Pianist, composer, and producer Erik Deutsch will independently release his latest album Demonio Teclado (translated in English: demon and keyboard) on Tuesday, February 28th. This weekend, Deutsch will be performing several CD release concerts in Denver and Boulder. His band will feature Tony Mason (drums), Jeff Hill (bass), Glenn Taylor (steel guitar) and Jon Gray (trumpet), all of which appear on the upcoming album. (Note: Musicians Brandon Seabrook (guitar) and Benjamin Rubin (bass) also appear on the album, but will not be performing in Colorado this weekend.)
I recently had an opportunity to speak with Deutsch about his career in music and his upcoming shows in Colorado. He is well known for being the former keyboard player in Charlie Hunter’s band, as well as working with Shooter Jennings, Norah Jones, and many others.
It wasn’t until college that he got serious about music. As soon as he arrived at the University of Colorado in Boulder in 1995, he looked very seriously at a career in music. Growing up in DC, he always had the impression that he should have a backup career to music; however, when he arrived in Colorado, he realized that jazz piano was his passion.
Deutsch began taking piano lessons when he was 6 years old. When asked about his biggest musical influences, he says, “Art Lande and Greg Dyes, who were my music teachers in Colorado, as well as Denver trumpet player Ron Miles and Charlie Hunter, who has been the greatest force for me recently.”
Demonio Teclado was recorded in New York and features covers (Ike Turner’s “Getting Nasty” and Neil Young’s “Don’t Let it Bring You Down”) and seven original compositions. “It’s the funkiest, grooviest record I’ve done,” Deutsch says of the upcoming release. When asked which are his favorite tracks off the album, he told me, “My two favorites are ‘Funky Digits’ because it was the first song I wrote for the album, and ‘Creeper’, which is slow and spacey and the complete opposite.”
This talented musician has many great memories over the years. “I feel really blessed with great concerts and traveling. I’ve had great times playing music with my friends, and all of the good memories blend together.”
Deutsch is very excited to perform in Colorado with this group of musicians. He’s very proud of his new album, and is ready for everyone to hear it. As for future plans, Deutsch is getting ready for a busy touring season with Shooter Jennings, and undoubtedly has more great music to come in the future.
Demonio Teclado is a fantastic album mixed with both jazz and funk that has something for everyone.
Erik Deutsch Band CD Release Concerts in Colorado w/ Jon Gray, Glenn Taylor, Jeff Hill, Tony Mason
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Laughing Goat 1709 Pearl Street Boulder, CO 80302
Showtime: 8pm
More Info: 303-440-4628, www.thelaughinggoat.com
Friday, January 27, 2012
Private House Concert Boulder, CO
More Info: www.hammerandstring.com
Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2012
Dazzle 930 Lincoln St. Denver, CO 80203
Showtimes: 7pm & 9pm Saturday, 6pm & 8pm Sunday
Tickets: $12 ($5 students Sunday 8pm only)
Ticket Info: 303.839.5100, www.dazzlejazz.com
For more information about Erik: http://www.hammerandstring.com/
Demonio Teclado track listing:
- Getting Nasty (Ike Turner)
- Funky Digits
- Creeper
- DDT
- Don’t Let It Bring You Down (Neil Young)
- Sleep Talkin
- Lover’s Eyes
- Future Burger
- Ms. Pelican
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