Formed in 2017, Flex embodies flexibility, muscle and mind flexion, heart and mood reflex, and the inflection of a wide range of musical influences. Featuring pianist Art Lande, bassist Gonzalo Teppa, and drummer Dru Heller, the group embraces the myriad of possible textures and colors available to this time-honored instrumentation.
The band's adaptability is a critical feature that sets it apart. The bass takes over the theme in an arco fashion, a drum solo appears unexpectedly, forms are suspended or changed at will, and a quiet piece gets funky or becomes a 5/4 for salsa dance. Each band member is ready to bring his musical wishes to the table at any moment, and the group not only adapts but also thrives in the new direction.
The band's repertoire is a testament to its commitment to innovation and tradition. It includes compositions from its members, arrangements of jazz standards, open improvisations, and tunes called out or arrived at that the ensemble has never played together before. This blend of the familiar and the unexpected creates an exciting atmosphere.
Grammy-nominated Art Lande is an internationally known pianist, composer, improviser, drummer, and educator who has performed with a long list of the Who's Who in jazz, including Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Steve Swallow, Charlie Haden, Kenny Wheeler, Sheila Jordan, Mark Isham, Paul McCandless, Jan Garbarek, and many others.
Dru Heller is an expressive, authentic, joyful drummer, composer, and bandleader. His passion for playing and love for music led him to perform and teach nationwide. Known for his dynamic and interactive playing, his career spans over two decades. He has toured and recorded with some of the most excellent musicians in jazz, including Don Byron, John Ellis, Ron Miles, Art Lande, and Greg Osby. He was a featured performer on Don Byron’s original score for the American Masters (PBS) documentary of Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes Feeling Heart. His quartets have received accolades and garnered attention from jazz enthusiasts worldwide, and he is a first-call drummer for the bandstands in the greater Denver area.
Gonzalo Teppa began studying music at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory in his home city, Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He had a friend at the University of Colorado at Boulder who pushed him into submitting some music and invited him to attend. He finished the University’s requirements for a bachelor’s degree in classical music under Paul Erhard and earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and Bass Performance with Professor Mark Simon. In the Jazz genre, Teppa has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Matt Wilson, Ed Simon, Chris Potter, Tom Harrell, Ron Miles, Art Lande, Slide Hampton, Don Byron, Jeremy Pelt, Otmaro Ruíz, among many others.
Playing together as Flex, Art Lande, Gonzalo Teppa, and Dru Heller will perform at the Boulder JCC on Sunday, September 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us in the beautiful Levin Hall for an evening of light appetizers, wine, and music and to listen to Flex's music. Register ahead of time on the Boulder JCC website.