41st Annual Chicago Jazz Festival at Chicago Jazz Festival at Von Freeman Stage Millennium Park

The Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO) is the reawakening of a group founded in the 1950s by saxophonist/arranger and De Paul University professor Tom Hilliard (1930–2006). In 1959, the original group recorded “The Legend of Bix,” a tribute to the artistry of cornetist/composer Bix Beiderbecke. Near the end of Tom Hilliard’s life, he bequeathed his life’s work of music to his former student, Jim Gailloreto.

In 2014, Jim began to explore Tom’s legacy with a monthly reading of the MJO library. The musicians involved—two former fellow DePaul students among them—likened the experience to an archaeological jazz dig, with each session unearthing a new layer of the original group’s creativity, thinking and performance practice. ...

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The Metropolitan Jazz Octet (MJO) is the reawakening of a group founded in the 1950s by saxophonist/arranger and De Paul University professor Tom Hilliard (1930–2006). In 1959, the original group recorded “The Legend of Bix,” a tribute to the artistry of cornetist/composer Bix Beiderbecke. Near the end of Tom Hilliard’s life, he bequeathed his life’s work of music to his former student, Jim Gailloreto.

In 2014, Jim began to explore Tom’s legacy with a monthly reading of the MJO library. The musicians involved—two former fellow DePaul students among them—likened the experience to an archaeological jazz dig, with each session unearthing a new layer of the original group’s creativity, thinking and performance practice.

Last year, the new octet released their original debut album “The Road to Your Place”.

This year, MJO is thrilled to collaborate with engaging jazz vocalist Dee Alexander to produce their latest album “It’s Too Hot for Words”, a reimagining of 10 classics from the great Billie Holiday. The album includes well-known songs such as “The Blues Are a Brewin’”, “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”, “I’m a Fool to Want You” and more; each one tells a story filled with varied moods, textures and colors.

Delmark Records will soon release this album—near to the 60th anniversary of Billie Holiday’s tragic passing. We are very fortunate that she lives on through her extensive discography, and we are grateful that we can share and build upon her rich legacy.

The Metropolitan Jazz Octet

John Kornegay – alto saxophone
Jim Gailloreto – tenor saxophone
Peter Brusen – baritone saxophone
Doug Scharf – trumpet
Russ Phillips – trombone
Bob Sutter – piano
Doug Bistrow – bass
Bob Rummage – drums

Dee Alexander – vocals

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