GB Duo

The GB Duo is an eclectic jazz duo that plays Swing and Bebop era standards, Broadway and Great American Songbook tunes, and hits by pop and rock artists such as the Beatles, Steely Dan, and Carlos Santana.

The Duo consists of guitarist Jon Gould and bassist Max Benson. Both Jon and Max are professional, gigging musicians with years of experience playing together. Having played in bands throughout high school and now while studying on scholarship as jazz studies majors at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, Jon and Max continue to collaborate.

The GB Duo debuted in the summer of 2010 when they were asked to play jazz during the cocktail hour of a wedding. Finding the experience to be rewarding, Jon and Max decided to forge ahead. Since then, the GB Duo has played events in the Chicagoland and Detroit metropolitan area.

The GB Duo's specialty is providing cool music and ambience for restaurants and cocktail hours. Whether it’s for a wedding, a corporate event, a fundraiser, or any other party, the GB Duo will provide the perfect mood and background. The GB Duo also has access to a multitude of other great musicians consisting of drummers, singers, pianists, saxophonists, trumpeters, and trombonists, depending on your needs.

The GB Duo is young, talented, and affordable! They look forward to playing for you!

"I had the pleasure of working with the GB duo last summer when I hired them for my wedding. Not only are these musicians incredibly talented, they are also meticulously prepared. The music they played as we walked down the aisle was their suggestion and it brought many of us to tears. It was refreshing to have such talented musicians add that special element of sophistication without the worry. The GB duo are not your average musicians, they are dedicated and talented professionals who are incredibly personable and overall a pleasure to know and work with. I would recommend them without hesitation for any occasion."

-Sheryl Daniels, Daniels/Tuckman wedding

"Working with GB Duo for our gala was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. All aspects of their performance were tailored to our guests and the atmosphere of the event."

-Sarah Theriault, American Cancer Society

"If you need entertainment for a special event, I highly recommend the GB Duo. When my mother turned 90 this year we threw a big party for her. We hired the GB Duo with Max Benson and Jon Gould to entertain us before and after the luncheon. What a good decision that was! The GB Duo arrived on time and were very professional. Max and Jon played Jazz standards, including my mother's favorite Cole Porter songs (they asked for her favorites in advance in order to prepare). Mom was tickled to hear the songs of her heyday. Many guests commented on the GB Duo's excellent performance. Having Max & Jon entertain us really added to the success of the event."

-Anne Casazza Reinstein, Casazza family reunion

"The GB Duo performed at our annual fundraiser this past weekend and they were terrific! The group was very professional and our guests were extremely impressed by their talent. They were so easy to work with and really added an element of sophistication to our event. They have a wide variety of repertoire and really listened to our preferences. We would love to work with them again!"

-Sonya Jacobs, Anti-Defamation League