The Jazz String Quintet

The Jazz String Quintet is led by tenor saxophonist Jim Gailloreto. One of the leading musicians and composers on the Chicago jazz scene, Gailloreto has displayed his virtuosity and grasp of various styles in performances with Kurt Elling, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and numerous other groups. Gailloreto is joined by the H.A.W.K. String Quartet for this project, which features his compositions and arrangements of jazz standards for string quartet and soprano saxophone.

Although artists have experimented with strings within a jazz context since the days of the Paul Whiteman Orchestra in the 1920s, most string projects have been met with unease among jazz critics and audiences. However, Gailloreto’s writing is a fine example of balancing the string quartet’s capabilities with the element of improvisation using jazz harmonies.

Recently, with funding from Chamber Music America’s New Works grant, Gailloreto wrote a four movement piece entitled “American Complex,” which the JSQ performed in Chicago’s Green Mill jazz club, and at Bargemusic in New York City. On July 24th, the group will be performing Gailloreto’s arrangements of Bossa Nova tunes with Brazilian guitarist and singer Paulinho Garcia in Chicago’s Millenium Park.

Photo courtesy of Tanya Tucka