Live at Studio5! SOUL MESSAGE BAND

[Still photos by Steve Stroud]

SOUL MESSAGE BAND

Chris Foremen - B3 Organ
Greg Jung – saxophone
Greg Rockingham – drums

Hammond B3 Organ Hall of Famers!

This is actually two stories in one, celebrating both the extraordinary music of these Hammond B3 Hall Of Fame members and the 43 year friendship and musical collaboration between Chris Foreman and Greg Rockingham. 

The Soul Message Band first played at Studio5 in 2022 and all I could say was OH MY GOD. I think they lifted the roof right off the place. Have you ever loved a live recording and thought, “I wonder what it was like to be in THAT room”? Well, that entire night with the Soul Message Band I kept thinking, “I AM IN THAT ROOM!” Chris Foreman is a true giant of the B-3 organ, and his powerful group delivers a performance that is absolutely electrifying. And one of the reasons this group sounds so mind-bogglingly tight is the fact that Chris and his aptly-named rock-solid drummer Greg Rockingham have been dear friends and musical colleagues for 43 years! This long friendship is powerful, both musically and emotionally. It is such an honor to witness them performing together.

Chris Foreman is a consummate musician and heir to the throne occupied by the soulful, bluesy jazz organ legends who were once his influence. Blind at birth, Foreman started playing piano at age five and began formal training at seven. As a teenager he was attracted to the organ sounds of Jack McDuff, Groove Holmes, Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff. This attraction led Chris to pursue playing jazz on the organ, which he undertook through intensive study of recordings. He has arrived at a most exciting blend of blues-gospel and jazz and has developed a stunning command and range on the instrument, leading him to work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Mighty Blue Kings and Deep Blue Organ Trio.

Joining Chris Foreman and Greg Rockingham is the fine young saxophonist Greg Jung. Strap yourself in, because we are in for an exciting night. Studio5 is thrilled to welcome the Soul Message Band back to our stage. –SR

Our ticket prices include all fees and taxes, so the price you see is the price you pay. Nothing extra on checkout. We have a cash bar, light snacks, and free parking right outside! Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. [NOTE: Ticket sales on this website end one hour before showtime. Any remaining tickets are available for purchase at the door.]

LIVESTREAM: For those unable to attend this event in person, we now offer online streaming. Online viewers can watch live or up to seven days following the event, broadcast in high resolution audio and video, using multiple cameras. Tickets to watch this event online are available HERE.

Live taping for CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE on WDCB!
Our syndicated radio program, CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE, is now in its eleventh season! Be part of the studio audience and behind the scenes for an exciting live recording of this performance. CJL airs locally on WDCB (90.9FM or WDCB.org), Tuesdays 7-8PM. Come to the taping ... and then tune in!

Many thanks to our media sponsor, WDCB!