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Kevin Deitz
“SkyLines”
www.kevindeitz.com
Portland’s very own Kevin Deitz really shines here with the release of Skylines. Kevin has had a wealth of experience playing bass everywhere from touring Broadway productions to the stage with the likes of Mose allison, Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, Sheena Easton and everyone in between. Equally at home on upright as he is on his 7-string Conklin, Kevin showcases his abilities on both instruments with musicality, style and grace with Skylines.
Featuring all original tunes, the acoustic material is swinging hard and features many of Portland’s world class musicians (all of whom I know and can tell you, these are some BAD cats!!). From lush and beautiful ballads, straight ahead jazz and the bop side of things, Kevin has wonderful tone, great intonation and some truly wonderful solos.
He seems to favor a Brazilian approach when writing for and playing his electric 7-string Conklin. Some may draw a comparison to Patitucci’s sense of time and groove (and great note choices!). At once pretty and aggressive, I found it all a real joy to listen too. I kept forgetting that these were friends & peers and, instead, found myself really digging the music and the players. I’m proud to say that this disc displays much of what makes Portland such a wonderful place to live and play.
Damian Erskine has written 160 articles in BMM.
Damian Erskine is not your ordinary bass player. While not touring, Damian hones his chops with some of the best jazz and latin musicians the West coast has to offer. Damian is known for his ability to fit into any musical situation and his extraordinary reading and improvising skills. Damian has played in the studio or on the stage with the likes of • Peter Erskine • Teri-Lynn Carrington • Gino Vannelli • John Ellis • Shawn Pelton • Sveti w/ Marko Djordjevic • Luis Conte • Brandon Ross • Les McCann • Jeff Lorber • Vardan Ovsepian • Charmaine Neville • Jessy J • Luis Perdomo • Tony Furtado • Kate Schutt • Bobby Torres • Alan Jones • Patrick Lamb • Dan Balmer • Klezmocracy and many others as well as being featured on the GospelChops.com "Shed Sessionz Vol. 1" DVD. Whether playing as a sideman or with his own group, he is known for his rock solid bass work, virtuosic solos and thoughtful chordal abilities.
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