The Hyde Park Jazz Festival proudly presents Willie Jones III Quintet in their latest project Our Man Higgins, a dynamic tribute to the legendary drummer Billy Higgins. Known for his integral role in shaping the sound of modern jazz, Higgins contributed to more than 700 recordings over his illustrious career, collaborating with greats like Ornette Coleman, Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, and Cedar Walton. This special performance is a rare opportunity to revisit some of the music that Higgins helped bring to life, reimagined through Jones’s own masterful touch to create a celebration of one of jazz’s most influential drummers that you won't want to miss.
Read below to learn more about Willie Jones III Quintet and their upcoming Hyde Park Jazz Festival performance on Saturday, Sept. 28th at 8:00pm at the Wagner Stage.
Willie Jones III is one of the most celebrated drummers of his generation, having played with iconic jazz artists such as Roy Hargrove, Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, and Sonny Rollins. His versatility as a drummer has made him a fixture in modern jazz, whether leading his own groups or being a vital sideman in some of jazz’s most acclaimed ensembles. As a bandleader, Jones brings both technical precision and emotional depth, making each performance a rich, engaging experience.
With Our Man Higgins, Jones pays homage not only to Billy Higgins’s genius as a drummer but also to his legacy as a community builder. In 1989, Higgins co-founded The World Stage in Los Angeles, a cultural center that remains a vibrant space for the advancement of African-American music, literature, and art. Just as Higgins sought to cultivate and uplift his community, this spirit of mentorship and creativity continues to contribute to the cultivation of jazz musicians and their music to this day.
oining Jones in this tribute are some of today’s finest musicians: Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Ralph Moore on tenor saxophone, David Williams on bass, and Jeremy Manasia on piano. Each member of the quintet is a powerhouse in their own right, and together they create a sound rooted in tradition while looking towards the future, much like Higgins himself.
As the Willie Jones III Quintet celebrates the legacy of Billy Higgins, it also draws connections to Chicago’s own jazz history, which is deeply intertwined with community-building and creative exploration. Join us for this heartfelt tribute to a jazz legend whose contributions transcend the music itself.
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