Christopher McBride – 🎷
Alysha Monique – 🎤
Luke Carlos O’Reilly – 🎹
Runere Brooks – 🎻 bass
Alfonzo Jones – 🥁
Singer Meets Saxophonist’ is the brainchild of acclaimed musician & Chicago native Christopher McBride. The concept pairs some of the top vocalists and musicians around the world who collaborate to create fantastic evenings of music. When Christopher moved from Chicago to New York in 2013, he wanted to work with more vocalists, create a rapport, as well as learn their repertoire. In 2014, Singer Meets Saxophonist began as a monthly series at Therapy Wine Bar in Brooklyn, NY. In the 18 months that followed, Christopher worked with vocalists such as Chris Turner, Emily Braden, Charles Turner, Milton Suggs, Melanie Charles, Shenel Johns, Wayne Tucker, Hilary Gardner, Antoinette Montague, and many other well-known vocalists and instrumentalists who were excited to stop by and share their talents. These musicians helped craft a vibe similar to a jam session, much to the delight of audiences.
In 2017, the series moved to Harlem at the iconic Minton’s Playhouse. Each Sunday the series was hosted by CNOTE (an organ trio consisting of Christopher McBride, Jonathan Edward Thomas, and Curtis Nowosad), and showcased a featured vocalist.
From March of 2017 to August of 2019, Sunday nights at Minton‘s Playhouse became the premier place to hear great live music. The New York Times described the house band (Organ Group CNOTENYC) as “part of a network of fabulous young musicians in New York”. The rapport and sincerity of all the musicians created inspiring works appreciated by musicians and patrons alike.
As the series now shifts to the national stage, McBride (Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Roy Hargrove, Marquis Hill, Solange, The Soapbox Presents) is excited to bring ‘Singer Meets Saxophonist’ to Reggie’s Rock Club and the city of Chicago. He will be leading an all-star band consisting of Imani Records recording artist Luke Carlos O’Reilly (Curtis Fuller, Nicholas Payton, Seal, Dave Valentin), Runere Brooks and Alfonzo Jones (The O’My’s, LeftJones, Nikki Lynette) and featuring sensational vocalist Alysha Monique.
The experience of Singer Meets Saxophonist remains the same as its origins in NYC. For this special night, professional musicians and vocalists are encouraged to stop by and sit in on the 2nd set as we continue to cultivate a jam session feel. Please join us for an exciting evening of good music in Chi-Town! #allday
