Aaron Koppel

Bio:

The AKQ is a local Chicago jazz ensemble lead by guitarist Aaron Koppel. Born and raised on the North Side of Chicago, Aaron started playing guitar at age eleven and has been composing music virtually his entire life. Over the years Koppel has established a name for himself in the local jazz scene and has also gained national recognition. Downbeat Magazine, in a recent article, states, “26-year-old Koppel takes a conventional form (mainstream jazz) and makes something of it, breaking up the material, avoiding the tendency to just write blowing vehicles” Downbeat Magazine, 2009. In an article by legendary jazz critic Neil Tesser, Koppel is described as “an inventive composer & surprisingly mature 20-something leader” Jazziz Magazine, 2009. AKQ’s new album “Faling Together Falling Apart” is on the 2009 Grammy ballot for Best Instrumental Jazz Album. The AKQ was also nominated for two International jazz awards: Best International Jazz Song and Best International Jazz Group, in the 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine.

Performing together since 2004, the quartet consists of Chicago natives pianist Matt Nelson, bassist Graham Czach, and drummer Robert Tucker. The 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, soul, Latin, fusion, and funk world music. Koppel’s compositions are inspired by the writings of Dave Holland & Avishai Cohen. JazzChicago.net coined AKQ as “a group of stellar up-and-coming young Chicago jazz artists...some of the best young players (and composers) the city has to offer” JazzChicago.net, 2009.

In 2007, the AKQ released their debut album “The Wild Call of the Multitasker” recorded by Grammy-nominated producer/engineer Greg Magers. The album received high acclaim. “The Wild Call… kept me ‘til the end!” Bobby Broom, 2007. Their debut continues to receive local and international radio play. With the release of their first album, the AKQ has been able to establish a solid fan base which has given the group the opportunity of playing a variety of Chicago’s finest venues and music festivals.

In 2009, AKQ recorded their second album "Falling Together, Falling Apart" with Chicago Sessions, LLC. On this disc Koppel invited featured guest saxophonists Geof Bradfield & Greg Ward creating “a band of heavyweights” Chicago Jazz Magazine, 2009. “The ensemble that Koppel has assembled for this recording reflects the best and brightest of the highly creative Chicago modern jazz scene...{Koppel} is at the top of his game as a soloist, his writing shows a depth and understanding of modern jazz harmony that is exciting as it is engaging” All About Jazz, 2009.

Currently, the Aaron Koppel Quartet is touring their newly released album “Falling Together, Falling Apart.” Humbled by their continued success, the AKQ is committed to furthering the message of jazz and perfecting their sound. Aaron and his quartet look forward to creating more music and captivating audiences for years to come.





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Member Since:

March 05, 2006

Members:

-Discography

-April 2009: “Falling Together Falling Apart”
Recorded for Chicago Sessions LLC; www.chicagosessions.com
-June 2007: “The Wild Call of the Multi-Tasker”
Released independently; The Attic Recording, www.candyrat.com


-Radio Play
The AKQ has been heard on over 100 radio stations including:

XM/Sirius Satellite radio, WDCB 90.9 FM College of DuPage Public Radio, WNUA 95.5 FM Chicago, WXRT 93.1 FM Chicago, AccuJazz.com internet radio, KSFR Santa Fe NPR, KTEP El Paso NPR, 106.7 FM PBS Melbourne, Australia, 94.1 FM Radio 2 Skopje, Macedonia Jazz Spaces, WEFT Champaign community radio for East-Central Illinois, WRRG 88.9 FM Triton College, WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago, 181.FM.

-Nominations

-Nominated for 2009 Grammy nominating ballot for Best Instrumental Jazz Album
-Nominated in the 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards Best International Jazz Song and Best International Jazz Group

-Publications
The AKQ has been featured in the following publications:

Downbeat, John Ephland, 2009.
Jazziz, Five More Chicagoans on the Rise, Neil Tesser, 2009.
Chicago Jazz Magazine, Paul Abella, 2009.
Illinois Entertainer, Steve Forstneger, 2009.
All About Jazz, Matthew Warnock, 2009.
JazzChicago.net, Brad Walseth, 2009.
Jambands.com, David Paul Kleinman, 2007.
Illinois Entertainer, Janine Schaults, 2007.
Columbia Chronicle, J. Galliart, 2007.
Chicago Jazz Magazine, Paul Abella, 2007.
Jazzreview.com, Brenton Plourde, 2007.

Influences:

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, Allan Holdsworth, Marvin Gaye, Brad Meldau, Soulive

Sounds Like:

Record Label:

Attic Recording, Chicago Sessions, LLC