Metropolitan Jazz Octet is the reawakening of a group that was originally started in the 1950’s by Chicago saxophonist and arranger Tom Hilliard.  The music blends a big band sound with the elegance of a small ensemble.

 

MJO performed at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and were voted Best Jazz Album by the Chicago Tribune.  We played to sold-out audiences at the Chicago Jazz Festival, The Green Mill, Studio 5, Hey Nonny, the Jazz Showcase and received critical acclaim from Jazz Times, Downbeat and Chicago Jazz Magazine.