Love Call

Love Call is a collaborative trio composed of saxophonist Max Bessesen, bassist Ethan Philion, and drummer Devin Drobka—three acclaimed musicians whose individual voices come together to form a cohesive, leaderless ensemble. Initially based in Chicago, the group first performed as a trio in 2021 after years of intersecting through various projects in the city’s vibrant jazz scene.

Love Call’s music draws from the lyrical openness of artists like Ornette Coleman and Paul Motian, the boundary-defying energy of New York’s downtown scene, and the formal experimentation of the AACM. Each member contributes original compositions, resulting in a repertoire that is both exploratory and grounded in deep mutual trust. Their performances are known for their conversational interplay, dynamic range, and emotional depth.

Having toured throughout the United States and recorded their debut album in 2024, Love Call continues to carve out a distinct space in the contemporary jazz landscape—defined by bold improvisation, shared vision, and fearless creativity. They have toured the East Coast, Midwest, Southwest, and West Coast and performed at Hyde Park Jazz Fest, Ravenscroft, Bird and Beckett, Shapeshifter, Berlin, and more.

Personnel

Max Bessesen’s music is described by JAZZIZ as “pushing boundaries without being abstruse...stirringly emotive.” He lives in New York city and has performed with Ron Miles, Miguel Zenon, Tyler Mitchell, Darcy James Argue, and more.

Ethan Philion is based in Chicago where he performs frequently with Ernest Dawkins, Mark Feldman, Greg Ward, Jon Irabagon, Russ Johnson, and more. He is praised for his “astounding musicality” by the Washington Post and deemed “a marvel” by Peter Margasek.

Devin Drobka resides in Milwaukee and has worked with a wide variety of artists including Joe Lovano, Mario Pavonne, Greg Osby, Cecil McBee, and more. Chicago Reader describes his music as “pithy...There isn’t much in the midwest that sounds like this today.

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