Heisenberg Uncertainty Players is a 17-piece big band based in Chicago led by founder John Dorhauer. Yours truly started sitting in with the band on occasion about a decade ago, then got invited to join full time in 2019. We have a residency at Phyllis’ Musical Inn in Wicker Park on the second Sunday of every month, including this coming Sunday evening, November 9. No cover!

I took part in the recording sessions when the band recorded its third album Gradient in the summer of 2019. That album had the misfortune of being released in May of 2020, when circumstances made it impossible to hold an album release party or otherwise promote it with live performances. The album is available in its entirety on YouTube and the usual streaming platforms, but can also be purchased for download and on CD. This is Track 5, “Plasma”:

If I do say so myself, I really enjoy listening to this track. I like the groove, the unusual 5/4 time, and how different instruments often play the exact same figures but one beat apart. The constant flow of tension/release is really beautiful.

Our next album is due to be released in January, with the single “I Want It That Way” to be released on November 14.