THE LAST WALTZ ENSEMBLE MAKES THE MUSIC OF BOB DYLAN AND THE BAND AN EXPERIENCE!
ATLANTA GA-Webster dictionary's fourth definition of "ensemble" is a
group of persons (as musicians) acting together to produce a particular effect
or end. In no other group does that definition ring truer than Atlanta's Last
Waltz Ensemble. The group is an amalgam of the best players in the nation presenting
the legendary and timeless music OF 70's supergroup, THE BAND, whose influence
is still felt in music nearly 30 years after its last performance.
Kris Gloer is a music aficionado and player - and finds himself the ultimate
catalyst as the founder of The Last Waltz Ensemble. Gloer grew up in the glow
of musical friends and its these relationships that bring The Last Waltz its
most unique and special trait; each night Gloer presents a musical guest or
two from his plethora of music pals. Anyone from Colonel Bruce Hampton to Efrem
Townes (The Dirty Dozen Brass Band) may be asked to join The Last Waltz for
a few songs. The core line up of The Last Waltz is so strong that the addition
of musical guests pushes the ensemble to enticing heights for fans and players
alike.
The core lineup of The Last Waltz Ensemble features:
Kris “Jellyroll” Gloer - guitar/vocals Kris literally grew up in
the Great Southeast Music Hall, holding court as a boy with the day's leading
rock and roll musicians. Kris has shared stages across America with musicians
who love his differentiated style: Widespread Panic, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band,
Derek Trucks, Dave Matthews, Hootie & The Blowfish, Tinsley Ellis, Sean
Costello, Tommy Talton, The Blue Dogs, Barry Richman, and Willie Green. He also
knows his way around a recording studio with credits on ten albums with four
different bands: Jellyroll, Houndog, Arlan & Jelly and The Wayside Riders.
Mark Kramer - vocals/guitar Mark, a NC native, cut his teeth at a street musician
in San Francisco. He moved to Seattle in the 1980s and became involved in the
burgeoning folk scene. He has shared the stage with Michelle Shocked and The
Love Mongers. Mark is highly regarded for this sense of style and interaction
with audiences.
Kevin “Little Budda” Rutschman - drums. Kevin blew out of his native
Kansas, graduated from the elite school of music at Emporia State University
and upset the field to win the Outstanding Performance Award at the Notre Dame
Jazz Festival in 1995. He has shared the stage with the likes of Blues Traveler
and Indecision.
Benji Shanks - Lead/slide Guitar. Benji has gained lots of attention in the
last couple of years in his role with southern rockers Captain Soularcat and
his work as a guest artist with Tishamingo . Benji was also featured on the
Bluestring Jammy nominated release Pick Me Up (Flying Frog Records).From rock
opera (OPUS 9) to bluegrass, Benji is known for his dramatic solos delivered
with a stoic almost serene facial expression. Benji’s slide style is often
compared to Warren Haynes.
Ted Pecchio- Bass. Ted's impressive theatrics, basically dancing with his upright
bass while performing with The Codetalkers, endeared him to fellow players and
fans alike. Ted has played with a multitude of groups and special projects from
Susan Tedeshi, Oliver Wood, Scrapomatic, Ike Stubblefield and many others. He
describes music as "a ritualistic healing process" and to those who
witness him play, Dr. Ted delivers the ultimate feel good vibe medicine!
Tony Giordano- keyboards. Known around the southeast simply as Tony G, this
astounding keyboard player was recently described by Swampland.com as "one
of the best key men in the country." Tony G's unmistakable musical essence
seem to make him one with his instrument. It is apparent he totally loves music,
those who make it and those who listen. He's played with Tishamingo, Captain
Soularcat and many more.
Jason Fuller - keyboards Jason is without a doubt one of the more talented
musicians in Athens, a town known for hot players. He's also one of the most
versatile players around, able to leap from barrelhouse boogie to nasty New
Orleans swing to rollicking honky tonk to tasty jazz. Jason has had touring
stints with Ween, Marc Ford (The Black Crowes) and Tishamingo.