CHRISTIAN DILLINGHAM
Bassist and Ohio native Christian Dillingham is proud to present Cascades, his debut album for Dave Douglas’ prestigious Greenleaf Music label. “I’ve admired and respected the artists and albums that Greenleaf has produced for many years,” Dillingham says. “Dave’s creative vision and ability to produce quality records made Greenleaf the perfect fit for my music. I’m so grateful to be joining the Greenleaf family and I’m elated to share this album with the world.”
The album’s 10 original compositions reveal an open-hearted and adventurous spirit, a sensibility honed through wide-ranging experience. The quartet sound he achieves with the aid of guitarist Dave Miller, saxophonist Lenard Simpson and drummer Greg Artry is unique in its balance of freedom and structure, swing and backbeat, acoustic jazz and atmospheric sonics. “The music that inspires me draws from many genres,” Dillingham remarks. “I’ve played bass with bands and ensembles in many different styles, and that’s led to really varied sources of inspiration. The tunes on this record reflect that, as well as life experiences dating back as far as childhood.”
Dillingham played on gospel star Kirk Franklin’s GRAMMY-winning album Long Live Love, though the bassist has amassed a particularly long list of credits in the classical world, playing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Opera Theatre and the acclaimed new music orchestra Alarm Will Sound. He is also a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta, Present Music (Milwaukee), Fulcrum Point New Music Project and the Chicago Philharmonic.
At the same time, Dillingham has become a vital presence on the Chicago jazz scene, performing at Fred Anderson’s iconic Velvet Lounge, the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase, Constellation Chicago, Hungry Brain, Andy’s Jazz Club, Elastic Arts and other Chicago venues as well as at the Chicago Jazz Festival. He has played and recorded with dozens of top musicians, including Terreon Gully, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Legend, Herlin Riley, Peter Bernstein, Kevin Mahogany, Willie Pickens, Dee Alexander, Victor Goines, Bobby Broom, Sean Jones, Greg Ward and Mike Reed.
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