We are very excited to welcome Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade which makes its UK debut at the Vortex.
Rogue Parade is an ensemble that was created by saxophonist and composer Greg Ward. In late 2015, Ward returned to Chicago after 6 years in New York City. In February 2016, Ward was contacted by The Whistler, one of Chicago’s newer bar and venues, about presenting a concert for their Relax Attack Jazz Series. For this performance, Ward assembled a group of highly-creative musicians featuring Dave Miller on guitar and effects, Matt Gold on guitar and effects, Matt Ulery on upright and electric bass, and Quin Kirchner on drums. He also composed a new set of music with the purpose of exploring this unique instrumentation, which blends the acoustic and electronic sonic worlds.
After this first concert, The Whistler approached the quintet about presenting a month-long residency in the summer of 2016. The residency consisted of 4 concerts and gave the band an opportunity to develop a rapport and to also build an audience. Rogue Parade would continue to rehearse and to perform throughout Chicago for the remainder of 2016.
In the spring of 2017, the ensemble went on tour throughout the Mid-West, including concerts in Chicago, Minneapolis, Appleton, Des Moines, Davenport, and a workshop at Lawrence University. Later in 2017, Ward received an Individual Artist Grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in Chicago to make a recording. Rogue Parade is excited to present an album featuring 11 new compositions in January 2019 for Dave Douglas’s Greenleaf Music.
Press
“Saxophonist Greg Ward turns in a program that’s as eclectic as it is electric with Stomping Off From Greenwood.” – DOWNBEAT
“Ward bobs gracefully through a coolly plotted improvisation on “The Contender” as his rhythm section handles a stop-and-start polyrhythm, creating friction and expectation and the illusion of an incline for Ward to climb.” Check out “The Contender” – NEW YORK TIMES
Greg Ward – alto saxophone
Matt Gold – guitar
Quin Kirchner – drums
Dave Miller – guitar
Matt Ulery – bass