Steps(74)

Formed Jan 06' to host the Experimental Electro-Acoustic Workshop at Chicago's Muse Cafe (817 n milwaukee ave), Steps(74) is a powerhouse jazzexperimental superproject, featuring members of SPIZM , QMR PLUS , Doppler Shift , and Trioizm . Touting the classic trumpet/tenor front line and one hellofa jungle/drumNbass rhythem section, this is a modern jazz outfit for the new millenia. Steps takes inspiration, arrangement, and form from many of jazz's finest standards, then filters them through an abundance of abstract breakbeat/idm/junglebop grooves, remanipulates, and completely destroys them, while holding true to the song's essence. It is due to the intense love/hate relationship with the incredible evolution of jazz history, as well it's conservative nature, in dealing with unruly change that allows a group such as this to make a move on the jazz scene here in Chicago. This IS...a project, no tours setup to takeover NYC yet. But I'll tell you this, keep your eyes wide open, and ears to the ground, cuz you'll be hearing about us a little too late, when we showup armed to the teeth with gear at your sister's wedding reception...and i hope uncle charlie like his 200+bpm jungle suprisingly jazzy! Who knows what will happen. There will most likely be more hosting at Muse Cafe on their 1st thursdays, or an occassion ambush performance at Rainbo Club in Wicker Park. Jazz never smelled this good. If you work at Green Mill, book this band NOW!!! Checkout The Chicago Junglebop Syndicate for more info on the burgeoning live Jazzjungle scene here in chicago. Chicago Junglebop Syndicate maintained 4th fridays at The Muse Cafe from Dec 06 thru March 07' as an open workshop. Hosting the nite: Dave Z Marsalek - jungle traps, Matthew Golombisky - bass/likable noise, John Be$cup - electric trumpet. Other players that hosted were Jon Markese (bassist-doppler shift) & Aaron Koppel - guitar. Many of the top jazz improvisers in the city have joined-in to make this ongoing workshop something truly remarkable, within the cookie-cutter jazz jam scene here in chicago {sorry velvet lounge sundays & green mill fridays, but it's true}. The nite experiments with jazz standards and seeks to destroy them with genre cross-polination, distorted effects and looping pedals, and just flatout sick crazyfast live Broken-beat IDM grooves. The CJS is currently in transition, as we change venues, as the Muse Cafe closed its doors in late March. Summer and Fall events are on the way (possibly Weeds, Hothouse, Green Mill & festivals). There will be a huge dual DVD/CD release of "It's Time" which showcases "The Best of" CJS and CJW (workshop at muse). CD release party is currently being plotted. And the Workshop will be starting up again on 4th fridays (most likely Weeds starting June or July). If you are interested in joining the CJS, contact me through myspace HERE or at CJS Cheers!