Chad Makela Quartet

Vancouver baritone saxophonist Chad Makela heads up this high-energy, swinging modern jazz quartet. Makela’s original compositions, created with his band mates in mind, reflect the influence of Scofield, Lovano, and Trane. And although it’s something of a cliché to compare any sax/trumpet/bass/drums quartet to the classic Ornette Coleman group, it’s a fitting comparison here. The harmonic freedom and melodic contours, intricate and elastic rhythms, and oblique connection to the blues in both Makela’s and trumpeter Brad Turner’s compositions beg the analogy. This is all beautifully captured on their recent CD Flicker (Cellar Live). With bassist Paul Rushka and drummer Jesse Cahill.