Tim Whalen Nonet

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courtesy Tim Whalen

The Tim Whalen Nonet pauses for a photo.

Tim Whalen Nonet

After departing for the East Coast in 2010, composer and keys player Tim Whalen has remained a part of the Madison music scene, returning for gigs Phat Phunktion. But performances of Whalen’s eponymous Nonet have been few, so jazz heads will want to put this one on the calendar. Joining Whalen for this date is a stellar band: Al Falaschi, Tom Gullion, and Nick Bartell on sax; Chad McCullough and Jamie Breiwick on trumpet; Darren Sterud on trombone; Nick Moran on bass; and Jamie Ryan on drums.

media release: “He is an exceptional player who fully understands the jazz language and is fully conversant with all genres of the music.” - Kenny Barron

Tim Whalen is highly versatile songwriter, keyboard player, producer, composer, and arranger living in Washington, DC. His passion and dedication to his art shines in everything he touches, and he’s been blessed with opportunities to write and play music with some incredible people. He’s played all over the United States, Japan and Europe in many different musical situations, and has written music for everything from jazz duos to orchestras, as well as his own original songs. 

Since moving to Washington DC in late 2010, Tim has been a key contributor to the DC music scene, and has played with the finest musicians in the area, including Lena Seikaly, Tommy Cecil, Chuck Redd, Paul Pieper, Tedd Baker, Lyle Link, Kenny Rittenhouse, Kris Funn, Elijah Jamal Balbed, Donvonte McCoy, Victor Provost, Mark Prince, Zack Pride, Tom Baldwin, Paul Langosch, The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, and others. He’s also ranks as one of DC’s most respected and successful bandleaders. His groups have presented sold out concerts at venues such as Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center, Twins Jazz, the Smithsonian, and the Strathmore Music Center. 

Beyond the Washington, DC area, Tim has played with David “Fathead” Newman, Ernie Adams, Wessell Anderson, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jon Hendricks, Vic Juris, Richard Davis, Dennis Irwin, Tim Ries, Clyde Stubblefield, Jackie Allen, Ben Sidran, Jorge Drexler, Marcus Belgrave, and Andy Martin. 

“I have worked with Tim for over a decade and know him to be a dedicated and inspired musician, one who has developed and maintained a great facility in - and love for - the jazz piano tradition.” 

          - Ben Sidran 

Whalen is also held in high regard as a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and music producer. In 2005, he orchestrated the string arrangement for the Oscar-winning song “El Otro Lado del Rio” by Jorge Drexler from the film The Motorcycle Diaries. Tim has also written music for commercials, and his music for the DeJope Bingo ad campaign won an Addy award in Wisconsin. Versatility is so important these days, and he is equally at home writing music for an orchestra as he is writing for a jazz quintet. In March 2009, he premiered an orchestra commission for the Cobb Symphony in Atlanta where they played the music of The Who featuring a 5-piece rock band accompanied by a 60-piece orchestra.  

“One of the ablest and most expansive pianists in the area.” 

            - Mike West, Washington City Paper 

Not one to stand still musically, Whalen is also very busy with numerous musical projects, including his Trio, Nonet, Septet, new Chamber Ensemble, which mixes classical chamber music, soul music, poetry, and jazz. He also co-leads the new 17-piece KW BIG BAND with the amazing guitarist and composer Michael Kramer.

On top of all this, Whalen is also the co-founder and music director of Madison, WI funk and r&b kings, Phat Phunktion.

The newest chapter in his musical journey finds him working on a new album of original songs. These songs showcase his abilities as a songwriter, a singer, and a producer. His highly-anticipated album will be released in 2022, and will surely surprise many listeners!