The strength of this group is in their mastery of jazz and swing music. From George Gershwin to Cole Porter, Dave Brubeck to Frank Sinatra, H&O Jazz can bring to life some of the finest celebration standards. The core group consists of Bass Player & vocalist Tim Hays who is currently the head of the Elmhurst College Music department and a free-lance musician who has worked all over the country. His partner Kevin Olsen is a particularly talented pianist, especially in the area of jazz. Both hold Doctorate’s degrees in music. Together they have worked for several years pleasing customers from all around the Chicagoland area.

With versatility in size, H&O Jazz can provide ensembles appropriate for many different types of events including small cocktail receptions, mid-sized corporate events or large wedding receptions. By adding a guitar to the mix you open up the opportunity for some classic rock n roll music to be added to the mix. In addition you can add saxophone for more jitterbug or a violin for a little Stephane Grapelli feel. Whether you are looking to create an elegant atmosphere during dinner or to get people out of their chairs for dancing, H&O Jazz can do the job.

Talented, vibrant, personable and fun, it’s obvious these are performers who are in their element making music together. Having performed a variety of styles in many venues, The Essence of Jazz works with each client to make sure their event music is just as they always pictured it.

From the moment they begin their performance, it is evident that the musicians in The Essence of Jazz are passionate about their craft. Imagine an evening of classic jazz standards performed with fervent expression. From Nat Cole to Tony Bennett, Dave Brubeck to Miles Davis, Dean Martin to Frank Sinatra, the musical options are endless. Heat things up by adding in a percussion player who brings a Latin feel to the group. Whether you prefer a purely instrumental sound or the addition a very talented male or female jazz vocalist, The Essence of Jazz can create the sound you desire.

As the featured jazz combo for the Plaza Club, the Prudential Building’s V.I.P. club downtown, The Ken Spurr Jazz Combo has performed for some of Chicagoland’s finest clientele. Talented and personable, Ken’s instrumental combo will bring listening pleasure to any event. Starting with uptempo selections for cocktails, going into delicate dinner music, then to danceable jazz rhythms, The Ken Spurr Jazz Combo can serve as the ensemble for an entire reception. With the recent release of a studio cd, this group has been in demand for performances on a national scale.

Jazz: elegance, sophistication; music to enchant the soul and revive the spirit. When played by the Lorin Cohen Jazz Combo, jazz is the ultimate musical backdrop for your special occasion.

This duo consists of two of the finest young musicians in Chicago: bassist Lorin Cohen and his cousin, pianist Ryan Cohan. They have been playing together since their early teens, and have developed a unique rapport and chemistry that will significantly enhance the mood of your party, at a volume that will never interfere with the conversation level of your guests.

The Lorin Cohen Jazz Combo approaches every situation with the highest level of professionalism. Listen to the enclosed audio demo. Their music ultimately speaks for itself.

Mark Streder was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. He attended public schools and received an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts with high honors from Triton College, and a Bachelors Degree in Electronic Music Composition with honors from Roosevelt University.

In addition to playing piano and electronic keyboards with many of Chicagolands top musicians for 20 years, Mark Streder has owned and operated a music production studio producing many projects for television and radio broadcast as well as corporate and industrial clients. He is on the faculty at Elmhurst College teaching music theory, electronic music, and jazz piano.