- Bryan Murray
- Jon Irabagon
Not many saxophonists of the current generation impart curiosity, energy, and pure joy like Morton Grove native Jon Irabagon, a prolific and imaginative reedist who seems to overflow with music. Although he first made his reputation as a free-wheeling blower within the roguishly revisionist quartet Mostly Other People Do the Killing, in recent years he’s proven his mettle in all kinds of contexts. After winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in 2008, he cut a convincing mainstream postbop date in the company of heavies like Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid, and Victor Lewis—but he’s also worn noisy maximalism like a glove, collaborating with drummer Mike Pride and jaw-dropping electric guitarist Mick Barr; likewise, he’s become a valuable member of the Dave Douglas Quintet. He evinces a sense of ease in all settings, it seems, easily finding his way and having a blast while doing so.
