Artist description Groove-oriented, guitar-driven, melodic instrumental jazz/r&b. "I think that a lot of today's instrumental music either takes itself so seriously that it intimidates people or it's so sterile and processed that it lacks passion and soul," observes guitarist Askold Buk. "That's quite a change from the great R&B instrumentals that I remembertunes that made you smile and dance and just plain feel good. What I wanted to do with this band, and record, was to recapture that vibe, so I started writing instrumental songs that were catchy, fun to play, and hopefully, fun to listen to."

Music Style Melodic guitar-driven groove-oriented jazz/r&b instrumentals..

Musical Influences Too many to name!

Similar Artists Meters; Herbie Hancock/Headhunters; Medeski, Martin & Wood; Soulive; Eddie Harris; Mark Knopfler; Bill Frisell; John Scofield; Jeff Beck; Santana.

Artist History Askold Buk is no stranger to instrumental music—his previous band Sweatbox was featured on the soundtrack of "Blixa Bargeld Stole My Cowboy Boots," an entry in the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Askold has also worked with jazz trumpeter Hugh Masakela, the "world beat" group Bature (with guest artists Wayne Shorter and Alex Acua) and blues legend Johnnie Johnson. Before forming his current trio, Askold developed a series of highly-acclaimed instructional guitar videos, where he interviewed and accompanied luminaries such as B.B. King, John Scofield, Albert Lee, Steve Morse, Jack Bruce and Hank Marvin. Askold's fiery guitar playing is propelled by one of the most captivating rhythm sections in New York City—the powerhouse tandem of Gene Eames (bass) and Steve Williams (drums). Gene Eames' slinky basslines have been featured on projects by singer-songwriters such as Chris Stills and Adam Cohen. Recent addition Steve Williams has worked with artists as varied as jazz vibrophonist Roy Ayers and Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. He is currently the touring drummer with Sade.

Group Members Askold Buk -guitarGene Eames -bassSteve Williams -drumswith:Brian Shanley -drumsKen Fradley -trumpetCharlie Giordano -keyboardsJack Waltrip -tenor saxBob Sherwin -alto saxGreg Witchel -harmonica

Instruments Guitar, bass, drums, with trumpet, organ, saxes and blues harp.

Albums Askold Buk (Toka Records)

Press Reviews "Guitarist Askold Buk not only has deep roots in the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz and what is being increasingly enjoyed as world music, but he also exemplifies the convictionfrom B.B. King and Louis Armstrong to Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie—that music should enliven the spirit—should be fun as well as evocative of the whole range of feelings. On his self-titled debut album, Buk plays with passion born of complete mastery of his instrument so that—as Dizzy once said of superior players—he knows what notes not to play. Buk communicates with great presence, but without showboating or otherwise indulging in technical virtuosity for its own sake. Duke Ellington once told me that what he most wanted in a musician was someone who knew how to listen. Askold Buk more than meets that definition."—Nat Hentoff, Guitar World"His CD took me totally by surprise because it is just plain good. It reminds me of a throwback to the 70's style of music that I used to listen to—jazzy, bluesy, R&B-ish and rocking. Good writing, good playing and a fresh, different approach to jazz."—Jeff Charney, KPRS 103.3, Kansas City "He can holler like a rock star, caress you in shimmering octaves, even drawl like a pedal steel."—John Barrett, JazzUSA

Location New York, NY - USA

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