The Vandermark 5

The Chicago-based avant-jazz unit Vandermark 5 are led by reedist Ken Vandermark, who founded the group in 1996 with saxophonist Mars Williams, trombonist Jeb Bishop, bassist Kent Kessler, and drummer Tim Mulvenna. The group's recording debut came early the following year with Single Piece Flow on the Chicago-based Atavistic label. The quintet returned in 1998 with Target or Flag, and each successive release garnered the group increasing critical praise. Saxophonist Dave Rempis replaced Williams prior to the Vandermark 5's third LP, Simpatico (1999). The group became a favorit...