Chad Fisher on trombone, vocals
Omari Thomas on trumpet and sax
Gary Wheat on saxophones
Steve Lewis on guitars and vocals
Matthew Devine ..boards, vocals, and samples
Abe Becker on bass
Michael Glaser on drums, vocals
Influences
Medeski Martin and Wood
Hank Williams
Bob Marley
Charles Mingus
Duke Ellington
The Meters
James Brown
Merle Haggard
Booker T and The MGs
Fred Wesley
J.J. Johnson
Miles Davis
Horace Silver
Ennio Morricone
Pink Floyd
Chris Whitley
Bill Frisell
Dwight Yoakam
The Allman Brothers Band
Skynyrd
Fela Kuti
Debussy
Bartok
lots of television and film music
about a thousand other people......
Chances are, audiences have seen the seven young men who comprise The Chad Fisher Group without even realizing it. From Chad Fisher and Gary Wheat backing The Temptations at Radio City Music Hall, to guitarist Steve Lewis' recent appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, to jamming alongside Wynton Marsalis at a small club in their native city, the various members of the CFG are perpetually in the spotlight and are likely to turn up in any musical context, no matter the genre. This is why it is truly an event when these musicians share the stage together as The Chad Fisher Group.
Fisher, an established freelance trombonist, began the group as a straight-ahead jazz project but it quickly evolved into a unique musical experience, combining pure improvisation with original compositions and arrangements guaranteed to move the feet as well as the soul. On any given night, the band may be found swinging through a jazz standard, or rolling through a reggae tune with horns sounding reminiscent of Ellington and Mingus, or vocals and a steel guitar conjuring up classic country. On the same set they may ride a groove in the spirit of bands like Medeski, Martin, and Wood or even the afro-beat of Fela Kuti. The only thing one can truly expect at a Chad Fisher Group show is the unexpected.
The band was recently awarded The BAMA award for "Best Jazz." In November of 2004 the CFG released its first album, the Chad Fisher Group, to much critical acclaim. The band recently released its second full-length album, Dog Parade. With two records under its belt and a third coming in 2008, the Chad Fisher Group stands ready to hit the road and bring it to the ears of the masses.
Fisher has gained quite a reputation, touring often with classic bands like The Temptations, The O'Jays, The Four Tops, and American Ruben Studdard. He has also performed or recorded with artists like Gregg Allman, Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, Jason Isbell, Bonnie Bramblett, Frankie Valli, Wayne Newton, producer Peter Wolf, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Bob Mintzer, Lew Soloff, Lou Marini, Wycliffe Gordon, The Bjorkestra, and a long list of others. In addition, his unending need to jam has found him on stage with the likes of Wynton Marsalis and personal hero, trombonist Fred Wesley.
In the summer of 2004, Fisher found himself playing a record seven performances on five stages during Birmingham's City Stages Weekend. When he's not traveling, Chad can be found with a number local and regional bands, ranging from soul to indie rock. His love of music has lead him ultimately to found the CFG to bring a whole new voice to the musical table.
SLAMABAMA is heading to Birmingham to play Zydeco Saturday, June 14th at 10pm!!
Please come and hang out at our big "Post-City Stages Bash". We'll be playing all the hits from Prince to Charlie Daniels with our own signature sound!!
ALSO...as seen in the Birmingham News this past weekend, if you are an animal lover, PLEASE WATCH, SHARE and EMBED THIS VIDEO in comments, emails or your page! This is a grass roots effort that needs your help!
We're so proud to work with the Humane Society of the United States to make the world a better place for our "best friends"!! Everyone who watches this video helps us to raise money for the Humane Society (www. hsus. org)
Finally, don't forget "Little Nashville" @ The Publix Kids Stage at City Stages on Saturday @ Sunday!!
Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I'll be performing tonight with my band and guest artist Jeni Varnadeau at Superior Grill in Birmingham (that's Birmingham, AL- not the UK, sorry UKers. But I have been to Birmingham, England, and it's really nice! :)-But, back to ALABAMA!- ). Come out for great music and great food! TONIGHT! APRIL 19, 7-11pm
Superior Grill 4701 Hwy 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 Ph: 205-991-5112
We look forward to seeing you there!! Thanks! Rory
http://www. myspace. com/rorypartinhttp://www. myspace. com/jenivarnadeau
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