Liquid Soul

Originally assembled in Chicago during 1993, the acid jazz ensemble Liquid Soul drew its initial lineup from saxophonist and musical director Mars Williams, DJ Jesse de la Peña, guitarist Tommy Klein, bassist Ricky Showalter, trumpeter Ron Haynes, keyboardist Frankie Hill, and drummer Dan Leali. The septet swiftly became a local staple through consistent Sunday-night residencies at the Elbo Room, prompting the release of a self-titled debut album on the band’s own Soul What imprint. Early momentum received an additional lift from prominent engagements such as an appearance in President Bill Clinton’s inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., and a performance at basketball star Dennis Rodman’s birthday celebration; these events helped secure a 1996 reissue of the debut on Ark 21. After shifting the weekly Sunday shows to the Double Door, the group—still anchored by Williams, Showalter, Haynes, Hill, and Leali but now augmented by DJ Ajax, rapper the Dirty MF, guitarist Tommy Sanchez, trombonist John Janowiak, percussionist Newt Cole, and vocalist Simone (daughter of the legendary Nina Simone)—delivered its second album, Make Some Noise, in 1998. Two years afterward came Here’s the Deal, followed in 2002 by Evolution on Shanachie Records and, four years later, by One-Two Punch on Telarc. Liquid Soul co-founder and saxophonist Mars Williams passed away on November 20, 2023, at the age of 68.