Vocalist

At the start of the Great Recession in September 2008, Petra's Recession Seven, an authentic Chicago-style jazz band was born at Chicago's legendary Green Mill. The seven piece ensemble is led by Petra van Nuis, a vocalist praised by the Chicago Tribune for her "interpretive savvy...light-and-silvery vocals and, better still, saucy manner of delivery that emphasizes the art of the double entendre."

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Petra's Recession Seven

Jazz Showcase

Petra's Recession Seven features a front line of all-star internationally known Chicago veteran horn players. Trombonist Russ Phillips grew up "in the wings" listening to his dad, Russ Phillips Sr. play trombone in Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. Russ Jr. decided to follow in his dad's footsteps, and in addition to Chicago performances is a popular fixture on mainstream jazz festivals and cruises. Reedist Eric Schneider began his early career as a member of the bands of Count Basie and Earl Fatha Hines. Since then, Eric has played with many legends including Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald and continues to be one of the busiest working musicians in Chicago. Trumpeter Art Davis is charter member of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and a highly respected jazz educator. Early in his career, Art toured with Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney and continues to be the top call trumpeter for musicians touring through Chicago.

In “Music from Film Noir – A Femme Fatale’s Songbook,” jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis conjures the smoky world of noir through shadowy torch songs featured in films of the genre. Backed by guitarist Andy Brown’s trio, Petra invites audiences on a cinematic journey into a mysterious and seductive world of seedy nightclubs, dangerous romances, and streets glistening with midnight rain.

Vocalist

Petra van Nuis

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 30, 2026

Music From Film Noir - A Femme Fatale's Songbook · Copernicus Center

Past events

Dec 10, 2024

Petra's Recession Seven · Jazz Showcase

Nov 19, 2024

Petra's Recession Seven · Jazz Showcase

About

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