Ira Liss & Dan Radlauer. Like many creative artists during the pandemic, saxophonist/band leader Ira Liss and multi-instrumentalist/composer Dan Radlauer were inspired by their unexpected gift of time. They had collaborated previously on a number of projects but with this CD, they did something unusual. Dan and Ira invited musicians not usually associated with jazz to perform with Ira’s big band with arrangements by Dan. Artists as diverse as Country Music’s Vince Gill and jazz recorder virtuoso Tali Rubinstein—and everyone in between—jumped at this unique opportunity to play or sing with a big band with original compositions by Dan or songs of their choosing. The result is the CD, Unexpected Guests.

Jackie Warren is a legend behind the piano, from her work in the 3D Jazz Trio, to her work with Tito Puente and her place as one of the anchors of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.She leads this performance, where she’s joined by Saxophonist Steve Kortyka. Beyond the four releases as a band leader, Steve is a core member of the Brian Newman Quintet and his work anchors releases by Tony Bennett and live performances with Lady Gaga.But wait, as they say, there’s more. Jim Rupp joins this group on percussion and beyond some legendary performances with Woody Herman, Ray Charles and Natalie Cole and his extensive work as a drum educator Jim has forgotten more about drum performance than many of us will ever know.George Delancy rounds out this quartet on bass. George was a core member of the Larry Fuller Trio and has performed with Ben Patterson, Wynton Marsalis and Houston Person, among others.Enjoy this talented quartet as they perform a mix of standards and originals. From February 8th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for the Jackie Warren Quartet…Live at the Bop Stop.