The Rob Rasch Trio avoids white-bread approaches to jazz classics and standards. But how do they do this?

Rob and the guys are self taught so you won't hear the usual cliches. These men have developed original approaches to the music. It's a more organic sound, and you'll hear a lot more "life" in their playing collectively. They do not break the conventions of jazz/standards trios, necessarily. They simply perform the conventions differently. And it's quite refreshing.

Rob Rasch is a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) nominated keyboard artist (Best Jazz Artist or Group 1999) whose return to Wisconsin is a welcome one for area jazz fans (Rob spent 5 years in Minneapolis).

Performing in the Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha markets mainly, Rob built a following of fans and  jazz critics alike with a style based on the work of Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Lyle Mays. His jazz organ playing was also key to his appeal, which was heavily influenced by Jimmy Smith,  and Mel Rhyne. Being an autodidact, Rob went about learning music in his own manner, so his stylistic influences are never copied, thus what you hear is an original improvisor.

As a composer/performer, Rob has played Summerfest, Harborfest, The Animal Crackers Jazz series, Jazz after Five series at the Anderson Art Center, The Kemper Jazz Festival, Bank One Concerts on the Rooftop at Madison's  Monona Terrace, and many other venues.  He has performed on TV and radio, and is also an educator. Here in Madison, Rob also played with the Brazilian ensemble, Saboroso which was featured at the annual Marquette Waterfront Festival in 2006.

Bassist Ben Johnson brings a heated, original style to the upright bass. His work with the  gypsy swing band, The Gadjo Players, gives him solid intonation and foundation, but his improvising is searching, hypnotic and rhythmically exciting.

Drummer Matt Krueger (also a mandolinist with the Gadjo Players) is a solid and steady rythmicist whose talent for spontaneity is exceeded only by his tastiness. His deft work with brushes gives him a quieter sound, and he never over-plays. But his rock background gives him the power to pack a wallop when the mood is right.

The Rob Rasch Trio is an exciting new band in the Madison market. And It aspires to grow beyond it as well.

Contact: Rob Rasch: 608.220.8257 rob42@tds.net
  Ben Johnson: 608.242.2475 thegadjoplayers@yahoo.com