Rudder
Rudder Mowing audiences down with their first and self-titled release back in 2007, Rudder, the New York City foursome composed of keyboardist Henry Hey (Roger Waters, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Seamus Blake, Boomish, Lucy Woodward), bassist Tim Lefevbre (Chris Botti, Patti Austin, Uri Caine, Wayne Krantz, Chuck Loeb), saxophonist Chris Cheek (Charlie Haden, Paul Motian and Bill Frisell) and drummer Keith Carlock (Sting, James Taylor, Steely Dan, Wayne Krantz), is now out to break new ground with their latest release, Matorning. Having forged deep, cavernous paths as sidemen to some of the best in the business, it's no wonder they're in high demand as a group. Matorning strive not only to thrust the edge of genre and generational boundaries away from the norm, but to drive sound into unknown territory. As Hey says, "This record is considerably more representative of how we sound live than our last." As a groove-based group, Rudder has successfully crossed over into the rock and jam-band scenes by catering to the audiences need to have the ultimate live music experience. Lefevbre says, "After everyone's done trading MP3's and downloading everything the only thing left is the live performance. And if it's changing every night that's even better." Hey adds, "Even if they have our record we still want them to come and hear us. We focus on making music that gives the audience something to connect to." What Rudder does, works. Having played everywhere from Monterey to Tokyo and tours planned this spring and summer in Germany, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, and Holland, their name is synonymous with superb talent and head-knocking good shows. Cheek attributes this to their goal as a group, "There's an element of our music that's pretty basic, it's right there in your face. People can connect with the music right away without thinking too much about it. When we play live, we pretty much want to blow people's heads off." Delivering that promise of raucous and instantly enjoyable music, Rudder is not to be missed. They know exactly how to infuse the ever-popular instrumental jam back into the here and now. Adding intelligence, innovation and technique to the mix, they've ensured they're success for the long haul and Matorning is only one of hopefully many releases the public can shake their groove to for years to come. They're the answer to the tired music experience of the past and the future of the creative jam scene. Chris Cheek (saxophones) is fast becoming an icon in the saxophone world. The tenor and baritone in the group, he brings a range of wild effects adding to his signature sound that slams complex solos over the groove. Chris is also a mainstay in the Paul Motion Electric BeBop Band as well as the Charlie Haden liberation Orchestra and The Bill Frisell Goup. As a leader, Chris has four albums of note to his credit, including one that garnered 4.5 stars from Downbeat. As a sideman he has been on over 65 recordings. Henry Hey (keyboards) As the keyboardist of the group, Henry’s compositions, vibe, and sonic invention contribute mightily to the hallmark Rudder sound. He’s enjoyed a widely diverse musical career in New York and has toured and recorded with the very best in the industry: from Jeff Watts, Alex Sipiagin, Bill Evans, Bill Bruford, Monday Michiru and Till Broenner to harry Belafonte, PM Dawn, Phil Ramone, Richard Perry, and most recently extended world touring and television appearances as pianist and shared musical director for Rod stewart. He plays rhodes, organ and unique synthesized and sampled textures with Rudder. Tim Lefebvre (bass), one of the most skilled and sought after bass players in NY, lets loose with his driving, unexpected, and funky explorations of the low end of Rudder. Tim has made appearances in saturday night live’s house band over the last few years and his work has also been heard on The Apprentice, The Sopranos, The Late Show With David letterman, The Knights of Prosperity (CBS), 30 Rock (NBC), Oceans 12, Oceans 13, The Departed, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, and Analyze That! He has appeared recently with Chris Potter, Patti Austin, Jamie Cullum, Uri Caine, and Dave Binney and this past year toured with Till Bronner and Jim Beard. Recently, Tim has been seen on TV and touring with Chris Botti. Keith Carlock (drums), one of the most well-known and emulated drummers on the planet, brings to the group a speed, touch, and heavy bass groove that are the essential Rudder. He has recorded and/or toured with such musical luminaries as Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Diana Ross, Faith hill, The Blues Brothers Band, Leni Stern, David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Wayne Krantz, Harry Belafonte, Oz Noy, Paula Abdul, Clay Aiken, Rascal Flatts, and Grover Washington, Jr, to name a few. Keith was recently voted Number 1 Pop Drummer and Number 3 Best All-Around Drummer in Modern Drummer’s 2008 Readers Poll and again this year returned to tour with Steely Dan and James Taylor.