Jeff Mackevich
Jeff has been the house saxophonist at Pops for Champagne in Chicago for the last three years. "People keep coming back because the music is moving, subtle, and always tells a story." Repeat visitors include Michael Flatley of "Riverdance" and Dusty Baker of the Chicago Cubs.
Jeff was an outstanding classical clarinetist as a child; attending the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan. He was introduced to the music of John Coltrane, and had the opportunity to try a saxophone while sitting in with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Jeff was the tenor saxophone soloist for the jazz bands at New Trier High School and the University of Michigan . He also played six nights a week with "the baddest funk band in Detroit".
After college Jeff started to build a successful financial planning practice and raise a family with three daughters. " I didn't play or actively practice for almost fifteen years". Then Jeff bumped into an old high school buddy, Jim Trompeter, who is a world-class musician, pianist, composer, and jingle producer. With Jim's guidance and encouragement, Jeff got his chops together and started playing in local clubs again.
Jeff's mentors include Jim, Chris Potter,Rick Margitza, Andy Middleton,
and David Liebman. "Liebs is the saxophone grandmaster. His playing and compositions are true originals. His time with Miles Davis had a profound effect on him, and he shares this with his students. I play alot of soprano sax thanks to David. It is harder to play, but has a wider range of expression."
Jeff's latest CD "Boytoy" includes two of his own compositions and three tunes by composer Andy Middleton. The music is funky jazz, bebop, and some new age. It was expertly produced and arranged by Jim Trompeter (see Links). Support is given from two of Chicago's finest musicians; Dana Hall on drums and Larry Gray on bass.
"It was very exciting to record with Philadelphia trumpet player John Swana." He has several CDs as a leader and is featured on several Chris Potter recordings.
Jeff has earlier recordings; "Young Soul"
and "Shall We Dance" with the Russell Alan Rowe Trio.