Imperial Boxmen represents a culmination of keyboardist/producer Kevin Ford’s years of studio composition and live experimentation. Riding through an international confluence of downtempo, jazz, and funk, the music features a power ensemble of heavyweight Chicago players. After years of underground exposure in Chicago as a niche acid jazz trio (made up of Ford, Austin, and Plotkin) focused on recreating the songs sampled in 90’s hip hop, the Boxmen sound gradually tied in more of Ford’s musical influences in Afrobeat and the Ethiopiques sound of the ‘70s.

Ford’s experience working and performing with the late Fela Kuti drummer, Tony Allen and Chicago Afrobeat Project, and his work as an electronic music producer and downtempo DJ combine with Alex Austin’s masterful bass tactics, Noah Plotkin’s authentic 70s drumming style, and the rhythmic virtuosity of Jonathon Marks and Danjuma Gaskin’s percussion performances.

Born during a time of near-total live music hiatus in 2020, these heavy hitters of the Chicago music world converged on Ford’s recording studio and crafted a surreal trip of the collective consciousness.

Every Wednesday at the Relax Attack Jazz Series, we present Chicago’s top jazz artists in a lively atmosphere, full of cocktail-shaking and spirited conversation.

6pm doors. 9pm show. No cover.