Brad Shepik Organ Trio

Hi Everyone, 

Really excited to announce that my new album "Top Down" with Gary Versace and Mark Ferber is available for Pre-Order now!! Pre order the album and get the first track, "Friday" instantly. https://bradshepik.bandcamp.com/album/top-down - Brad

Following on the rich timbres of "Flower Starter" (2015), the intimate vibes/guitar duo set with Tom Beckham, Shepik makes a return to the organ trio lineup he explored on his 2006 Songlines release "Places You Go".  "Top Down" finds Shepik in the familiar company of two longtime collaborators - organist Gary Versace (John Abercrombie, Ralph Alessi) and drummer Mark Ferber (Mark Copeland, Gary Peacock). The comfort is apparent in the easy rapport as they wind and groove their way through full tilt improvisation (Friday), funk (Sweet Suzy), blues, (Top of the Middle), swing (Hall), South American (Vampa) and Balkan rhythms (Aeolian).

All of Shepik's influences and passions are on display and supported beautifully by Versace and Ferber, taking the organ trio to new territory. Shepik cites John Abercrombie's "Night", featuring Jan Hammer, as a favorite organ album for it's invention in composition and sonic pallet. 

"Top Down" release concert March 28 10pm at 55 Bar NYC. 

On "Top Down" Shepik writes: 
"These compositions (except Gary Peacock's Major Major) were written in the late spring/early summer of 2015.

Friday evokes a wide open elation I feel working in my studio in Brooklyn. Sweet Suzy, written just a few days before the recording recalls the Meter's and the blues and was a highlight of the recording for me. Vampa has South American feel though I didn't have a specific regional rhythm in mind. The tune's harmonic/rhythmic structure leaves a lot of room for melodic invention and suggested a conversation in the trading choruses.

Hall is dedicated to Jim Hall, the giant of the guitar whose influence is felt on every generation of guitarists that have come along since the the late 1950's. Something in the wide melodic intervals and fluid rhythm suggested his artistry. Top in the Middle is a bluesy AABC form however the chords deviate and suggest a somewhat difficult climb to the goal. Major Major has been a favorite tune from Gary Peacock's "Tales of Another" for many years, I had the privilege of playing a session with him when I was 19. Aeolia is a circular tune with a 7/8 Balkan rhythm that reminds me of a friend who lives on a windy island. I was playing with harmonic colors and phrasing on Stumma Cake. The tune's title could be a dessert but the final two chords reflect a mild discomfort experienced occaisionally by the very young." 

Brad Shepik Organ Trio 
Top Down - JLC Records 

Brad Shepik - guitar 
Gary Versace - organ 
Mark Ferber - drums 

1. Friday (Shepik) 
2. Sweet Suzy (Shepik) 
3. Vampa (Shepik) 
4. Hall (Shepik) 
5. Top in the Middle (Shepik) 
6. Major Major (Peacock) 
7. Aeolia (Shepik) 
8. Stumma Cake (Shepik) 

JLC Records 
www.bradshepik.bandcamp.com 
www.bradshepik.com 
430 Sterling Pl Brooklyn NY 11238