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| Chris Wabich "1978" Vinyl Release with Josh Nelson & Dan Lutz Wed, Jul 23 | Sam First 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM Chris Wabich will be presenting his latest release "1978", an evocative song cycle inspired by travel, introspection, and the search for inner positivity. From Los Angeles, Wabich is known as a versatile and original voice on the drumset. The variety of artists he works with reflects his diversity as both musician and producer. His drumming is heard with Ludacris, Sting, Leonard Cohen, Stanley Jordan, Brian Johnson (AC/DC) Sheila E., Mark Murphy, the Zappa Family, Larry Koonse, Turkish superstar Omar Faruk, Boogsie Sharpe, Prog Rock legends Kevin Ayers (Soft Machine), Mike Hoffman (Tony Williams Lifetime), Richard Sinclair (Caravan). A few soundtracks he's performed on include "Malcolm in the Middle", "American Idol", "Better Homes and Gardens" and IMAX's "Wild California". All shows at Sam First are 21+ (no one under the age of 21 will be permitted) Artist: CHRIS WABICH Title: 1978 (STEEP) Artist Website: https://nocheeto.wixsite.com/monkeydrummer www.monkeydrummer1.bandcamp.com Release Date: August 1, 2025 Label: ADW Catalog Number: 25004 TRACK LISTING 1. Jiang (Sage Ember) 5:31 2. Ruby on the Old Street/1978 11:01 3. Oolong 4:16 4. Magitama (on Slow Shinkansen) 6:58 5. Ancient Lake 6:27 6. Graduation 5:51 Total CD/Vinyl Time 40:04 All Compositions by Chris Wabich (BMI) Chris Wabich - drums, compositions Josh Nelson - piano Dan Lutz - acoustic bass Throughout his career, Chris Wabich has participated in a wide variety of projects as a drummer, steel drummer, producer, and composer. The versatile artist has worked with everyone from Sting, and Ludacris to Stanley Jordan and Mark Murphy in addition to leading a series of colorful and unpredictable albums of his own. His six originals on 1978 (steep) are described as "an immersive song cycle, capturing the essence of intrinsic positivity" and drawing inspiration from his collaborations with such poetic lyricists as Leonard Cohen, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, and Mark Murphy. The music performed by his trio with pianist Josh Nelson and bassist Dan Lutz is picturesque, often introspective, and soothing without ever being predictable. The set begins with the sophisticated ballad "Jiang (Sage Ember)" which features Nelson's thoughtful piano. "Ruby on the Old Street/1978" starts with a brief drum interlude, has Nelson stating the complex yet accessible theme, and then gradually builds up to become a medium-tempo 7/8 exploration before bookending with Wabich's quiet drums. After the atmospheric "Oolong, " "Magitama (on Slow Shinkansen)" introduces a haunting melody that is taken out of tempo before settling into a groove that inspires some of Nelson's most inventive piano playing. "Ancient Lake" is particularly cinematic and the album's conclusion is an optimistic letter to those who have left us, "Graduation." While Josh Nelson is the main soloist on this outing, Lutz has occasional spots and the subtle interplay that he and Wabich give the pianist is quietly creative. Chris Wabich began playing drums when he was seven and started studying classical percussion two years later. An important part of the Los Angeles music scene for decades, he has been involved in hundreds of CD projects through the years as a drummer and producer. As a sideman he has worked with Ludacris, Sting, Leonard Cohen, the Zappa family, Omar Faruk from Turkey, Boogsie Sharpe, Sheila E., Steve Tyrell, Billy Vera, Stanley Jordan, Mark Murphy, Brian Bromberg and Larry Koonse among many others. Wabich led his first solo album in 1998 and has released several notable ones since including Gavin-charting Jade Vision – The Music of Bill Evans (produced by Bill's widow, Nenette) and "Optirhythm" which was played by the staff at the legendary Los Angeles jazz club the Baked Potato on set breaks nightly for over two years. Recently, Chris was the recipient of the COLA master solo artist grant, making him the first percussionist to ever perform a solo show at the LA Grand performances series. With the strong contributions of Josh Nelson and Dan Lutz (both of whom are greatly in-demand), Chris Wabich's 1978 (steep) is one of his finest recordings to date. write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |