Butterfat Trio
Based in Chicago, IL, Butterfat Trio is a group of four professional musicians that performs as three. This original act was formed in 1998 by keyboardist Rob Cookman, drummer Jeff Moehle, and bassist Lyman Medeiros. With Medeiros currently based in Los Angeles, Mark Ziegler plays as Medeiros' permanent counterpart in Butterfat's "swinging door" bass position, adding his own unique voice to this deeply creative combo. Swinging hard and far, from genre to genre, Butterfat, employing a vast body of music, is capable of adapting to most every musical environment. Ranging from gritty second-line and detroit-style funk grooves to haunting ballads and traditional standards, this act has the material to interest a vast range of audiences, while never losing track of the inimitable Butterfat Trio sound.
Performing both as a group and as individuals, these gentlemen have toured the five major continents. Their eclectic and numerous perfomance credits include the names of jazz greats Larry Goldings, Danilo Perez, Michael Buble and Steve Tyrell, to the late, great rocker John Entwistle of The Who. Drawing comparison to the Bad Plus, Medeski, Martin and Wood, and the Brad Meldau Trio, they are considered by some to be a jazz trio. However, their real passion lies in fusing contemporary rhythms with standard and popular song, as well as creating a body of original work that exemplify their very modern composition and arrangement ideals.
After seven years of playing clubs, concerts and clinics throughout their regular touring base, the group has finally recorded their own distinct brand of instrumental music for public release. Butterfat Trio's first full length album, Underdog, contains all original music, with the exception of the popular "standard" Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden. The members of the group, and their fan base, are very excited to see years of work pressed on hard copy. Please, take a few minutes to enjoy their efforts.
What People Are Saying ...
... About Butterfat Trio:
"The Butterfat Trio remembers the basic idea that jazz
has to 'swing' in order to be called jazz. Their ideas are fresh yet familiar, and the playing has all the youthful exuberance to let the listener know that these folks are serious about their music yet don't mind having a great time as well."
-Bill Nerenberg, Peabody Presents; former manager for Herbie Hancock
"Their sound shows that music isn't just a pastime, it's a love and a passion."
-Matt Jensen, Recoil Magazine
"Knee-deep in jazz fusion talent."
-Matthew Jakubowski, Kalamazoo Gazette
(Entertainment section cover story)
... About the new album "Under Dog":
"tasty keyboard-based instrumentals with a pop flavor."
-John Sinkevics, Grand Rapids Press
"...drives hard and invites thoughtful musing"
-Michael O'Brien, Hampshire Review
"This CD is bright and hip ... 12 sensational tracks."
-Yvonne Glasgow, Music Review Magazine
"Tight, intensive bursts based on standard jazz
progression allowing several standout solos from
each musician that aren't overdone."
-Matthew Jakubowski, Kalamazoo Gazette
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