Thanks to everyone for supporting us! More Amor, my latest album with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra , clocked in at #7 on the JazzWeek Year End Chart. Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year and continued enjoyment!!

THE GREEN MILL: On January 23rd and 24th, I’ll be taking the stage at Chicago’s iconic Green Mill w/ Ben Paterson & Greg Artry. We’re playing as the Ben Paterson Organ Trio to celebrate the release of Ben’s new live album, Live at the Jazz Showcase. Stay tuned for tickets via my Link in Bio.

LEWIS NASH: Today I’m wishing a very happy birthday to prolific jazz drummer Lewis Nash. We met in Sonny Rollins' band, then went on an educational exchange trip to Dolo, Italy. Here we are together on that trip! Later, he joined me on my record No Hype Blues. Happy Birthday, Lewis.

JOHN SCOFIELD: Today we celebrate the birthday of living legend John Scofield. Sco’s music had a profound impact on me early on, and he's been a generous supporter and a valued friend throughout my career. This photo was taken a few years ago at the Chicago Jazz Festival. Happy birthday, Sco!

RONNIE CUBER: Today would’ve been the birthday of the great Ronnie Cuber. I first crossed paths with Ronnie when I was around nineteen. We remained in touch over the years, and I played on his album Cubism in the 1990s. Later, I was honored to feature him on my own recording, Modern Man.

NEW ALBUM: Just one month ago, organist extraordinaire Ben Paterson released his new album: Live at the Jazz Showcase. I’m proud to say that I played on that album, alongside Greg Artry. It turned out great, and I encourage all of you to support Ben and give it a listen here: tinyurl.com/yc87mvej

Jazz Spectrum Syndication! Some exciting news about my radio show, Jazz Spectrum: another station has officially added it to their lineup! In addition to airing on WNIJ on Fridays at 7 PM, the program will now play on WIUM on Saturdays at 10 PM. Thanks, everyone! Learn more via my Link in Bio.

LENNY WHITE: Today I’m wishing a Happy Birthday to drummer Lenny White! I met Lenny through Weldon Irvine, and later had the chance to tour with him in the '80s. Happy birthday Lenny, and hope that we’ll connect again soon. Photo via WGBO Jazz

WINTER’S JAZZ CLUB: On January 17th, catch me at Winter’s Jazz Club w/ pianist/organist Ben Paterson. We make a great team, along with drummer Greg Artry, so I hope you’ll join us for a night of musical fun. Tickets are up now via my Link in Bio. 📸: Greg Artry

RENE MCLEAN: Today I’m wishing a happy birthday to saxophonist Rene McLean. Rene and I worked together in Hugh Masekela’s band in the early 80s. He's now a fellow music educator, teaching at the Hartt School of Music– where I found my first start teaching as well. Happy Birthday, Rene.

BARRY HARRIS: Today we celebrate Barry Harris, an educator and musician worthy of a hundred honorary doctorates! Barry has done so much for jazz education, and his style and method of teaching is something I try to emulate in my own classroom. Happy birthday, Barry Harris! Photo by Alan Nahigian

FITZGERALD’S JAZZ CLUB: One month from today, on January 14th, I’ll be heading to Fitzgerald’s Club for the @wdcb909.bsky.social Hammond Organ Party w/ organist extraordinaire Justin Dillard and great drummer Samuel Jewell. Grab tickets via my Link in Bio. 📸: ?

GROVER WASHINGTON JR.: Today, we celebrate the birthday of saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. It was through Grover’s music that I started seriously considering the possibility of playing jazz myself– specifically, his album Mr. Magic.

MCCOY TYNER: Today, legendary pianist McCoy Tyner would’ve celebrated his birthday. When I recorded my album “Keyed Up” a few years ago, I paid my tribute to McCoy by playing his song “Blues on the Corner.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtz6... Happy birthday, McCoy Tyner! 📸: Michael Ochs archive

Tonight! Catch me at Le Piano Chicago with my pals Ben Paterson and Greg Artry. Tickets via my Link in Bio. Don't miss it!

DONALD BYRD: Today we honor the birthday of Donald Byrd, a towering figure in the history of the jazz trumpet. I had the privilege of joining him on stage at Carnegie Hall during a concert with Sonny Rollins—a moment that still stands out in my memory as an extraordinary meeting of musical giants.

GEORGE BENSON TRIBUTE: Recently, I teamed up with YouTuber Chase Maddox for his Ultimate George Benson Tribute video, a celebration of George’s amazing jazz guitar influence. Check it out here: youtu.be/mVjjal5uvtg?...

JIM HALL: Today we celebrate the birthday of Jim Hall. Years ago, I heard that Jim had participated in a DownBeat Blindfold Test in which one of my recordings was played for him. Jim chuckled and said, “So that’s why Sonny never calls me anymore!” Quite a compliment. Happy birthday, Jim Hall!

BOB CRANSHAW: Today we honor the birthday of the remarkable Bob Cranshaw, who would have been celebrating his 93rd year. I think of him often, and he finds his way into my days regularly—whether I’m teaching, hosting my radio show, or simply enjoying music. 📸 : John Abbott

TONIGHT! Find me at Chris' Jazz Cafe with Peter Bernstein for the first of our two nights there-- November 28th & 29th. Grab your tickets via my Link in Bio and we'll see you soon.

CHRIS’S JAZZ CAFE: One week from now, I’ll be taking the stage at Chris’s Jazz Cafe with one of my favorite modern guitarists: Peter Bernstein! I look forward to playing with Peter every time I have the chance. Don’t miss out on seeing us next week on the 28th and 29th. Tckets via my Link in Bio.

TONIGHT! Join me, George Kontrafouris, and Jason Wastor for the first of two nights at the legendary Green Mill here in Chicago. We’ll be on stage at 8:00 PM on November 21st and 22nd. Grab your tickets via my Link in Bio.

THE GREEN MILL! Friday and Saturday this week, catch me at The Green Mill with my pals from Greece, George Kontrafouris and Jason Wastor. We’ll be on stage there on November 21st and 22nd as the Bobby Broom Athens-Chicago Connection. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio.

DR. JOHN: Today we celebrate the birthday of Mac Rebennack—better known as Dr. John. He played a major role in my early professional life, giving me consistent work as a member of his band in the 1990s. Thinking of him today, with gratitude for the music, the lessons, and the push forward.

CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA: Today I’m wishing a very happy birthday to Cindy Blackman Santana, a talented drummer & friend from Berklee back in the day. It’s been amazing to watch her go from a fellow college student to a professional at the top of her field and an icon for women in jazz.

Bernard Wright: Today I’m remembering Bernard Wright on his birthday—a remarkable keyboardist and someone I came up with during my early years in New York. This photo is from 1981, when the two of us were on tour in Japan with Sadao Watanabe. Remembering you today, Bernard.

SMALLS JAZZ CLUB! I’ve arrived in New York City to join my Athenian friends George Kontrafouris and Jason Wastor at Smalls Jazz Club. You can catch us as the George Kontrafouris Trio tonight, November 16th, for two great sets at 6:00 and 7:30. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio.

KEVIN EUBANKS: Today I’m wishing a happy birthday to fellow guitarist Kevin Eubanks. He and I met when we were students at Berklee. We even played in a band together for a while at school, put together by a fellow student. We’re due to play together again. Wishing you the best on your birthday.

TOMORROW! Catch me at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC with my pals from Greece, George Kontrafouris and Jason Wastor. We’ll be on stage there as the George Kontrafouris Trio on November 16th for two stellar sets. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio— grab yours and we’ll see you soon.

IDRIS MUHAMMAD: Today is the birthday of a great jazz drummer, Idris Muhammad. Idris was the drummer on the first jazz album I really fell in love with: Black Talk by Charles Earland. Later, I had the pleasure of recording w/Idris myself, on my album Modern Man. Happy Birthday, Idris Muhammad!

HUBERT LAWS: Today we celebrate Hubert Laws, undoubtedly one of the greats. Flute, though beautiful, is not typically an instrument you hear in jazz. But Hubert’s voice still came through so strongly. The instrument didn’t matter; it was about his ideas. Happy Birthday, Hubert Laws!

SMALLS JAZZ CLUB & THE GREEN MILL: Next week, I’ll be reuniting with my friends George Kontrafouris and Jason Wastor for a pair of special shows at Smalls Jazz Club and The Green Mill. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio—see you there. 📸: Antonis Arfanis

RUSSELL MALONE: Today would’ve been the birthday of Russell Malone, a great guitarist and friend. This video is from the last time he & I played together; it was at Mezzrow Jazz Club in 2023. Happy Birthday, Russell. You are missed.

CLIFF BELL’S: If you’re in the Detroit area tonight, come join me, Justin Dillard, and Samuel Jewell at Cliff Bell’s. The three of us will be onstage there on November 1st and 2nd for two sets per night. Find tickets via my Link in Bio. See you soon.

CLIFF BELL’S: Tomorrow night, I’ll be in Detroit performing w/ the Justin Dillard Organ Trio at Cliff Bell’s. We’ll be playing November 1st & 2nd at 7:30 & 9:30 PM. Tickets are in my Link in Bio. Meanwhile, here's me, Justin, and Samuel Jewell playing at the City Winery Chicago earlier this year.

NEW CITY MUSIC MAGAZINE: My thanks to New City for including me on the 2025 Music 45 list, Amy Danzer for writing the bio, and Sandy Morris for taking this photo. Each year, the magazine releases a list of 45 worthy Chicago musicians. I really appreciate it! Read the article via my Link in Bio

TOM BROWNE: Today I’m sending birthday wishes to the great Tom Browne, a powerhouse on the jazz trumpet. Not long after I got started professionally, I joined Tom’s band on his hit “Funkin’ for Jamaica” for GRP Records. Happy Birthday, Tom— wishing you many more ahead.

PETER BERNSTEIN: One month from now, on November 28th and 29th, I’m teaming up with one of my favorite contemporary guitarists at Chris’s Jazz Cafe: the one and only Peter Bernstein! Grab your tickets via my Link in Bio. 📸: Mark Sheldon

I had an amazing time at Andy’s Jazz Club with my pals Dennis Carroll and Kobie Watkins on Sunday. It was the capstone of Kobie’s visit to Chicago, wherein we also played the Jazz Showcase and spent a few days in the studio. Thanks for visiting, Kobie! Hope we’ll play again soon. 📸: Bill Flowers

WELDON IRVINE: Today, I’m honoring the prolific Weldon Irvine, born on this day in 1943 — a musician, playwright, and mentor who had a profound impact on my early years. Happy birthday, Weldon — and thank you for everything.

EDDIE HENDERSON: Today we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Eddie Henderson. It was very fun and definitely enlightening to have the chance to play with him. I’m glad to see he’s still out there making great music. Happy Birthday, Eddie Henderson! Photo by Mark Sheldon

ANDY’S JAZZ CLUB: Tonight, there’s a Bobby Broom Trio reunion happening at Andy’s Jazz Club: me, Dennis Carroll, and Kobie Watkins. Kobie is only in town for a little while, so I’m excited to squeeze in one more show with him before he has to head out. Tickets are available via my Link in Bio!

ANDY’S JAZZ CLUB: Tomorrow night, make your way down to Andy’s Jazz Club for a special Bobby Broom Trio reunion performance. It’ll be me, Kobie Watkins & Dennis Carroll sharing the stage for a late night set. Grab your tickets via my Link in Bio 📸: Janet M. Takayama at the Jazz Showcase

TONIGHT AT THE JAZZ SHOWCASE: I’m thrilled to be back on stage with my longtime friend and collaborator Kobie Watkins as we celebrate his 50th birthday at Chicago’s own Jazz Showcase. You can catch us this Sunday too at Andy's Jazz Club! More details & ticket links are in my Link in Bio.

DIZZY GILLESPIE: October 21st marks the birthday of one of the true giants of jazz, born in 1917. I’m proud to say I once had the honor of appearing on one of his albums—though, funny enough, I didn’t actually meet him until after it was released. 📸: William P. Gottlieb

KOBIE WATKINS: This week, I'm reuniting on the bandstand with my friend and collaborator Kobie Watkins! You can find us tomorrow (October 22nd) at the Jazz Showcase, or Sunday (October 26th) at Andy's Jazz Club. Tickets for both performances are available via my Link in Bio.

EDDIE HARRIS: Today is the birthday of a real Chicago legend, Eddie Harris. I first met Eddie while I was on the road with Sonny, and later had the opportunity to sit in with him and Nat Adderley at the Jazz Showcase here in Chicago. Happy birthday, Eddie Harris!

SMALLS JAZZ CLUB AND THE GREEN MILL: I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be reuniting with George Kontrafouris & Jason Wastor on the stage of Smalls Jazz Club on Nov. 16th,, then at classic Green Mill on Nov. 21st and 22nd. Tickets are up via my Link in Bio, so plan ahead and grab yours now.

Naples, Florida: This past Wednesday, I joined forces w/ the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra for the Artis Naples All About That Jazz concert series. I had a great time and even ran into some old friends! I’m so glad I made the trip. Check out my Link in Bio to see where I’m heading next.

ROY HARGROVE: Today we celebrate the birthday of Roy Hargrove. Roy was someone who was so dedicated to the music that he became the music. It was a terrible loss when he passed, and he’s left an indelible mark on jazz through his presence and involvement. Happy Birthday, Roy. 📸: Hank O’Neal