Album Notes

http://www.ruddermusic.com

Rudder is a NYC-based instrumental band. Founded on deep musical relationships and friendships lasting over a decade, this quartet brings an aggressive, driving rock and jam vibe to a purely instrumental setting. Rudder is equally led by it's four members.

This CD is the result of a a few years of recording sessions and extended mixing time. The band has been playing sold out shows in NYC for the last couple of years and they anticipate US, Europe and Japanese dates very soon. Individually, the bandmembers have been so busy that it has been difficult to complete the record, but now with a renewed desire to see this album to completion and to launch Rudder on the international scene they sat down and laid out the plan. Be sure to visit ruddermusic.com and the myspace page listed there for more info.

Chris Cheek (saxophones) is now somewhat of an icon in the saxophone world. His playing has been heard for years with the Paul Motion electric bebop band. He is also a member of Charlie Haden's Liberation Orchestra and has recently been playing with guitar great Bill Frisell. As a leader, Chris has four noteworthy albums to his credit in addition to appearing as a sideman on over 60 other CDs. With Rudder, Chris plays tenor, as well as baritone sax and brings his unique usage of effects on his horn to the Rudder sound.

Henry Hey (keyboards) has enjoyed a widely diversified musical career in New York. He has toured and recorded with everyone from Jeff Watts, Alex Sipiagin, Bill Evans, Bill Bruford, Monday Michiru and Till Broenner to Harry Belafonte, PM Dawn, Phil Ramone, Richard Perry, and most recently extended world touring and television appearances as pianist and shared musical director for Rod Stewart. Henry plays rhodes, organ and unique synthesized and sampled textures with Rudder.

Tim Lefebvre (bass) is of the most skilled and sought after bass players in NY. Tim has made appearances in Saturday Night Live's house band over the last few years - his work has also been heard on The Apprentice, The Sopranos, Late Show With David Letterman, The Knights of Prosperity (CBS), 30 Rock (NBC), Oceans 12, Ocean 's 13, The Departed, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, and Analyze That!. He was also the Musical Director/Leader on The Caroline Rhea Show on ABC. He has also appeared recently with Chris Potter, Patti Austin, Uri Caine, and Dave Binney. Tim brings his incredible support and huge low sounds to the Rudder vibe.

Keith Carlock (drums) is quickly becoming one of the most well-known and emulated drummers on the planet. Early on, Keith and Tim formed the backbone that led to some new directions in the trio of guitarist Wayne Krantz. It wasn't long before Keith was heard by others and quickly became the drummer for the Blues Brothers. Shortly after that he was sought out to follow in the footsteps of Peter Erskine and other greats to sit at the drum chair of Steely Dan. Immediately following his first extended tour with Steely Dan, Keith was on the road for a two-year tour with Sting. Keith's singular sound and style are essential to the groove of Rudder.