Greg Murphy - piano Micah Collier - bass Vincent Davis - drums Irving Quartman - trumpet From Chicago roots to New York jazz royalty, Greg Murphy has carved a path through the world of music, bridging generations with innovation and fearless creativity. A longtime collaborator with Coltrane drummer Rashied Ali, Greg has shared stages with everyone from Ornette Coleman to Carlos Santana. His piano work spans continents and styles, earning him two #1 JazzWeek albums—Bright Idea (2019) and Snap Happy (2025)—plus an Oscar-nominated soundtrack credit. With grooves that stretch from classic to cutting-edge, Greg remains a vital voice in modern jazz. — Free Admission — 1 drink minimum
FREE ADMISSION Jazz jam sessions have long been the place where musicians gather to connect, perform together, and hone their skills. Historically, jam sessions take place after-hours in the clubs, making it impossible for student musicians to participate. The Jazz Links Jam Session creates a live performance opportunity where student musicians can learn, grow, and connect with their jazz community. The JAZZ LINKS JAM SESSIONS take place every month at The Jazz Showcase from October through May from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Students perform with one another and with the Jazz Links house band, which Includes world-class, professional jazz musicians. WHO CAN JAM? Students age 9-19 perform with one another and with the Jazz Links Mentors in the house. WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE JAM SESSION? Musicians, parents, students, siblings, and friends are all welcome and encouraged to attend these free events. HOW DOES IT WORK? Students sign up on-site, and fill out a jam session info card listing three to five tunes they can play and improvise on from memory. The jam session host calls up groups of students to perform and improvise together in front of an enthusiastic live audience. WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Bring your trumpet/saxophone/trombone/voice/flute/vibes/drumsticks and a list of jazz standard tunes that you know and can improvise over. A vocal microphone, drum set, double bass, bass amp, and piano are provided for each session. The Jazz Institute of Chicago gratefully acknowledges the following for their support of the Jazz Links Education Program: The Alphawood Foundation | The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation | A CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Crown Family Philanthropies| Dan J. Epstein Family Foundation | The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation | The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation| Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency | The Oppenheimer Family Foundation | The Polk Bros. Foundation| The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince | The Walder Foundation.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
Henry Johnson - guitar Richard Johnson - piano Chuck Webb - bass Tim Gant - keyboards Charles Rick Heath IV - drums Charles “Rick” Heath IV is a world renowned drummer, educator, producer who has toured and recorded with Ramsey Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, and many others. Charles is currently an adjunct professor at Columbia College and the University of Illinois (Circle Campus). Charles Heath is constantly breaking barriers as a humanitarian and musicians'; leading with first class professionalism and style.
