** COMING HOME TO PHILLY @ SOUTH ON JUNE 6 **
“Mr. Beck, a seasoned straight-ahead drummer, is about to release “The Journey,” his first album as a leader. This recording has lots of lateral range: There’s gospel-tinged balladry, standard-issue bebop and smart reworkings of mid-1960s Wayne Shorter classics (he covers “Mahjong” and laces a new melody into the structure of “Nefertiti”). Mr. Beck celebrates the new disc at this show, with Stacy Dillard on tenor saxophone, Anthony Wonsey on piano and Eric Wheeler on bass — all of whom played on the record — as well as Giveton Gelin on trumpet. – THE NY TIMES CRITICS’ PICK
“…full of rhythm… release, The Journey, Beck has given us a recording that honestly expresses his emotions and his respect for the straight-ahead jazz tradition.” – WBGO “Radar” feature
“With the release of his debut album, The Journey (which is schedule to release on May 18th), Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer. Beck’s refreshing and soulful vision as an artist is on full display, as is his unique ability to pay homage to the classic straight-ahead style of jazz while infusing elements of his African roots and Gospel upbringing.” – SNEEK CITY
“The hard hitting, swinging drummer picks the right time and place for his solo debut as he comes roaring out of the gate….On point and on the money throughout, this is a most impressive debut.” – MIDWEST JAZZ RECORD
CHRIS BECK // DRUMMER from
Boat Safety Films on
Vimeo.
Wednesday, June 6, sets at 7:30PM & 9PM
CHRIS BECK QUINTET @ SOUTH
CHRIS BECK (DRUMS) | JONATHAN BESHAY (TENOR SAX) | DUANE EUBANKS (TRUMPET) | ANTHONY WONSEY (PIANO) | CHRIS BERGER (BASS)
Produced by legendary master drummer and mentor, Michael Carvin, Beck’s debut recording, The Journey (A.W.M.C. Records, May 18, 2018) meticulously showcases the nuanced composer and leader he is today. Following years of education under each of the masters, his sound is steeped in the long tradition of this music, while blending his unique vision with a fervent intensity.
The Journey serves as a “family gathering” of sorts, featuring some of the drummer’s best friends joining him in the studio (see video) and with whom he will share the bandstand in New York and Philly. Commemorating this momentous time for their brethren, all will be celebrating in New York City at Smalls Jazz Club on May 17th and in Philadelphia, PA at South on June 6, 2018.
With the release of his debut album, The Journey, Chris Beck is making a name for himself on the New York scene as a hard-swinging, powerhouse drummer and composer.
“He’s got the sensitivity, the power, the touch, the feel…great writer.” – STACY DILLARD
Honing his craft on the stage with Cyrus Chestnut, Rufus Reid, Mulgrew Miller, Macy Gray, Oliver Lake, Charles Fambrough, Nicholas Payton, Tim Warfield, Bruce Barth, Mark Whitfield, David Murray and Wycliffe Gordon, among others. It is no wonder this young Philadelphian has made his place in NYC and the world as a premiere drummer not just in Jazz but in the art of Drumming.
“You feel a big hug before you even start.” – TERELL STAFFORD
The Philly native, born into a musical family and exposed to music from a young age, initially started on the trombone, but quickly moved to the drums, where he felt a natural fit. Steeped in the tradition of the musical legacies of his grandfather, the late Elder Charles Beck; his father, gospel producer Tony Beck; and encouraged by his high school music teacher – there was no question that Beck wanted to pursue a music career at Temple University. Even before graduating in 2004 with a BA in Music, Beck had already recorded two records with Temple University ensembles: Mean What You Say and Room 323, the title track of which is his original composition and was compared by All About Jazz magazine to a Thelonious Monk tune.
“True emotion, true understanding.” – ERIC WHEELER
Beck quickly became the “first call” drummer on the Philly jazz scene, working with the legendary Robert “Bootsie” Barnes, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield, Jr., Larry McKenna, the late Sid Simmons, and the late Stanley Wilson. While playing with these master musicians, Beck solidified his dedication to preserving the rich history of the straight-ahead style of jazz while starting to make his mark, by infusing his own unique sound. In 2006, Beck moved to New York City to establish himself on the jazz scene. After settling in New York, he began studying with highly esteemed master drum teacher, Michael Carvin. In 2010, Beck graduated with a Master’s Degree in Music from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with Victor Lewis.
“A gentle giant.” – ANTHONY WONSEY
Chris Beck currently performs with Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake, and Grammy nominated Rufus Reid in addition to sharing the stage with renowned musicians such as McCoy Tyner, legendary Motown recording artist Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, James “Blood” Ulmer, The Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Billy Harper, Curtis Fuller, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Charles Fambrough, Mulgrew Miller, Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Orrin Evans, Bruce Barth, Nicole Henry, Jennifer Holliday, Macy Gray, Mark Whitfield, Derrick Hodge, Ralph Bowen, Joanna Pascale, Joe Locke, Duane Eubanks, Eric Lewis, and countless others around the world.
