CHICAGO SOUL JAZZ COLLECTIVE

NO WIND & NO RAIN

Calligram Records

John Fournier, tenor saxophone/composer; Larry Brown Jr., guitar/vocals/composer; Dee Alexander, lead vocals; Amr Fahmy, piano/Fender Rhodes; Micah Collier, electric & acoustic bass; Keith Brooks II, drums/B-3 organ; Ryan “Blue” Nyther, trumpet/flugelhorn.

The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective has found that sweet spot between jazz, funk, rhythm and blues and soul music. This is their fourth album. It represents their most completely recognized artistic statement to date. They bring the Chicago soul, mixed like a spicy stew of jazz, funk, gospel, the Chicago blues together with even traces of folk music.

The first song leaps from my sound system like a freight train and rolls across my listening room. The tune is called “The Laughing Heart” and was composed by John Fournier, the leader of this seven-piece ensemble. Fournier is the tenor saxophonist in a group that was established back in 2017.  The sax man was a big fan of Ramsey Lewis, The Crusaders, Horace Silver and Cannonball Adderley.  He loved the soulfulness of these musicians, along with inspiration from Eddie Harris and Les McCann.

“I was listening to records I had not heard in years, but which were my initial inspirations. I found this music had an underlying sheer joy which made me feel great. I figured that if listening to them made me feel great, then playing them live would make me feel even better,” mused John Fournier.

The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective music will certainly uplift and invigorate you!  I feel better already as it pours into my listening room like a healing balm.  It’s happy music.  Thoughtful music.  Message music.  Music for the heart and soul.

Dee Alexander’s soulful vocals are like a secret balm.  When she sings, “I met a Holy man on the road to A Town Called Mercy,” I sit up and pay attention.  This is another composition written by John Fournier with both a groove, a great melody, and a strong delivery by Ms. Alexander.  Micah Collier’s funky bass line is memorable and enhances the groove.

Their “No Wind & No Rain” album represents the culmination of this group’s admirable artistic evolution. Larry Brown’s muted guitar riff is the first thing I hear at the top of his tune called “So Alive pt. 2” with the bass drum beat from Keith Brooks II, pounding like a heartbeat.  The lyrics are strong and provocative.  They sing, “You thought I was dead, but I’ve never been so alive.”   This could be an anthem for the American Civil Rights movement that would fit today’s current political and spiritual challenges.

Larry Brown and John Fournier are wonderful composers as well as musicians.  They have collaborated on the title tune, “No Wind & No Rain” and also on “Message to a Child.”

This is a group that brings music, thought-provoking lyrics and ideas, mixed with undeniable positivity to the forefront. They remind us of the importance of artists like Stevie Wonder and Earth Wind & Fire who were unafraid to take a stand for good and incorporate it into their musical body of work.

The Chicago Soul Jazz Collective is one of my favorite soul/jazz groups on the scene today. Their musicality is formidable and entertaining.  The group is waist-deep in groove, soul, jazz and funk.  At the same time their lyrical messages are mind-provoking and full of truth and love.  Each musician brings their best to this project. Their music should be playing on every broadcast venue across the nation. This is a soundscape the world needs.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included