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Discography (as a sideman)
Here is a list of CDs I've recorded as a sideman since 1992 on various instruments with musicians from the Midwest. Most are jazz recordings, but some are not. The CDs that are available on the web are appropriately linked.
This Central Illinois quartet plays an impressive array of music, and this CD highlights many original compositions. I occasionally have the great fortune of performing as an added member, and was thrilled to play some vibes and organ on their debut CD along with Andy Burtschi (bass), Dave Burdick (guitar), Perry Rask (sax), and Darin Holthaus (drums). The Order this CD.
A live recording by the smokin' guitarist/composer from Urbana! Jake's third album was recorded over two nights at the Iron Post in his own hometown. Favorite musicians Zach Mangan (drums) and Kevin Turner (bass) were joined by myself (vibes) for night one, and by Rocky Maffit (percussion) for night two. Complete with the energy and raw feel of a live show. Order this CD.
A very nice album of original material by Sam on guitar featuring Andy Burtschi (bass), Darrin Holthaus (drums), Brian Justinson (drums), Perry Rask (alto sax), Cassie Hart (alto sax), and myself (keyboard). Sam has many other albums of interesting original material available also. Order this CD.
This album has a very nice "vibe" to it, so to speak. It accurately documents a Dave Dreyer experience, featuring standards and blues tunes. The lineup includes Dave Dreyer (vocals and other instruments), Josh Walden (bass, Don Heitler (piano), Rob Hecht (violin), Brian Wilke (guitar), Josh Quirk (drums), Dean Walden (keyboards, vocals, and producer), Matt Stewart (guitar), and myself (vibes).
Guitarist and vocalist Joe Metzka has established himself around the Peoria area as a cross-over blues and jazz musician. This album features Joe singing and playing in the Nat King Cole trio setting featuring Tim Brickner (bass), and myself (piano). For more info, visit Joe's website.
A compilation of alternate takes from Birds Eyes View, cuts from an old release called Local Heroes, and some home studio tunes. Featuring Sam on guitar; Andy Burtschi and Gene Haas (bass); Darin Holthaus, Brian Justinson, and Jaro Howse (drums); Perry Rask and Cassie Hart (alto sax); Jane Hartman and myself (piano). Order this CD.
This album features Joe's bluesy interpretations of some jazz standards featuring Tim Brickner (bass), Doug Daniels (sax), Jeff Magby (drums), and myself (piano). For more info, visit Joe's website.
This album was of course recorded live, and features the more bluesy side of Joe and friends. It is fun to listen to as Joe lets various members of the band stretch out and jam. Featuring along with Joe (guitar and vocals) is Tim Brickner (bass), Joe Beck (drums), and myself (piano). For more info, visit Joe's website.
Recorded live at a Central Illinois Jazz Society Concert, this album features trumpeter Dave Hoffman (formerly with the Ray Charles Orchestra) playing original compositions, a standard, and a couple of my own tunes. This is a very nice band featuring Doug Stone (tenor sax), Mike Nellas (guitar), Andy Crawford (bass), Tom Marko (drums), and myself (vibes). Order this CD.
This live recording features Champaign/Urbana's 70+ piece premiere lesbian/feminist chorus. I played marimba on the title track along with Patience Maduka (vocals), Rocky Maffit (percussion), and Chad Dunn (percussion). Order this CD.
This was a very special album to be a part of because Mark Urness (bass) and myself (drums) got to record with our mentor from UNI, Bob Washut (piano). The album features some great compositions by Bob and Mark, and thanks to Tom Tatman (audio engineer), the sound quality is fantastic. Songbook also received some national airplay on some syndicated jazz shows. Order this CD.
It took the dedication of Kristen Johns to organize a large collaboration of musicians and songwriters from Champaign-Urbana to create such a project. The jazzy first half of this CD features locals such as Donnie Heitler (piano), Brian Wilke (guitar), Jeff Magby (drums), Gary Peyton (drums), Jeff Helgesen (trumpet), Josh Walden (bass), Tim Green (piano), Armand Beaudoin (bass), myself (vibes & drums) and many more.
Now here is a compatible group of musicians. Dave Hoffman (trumpet), Doug Stone (tenor sax), Mike Nellas (guitar), Tim Brickner (bass), and myself (drums). We're playing Dave's wonderful compositions, and really digging the awesome tenor work of a teen-aged Doug Stone. Also recorded and mixed very well by Steve Yates. Order this CD.
Brian and Dave have worked together for a very long time, and it was a pleasure to work with them regularly when we all lived in Champaugn. This album features Dave (vocals, flute, harmonica), Brian (guitars, bass), Donnie Heitler (keyboards), and myself (vibes, drums). Standards, two tunes by Brian, and one of my own are featured.
This was my first of my experiences with Kristen John's massive artistic undertakings. This CD is made up of music composed and performed by a large number of C-U rock, blues, and jazz musicians too numerous to mention, and is mostly in a rock and pop style. Kristen, and Mark Rubel (audio engineer) have organized several such projects, and hopefully they will continue to do so.
The talented multi-instrumentalists Scott Ligon and Josh Shane have collaborated for a wide variety of exceptional projects over the years, so I was thrilled to play vibes on one of their tracks. Along with Scott and Josh, the group is rounded out by Tim Brickner (bass), and Randy Rogers (drums). This entertaining CD features all-original material that blends country, rock-a-billy, and jazz.
This album features Carl and Andrew on trombones, in a setting much like the sessions of J.J Johnson and Kai Winding. "Groovin' trombones, the forgotten jazz instruments, lead the charge in this unique album. The saxophones are mysteriously missing." Also featured are Joe Metzka (guitar), Earl Gately (bass), John Sluzalis (drums), and myself (piano). Visit Carl's website.
For a brief time I was a member of this band on drums and vibes, and got to experience the legendary musical leadership of John Garvey (director of classic University of Illinois jazz bands). This live concert CD features many UI alumni, classic big band arrangements, and compositions by former faculty and alumni.
I was thrilled to play drums with this highly musical piano trio for a few years. Jane Hartman (piano) and Gene Haas (bass) have played together for many years, and have continued to warm the hearts of music fans around the Springfield area and beyond. This was the first of a series of Jane's recordings for which more information can be found on her website.
I've recorded cassettes, and even a 45 rpm record, but this was my first CD. It was a great experience playing drums and vibes in Bob Washut's big band as well as being his teaching assistant. His own eclectic tastes inspire his students to appreciate, respect, and learn many styles within the jazz idiom. In addition to some LPs, this is the first of many exceptional UNI jazz band CDs. Get more info.
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