Current projects include the Skruffians, President Flow, Prince Leia, Three Faces, Sarah Streitz Band, the Chris Hagedorn Quartet and different sub gigs. Lately I've also had shows with the Carluster Crumplebee Orchestra/Kairos Alive, Emoji Virtuosi and Sergott Solutions.
The Skruffians
The Skruffians plays authentic Minnesota ska, reggae and soul music inspired by classic Jamaican artists, jazz greats and others. The group includes horn players Todd Baer, Joe Mayo and Jared Jarvis; guitarist Park Evans, keyboardist Brian Knox, bassist Tom Hutton and sometimes other individuals. Always a good time.
New live recordings: https://soundcloud.com/theskruffians
President Flow
President Flow is a shockingly effective jazz-funk quintet based in Minneapolis. The group features some of the Twin Cities’ most versatile improvisers and skilled freelancers: saxophonist Joe Mayo (TC Latin Jazz Orchestra, Really Big Shoe, The Skruffians), saxophonist Peter Vicks (Moveable Feast, Cynthia Johnson, Rhythmic Circus: Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!), guitarist Park Evans (New Primitives, Firebell, Corey Palmer), bassist Josh Granowski (Cactus Blossoms, Wayne Horvitz, George Cartwright), and drummer Rick Nair (The Skruffians, Skadanks, Moby). President Flow is Art Tatum energy, evil dystopic leaders, and your favorite rap lyrics all rolled into one. https://www.facebook.com/PresidentFlow/
Prince Leia
Prince Leia is a new trio with Park Evans on guitar, Josh Granowski on bass, and Rick Nair on drums. The menu features reggae rhythms, dub feelings and a few jazz and funk conventions. While the term "dub trio" has been overused, and perhaps some of the reggae spirit (inherent in dub, traditionally) has been lost, we try to stick to a balanced diet. Look for a live recording in late 2016.
John Seymour Trio
John Seymour is an inspired guitarist, singer, songwriter and designer, and he is a good friend and father. John lets me help him develop his compositions, which involve folk and blues styles and which invoke prairie dreams, urban legends and hard memories. The music is inherently positive and always useful. John's live EP, Live At Flowers Studio -- April 26, 2013, and his live shows are graced by the sensitive bass playing of Dr. Michael Gold.
Three Faces
Three Faces is a unique Minneapolis-based jazz trio with experienced players Joe Mayo (tenor saxophone) and Dr. Michael Gold (bass). Joe and Michael are true improvisers, open to almost any idea while resting on an excellent knowledge of the jazz canon.
Sarah Streitz
Country-rock-soul singer/songwriter Sarah Streitz is a newercomer to the music scene, but she has been a practicing artist for decades. Sarah's songs feature accomplished players, clean melodies, understated solos, deceptively deep lyrics and expressive, accessible singing.
Chris Hagedorn
Independent tenor saxophone player and school builder Chris Hagedorn brings eclectic tastes and intelligent vibes to every gig. Chris and I have collaborated on numerous projects over many years. Today, we play in various trio settings that may involve Josh Granowski, Michael Gold or Ron Evaniuk on the bass.
Peter Vircks and Ron Evaniuk
I like to improvise with skilled players. Whenever possible, I accompany Peter Vircks (Rhythmic Circus) in a saxophone-drums duo that can stretch into open realms of jazz, Latin and whatever -- usually in a tea shop. Sometimes Ron Evaniuk (Harry Chapin alum) plays the bass with us. Check out Peter's excellent new CD, What You Believe Is True.
The Carluster Crumplebee Orchestra
This is a fun, meaningful vintage-jazz group with Tom Johnson (guitar), Paul Fonfara (clarinet), Keith Yanes (bass) and other cats. We usually support Kairos Alive community dance endeavors.
I'll try to keep the performance calendar up to date. Thanks for playing.