5 – 6:15pm Heirloom
Heirloom, a standout in the vibrant Milwaukee jazz scene, comprises guitarist-composer Ben Dameron and drummer Hannah Johnson. Dameron, transitioning from classical to electric jazz guitar, brings authority and skill honed from his classical background. Johnson, recognized for leading her own jazz group, impresses with her effortless mastery of modern jazz swing, showcasing versatility and a captivating rhythmic prowess.
Their collaboration as Heirloom reflects a fusion of distinctive talents, each contributing to a cohesive and dynamic sound greater than the sum of its parts. Their name aptly captures their dedication to preserving and evolving the jazz tradition, akin to nurturing a valuable object with skill and vision.
Their performances exude a deep understanding and appreciation of jazz, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Witnessing their chemistry, particularly evident in their propulsive style and stimulating improvisation, leaves audiences captivated and inspired. Whether interpreting Thelonious Monk tunes or presenting original compositions, Heirloom delivers engaging and beautiful music that resonates with listeners.
The band’s rise in prominence reflects their ability to captivate audiences and garner acclaim within the local jazz community. With Dameron’s electric guitar expertise and Johnson’s exceptional drumming skills, Heirloom stands out as a beacon of excellence in modern jazz.
In essence, Heirloom represents the culmination of two remarkable talents converging to create music that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking. Their performances, marked by skillful musicianship and creative energy, demonstrate their commitment to keeping the jazz tradition alive while pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.
6:45 – 8pm John Christensen Quartet
Award winning bassist, composer and Shifting Paradigm recording artist John Christensen supplies an open-hearted solidity and adventurous spirit to all of his music endeavors. With an appetite for expressing in many musical genres and situations, John has found a unique compositional voice, as demonstrated on his highly acclaimed debut album as a leader, Dear Friend.
While an ardent student and practitioner of improvised Black American Music, John’s music also has deep roots in Rock, Folk, and Americana. Content to have his bass playing compared to Charlie Haden’s lyricism, as in reviews for Johannes Wallmann’s latest album Precarious Towers, he’s also happy to have comparisons difficult to find. His compositions strive toward a hopefulness and appreciation for the beauty and awe of life, and the wonder of small, important things.
John Christensen began his bass studies with Chris Wood in high school. After brief stints at Berklee College and North Texas, John moved to San Francisco and played in the burgeoning music scene during the late 90’s. Since Moving to Wisconsin in 1999 John has become a highly sought-after side musician, playing with numerous regional and international artists and bands. He leads his own groups and is also a co-founder of Lesser Lakes Trio with longtime collaborators Devin Drobka and Jamie Breiwick as well as KASE, an improvised hip hop trio with Jamie and Turntablist Jordan Lee.
