Corky Siegel, Ernie Watts, Kaylan Pathak

Corky Siegel is known internationally as one of the worlds great blues harmonica players, blues pianist, singer-songwriter, creator of CHAMBER BLUES and the sole pioneer/composer of award-winning revolutionary works that weave blues and classical forms together. Co-founder of the SIEGEL-SCHWALL BAND, and Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Corky Siegel has a catalogue of recordings on RCA, Vanguard, Alligator, and million selling blues/classical recordings on the iconic classical label Deutsche Grammophon. His close associations with the blues masters in the earlier days of Chicago blues, his essential part in the blues rock revolution, and his surprising success in bringing together blues and classical audiences make him a pivotal (though inconspicuous) figure in modern music history. “underappreciated national treasure” - DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.

Ernie Watts "He is one of the greatest living tenor saxophonists, at the top of his game."
Ian Patterson / All About Jazz | Two-time Grammy Award winner Ernie Watts is one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music. It has been more than fifty years since he first picked up a saxophone, and from age sixteen on he has been playing professionally, initially while still attending school. Watts has been featured on over 500 recordings by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa, always exhibiting his unforgettable trademark sound. In 2014, Watts received the prestigious Frankfurt Music Prize given by the city of Frankfurt, Germany. It is presented to both classical and non-classical musicians. Of the 32 current winners, only 6 have been jazz musicians. Per the Frankfurt Music Prize Foundation, Watts was "selected for his strikingly melodic saxophone style and his original tone language, with which he has already enriched several generations of musicians. "Previous jazz honorees include Chick Corea, Paquito D'Rivera, and John McLaughlin. In 2015, Watts was selected as Guest of Honor at the Telluride Jazz Festival in Colorado, and played on the Ernie Watts Main Stage with his own Quartet.

Kaylan Pathak “Fleet Finger Virtuosity” says Chicago Tribune Critic, Howard Reich for Kalyan Pathak “Signature Brand of Percussion Magic” Downbeat Magazine Kalyan Pathak is one of the most sought-after tabla, drumset and multi-ethnic percussionists in the USA. With a career spanning diverse genres and international stages, Pathak's musical journey is a testament to his unparalleled talent and versatility. From performing alongside icons like Aretha Franklin and jazz organist Dr. Lonnie Smith to being a vital part of esteemed ensembles like the Aretha Franklin Orchestra, invited to perform at the Aretha Franklin Memorial as an RnB percussionist in August 2018, Pathak's impact on the global music scene is significant. Memorable performances include showcases at renowned venues such as the High Sierra Music Festival in California, the Noche Primavera Festival in Mexico City, the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL, and the Pritzker Pavilion at the Chicago Jazz Festival. Pathak's musical accomplishments extend beyond performances. He has been a soloist with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and the San Francisco Ballet, toured in Israel with Alberto Mizrahi and Peter Yarrow under the musical direction of Howard Levy, and collaborated with artists like Fareed Haque, Howard Levy, and Greg Spero for over 2 decades. A recipient of a scholarship to the Chicago Musical College, Pathak earned his bachelor's degree in jazz studies with Summa cum laude honors and was named to the National Dean's List in 1996. Known for his dynamic stage presence and proficiency across drumset, tabla, and world percussion, Pathak captivates audiences with his rhythmic innovation and improvisational skill. Continuing to explore new artistic horizons, Pathak has composed for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's "Immigrant Stories" and recorded with his ensemble "Jazz Mata." He has also collaborated with the Chicago Silk Road Project, Fulcrum Point New Music, and Bollywood film composers Shankar Ehsaan Loy, showcasing his adaptability and inventive arranging style. Currently, Pathak tours with blues harmonica and piano legend Corky Siegel, leading Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues to new heights. As a longstanding member of the Tributosaurus band since 2002, Pathak's meticulous attention to detail and virtuosic command of a variety of percussion instruments have solidified his reputation as a true master of his craft. Pathak's dedication to his artistry is further exemplified through his role as an Artist Endorsee for Tycoon Percussion, Paiste Cymbals, and MalletKat. Whether gracing the stage or captivating audiences through recordings, Pathak's musical prowess continues to inspire and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of percussion and beyond. Kalyan Pathak is a composer, musician, drummer and a percussion player of a multi cultural experience covering a very vast base.