Christopher Madsen is one of the most in-demand figures in the Chicago jazz world as a performer, composer, and pedagogue. A former faculty member at Northwestern University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Midwest Young Artists, the saxophonist currently coordinates the jazz program at Loyola University Chicago. As a sought-after jazz clinician, he adjudicates at jazz festivals and offers workshops to ensembles of all ages and levels across the globe.
Madsen is a Vandoren and Conn-Selmer Performing Artist, a member of the Fulbright Specialist Program roster, Jazz Education Network, the National Educator’s Association, and the National Association for Music Education. His resume includes serving on the Education Committee for the Jazz Education Network.
Discussing his latest offering “The Trio Book” he shares, ‘I consider The Trio Book to be the logical next step in my discography for a few reasons: my 2019 album Bonfire was a showcase for all my original music recorded with almost the same musicians, whereas this project utilizes the “tenor trio” format, taking away any chordal instruments. With the freedom this provides, we explore not original compositions but veer more into the realm of jazz standards, albeit obscure ones which have never been recorded using this instrumentation. The Trio Book is tied to Bonfire, but just different enough to have its own sound.
Bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall have recorded and performed with many different saxophonists in Chicago and around the world. I think this project finds a way to both allow them to deepen their collective musicality while sounding unlike anything they have done previously. When the three of us play together, it feels natural. I’m proud that we were able to effectively document that feeling on record.’
For further information on the artist, visit www.chrismadsen.net
Images provided, courtesy of Chris DiGirolamo
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