Enamored by the 1950s, 60s and 70s jazz quintets led by Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Miles Davis and many others, John Lamkin II's Quintet specializes in presenting a repertoire of straight ahead jazz standards and originals.

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The name "Favorites" refers to the jazz music that he prefers to all others, as well as the many local musicians whom he selects to perform in his band due to their exceptional musical artistry and depths of friendship.

Dr. Lamkin received the 2014 Jazz Heroes Award from the Jazz Journalist Association for having a significant impact on jazz music in the Baltimore community.