Chris Hovan Organic Trio
Tapping into the current Hammond organ revival, Chris Hovan’s Organic Trio revisits the classic organ combo genre with a renewed sense of purpose that puts swing and soulful energy at a premium. Covering both modern repertoire and iconic standards from the jazz lexicon, the trio features Michigan native Cliff Metcalf on organ and Chandler Carpenter on guitar. Performances feature classic pieces by Dr. Lonnie Smith, Cleveland legend Neal Creque, David Sanborn, and the great Wes Montgomery.
Over the past 25 years, Chris Hovan has played in a variety of Northeast Ohio venues with such jazz artists as Rich Holsworth, Josh Smith, Francois Roland, Larry Ross, Jackie Warren, Jeremy Poparad, Bobby Selvaggio, Mark Russo, DANJO Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Shepherds, and Just Jazz. He has also shared the stage with such national artists as Tony Monaco, Arturo O’Farrill, Brian Lynch, Alex Harding, and James Carter. Hovan’s Generations Quartet is his latest group, the ensemble performing at The Bop Stop and Con Alma on several occasions. Hovan also performs as a percussionist with the horn-based ensemble Funkology and Doobie Brothers tribute band, China Grove.
Clif Metcalf, a Hammond B3 artist hailing from mid-Michigan, embodies versatility in music. Proficient across multiple instruments including upright bass, tenor sax, and piano, Metcalf’s musical journey began at a young age. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with jazz and blues luminaries such as Randy Napoleon, Diego Rivera, Harvey Mason, Larry McCray, and Thornetta Davis, performing in various locales including Vancouver, Miami, and Joe Bonamossa’s Keeping the Blues Alive cruise to the Dominican Republic. With a passion for jazz and blues, he regularly entertains audiences across Michigan and the Midwest with his soulful interpretations and dynamic performances. In addition to his busy performance schedule, Metcalf is devoted to sharing his musical knowledge and expertise with the next generation. Currently Metcalf is a music teacher in Holland, Michigan.
Guitarist Chandler Carpenter is a rising talent on the jazz scene having recently relocated to the New York area. The Brunswick native did his undergraduate studies at the University of Akron and earned his Master’s degree in jazz performance from Youngstown State University where he studied under many distinguished professors including Dave Morgan. He has performed with drummer Owen Davis, DANJO Jazz Orchestra, and has been a regular in the house band for BLU Jazz Akron’s monthly jam sessions. In addition, his music has been performed by Third Law Collective at the Bop Stop on several occasions. Carpenter currently resides in New Jersey where he works as a private school music teacher.