Chi-Town Social Club is a super group that consists of some of music’s most famed sidemen.

About the Artists:

Darryl Jones ~ Born on the south side of Chicago, Darryl picked up the electric and later acoustic bass, playing in a local band alongside pianist Ken Chaney and guitarist Phil Upchurch, and on occasion, drummer Vince Wilburn, Jr. who turned out to be jazz legend Miles Davis’ nephew, and he recommended Darryl to his uncle. A try-out in New York was arranged which promptly landed him the gig. Darryl appeared on such ’80s-era Davis recordings as 1983’s Decoy and 1985’s You’re Under Arrest. Moving to New York City, he quickly built a name for himself in the local jazz scene where he played and/or recorded alongside his fellow bandmates in Davis’ band. Jones’ next prestigious gig came on another recommendation, when saxophonist Branford Marsalis helped set up a try-out for Sting’s initial solo project; he played on 1985’s Dream of the Blue Turtles, appeared Bring on the Night as well as touring. Always in demand, he also toured and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel and Madonna. In 1993, he landed the gig as bassist for the Rolling Stones, replacing longtime member Bill Wyman. Darryl has been in the group ever since, appearing on such studio recordings as 1994’s Voodoo Lounge and 1997’s Bridges to Babylon, as well as numerous tours. Darryl continues to guest on other artist’s recordings, including albums by Joan Armatrading, Buckshot LeFonque, Joe Cocker, and B.B. King, among others; and scoring for film including Sundance winner Love Jones (1997).

Vince Wilburn, Jr. ~ Chicago born, he was banging on pots and pans before he could walk. At the tender age of 9, Vince’s uncle – jazz legend Miles Davis – had Vince sit in on a set with his band at the Plugg Nickel in old town Chicago. Vince played in his own band, AL7, and his uncle used to come to the shows or listen to the band rehearse. Vince recorded a couple of records with Ramsey Lewis and worked with Oscar Brown, Jr. He joined soul-influenced funk sensation Cameo in 1983, and continued to record with Miles’ band. From there Vince moved into producing, starting with the GRAMMY award-winning Aura. But it was in the summer of 1984 Vince began to live his dream, co-producing and sharing the drum chair with his idol, Al Foster on Miles’ You’re Under Arrest and Miles added him to the drum throne in his band. Relocating to the west coast, it was in Los Angeles that Vince founded his production company NEFDRUM. In addition to heading NEFDRUM, Vince and his cousins Cheryl and Erin oversee Miles Davis Properties, LLC. Vince was Executive Producer on Miles Ahead, the Miles bio pic featuring Don Cheadle, and the soundtrack for the film.

Nicholas Tremulis ~ Closing in on 30 years as a recording artist, Nicholas Tremulis and his group the Nicholas Tremulis Orchestra – or NTO as they’re known affectionately in Chicagoland – has recorded over 8 albums starting in 1986 on Island Records and has played and recorded with a trainload of legendary artists, such as Keith Richards, Billy Corgan, David Amram, Marianne Faithful, Richard Hell, Kurt Elling, Ian Hunter, David Johansen, Maceo Parker, Ronnie Spector, Jim Lauderdale, Hubert Sumlin, Mavis Staples, Ivan Neville, Rick Danko, Sir Mac Rice, Willie Nile and Wilco. Nick is also in 2 side projects: Candy Golde, with Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Bun E. Carlos, (Cheap Trick) John Stirratt, (Wilco) and Rick Rizzo (11th Deam Day) and The Fauntleroys with Alejandro Escovedo, Ivan Julian and Linda Pitmon. A sought after session musician, producer and arranger; Tremulis recently produced an album with local folk artists, Bittersweet Drive as well as playing guitar on Derek And The Dominos/ George Harrison sideman, Bobby Whitlock’s forthcoming album. Nick has written over a 1,000 jingles, scored over forty films and plays, and won an Emmy in 2015 for the PBS documentary on architect Carlo Bontempi. Nick also hosted the 5-year hit radio show Eclectic Company on WXRT (93.1) with Jon Langford (Mekons).

Shawn Christopher ~ Shawn is well known for her enormous vocal pipes. She was a touring backing vocalist for legend Chaka Khan from 1982 to 1985. Shawn was a force in the wall of sound in the eclectic, exciting genre-bending rock & roll group Sonia Dada. She was also a member of the well-loved industrial band My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. Shawn’s brother is R&B singer, keyboardist and producer Gavin Christopher. Always in demand, Shawn was critical to the second Nicholas Tremulis Band album for Island Records under Chris Blackwell. Shawn sang lead for record producer Lil Louis on French Kiss which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. She scored three #1 singles of her own with Another Sleepless Night, Don’t Lose the Magic and Sweet Freedom. In addition she sang backing vocals on Jimmy Sommerville’s smash #1 hit Heartbeat and Shawn’s songs are frequently requested for sampling. Shawn and her husband live in southern California where she is a Worship Leader for Saddleback Church and continues her love of singing.