ALVIN COBB JR. TRIO

A native of Atlanta, Alvin Cobb, Jr., is a drummer, composer-songwriter, producer, and photographer currently based in Chicago. Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune once wrote, “Here was a drummer who can make his instrument sing, the lyricism of his work sustaining listener interest…Cobb has emerged as a distinctly charismatic player.” Graduating from Florida State University (B.A.) and Northwestern University (M.M.) with degrees in Music Performance, Alvin has gone on to work with countless artists, including Chance the Rapper, Nola Adé, Marcus Printup, Sherman Irby, Victor Goines, Dee Alexander, Patricia Barber, and Sarah Marie Young. He is the leader of the Alvin Cobb, Jr. Trio, consisting of bassist/vocalist Katie Ernst and pianist Julius Tucker. This trio formed during the pandemic to independently produce livestream concerts that would help raise funds for various charity organizations. Since their start in late 2020, the trio has performed at multiple festivals, held a residency at Chicago’s Andy’s Jazz Club, toured original live film scores, and placed 3rd in the 2022 Chicago Reader, “Best of Chicago” Poll for Best Jazz Ensemble. Heavily inspired by straight-ahead jazz trio playing, their music also incorporates cinematic textures, folk melodies, free improvisation, and modern Black music elements from Hip-Hop and R&B. Alvin’s debut album featuring this trio performing his new original compositions was released in May 2024.