Pat Mallinger’s Hometown Homecoming at the Artists Quarter

Written by Andrea Canter

"The daring of Mallinger's compositions, ingenuity of his arrangements, and ferocity of his solos are startling to hear” - Chicago Tribune

St. Paul native son and Chicago resident Pat Mallinger is one of the foremost sax players in the Midwest. Back in the Cities for Thanksgiving, Pat will give us plenty to be thankful for on his hometown stage at the Artists Quarter November 25 and 27-28. Twin Citians not already familiar with this multi-reed virtuoso will learn first-hand why Mallinger is a popular fixture at such Chicago venues as Andy’s and the Green Mill. His 2005 release, Moorean Moon, was recorded live at the 2000 North Sea Jazz Festival, and follows the highly regarded Monday Prayer to Tunkashila (1995). Of his first recording, which the Chicago Tribune dubbed “a stunning debut by any measure,” Saxophone Journal noted, "Not only do his solos exhibit a thorough understanding of America's art form, but his knowledge becomes especially visible through his exceptional writing and arranging skills. Each Mallinger composition shows remarkable craftmanship!"

As a youngster in St. Paul, Pat Mallinger was inspired by the Grass Junior High Jazz Band and recordings of Paul Desmond, and decided jazz rather than dentistry was his destiny. He played in the Sibley High School band, studied with his uncle Tommy Bauer and Brian Grivna, and often heard the great Eddie Berger perform around town. In addition to Desmond, Pat cites such early jazz influences as Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, and Miles Davis. After high school, Mallinger earned a degree in jazz studies from North Texas State and, in 1986, moved to Boston where he played with the Artie Shaw Orchestra.

Relocating to his current home in Chicago in 1990, Pat has played with Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Harry Connick, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.; he’s toured with Charles Earland, Woody Herman, and Cab Calloway, and appears in concerts and festivals around the world. In Chicago, he has appeared with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Kurt Elling, Howard Levy, and the 911 Mambo Orchestra; he co-leads the ensemble Sabertooth, which performs regularly at Andy’s and the Green Mill. Pat is also a committed jazz educator whose efforts include inspiring inner city students to pursue jazz as a member of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors Sextet. He also teaches at Columbia College and in the Chicago Public Schools. (Click here for an exclusive Jazz Police interview with Pat Mallinger.)

On July 14, 2000, Pat Mallinger and his quartet performed at the 25th North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Blue Jack Records Chairman Irv Rochlin attended the set, and five years later contacted Mallinger and festival officials for permission to release the tapes of the live session. The result was Moorean Moon, and it was well worth the wait. Mallinger’s straight-ahead, hard swinging sax is captured with all the verve and invention that marks live performances, and his Chicago-based quartet (Jim Ryan on piano, Jeff Stitely on drums, and the late Thomas Kini on bass) is a sympathetic a crew of collaborators. [Click here for a Jazz Police Review]

Pat has a number of projects underway these days. Sabertooth (a two-sax quartet) recently released Dr. Midnight, recorded live at the Green Mill for Delmark Records, and described by Jerry D’Souza (All About Jazz) as “filled with energy, intensity and elegance.” Wednesday night, November 25th, offers a perfect opportunity for relaxation before the frenzy of the holiday. And if you’re feeling a little sluggish after Thanksgiving, or perhaps in a state of sticker shock following the post-holiday shopping spree, you’ll find the antidote in the spontaneous combustion of another evening (or two) with the Pat Mallinger Quartet on Friday and Saturday nights. Joining Pat on the bandstand this weekend will be the great Twin Cities rhythm section of Chris Lomheim (piano), Tom Lewis (bass) and Kenny Horst (drums).
http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/8705/115/

Pat Mallinger -Moorean Moon