Latin, and funk. Their debut album released in 2007 “The Wild Call of the Multitasker” is getting a lot of attention in Chicago, currently being featured on WXRT's Jazz Transfusion, Chicago's 93.1 FM, XM radio's Beyond Jazz, New Mexico's KSFR 101.1 FM Santa Fe Public Radio, and WDCB 90.9 FM College of Dupage Public Radio Their debut album was produced and engineered by Grammy Nominated producer/engineer Greg Magers. In 2009 AKQ recorded their 2nd album "Falling Together Falling Apart" with Chicago Sessions a jazz subscription series set to be released in Spring/Summer. Thanks to years of making music together, the quartet creates, with every beat and note, a stimulating, entertaining, cosmic connection that is enhanced by the unique and mesmerizing compositions of Aaron Koppel.
“Aaron Koppel is a great and talented artist whose compositions have a distinct voice that must be heard.” –Greg Magers, Grammy Nominated Producer/Engineer -Attic Recording-
Nice-looking flyer you posted on my page (of course now I see that it's your profile pic). Even though I can't be at the shows, I allowed your comment because the graphic was so nice.
FGC's got two hometown area shows this weekend! Friday is an all ages extravaganza at the House Cafe in Dekalb, and Saturday is a hometown throwdown at the Abbey Pub in Chicago (Ages 18+). Fans that attend both shows can pick up a FREE FGC album of their choice at Saturday's show (just grab the Free Album Coupon at the House Cafe and redeem it at the Abbey Pub)!
In other news, FGC is also excited to announce that the band will be celebrating New Year's Eve 2009 at the Redstone Room in Davenport, IA. Our third New Year's in a row at this incredible venue, we will once again be pulling out all the stops! Stay tuned for more information on this year's theme, advance tickets, and other details.
And finally, don't forget to check out the band's new Video Blog, a weekly series featuring a behind the scenes look at FGC performances and touring. Check out the YouTube playlist for the last few editions, and stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!
FGC's got a great weekend coming up! On Saturday, we open up for Umphrey's McGee at Exposition Gardens in Peoria (FGC @ 7pm), and Sunday, we head over to the Riverview Music and Arts Festival in South Elgin (FGC @ 6pm). The Riverview Fest goes on all weekend, and Sunday's lineup features FGC, as well as The Everyone Orchestra (with Michael Kang from SCI, Brendan and Andy from Umphrey's, Jordan and Janis from FGC, Allie from Cornmeal, and many more!). Visit www.riverviewmusicfest.com for full lineup and tickets!
Looking beyond, FGC's fall schedule thus far hits tons of our favorite Midwest spots, kicking off with the annual Halloween Masquerade Ball at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, where FGC will be sporting the musical costume of Green Day!
10/17 - Halloween Masquerade Ball, Chillicothe, IL (All Ages) 10/23 - Vaudeville Mews, Des Moines, IA (Ages 21+) 10/29 - Miramar Theater, Milwaukee, WI (All Ages) 10/31 - City Nights Theater, Springfield, IL (Ages 21+) 11/6 - The House Cafe, Dekalb, IL (All Ages) 11/7 - The Abbey Pub, Chicago, IL (Ages 18+) 11/9 - WIU, Macomb, IL (All Ages) 11/13 - Canopy Club, Urbana, IL (Ages 18+) 11/14 - Yacht Club, Iowa City, IA (Ages 19+)
Congratulations on your album "Falling Together Falling Apart" making the Nominating Ballot for the Grammy Awards, in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category! BEST OF LUCK!
FGC’s only Chicago appearance of the summer is coming up on Friday July 17th at the Abbey Pub. This will be an Ages 18+ show with special supporting acts: Lobster Newberg and The Rubblebucket Orchestra. This Hometown Throwdown is a show not to be missed…hope to see you there!!
In the meantime, check out all three of our Summer Camp Festival sets on the Live Music Archive for free stream/download! Visit our MySpace blog for the links.
We also want to invite our Myspace friends to connect with us on Facebook. Click the links for the FGC Group and FGC Page, both great ways to stay in touch with the band and link up with other fans.
