JERU - plays Mulligan and more! (Jazz)

The Outta Space, 6840 32nd St., Berwyn

​Inspired by the Gerry Mulligan Quartet of the 1950s, the band takes its name from a nickname used by Miles Davis for Gerry Mulligan. The group not only pays homage to Mulligan and other great writers/performers, JERU adds new arrangements and compositions to further explore a somewhat under-utilized format, the chord-less or “pianoless” ensemble. Although many performers have explored groups without chordal accompaniment (Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane), few have made use of this outfit in an arranging fashion. JERU models itself after ensembles led by Mulligan, George Russell, John Lewis, and Jimmy Giuffre where the writing and arranging is as much a part of the music as the improvisations. The music is presented in chamber-like fashion and relies solely on counterpoint and the relative "simplicity" of two and three note harmonies.

$10 cover at the door