Led by saxophonist John Fournier and the commanding presence of legendary vocalist Dee Alexander, the seven-piece ensemble delivers their fourth album, No Wind and No Rain. This record is a masterclass in resilience, bridging eras of Chicago jazz without collapsing into predictable nostalgia. Produced by the group’s own guitarist, Larry Brown Jr., the project features a rich lineup including Amr Fahmy on piano and Ryan Nyther on trumpet. A standout moment is the title track “No Wind & No Rain”, as well as the lovely “A Groove For Ramsey”, a special dedication to the late great Ramsey Lewis, which combines Fournier’s lyrics with a gritty, organ-heavy arrangement that feels like a steady, unyielding current moving through the city.
NEW MUSIC MONDAYS
