ZACH BROCK
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1974, Zach was introduced to music at an early
age by his parents. He left Lexington in 1992 to pursue his musical training
in Chicago. Not long after leaving Lexington, Zach was studying and playing
with critically acclaimed Chicago trumpeter Orbert Davis. Since arriving in
Chicago, Zach has performed with such notable local musicians as Von Freeman,
William Russo, Johnny Frigo, Willie Pickens, Orbert Davis, Kurt Elling, Paul
Wertico, and Patricia Barber. He recently debuted on Orbert Davis' latest recording,
"Priority". His own CD, "Zach Brock & The Coffee Achievers",
will be released in March 2003. He plays an NV five-string electric violin by
Ithaca Strings through a Mesa Boogie amplifier.
MIKE KOCOUR
Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the most sophisticated pianists
in jazz," Michael Kocour is a senior lecturer in Jazz Studies at Northwestern
University and a pianist/arranger who has performed at the 1992 World's Fair
in Seville, the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, the Blue Note in New York, and the
Chicago, Montreal and Quebec City Jazz festivals. Among the many artists and
ensembles with whom he has appeared are Dizzy Gillespie, Eddie Harris, James
Moody, Eddie Daniels, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Ira Sullivan, Carl Fontana,
Dewey Redman, Lew Tebackin, and the Chicago Symphony.
MICHAEL ARNAPOL
Michael Arnopol began his studies of the
double bass at age 13. By age 17, he was studying with the principal bassist
of the Chicago Symphony, and playing in the Chicago Civic Orchestra. He continued
classical studies in Europe. By the age of 19, he was active in the European
avant garde jazz scene. Throughout the years, he has accompanied many top local,
national and international jazz players, including guitarists Jimmy Raney and
Larry Coryell, saxophonists Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, and many others. He
is most known for his 23-year collaboration with pianist/singer/songwriter Patricia
Barber, keeping a busy international concert schedule.
TOM HIPSKIND
Drummer Tom Hipskind has been very active in the Chicago area for twelve years.
He has been playing locally, touring and recording with such artists as Howard
Levy, Patricia Barber, Fred Simon, Diane Delin, Ryan Cohan, Deanna Witkowski
and many others. He has played at jazz festivals throughout the United States
and in Europe and has many jazz and pop CDs to his credit.