"Joe Lovano is a very creative improviser who is much admired in jazz circles," said Bob Lark, ensemble conductor and coordinator of DePaul's highly-respected jazz program, from which ensemble members are chosen. "He was the overwhelming choice of the students."

     Considered one of the best saxophonists in jazz, Lovano was born in Cleveland in 1952 and began playing alto and tenor sax as a child. His father, musician "Big Tony" Lovano, schooled him in the basics, as well as dynamics and interpretation, and regularly exposed him to great jazz artists. Lovano attended the famed Berklee School of Music in Boston where he met and began playing with future collaborators John Scofield, Bill Frisell and Kenny Werner. After college he played in Cleveland and then settled in New York to tour and record with musicians including the Woody Herman Thundering Herd, Mel Lewis' Jazz Orchestra, John Scofield's quartet and the Paul Motian Trio.

     Throughout the 1990s, Lovano has experimented with different ensembles, composed performed and recorded. His CDs on the Blue Note label include "Universal Language," "Tenor Legacy" and "Rush Hour." His "Quartets: Live at the Village Vanguard," received two Grammy nominations and his "Celebrating Sinatra," was also nominated for a Grammy.

     In 1998, Lovano released "Flying Colors," a duo CD with Cuban Pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and "Trio Facination: Edition One," with drummer Elvin Jones and bassist Dave Holland. His 10th Blue Note release is "Friendly Fire" with saxophonist Greg Osby.

     The 18-member DePaul Jazz Ensemble has performed with a variety of well-known jazz artists at their annual concert presented near Valentine's Day. Past guests have included Byron Stripling, James Moody, Nancy Wilson, Clark Terry, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The ensemble also can be heard on three commercial CDs on the Reference Recordings label: "Ebony Concerto" with Chicago Symphony Orchestra clarinetist John Bruce Yeh; "Big Band Basie," with trumpeter Terry and saxophonist Frank Wess; and "Clark Terry Express" with Terry.

     In addition to these commercial recordings, Lark arranges for the band to record an annual CD that serves primarily as an educational and recruiting tool, but also is available for purchase at select Chicago music retailers. To celebrate his 10th year leading the band, Lark and the ensemble will record a live CD at the ensemble's concerts with trumpeter Tom Harrell at the Jazz Showcase May 2, 3 and 4.

     Tickets to the Feb. 5 "Jazz is For Lovers" concert featuring the DePaul Jazz Ensemble and guest artist Joe Lovano are $8 to $20, with discounts for senior citizens. For ticket information, call (312) 922-1999.