Jeremy Cunningham, Matt Gold & Lane Beckstrom
Cafe Coda 1224 Williamson St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
BlueStem Jazz. $20.
media release: Jeremy Cunningham is a drummer, composer, and improviser. Originally from Cincinnati, he moved to Chicago in 2009, where he currently performs and composes as an integral part of the city’s vibrant music scene. Cunningham has performed with an impressive roster of luminaries such as Von Freeman, Jeff Parker, Mike Allemana, Marquis Hill, Caroline Davis, Nick Mazzarella, Greg Ward, Will Miller, Lane Beckstrom, and Dave Rempis. He can be heard on Resavoir’s eponymous debut on International Anthem, Marquis Hill's albums New Gospel and Sounds of the City, Caroline Davis’s Live, Work, Play as well as on Nick Mazzarella’s Meridian Trio recording Triangulum.
Cunningham’s current projects include Resavoir, Trio Vibes, Nick Mazzarella’s Meridian Trio, Laurenzi/Cunningham Duo, Rempis/Cunningham Duo, the Matt Gold Trio, Chicago Drum Choir, and his own quartet featuring Jeff Parker, Josh Johnson, and Paul Bryan.
In 2016, Cunningham released his first album as a bandleader, re: dawn (from far). The album, out on ears&eyes Records, was recorded with some of Cunningham’s closest colleagues and mentors: Jeff Parker, Josh Johnson, and Matt Ulery. New City Music described that album as “the kind of bravura storytelling and image-painting only the tightest, most simpatico ensembles can pull off.” The band has been gaining notoriety for their highly evocative performances that are rooted in the rich language of Chicago improvised music.
Lane Beckstrom is a bassist, songwriter and singer from Chicago, IL. He studied music at DePaul University and has shared the stage with artists such as Knox Fortune, Reservoir, Liam Kazar, The JuJu Exchange and Chance the Rapper.
Matt Gold is a guitarist and composer based in Chicago, IL. His work pulls from diverse traditions of electric and acoustic music. Matt has given his guitar a good strum or two in venues across North America, Europe, and Asia, and has written music for films as well. His work has been praised for being “accessible, yet healthily unconstrained by genre and sure of its own identity” (UK Vibe) and for "combining the virtuosity and precision of a string quartet with the playfulness of small-group jazz" (Chicago Reader). In May 2020 Gold released his first solo record, Imagined Sky (Whirlwind Recordings), displaying his penchant for concise melody and a nuanced, exploratory palette of abstracted Americana. He has released four albums as the instrumental duo Sun Speak (with drummer Nate Friedman) and one with the singer/songwriter duo Storm Jameson (with vocalist/guitarist Jim Tashjian). As a guitarist and collaborator, Matt performs and records with artists including Makaya McCraven, Greg Ward, Sara Serpa, Hood Smoke, and Jamila Woods. He co-curates the Flood Music concert series and record label.
QUOTES
“I've had the pleasure of watching Jeremy grow into one of the most visionary composer/bandleaders on the scene today. It was truly an honor for me to work with him on 'The Weather Up There'.” – Jeff Parker
“Jeremy Cunningham’s up-coming record is a testament to his commitment to sound, feel and creativity that sets him apart from other drummers. I am inspired by his vulnerable and honest approach to music both as a drummer and composer. This record is beautifully diverse, heartfelt and chalk full great playing. Strongly recommended.” – Makaya McCraven
"He's very sensitive, yet a wonderfully powerful drummer. He tastefully drives, and provides a sound heartbeat..." – Marquis Hill
“bristles with infectious grooves...” – Neil Tesser, JAZZIZ
“Jeremy is one of the most in-demand drummers in Chicago. His openness as a leader really brings out the singularity in each musician's voice." – Matt Ulery
"Cunningham has proved himself a nimble and versatile figure in a variety of mainstream and cutting-edge jazz ensembles.” – Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune