Our Story
Bonzo Squad is an instrumental ensemble with a focus on creating music that sets the bar higher in terms of eclecticism and musicianship. The group consists of Bonzo himself, born Corbin Andrick, who plays saxophones, flute, and percussion. Completing the line up are Andrew Lawrence (keys and synths), Andrew Vogt bass, as well as Zack Marks sitting behind the drum kit. The band released their very first, self-titled album back in 2017. This release was received really well from the get-go, earning a coveted 4-star rating from Downbeat Magazine, as well as appearing on Spotify’s popular “The State of Jazz” playlist. The band’s debut was later topped with a second release in 2019, “There’s Always Tomorrow.” Recently, the squad released a third record entitled “Pachyderm.”
Bonzo Squad kept active during the Covid-19 pandemic, producing a series of virtual livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. They released the live album “Live At aliveOne” in 2020, and were nominated by the Chicago Reader as one of the best jazz bands in Chicago, in their 2020 best of poll.
In addition to their weekly residency at aliveOne, Bonzo Squad has held weekly residencies at Lilly’s (from 2014-2016), the Arrogant Frog (from 2016-2017), and aliveOne in Chicago Il (from 2018-present)
Bonzo Squad has produced tribute shows to Stevie Wonder and Vulfpeck through the Jazz Record Art Collective in Chicago, IL. They have also presented numerous educational clinics at High Schools, both in person and virtually. They were nominated as one of the best jazz bands by the Chicago Reader in their "2020 Best Of" poll, based primarily on our livestream concerts.
Bonzo Squad has given clinics at numerous high schools, including TF North, Hersey High School, Fremd, Wheeling HS, Rauner Prep HS, Morton Grove HS. These clinics have been held both in-person, and virtually during the pandemic. Andrew Lawrence has toured nationally and internationally with District 97, playing venues all across the United States, in Canada, in Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Andrew Lawrence and Zack Marks have toured across the US with Bonelang, performing at such festivals as Middle of the Map in Kansas City, MO, Mile of Music in Appleton, WI, SXSW in Austin, TX, and at Wonderstruck Music Festival in Cleveland, OH.