The Edwin Daugherty Quartet Satisfies Jazz Lovers' Cravings at the 2007 Chicago Jazz Festival

The Edwin Daugherty Quartet received a standing ovation following their stellar performance at the 29^th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival in Grant Park on September 1, 2007. Aided by good weather and an excellent turnout, the quartet wowed an appreciative crowd with an eclectic selection of music, including a few original pieces written by the group's leader, alto saxophonist Edwin A. Daugherty.

The talented quartet kicked off their hour-long performance with the up-tempo song "Tigress," during which Daugherty gave everyone a taste of his musical prowess on the saxophone. Other noteworthy selections included the quartet's rendition of blues song "C.C. Rider," the heart-wrenching ballad, "What Was," written by Daugherty, and the avant-garde piece, "Traffic," also written by Daugherty, which received two thumbs up from non-traditional jazz lovers in the audience. The quartet also performed "Jasmine," a smooth piece that Daugherty wrote in honor of his wife Shirley, who loves the soothing fragrance of Jasmine.

The Edwin Daugherty Quartet has been in existence for approximately one year and has performed locally throughout the city of Chicago. Other members of the Edwin Daugherty Quartet include bass player, David Williams, a.k.a. "Dawi," drummer Avreeayl Ra, and pianist Justin Dillard. During the Jazz Festival, this talented group of accomplished musicians took turns impressing the audience with their solo performances, which ranged in nature from high energy to pure brilliance.

Daugherty, a highly seasoned musician, has a musical career that spans 40 years. He has played with such well-known artists as Quincy Jones, Wilson Pickett, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, and Luther Allison. His long list of credentials made him a much sought-after performer for the 2007 Chicago Jazz Festival, and he did not disappoint.

Programmed by the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Jazz Festival is one of the largest festivals in the city and takes place each year in Grant Park, located in downtown Chicago. Over the years, this free event has featured many jazz greats, including Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Von Freeman, Johnny Frigo and Roy Hanes. This year's event kicked off with a concert by the legendary Herbie Hancock.