Artist description Java Men are a modern organ trio that stretches the envelope. Deeply rooted in the classic jazz organ sound but equally involved in the question "what if?", Java Men explore fresh material in a tried and true context, combining influences from straight ahead jazz, freeform improv, funk, hip hop, soundscapes and even bluegrass. Avowed eclecticists, Java Men can go anywhere at anytime, yet always be just one step away from returning to the groove based swinging of the organ trios of old.

Music Style organ trio jazz from bop to free to funk

Musical Influences Larry Young, Lenny Breau, Jimmy Smith, Joey Baron, Chet Atkins, Bill Frisell, Lenny Tristano, Pat Metheny, Elvin Jones

Similar Artists Tony Williams Lifetime, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Joey DeFrancesco, Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery

Artist History Java Men were formed in 1992, originally trying to be a quartet. The organ trio sound took over. Three Cds and several trips around the country later, their sound continues to grow.

Group Members Craig Wagner(guitars)Craig has been a featured solo performer at the Chet Atkins's Appreciation Society's Annual summer concerts in Nashville. He placed second in The National Fingerstyle Championship inWinfield, Kansas in 1996. Craig has taught at Jamey Aebersold's SummerJazz Workshops and has been featured in Just Jazz Guitar magazine and Acoustic Guitar magazine. Craig is currently a member of the highly successful rock outfit Days of the New.Craig spent a year in Drag City's King Kong, joining them on the second stage of Lollapalooza in 1994, and has played with major label artists Love Jones. In early 1997 Craig switched to seven string guitar through an endorsement with Buscarino guitars. In 1998, Stefan Grossman's Workshop Records label will release Craig's first instructional video on solo fingerstyle guitar, and Mainstring Records will release his first solo recording.Ray Rizzo(drums, percussion)Drumming since age 10, Ray's roots are in the drum corps, having played with the Mount Vernon Guard in Washington D.C., skipping school to accompany the Guard across the Eastern United States and twice to Ireland. Ray is also a current member of King Kong, and a favored sideman for Love Jones. Ray played for two years in lovesauce and soulbones, a regional group that worked with The Impressions and The Indigo Girls. Ray is currently a member of the highly succesful rock outfit Days of the New.Todd Hildreth(organ, keys)Todd played piano at The Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1988 with The Bellarmine Jazz Trio. He joined King Kong in 1993 and has been with the band since, providing Booker T. organ licks to the group's Drag City recordings and live shows. Todd has toured the United States on Lollapalooza and other Kong tours, returning with the group to Europe in 1996 and 1998. Todd is first call for groups who tour the region, having played with Jamey Aebersold, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Platters, The Shirelles, The Coasters, The Shangri-La’s and even Bob from Sesame Street. He has recently recorded with Eugene Chadbourne, and is currently on the faculty of Jamey Aebersold’s jazz camp roster as piano and organ instructor.

Instruments Organ, guitar, drums/percussion

Albums A Letter To St. Paul, VOID, Orbituary

Press Reviews “Sections of VOID haunt my mind during quiet moments, after only a few listenings. That's a sign ofsomething special.”-Mark Vail-Keyboard Magazine“Just when you think you have them typecast, they sail off on a different track. For music to be interesting, that is just the ingredient needed.”-Frank Rubolino-Cadence“A genuine breath of fresh air in the popular organ trio revival. Their secret weapon is humor, which when mixed with chops can be lethal”. -Andy Mc Kenzie-Just Jazz Guitar“Bold challenge and unpredictable joy.” -Tim Roberts-Louisville Music News“Best Jazz Band in Louisville”-Louisville Eccentric Observer’s Reader’s Poll, 1998 and 1999“The musical success of this band has more to do with their attitude and sense of adventure than thier considerable technical skill. There have been a lot of bands based around the B3 popping up lately, but it’s certain that these guys aren’t merely hopping on a convient bandwagon.”-Pete Gershon-Soundboard

Location Louisville, KY - USA

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