Jerome Jennings & iLL Philosophy

“Mr Jennings is just that kind of profoundly gifted individuals who makes it all happen.” — Raul Da Gama, poet, essayist, music critic

Jerome Jennings, drums 
DJ OOOChild, turntable
Malik Kiyoshi McLaurine, electric & acoustic bass
Steph Clement, trumpet/effects
Neta Raanan, tenor/soprano sax
Jordan Williams, piano/keyboard

In 2024, award-winning drummer and composer Jerome Jennings began the New York City based group, iLL Philosophy, with one thought in mind: integration. The group is a sonic throwback to the sounds of his youth growing up in the 1990s when he seamlessly alternated between playing at local jazz clubs and rocking hip hop crowds alongside rappers and DJs at house parties in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. After two decades of playing with jazz luminaries such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sonny Rollins, and Christian McBride, Jerome felt ready to officially start his own band. The concept of the group grew out of a desire to bring the various elements of his musical lineage together into one sound. iLL Philosophy is a celebration of many traditions—the blues, bebop, hip hop to electronic music. iLL Philosophy will make you bob your head and stomp your feet. Listeners have described the group's sound as “fresh,” “exciting,” and “truly unique.”

FREE Admission is available for students on this show!