WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025
DOORS: 6:30PM
SHOW: 7:30PM
Metropolitan Jazz Octet presents: “Jazz Unearthed” a set of miniature masterpieces that shine light on long-lost styles of Jazz from the 1950s.
The Project
The Metropolitan Jazz Octet is a musical group, originally started in the 1950’s by Tom Hilliard, a saxophonist, composer and arranger whose music and mentorship inspired many Jazz musicians in Chicago. We are happy to present his unreleased music that was the beginning the Metropolitan Jazz Octet vision and mission.
“Jazz Unearthed” will engage in musical archeology, presenting a set of miniature masterpieces that shine light on long-lost styles of Jazz from the 1950s, each composition embodies playful elegance, brilliant craftsmanship, and authentic personality.
Metropolitan Jazz Octet: The Band
The current-day octet, also known as MJO, started exploring Hilliard’s library of music in 2014, led by his former student, Jim Gailloreto. With support of the non-profit Jazz Artists Resource, they have since composed and recorded three albums:
A self-released: “The Road To Your Place”, a Delmark Records release: “It’s Too Hot For Words” and the Origin Records release: “The Bowie Project. And now, our current and upcoming instrumental album is called “Jazz Unearthed”.
MJO is made up of the most talented musicians active in jazz and music education in Chicago. Together, they have created a unique and fresh contribution to the ongoing spirit of Hilliard’s legacy and vision. Their unique arrangements are described as a “big small band” and a “small big band”, creating a sound that offers something new for both traditional and modern jazz audiences.
You may also like the following events from HeyNonnyAH:
Also check out other
Music events in Arlington Heights,
Entertainment events in Arlington Heights.
