Pianist/composer Horace Silver is among the most iconic song writers in jazz. His tunes have formed the bedrock foundation for generations of jazz practitioners for almost 60 years and is recognized as a pioneer of the funky, bluesy approach to jazz playing and writing 10 years before it was a genre. Evidence of gospel influence is also an unmistakable facet of his sound.       

Trumpeter Marlin McKay just might be the best kept jazz secret in the midwest. Currently studying at Indiana University Marlin has roots in the greater central Wisconsin area and has - if not yet become a household word - certainly has made an impression on those lucky to have caught his performances over the years. A more serious young player with a genuine fire in the belly you will not find.  Marlin’s unforced blowing style and affinity for graceful melodies reflects his influences of two of his favorite trumpeters - Art Farmer and Tom Harrell, and his love of hard bop makes him a natural choice to present the music of Horace Silver to  Fox Jazz Fest listeners this year.

Co-leading with McKay is pianist Mike Kubicki known to have be-bop coursing through his veins. He is a sympathetic ear - and grounding - for Horace Silver’s tunes. Mike’s lyrical solo piano lines are matched only by his deft application of jazz rhythms as an important section-mate.

The Quintet also features rock solid bassist Jim Paolo, drummer extrodinaire Dave Bayless and the wonderful tenor sax player Michael Moynihan.