Rudder is a NYC-based instrumental band. Founded on deep musical relationships and friendships lasting over a decade, this quartet brings an aggressive, driving rock and jam vibe to a purely instrumental setting. Rudder is equally led by it's four members.
Chris Cheek (saxophones) is now somewhat of an icon in the saxophone world. His playing has been heard for years with the Paul Motion electric bebop band. He is also a member of Charlie Haden's Liberation Orchestra and has recently been playing with guitar great Bill Frisell. As a leader, Chris has four noteworthy albums to his credit in addition to appearing as a sideman on over 60 other CDs. With Rudder, Chris plays tenor, as well as baritone sax and brings his unique usage of effects on his horn to the Rudder sound.
Henry Hey (keyboards) has enjoyed a widely diversified musical career in New York. He has toured and recorded with everyone 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. Henry plays rhodes, organ and unique synthesized and sampled textures with Rudder.
Tim Lefebvre (bass) is of the most skilled and sought after bass players in NY, Tim has made appearances in Saturday Night Live's house band over the last few years - his work has also been heard on The Apprentice, The Sopranos, Late Show With David Letterman, The Knights of Prosperity (CBS), 30 Rock (NBC), Oceans 12, Ocean 's 13, The Departed, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, and Analyze That!. He was also the Musical Director/Leader on The Caroline Rhea Show on ABC. He has also appeared recently with Chris Potter, Patti Austin, Uri Caine, and Dave Binney. Tim brings his incredible support and huge low sounds to the Rudder vibe.
Keith Carlock (drums) is quickly becoming one of the most well-known and emulated drummers on the planet. Early on, Keith and Tim formed the backbone that led to some new directions in the trio of guitarist Wayne Krantz. It wasn't long before Keith was heard by others and quickly became the drummer for the Blues Brothers. Shortly after that he was sought out to follow in the footsteps of Peter Erskine and other greats to sit at the drum chair of Steely Dan. Immediately following his first extended tour with Steely Dan, Keith was on the road for a two year tour with Sting. Keith's singular sound and style are essential to the groove of Rudder.
"the group plays an eclectic style of Nu-Jazz fusing together electronic and jambands sounds, with jazzy undertones. Live shows are tour-de-force displays" - Gapersblock.com
"The acoustic onslaught of this aggressive jazz troupe doesn't fit neatly into any established genre, yet their allure lies in that eccentricity. . . critics are taking notice for good reason. Fans of hard-driving, aggressive exploratory jazz will eat Rudder up."
- JamBase
"(Rudder) hold their ground somewhere in among Morphine, Kraftwerk, Joy Division and Bitches Brew-era Miles. They're all stiletto-sharp players. . . Whether this is jazz for stoners or jam music for tech heads, it's always mysterious and appealing"
- The Boston Phoenix
"The New York quartet really cooks at the Baked Potato. . . . The main difference was energy -- more stroke, less coke. Rudder came to groove hard. . . . What put Rudder in a class with fellow instrumental reinventors Medeski Martin & Wood and the Bad Plus, though, was the playing. And the sense that this is music of the now." -- LA Times
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After many hours of video editing, mixing and graphic work, the Rudder DVD has finally arrived. This DVD was recorded live in NYC's hippest hot spot - Rockwood Music Hall 2.
Hot off the heals of a 5-week european tour, Rudder returned to NYC and performed to a capacity crowd on Dec 1, 2010. Videogropher Simon C.F. Yu captured the event with a 4 camera shoot, with some additional footage added from Rudder.
Recorded in multitrack and mixed by Nic Hard, this project really captures the essence of the band in a live setting. With over 120 minutes of video and some bonus footage, we feel that this is an exceptional value, especially at the low price of $15.
This DVD is Region-Free and can be played worldwide.
You can see and hear a free preview of this night by clicking here
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Matorning features music that Rudder developed during their touring in the past two years, and was recorded and mixed in late 2008/early 2009.
Read what several journalists have written about Matorning.
The Boston globe says: "Matorning, nearly detonated in my stereo; it's that powerful."
http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2009/04/27/rudder_matorning/
Respected journalist Greg Burk says: "The New York quartet clobber ya sans dictionary on their second album, and stroll off with a pitiless grin."
http://www.metaljazz.com/2009/04/modderin_improv_reviews_rudder.php
Respected journalist Casey Dolan says: ". . . Rudder has the capacity to do almost anything"
http://irom.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/cd-review-a-little-bit-of-stomp-a-little-bit-of-whomp/
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This album is the result of several sessions in a few different locations. A mix of wholly composed original material and in-the-moment jams, the album was completed via Neve analog mixing with well-known engineer Nic Hard of rock and roll fame. The final touches were added by mastering engineer Scott Hull.
Chris Cheek - Saxophones
Henry Hey - Keyboards
Tim Lefebvre - Bass
Keith Carlock - Drums
"On the group's first album, Rudder creates a hip-sounding musical stew -- sax and keyboard sent through electronic effects, floated over driving and repetitive grooves that draw equally on jazz, alternative rock, jam-band funk and electronica. Medeski Martin and Wood offers the most obvious comparison. . . . Rudder sounds like a band that could tear the roof off live." - Downbeat
"A rockin' good time is to be had in this adrenaline-soaked debut, as chunky electric jazz jams crash against the speaker-shaking wall of sound " - JazzTimes
"Collectively, they forge their own sound that is melodic, energetic, often densely textured and with a humongous groove factor. . . supremely catchy melody accompanied by a groove that simply defies you to remain still. . .It doesn't matter to me whether you buy it or not, but if you don't it will be your loss" -- Drummer (UK)
"A vibe-filled sonic treat" - Bass Player
"The instruments . . . take you through a fun house full of uneven floors, occasionally steering you into cranky spooky corners. . . . Impressive debut effort" - Whatzup
Three unreleased bonus tracks from the now well-known CD by Rudder. These tracks were mixed and mastered the same way and at the same time as the rest of the Rudder album. They have been in the vault ever since and are being released now to commemorate the new Nineteen Eight Records website.
Tracks:
1) Spider Hole
2) The Hard Way
3) Drop
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Introducing Rudder T-shirts!!!
These shirts are custom products with artwork from the new Rudder album, 'Matorning'.
Girl shirts are soft, light weight and comfortable. -- American Apparel Classic Girl.
Grab yours today!! |