Damon Short Sextet

Although Chicago-based, the Sextet pools the talents of artists from across the country, with internationally-noted trumpeter PAUL SMOKER, multi-reed artist PAUL SCEA (from Morgantown WV) and Chicagoan RYAN SHULTZ, bass trumpet, comprising a formidable front line. Brooklyn's JIM YANDA on guitar and fellow Chicagoan LARRY KOHUT (bass) join the leader on drums. These versatile musicians meet the challenge of Short's compositions, which range from evocations of New Orleans street bands to intricate conversations akin to contemporary chamber music. A band of committed individuals, conversant in all facets of modern creative music.

"...the most rewarding moments of the evening came when ensemble members would feed off of one another's intensity
and solo simultaneously." -- Dennis Polkow, Chicago Tribune 12/11/94

Short's first album, Penguin Shuffle, was released in late 1987 to widespread critical acclaim. His groups have performed at Chicago concert venues such as Southend Musicworks, Hot House, Link's Hall, Empty Bottle, Unity Temple, and the Chicago Jazz Festival and Club Tours.

In December 1994 Chicago's Southport label released Short's second album, All of the Above. This compilation of original work features the members of the touring sextet - five extended realizations of the leader's compositional and group vision, with influences drawn from Mingus, Ellington, Dolphy, Braxton, Berg and Messiaen. In 1995 the Sextet appeared at the "What is Jazz" festival at New York's Knitting Factory.