After living in New York for six years and building up a solid reputation there, he returned to his home town where, during a month-long residency at Café The Whistler, he formed his new group: Rogue Parade. The cast is striking. Ward is accompanied by not only bassist Matt Ulery and drummer Quin Kirchner but also guitar players Dave Miller and Matt Gold.

Their sound, sometimes calmly interwoven but often gritty and forceful, creates an inspirational setting for Ward to vary from sparingly measured lyrical lines to rapid flourishes with his alto sax. The title of their album, Stomping Off From Greenwood, refers to the street in South Chicago where Ward lived upon returning home. No wonder that the vibrant vibe of Chicago pervades all the music of Rogue Parade.