Vocalist Paul Marinaro's acclaimed album MOOD ELLINGTON has received national acclaim since its release, appearing on many "best of the year " lists and was chosen to be a marquee performance at the 2026 Chicago Jazz Festival Mainstage at Pritzker Pavilion. It is a swinging , powerful and deeply expressive celebration of the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn featuring Chicago's top musicians and the work of 13 different nationally lauded arrangers .

Featuring a full 9-piece ensemble, the program showcases the sophistication, swing, and emotional depth of the Ellington/Strayhorn canon through bold contemporary interpretations and richly textured orchestration — all brought to life through Marinaro’s acclaimed vocal artistry.

Paul Marinaro - vocals

Tom Vaitsas - piano

Mike Allemana - guitar

John Tate - bass

Neil Hemphill - drums

Rich Moore - alto sax, clarinet, flute

John Wojciechowski - tenor & soprano sax, flute

Ted Hogarth - baritone sax, bass clarinet

Eric Jacobson - trumpet, flugelhorn

Raphael Crawford - trombone

Featuring arrangements by: Mike Allemana, Alan Broadbent, John Clayton, Ryan Cohan, Bill Cunliffe, Carey Deadman, Mike Downes, Jim Gailloreto, Tom Garling, Chuck Israels, John Kornegay, Tom Matta, Chuck Owen