CHUCK PAFENBACH TRIO
with
JEFF HELLMER JOHN FREMGEN
JEFF HELLMER – PIANO
Professor Jeff Hellmer, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Texas, brings a wealth of experience as an educator and performer to the UT jazz program. As long-time director of the UT jazz orchestra, he has led performances of the band at the North Sea and Montreaux jazz festivals, and in 2009 he was named to the Academy of Distinguished Teachers. He has twice been named a finalist in the Great American Piano Competition, has played with the Dallas Wind Symphony, and has written the textbook “Jazz Theory and Practice”.
He has one cd as leader, PEAK MOMENTS.
JOHN FREMGEN – BASS
John Fremgen is an associate professor at the University of Texas where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz history, jazz bass, and directs the Alternative Improvisational Music Ensemble (AIME). He has appeared on the David Letterman show, and the Bravo documentary “In My Life” with George Martin. His bass playing can be heard on the TV shows “Party of Five” and “Dawson’s Creek”, and the motion pictures “Down to You” and “Shorts”.
He has four cd.s as leader – MEANWHILE, PIECES OF STRING, IF NOT NOW, and EVERYTHING THAT SPRING CAN BRING.
CHUCK PAFENBACH – DRUMS
Austin drummer Chuck Pafenbach formed the trio in the Spring of 2002 in order to pursue jazz studies with faculty from the University of Texas School of Music. He is a graduate of UT and has appeared on Austin’s annual Top Ten Drummers list, In 2008 he was named a judge in Drum Off, the Austin prelims for Guitar Center’s annual drum competition, and in 2012 the band received national exposure when selections from JAZZ DANCE began to appear on National Public Radio.
He has eight cd’s as leader – INTRODUCING, ENCORE, BLUE NOTES, HIGH LIFE, CINCO, JAZZ DANCE, WE LOVE MUSIC, and WORLD BEAT.
Chuck Pafenbach plays Tama drums and Zildjian cymbals.