Bassist

Charles McPherson was born in Joplin, Missouri in 1939 and moved to Detroit at age nine. While growing up in Detroit, he studied with the renowned pianist Barry Harris and started playing jazz professionally at age 19.  He then moved from Detroit to New York in 1959 in order to be in the heart of the jazz scene. McPherson soon joined bassist Charles Mingus’ band and performed with Mingus from 1960 to 1972. While performing with Mingus, he collaborated frequently with Harris, Lonnie Hillyer, and George Coleman.

Charles McPherson Quartet 2025

Dearborn Station

Greg Abate jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer continues as an International Jazz/Recording Artist with 225 days a year touring the globe.

Greg Abate Quartet

Sofia Koulouvaris is an up-and-coming jazz saxophonist and educator currently based in Chicago. At age 10, Sofia started playing the saxophone, and shortly after, stumbled upon the music of Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane, sparking her love for jazz. She recently graduated from DePaul University, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies and Music Education. During her time there, Sofia studied with prominent musicians such as Scott Burns, Dana Hall, and Dennis Carroll. Dennis has been an important mentor to Sofia further inspiring her passion for the tradition of jazz and its deep history especially when it comes to playing bebop and the blues, which is greatly reflected in her music.

Sofia Koulouvaris Quartet

Andy Baker is a trombonist, composer, arranger and educator originally from London, now living in Chicago.

Andy Baker Quintet

The Ravinia Jazz Mentors are eight of Chicago’s finest jazz artists, working with Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play to not only give school performances and master classes but actively train an auditioned group of top Chicago Public High School student musicians in skills for future professional studies and music careers. The ensemble (and the Jazz Mentor Program) is led by saxophonist Pat Mallinger, who for nearly three decades led regular late-night sets at the Green Mill, and joined on winds by 2016 Chicagoan of the Year trumpeter Pharez Whitted and former longtime Chicago Jazz Ensemble lead trombonist Audrey Morrison. The rhythm section includes Ernie Adams, who has drummed with a who’s-who ranging from Al Jarreau and Dianne Reeves to Joe Zawinul and Arturo Sandoval, and twice Grammy-nominated Latin percussionist Eric Hines, plus Chicago Jazz Orchestra bassist Dennis Carroll; pianist Richard Johnson, who has been a member of two Marsalis ensembles and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; and guitarist Bobby Broom, who co-led the Deep Blue Organ Trio and currently fronts a namesake trio and Organi-Sation.

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Ravinia Jazz Mentors

Ravinia Festival

Bobby Watson with Reggie Thomas Trio & Special guest vocalist Mardra Thomas

Jazz Showcase

Pat Mallinger was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota and began playing the saxophone at 11 years of age. He received his Jazz Studies degree from North Texas State University on a “One O’clock Lab Band” Scholarship.

Pat Mallinger Quartet

Saxophonists Eric Schneider & Natalie Scharf Quintet

Charles McPherson Quartet

The Ravinia Jazz Mentor Program comprises eight of Chicago’s finest jazz artists working with Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play to not only give school performances and master classes but actively train an auditioned group of top Chicago Public High School student musicians in skills for future professional studies and music careers. Led by saxophonist Pat Mallinger, the ensemble presents a concert tribute to visionary jazz composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, the jazz legend who died in March at age 89.

Ravinia Jazz Mentors: Tribute to Wayne Shorter

New York alto saxophonist virtuoso Jim Snidero makes his debut performance as a leader at the Jazz Showcase featuring music from his latest critically acclaimed album Far Far Away, called “a gorgeous, perfectly-crafted take on mainstream jazz in the 21st century” (All About Jazz). Snidero’s quartet features Chicago’s own Michael Stryker (P), Dennis Carroll (B) and Detroit powerhouse drummer Sean Dobbins.

Bassist

Dennis Carroll

Events

Past events

14 - 17 Aug, 2025

Charles McPherson Quartet 2025 · Jazz Showcase

7 - 10 Aug, 2025

Greg Abate Quartet · Jazz Showcase

About

Dennis Carroll hasn't added a bio