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An olio of jazzy, bluesy and funky styles, the Chicago-based quintet Soulio plays a type of groove-based music that commands a universal appeal. Call it “soul jazz,” to be exact, as their repertoire revolves around the kind of catchy, familiar tunes made famous by improvising artists like Cannonball Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, the Jazz Crusaders and other fearless old-school instrumentalists. Listeners who catch Soulio performing live are often overcome with the band’s warm, inviting vibe and sexy growl to the point where they actually have to get up and dance just to cool off.

With a unique twist on the classic soul-jazz combo, Soulio features a front line of trombone and sax. Led by trombonist Johnny Showtime (John Janowiak), best known for his long stint with Liquid Soul, the group typically includes saxophonist Nic Meyer, guitarist Jay Montana, acoustic and electric bassist Greg Nergaard, and drummer Dan Leali (from the Fareed Haque Group, Blue Man Group, Tributosaurus, Poi Dog Pondering and formerly of Liquid Soul).

Since Soulio began gigging in 2004, its soulful improvised music has been heard at such clubs as Pete Miller's, Nick's Beergarden, Katerina's, Green Dolphin St., and Morseland. Soulio has also performed at benefits and corporate parties, plus street festivals and outdoor venues such as Jazzin' at the Shedd, Northalsted Market Days and the Belmont-Sheffield Festival.