The No Kap Kollective

About

The No Kap Kollective is a 20+-person big band made up of instrumentalists and vocalists led by trumpeter and composer-arranger Nickolas Kaplan. Performing original works alongside arrangements of Roy Hargrove, J Dilla, Solange, Willow Smith, Stevie Wonder, Flying Lotus, and Geri Allen, the band blends styles and sensibilities across the spectrum of Black American Music. It also celebrates Chicago's improvised music community, featuring musicians born, raised, and/or nurtured in Chicago who carry the torch for the next generation of music. This performance celebrates the release of the No Kap Kollective's debut album, "This is the Highlife," supported by funding from Chicago DCASE, the Illinois Arts Council, and individual donors via GoFundMe. Compositions & Arrangements Nickolas Kaplan, trumpet Vocals Alysha Monique Chris Robbin' Woodwinds Kenthaney Redmond, flute Dudley Owens, alto sax, soprano sax, flute Natalie Lande, alto sax, clarinet, soprano sax Reginald Lewis, tenor sax Cameron Jones, tenor sax, clarinet Jacob Slocum, baritone sax, bass clarinet Len'i McKinney, baritone sax Trumpets John Moore, Jr. Miles Franklin Smith Justin Williams Ryan Nyther Jon McQuade Trombones Kirby Fellis Emma Blau Royce Harrington-Turner Robyn Smith (bass) Rhythm Section Thaddeus Tukes, vibraphone Brandon Harper, piano, electric piano, synth Steven Manns, acoustic/electric bass, keybass Isaiah Spencer, drums