Messenger

AACM saxophonist, composer and bandleader Ernest Dawkins brought his NHE into the Velvet Lounge on July 14, 2005 for this live CD knowing it would be one of the groups' last performances at the historic "old" Velvet Lounge. The club is now closed (the last night was April 1, 2006), though the new location is supposed to be open in May. Trumpeter Maurice Brown has been gaining critical acclaim and popularity in the last two years, as he's been working with Dawkins whenever possible since relocating to New Orleans. For his return to Chicago for this gig, he's joined by Steve Berry on trombone, Darius Savage on bass and Isaiah Spencer on drums.