Produced by Ken Arlen, Jazz Quartess is Chicago's busiest jazz quartet. The concept is simple: combine four talented and versatile jazz musicians who can move effortlessly through many instrumental styles.
Most jazz quartets play straight-ahead swing or contemporary jazz. We play these styles, but find people also want to hear hip instrumental versions of Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor and Beatles tunes, to name a few. We get a great response from the audience!
Quartess also supplies a first-class sound system with lighting and engineering, when appropriate. Audiences, from small social gatherings to large corporate functions, will enjoy listening to this polished presentation!
Dan Nicholson - Bandleader, saxophone
Dan Nicholson is an accomplished bandleader and virtuoso musician hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Before making his home in Chicago, Dan attended the University of North Florida where he studied saxophone and flute under the legendary Bunky Green, who called Dan "a musical force to reckon with." Dan developed his bandleading skills on the East coast and in Chicago before he joined the Arlen Music organization four years ago as the lead arranger and music director for Front of House. Dan also serves as the lead saxophonist and soloist to the nationally renowned Chicago Jazz Ensemble. With a Master's Degree in composing and arranging from DePaul University, Dan creates spectacular and exciting arrangements for all of the Arlen Music bands, including the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Dan is well-known for his personable and energetic style, his fun and easy flair, and his ability to call a great dance party while incorporating a client's vision. Dan is looking forward to working with Indigo clients, and bringing an exciting new sound and energy to the Chicago social event scene.
Neil Artwick - Piano and Keyboards
Neil is a graduate of the American Conservatory of Music, where he studied both classical and jazz performance. He has become one of the most in-demand session keyboard players in the city and has recorded hundreds of TV and radio commercials. In the summer of 1998, Neil was specially chosen as one of the select musicians to perform and record the new opening theme of the Oprah Winfrey Show. He has also performed with such nationally known artists as Luther Vandross, Bebe and Cece Winans, Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight and Ed Thigpen.
Mark Beringer - Bass
A top session player from Chicago, Mark is a master of both acoustic and fretless bass. He has accompanied numerous jazz artists including Diahann Carroll, the Count Basie Orchestra, the BBC Big Band, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, Dave Liebman, Rosemary Clooney, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, Lena Horne, Carol Lawrence, Angela Bofill, Michael Brandmeier and Mark Madsen. He has also performed at Carnegie Hall and the White House with Vic Damone.
Phil Gratteau - Drums
One of Chicago’s finest jazz drummers, Phil has recorded and performed with Joe Henderson, Richie Cole, Bonnie Kolac, Marian McPartland, and Judy Roberts. Phil is on the faculty of Roosevelt University, has appeared at the Chicago and Montreal Jazz Festivals and has toured Sweden, Switzerland and France.
