Dave King Residency: Dave King/Chris Weller Duo & Real Bulls

“one of the most sought-after and globally renowned timekeepers in jazz” – Minnpost

The duo of percussionist Dave King (The Bad Plus) and saxophonist Chris Weller (Hanging Hearts) is a Midwest collaboration that performs free improvisations, original compositions, and interpretations of their favorite songs.

A Cry For Self Help is a Weller/King album released in 2020. Live recordings collected from several Midwest tours, the album captures the immediacy of the moment, as well as their eclectic repertoire, both familiar and not.

Chris Weller is a tenor saxophonist and composer living in Forest Park, IL. He’s performed internationally as a bandleader with his trio Hanging Hearts and shared the stage with the likes of Dave King, Greg Ward, Dosh, Marquis Hill, and more.

Real Bulls is Dave King (drums) and JT Bates (drums). Real Bulls has been a group since Chris Bates asked Dave and JT to be a part of a quartet recording with Chris and the great Anthony Cox in 2012. Given the very busy schedules both artists keep, sightings of this group are rare and special moments.

Live at First Ave was recorded April 18th, 2013 at the legendary First Avenue in Minneapolis. Real Bulls was an opening act as part of a 3-night stand for Trampled by Turtles. Dave says “our good friends, who let us play open drum duets in the Mainroom. Truly a one-of-a-kind and joyful experience for us.” The album was released in 2020.

Growing up in a musical family gave JT Bates an early start in sound and rhythmic exploration. He set on the path to becoming a working musician while playing in his father’s big band as a teen. Over the years he remained steeped in the improvised music scene, both as a performer and presenter.

Dave King is one of the most thoroughly original artists in modern improvised music. Known primarily as a jazz artist, he works seamlessly in many genres and styles. He is a founding member of Happy Apple, The Bad Plus, Halloween, Alaska, The Gang Font, and many other groups. He has performed in 75 countries on six continents.

LEARN MORE: https://www.daveking.net/

?: Cory Dewald