Brubeck Brothers Quartet celebrate the spontaneous spirit of Jazz

Apr 22, 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

SPOKANE – Great jazz performance is not music “by the book”, but an intuitive expression of the soul and growing up with legendary jazz pianist Dave Brubeck was the perfect schooling. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet will bring their unique sound of soulful jazz blended with a little funk in their upcoming appearance with the Spokane Symphony, conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu on Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m. at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

Although the quartet’s style is rooted in “straight-ahead” jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues and world music. The group’s creativity, technique and improvisation can be heard in their uncompromising music, which reflects their dedication to melody, rhythm, culture and the spontaneous spirit of jazz. Jazz critic Dr. Judith Schlesinger calls the music of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet “…uniformly excellent in its composition, execution, and recording quality. Once again the BBQ attains that rarified level where music is both relaxed and expressive, and their joy in its creation is contagious. There's nothing out there that comes close to their unique blend of inventiveness."

Chris Brubeck is a multi-faceted musician who is equally at home composing, conducting and performing. The program will feature music composed by Chris, as well as his arrangements of works by Fats Waller and Dave Brubeck. In addition, Chris will perform on bass guitar and trombone. The L.A Times calls Chris “…one of the most capable electric bassists, delivering imaginative solos.” The New York Post wrote of a Carnegie Hall performance, “The high point of the night came when Chris horned in on a beautifully reflective solo and switching instruments, blew one of the best trombone solos I’ve heard in years.”

Drummer Dan Brubeck is the rhythmic force of the Quartet and has toured the international music circuit for more than two decades. As a featured soloist with many of the world’s top jazz artists, his original drumming style and use of odd-time signatures have earned him international acclaim. His recording credits include performances with Larry Coryell, Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks and Roy Buchanan. JazzTimes Magazine wrote about him: “Dan will cause your mouth to drop open when you hear him. To call his drum solos exciting is to sell him short, but it is awesome soloing like this that characterize the entire recording.” His original drumming style, distinctive polyrhythmic solos, and use of odd time signatures have earned him standing ovations worldwide, and the respect of the international jazz community.

Guitarist and composer Mike DeMicco grew up in the arts colony of Woodstock, NY, immersed in blues, jazz and rock music. He has performed and recorded with Chris and Dan Brubeck since the late 1980s. In addition, Mike has worked with many celebrated artists, including Jack DeJohnette, Mose Allison, Dave Brubeck, Warren Bernhardt, Nick Brignola, Michael Franks, Garth Hudson, and W.C. Handy Blues Award-winner Rory Block. Mike is listed in Lewis Porter’s Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians and All About Jazz writes: “His diverse resume has contributed to his playing prowess . . . DeMicco possesses a fluid, melodic style and excellent technique and taste.”

Chuck Lamb, pianist, composer and percussionist, co-founded the group Dry Jack which was cited in the Rolling Stone History of Music as a premiere, cutting-edge jazz fusion group. He has garnered global acclaim including accolades for his creativity and expertise from a variety of publications including Billboard and Keyboard magazine, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times. He has played with many musical greats including the Woody Herman Orchestra, Bela Fleck, Dave Holland, Eddie Jefferson, Ginger Baker, Tom Harrell, and Ernestine Anderson. Northeast Wisconsin Music Review said: “Pianist Chuck Lamb sweeps together a stunningly comprehensive approach to the keyboard; he can play with elegance … or positively roar with the most leonine gestures. His imagination seems to know no bounds.” DownBeat Magazine calls him "A very proficient pianist and an expert soloist ... his original compositions are varied and exuberant; his work is exemplary."

In addition to selections with the Brubeck Brothers, the orchestra will perform a composition by Hans-Peter Preu entitled Bach on Broadway.

Tickets range from $25 to $52 and are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets may be purchased online at www.spokanesymphony.org  Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT.

CALENDAR LISTING:

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet Pops Concert; Eckart Preu conducts the Spokane Symphony; Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 8 p.m. in Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are $25 to $52. Call the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200 or purchase in person at Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague; tickets are also available through TicketsWest outlets or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT or online at www.spokanesymphony.org