Jazz from Planet Flippo

So, when was the last time you tried to count a Greek and Irish jig in 14/8? Many years ago, the cognoscenti shared Joe Morello's giggle of relief when he and the rest of Dave Brubeck's quartet got through "Unsquare Dance." Dave Flippo, however, is light years beyond 7/4. But odd meter is really not the point. This is just music, and hugely enjoyable for all that. How could anyone, adventuresome or not, miss getting drawn into such a lively excursion? Yeah, it helps if you are paying attention and keeping score. Yeah, you pat feet at different tempos if you can. But if that is all you do, you miss the point.

Flippo's coy title allusion to Sun Ra—maybe—is not really necessary. He has an orthodox musical background but is gifted with an exceptional imagination. If you start with "Spring Joy," you may first be looking for Clifford Brown. But he is not there. The tune is just a good Latin samba, and at that level, why not just enjoy it? "Syrtotic," the 14/8 Irish jig, sounds like it swirls its way around an E diminished chord on soprano sax as it opens after a percussion and bass introduction. The effect is just hypnotic, as if you think you have just walked into a particularly good Middle Eastern restaurant that offers Guinness. Yeah, it is out there, but fun to listen to. If you study "Giraffe Trek," you may not get the full effect if you only listen to the notes. It helps to Google a giraffe race from the Dallas Zoo to realize that Flippo has, uncannily, really written program music for just such an occasion. Do not just trust a reviewer. Try it yourself. Of if you question whether a drummer can really play in one tempo while the band is in another, listen to "Metamorphosis," which Flippo describes as a "polyphonic jazz motet" with group improvisation. Is it fair to call Flippo the Anti-Brubeck? Or the Ur-Brubeck? Lest you think it is all unconventional, "Freewheelin" may remind you of an Andy LaVerne composition that Stan Getz performed in the late 1970s, "Pretty City."

These are excellent musicians who clearly enjoy what they are playing. And what they are playing is hard. For sure, it is not pour on the Martinis music. Perhaps better suited to magic mushrooms. De gustibus! Do not underestimate the music. The more you listen, the more you hear. You may come away both enlightened and entertained.
- Richard J Salvucci - All About Jazz - Richard J Salvucci

Skillful smoking jazz wonders! ~ "Pure joy....The volcanic arrangement Dave created for the band’s performance of Stevie Wonder’s Too High is pure pleasure to listen to...this is (absolutely) the BEST performance of this classic tune I’ve ever listened to. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00 ...also gets a “PICK” from me for “best jazz ensemble”. - Dick Metcalf - Contemporary Fusion Reviews - Dick Metcalf

Pianist Dave Flippo’s release Life on Mars is not as esoteric as the title sounds. He and his trio elegantly interpret classic rock tunes with a couple of standards thrown into the mix, and endow them with a delightful sense of swing.

The overall laid-back mood the band creates bellies constantly engaging variations in their approach to the material. The Curtis Lewis/Nat Adderley-penned “Old Country” opens with lilting effervescence and hints of Latin. Flippo’s facile, charming solo filled with graceful arpeggios nods at Western classical influences. Bassist Donn De Santo embellishes the melody with lyricism before the three musicians exchange clever and inventive phrases. Haunting group performance with con-arco bass makes for a memorable conclusion.

In intriguing contrast stand such tracks as the award-winning “If Six Were Nine.” The Jimi Hendrix piece features electric instrumentation and a funky ambience. Flippo’s acerbic keyboard notes swagger with soul while De Santo lays down muscular bass lines. Another example is Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue,” where Flippo and De Santo converse in an eloquent dialogue with plenty of deep simmer over drummer Heath Chappell’s thunderous gallop.

Flippo’s arrangements do not simply “jazzify” the originals, but tastefully infuse them with new sensibilities. On Joni Mitchell’s “Chelsea Morning,” the ensemble plays the theme with suave subtly. Flippo improvises with crystalline tones, showcasing the composition’s complex beauty. Meanwhile Stevie Wonder’s “Visions” is given a crepuscular mood with darkly hued rhythms. Flippo again gracefully exposes its sublime and emotive core.

Life on Mars may not be terribly innovative or groundbreaking, but thanks to the high-caliber artistry of the individual musicians and their superb camaraderie, it is pleasantly alluring. This enjoyable and captivating work puts a fresh spin on these much-loved songs without detracting from their inherent appeal.

—Hrayr Attarian

musicians:
Dave Flippo – Piano and keyboard
Donn De Santo – Electric and acoustic bass
Heath Chappell – Drums - Chicagojazz Magazine

Ganesh, the most recent work of Dave Flippo, gives us a taste of the Orient through the eyes of a Westerner, uniting the cultures with his own unique philosophy.

Born at the intersecting point of many cultures, the resulting jazz language has discovered how to gather the energies and exalt the qualities of each culture's music, succeeding where others have often failed. Flippo, a native of Chicago, chooses this city as a point of departure for a voyage in time and space, moving from the sounds of ancient instruments like the tabla to modern electronic instruments (and objects such as a giant steel garbage can). The music passes through the Indian atmosphere of Cool Ali, Battle of Shiva and Ganesh and Ganesh to the Greek Syrtotic, the Indonesian Shadow Dances and the swinging Sweet Imp. (The Battle of Shiva and Ganesh is a work that could be considered an opera in itself, taking the listener from the birth, development and termination of the conflict--the spectator is presented with a music so profound and vibrant that it seems to materialize in front of the listener's eyes.)

Flippo, a person who seems to deeply appreciate Indian music and culture, is joined on his voyage with musical companions Dan Hesler (sax and flute), Donn DeSanto (bass), Heath Chappell (percussion) and Aris Biskis (percussion). The CD alternates conversant ensemble pieces with a number of solo piano pieces (four Preludes and Shadow Dances), which are more like solitary meditations--true internal journeys. The musicians are capable of keeping the listeners together-- hand in hand, side by side--with their energetic and diverse rhythms. A sound is born, rich in shade and color, which is, at once, steeped in a study of the past while striving to understand the present and imagine the future.

Flippo, in this work, seems almost to wants to demonstrate that music can be used as a means to reunite the many worlds one has explored throughout one's life, which lie scattered in the many corners of the mind.

Three and a half stars (out of five) - All About Jazz Italia

(Tao Tunes) - The Herald Scotland - Dec 15, 2011 - Rob Adams
"But as one of the most intriguing releases to appear this year, it's (Tao Tunes) also a gift to the wider world. Sure, Tao Tunes can be dark and serious in places but it's also playful, joyous and musically enjoyable, and with the original text's sometimes fortuitous rhyming structure, at times it's simply downright good fun. - The Herald Scotland

Chicago pianist, composer, and arranger Dave Flippo’s debut album, When the Heart is Strong, the Voice Rings True is a collection of eight standards and six originals that documents Flippo’s piano playing and unique vocal style.

The voice begins to ring with “Bye Bye Blackbird.” Flippo’s tenor vocal style is light and pleasant in telling the story of the Blackbird, while being well supported underneath by bassist, Donn De Santo. Flippo’s swinging soloing style keeps the melody close to heart through out the journey of harmonic and motivic exploration.

"The Face of Love,” is the first Flippo original heard on the project. The bossa-nova feel is enhanced with the addition of Leo Murphy on drums and percussion and Dan Hester on flute. The lyrical story line is that of eternal love and the emotions it brings.

"Kuzushi,’ that’s a Japanese word that means that you are off balance,” are the opening lines sung by Flippo, which is followed a playful bluesy melody doubled by the piano. As with all Flippo’s originals, the music is clear with strong melodies coupled with interesting story lines. Flippo takes a couple choruses of vocal soloing, scatting for sure, with some playful use of Japanese syllabic sounds

"Spiderman” contains very nice solos by both Hester (tenor sax) and De Santo (bass). The arrangement is an enjoyable take on a familiar superhero theme song. The song is a fun and unexpected closer to When the Heart is Strong, the Voice Rings True.

The collection of tunes are primarily presented as a duet with Flippo singing, with the exception of “The Face of Love,” “Bossa De Santo,” and “Spiderman,” which are augmented with guest artist. The CD flow is enjoyable and explores many varied emotions and styles to keep the listeners interest.

This is a pleasing premier CD for Da Duo Di Flippo De Santo, a Chicago-based duo, which continues to build upon the tradition of the jazz standards of old.

Tracks: Bye, Bye Blackbird, Ballad of the Sad Young Men, The Face I love, The Face of Love, Prelude to a Dream, The Jets Song, Autumn Rambler, Kuzushi, Bossa De Santo, People I'll Never Know, Here, There and Everywhere, Twilight Thoughts, A Night in Tunisia, Blame it on My Youth, Spiderman Theme - JazzReview.com

" . . . the music itself reflects the texts beauty and wisdom, even without recitation ... Tao Tunes will satisfy those who like a philosophical bent to their jazz." - Chicago Jazz Magazine- Hrayer Attarian

Dave Flippo has a rather unique new disc out called Life On Mars. It’s a CD of pop tunes from the post-Tin Pan Alley era, and there are some gems here. Joni Mitchell’s "Chelsea Morning" is given a gorgeous treatment, and David Bowie’s "Life On Mars" is fantastic as well. A few standards round out the program, including a really nice version of "It Might As Well Be Spring." Bassist Don De Santo and drummer Heath Chappell do a great job playing alongside Flippo. Life on Mars is a nicely grooving disc that I think you’re going to like a lot. - Paul Abella - by Paul Abella, WDCB Radio, Chicago

"And now, in the category of “Bet you didn’t see that one coming,” I give you the new album by Chicago pianist, composer, and vocalist Dave Flippo. But whether it’s the craftsmanship of the writing, or the surprising appeal of Flippo’s vocals, or the strength of the Tao Te Ching itself, Tao Tunes has definitely left its mark on my sensibilities. And a few of its earworms, against all odds, have burrowed deep into my right brain." - Chicago Music Examiner-by Neil Tesser

Dr. Dave Flippo is a Chicago-based jazz pianist, composer, vocalist, bandleader, and educator who created his ensemble, Planet Flippo, after completing his Doctorate and Masters in Music Composition/Piano at the University of Michigan and Masters at the Eastman School of Music. Planet Flippo has released six albums. His current album is Dedications – Jazz From Planet Flippo and is a series of compositions and arrangements for each ensemble member. The ensemble members are Donn De Santo – acoustic and electric bass, Heath Chappell – drum set, and Dan Hesler- saxophones and flute. Aras Biskis joins on percussion for two songs (tracks 3 and 7). When Flippo asked what elements they wanted him to include, he found their answers surprising and challenging — like writing a waltz in four or a song about a giraffe. The final set of tunes includes eight original songs and three arrangements by well-known pop artists. Each piece is dedicated to a member of the ensemble and/or friends, family, and other artists he admires.

“Giraffe Trek” is a groove-based Flippo original dedicated to Hesler. The quasi Afro-Cuban groove is meant to depict a giraffe loping across the savanna. The solo section begins with Flippo playing a melodic solo with confidence. Hesler’s saxophone solo builds the excitement as the rhythm section increases in activity and intensity. His phrasing is refined, and his melodic movement and articulations match the groove perfectly. A catchy ostinato serves as a background for Chappell’s and Biskis’ interactive solo, which is fluid and in the pocket.

“Rehab” is an arrangement of Amy Winehouse’s melody dedicated to her and inspired by Hesler. The arrangement incorporated Latin sounds with a steady straight-eight groove that yields to swing for the bridge. Hesler’s solo is first, with a bright sound; he digs into the groove and keeps the melody clear as he darts through the harmonic changes. Next, Flippo’s solo is an exciting interaction of left- and right-hand rhythms and melodic phrases. An excellent arrangement of this well-known pop tune.

Dedications – Jazz From Planet Flippo continues the musical journey of Flippo’s wide-ranging musical interests, and the personal dedications reveal Flippo’s aptitude and emotion as a composer and arranger. Audiophiles will find the mix and mastering a bit harsh, but the musical merit is still worth a serious listen. As the music on Dedications – Jazz From Planet Flippo is a well-balanced set of styles and playing, strong melodies and exciting solos, and an overall presentation that will appeal to contemporary jazz listeners. - The Word - Nolan DeBuke

From the opening burst of explosive sound of its title track, Ganesh is as startlingly brash and original as its cover art suggests. Its musical boundaries span the globe with the sounds and styles and rhythmic influences, reaching from Africa to Arabia, to Ireland and India, and back here to the Chicago jazz scene. Although musician/composer David Flippo, the musical guru of Flippomusic, is based in Skokie and has been teaching and performing in the Chicago area for a number of years, his training in music history, ethnomusicology and Indian musical theory and practice (including a doctorate from the University of Michigan) has led his considerable composing, arranging and keyboard skills down a decidedly global path.

Although Flippomusic's sound defies easy categorization, it frequently calls to mind the musical landscapes of Weather Report. But whereas that band fused elements of world music into a more homogeneous blend, Flippo seems to zero in on diverse styles and disciplines, and then turn them into something uniquely his own.
Flippomusic, as a performing group, is diverse as well, including Lithuanian precussionist Aris Biskis, who plays the "stack-o-cymbals and beads," Heath Chappell, also on percussion, Dan Hesler, saxophone and flute, and Donn DeSanto on electric and acoustic bass. And for on this CD, these regular members are joined by tabla player Yatindra Viad on two tracks, and Julliard-trained flutist, Lyon Leifer, who plays "bansuri," an Eastern Indian bamboo flute on the tune "Battle of Shiva and Ganesh." As a member of the St. Louis Symphony, Leifer received a Fulbright government grant which led him to New Dehli, and then to Bombay, and an opportunity for study with the renowned Indian bansuri player and craftsman Devendra Murdeshwar.

But, all diversity aside, this CD is a joy to listen to from beginning to end. The title track, "Ganesh," is based on an Indian raga and employs a fascinating melodic line that seems to turn on itself, shifting its rhythmic accents in mirror-like fashion, featuring fine solos from Dave and saxophonist Dan Hesler. Then, from the land of incense and elephants, Flippo takes us deep into the arid regions of the Mideast with "Camel Trot," incorporating non-traditional counterpoint and harmony with traditional Arabic scales. "Cool Ali," sounds a bit like Weather Report with Hesler's tenor sax cushioned in cool keyboard textures. Every tune is a stand-out and, as we, the listeners, journey through these tracks, the superb contributions of DeSanto, Chappell and Biskis become more evident, sweeping us up and away with seamless crescendos—taking us to dizzying heights and down again.

Dispersed among the arranged ensemble tracks, produced by Flippo, Hesler and DeSanto, are several more recent solo piano performances, produced by Flippo and Bradley Parker-Sparrow. The inclusion of these more meditative interludes, all compositions by Flippo, add yet another intriguing dimension to this richly satisfying program.—Dennis Sieja - Jazz Institute of Chicago

Chicago pianist/keyboardist David Flippo is hardly the first to combine jazz and world music, but his group Flippomusic Globaljazz is unorthodox in that it actually specializes in fusing jazz (both mainstream and avant-garde) with Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and Latin sounds. The resulting album is as unpredic- table as it is enriching. - CD Review Magazine

David Flippo--whose ethno-jazz quintet, Flippomusic, is included in this week's Chicago Symphony Orchestra's "East Meets West" festival--is a prime example of a fusion artist for the 90s. Classically trained (he got a doctorate in composition from the University of Michigan), the former keyboard child prodigy switched to jazz in the mid-80s but hasn't abandoned his roots. Indeed his love of jazz, combined with an intense curiosity about music from other cultures, only heightens his willingness to experiment and mix diverse elements. The result, as can be heard on Flippomusic's latest CD, Tendrils of Light, is an idiosyncratic eclecticism that's true to the spirit of the tribal music it celebrates, be it Javanese, Indian, or Brazilian. At this concert the band--whose members are Flippo, Steve Hashimoto (bass), Heath Chappell and Aras Biskis (percussion), and John Boes (wind)--will perform cuts that illustrate how Eastern rhythms and instrumental sounds can be placed into jazz and new-music contexts. Also included is "Shadow Dances," a percussive tribute to Javanese puppet theater and its raucous gamelan accompaniment. The concert is preceded by Flippo's lecture on the influence of world music on jazz since the 60s. Wednesday, 5:30 PM, Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton; 943-9090. Next Friday, February 9, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan; 573-0564. TED SHEN - Chicago Reader

Of all the Chicago jazz ensembles searching for new sounds, one of the more alluring has to be Flippomusic, the rare band of musical adventurers who prefer to seduce the ear rather than accost it.

That leader Dave Flippo and his colleagues do so by combining elements of jazz with Middle Eastern melody, makes the venture all the more intriguing.

Flippo, who played the "Wednesday-night "world music" at the Jazz bulls, on North Lincoln Park West, obviously is not the first jazz improviser to find source material and inspiration in music of far-off cultures. That technique dates as far back as Jelly Roll Morton, who brought elements of "Spanish tinge" (his own term for Latin elements) into his own early jazz.

Almost a century later, Flippo's way of blending two seemingly disparate musical idioms proves as fresh and contemporary as it is provocative, thanks to the sophistication of his compositions and the virtuosity of his players.

Certainly any jazz musicians who build a set on pieces titles "Zimbabalupi," Antelopin'" and "Arabopic" are up to something unusual. The exotic scales, oddly undulating textures and strangely complex chords that define all of these works also distinguish Flippo's idiom from almost anything else around.

So, too does some of the band's instrumentation, with Flippo playing keyboards, melodica and what he calls a "three-octave thumb piano."

As for the band's repertoire, its' consistently interesting. In "Arabopic," for instance, Flippo and friends apply the energy of classic be-bop to non-Western scales and modes. On "Camel Trot," Dan Hesler's insinuating phrases on soprano saxophone are backed by lush harmonizations and colors. With Steve Hashimoto playing ingratiating lines on electric bass and Heath Chappell and Aras Biskis layering intricate cross rhythms on percussion, bandleader Flippo has put together an ensemble well worth nurturing. - Chicago Tribune

GANESH is one of the most interesting contemporary jazz/world music CDs I have heard in recent years, each song a reflection of intricate and unusual jazz motifs that are original as well as entertaining. I have always been fascinated by and hold a respect for the Hindu religion simply because it has a honest voice and has had to overcome a lot of prejudice in the past 100 years.
Those who know Hindu mythology are aware of the importance of the god known as Ganesh. Ganesh is there to help one overcome personal burdens, act as the remover of obstacles, share wisdom and to guide one on her or his spiritual journey, among other attributes. Odd as it may seem, I was recently give a twelve pound hand-carved Ganesh bookend carved out of stone, given to hold up my corner of six jazz reference books and a dictionary! A wonderful gift with a remarkable carved face of an elephant. It sits quietly on my computer table holding up the dictionary. Strange, wonderful things do come about one's way at times!
This collection contains 14 remarkable jazz works, starting with "Ganesh" (Malconce raag)," and including such eclectic sounds as found in the songs "Battle of Shiva and Ganesh" (Gujri Todi raag), "Shadow Dances," "Sweet Imp," "Syrtotic," "The Jig's Up," "Prelude: Prayer," "Gyromaniations." The listening audience will find each song as different as night is from day.
I found the performances flawless, perfectly matched to the jazz material at hand, and whether a solo or group performance, excellent. GANESH is something that will capture the listening audience's attention completely with its world music flavor and contemporary jazz combination.
Many images float through these songs, and the listening audience will discover unique images in each of these songs. "American Crawl," "Camel Trot," and "Cool Ali" are other fine songs that bear close attention.
For some very intricate piano work, take a few listens to the sounds on "Shadow Dances." Each musician is toprate in GANESH. David Flippo is excellent as a pianist, creating and sharing his unique musical ideas with the audience in a flawless, straight-ahead fashion.
A change of pace, refreshing, combining and reinventing, lively, gentle, classical forms, challenging and exotic, GANESH is an interesting brew, a special cup of tea that the jazz listening audience will embrace for its concepts, images, and ability to share feelings of sound with each listener. This collection will come across as personal, close, intimate, and sensitive to each listener, as if created for that listener alone to partake of! To be able to share successfully jazz visions with the audience is what GANESH is all about. Perfect. --LeeProser - Jazz Review.Com

One of the most unusual and appealing bands to spring up in Chicago of late, Flippomusic Globaljazz speaks a language of its own making-and a beguiling language it is. Part Arabic melody, part Asian harmony, part American bop (and so on), the band creates a sound, a texture and a brand of improvisation as exotic as it is original.
Listen to the sinuous flute lines on "Buddha's Siesta," the unusual rhythmic ideas on "Antelopin' " and the lush textures on the title track, and you'll hear a music at once complex and transparent, sophisticated and accessible. Further, the way this band utterly transforms such jazz standards as "Do Nothin' 'Til You Hear From Me" and "Well You Needn't" defies expectations.

It's a terrific recording, but here's hoping it marks only the beginning for keyboardist and composer David Flippo's ensemble. Joined by electric bassist Steve Hashimoto, reed player Dan Hesler, percussionist Aras Biskis and various guests (including percussionists Hamid Drake and Michael Zerang), Flippo has created a band with ample promise. - Chicago Tribune

Once you know the name of this quintet' leader--Dave Flippo, playing piano and synths--the rest of its odd designation falls into place. Of course at this point the whole idea of "world music" carries little novelty, either as a self-contained genre or as the most widespread new influence on every idiom from classical to rock; the phrase itself attained buzzword status back in the 80s. Most groups concerned with world-beat rhythms tend to attach themselves to a single culture -- Brazilian, say, or West African or Middle Eastern -- or to blend aspects of them all into a purportedly "universal" melange. But Flippo has done neither; instead his repertoire includes separate tunes that specifically explore Arabic, African, Latin American and Indian music. The trick is to avoid cliche among all this eclecticism, and Flippo does this to an acceptable extent. His compositions have enough bite to elevate them from mere vehicles, and his group really seem to inhabit their dizzying musical travelogue; they play each piece from the inside out rather than merely imposiing the appropriate rhythms when called for. For that you can place no little credit with Hamid Drake, the master percussionist whose expertise with rhythms from around the globe has attained locally legendary stature. Globaljazz performs Friday as part of this weekend's University of Chicago Jazz Festival, headlined by Malachi Thompson's sextet (Friday) and the New Horizons Ensemble (Saturday). Friday, 8 PM, Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th; 702-7300. Thursday, 8 PM, Southport Records Jazz Fest, Bop Shop, 1807 W. Division; 235-3232. - Chicago Reader

On Flippomusic Globaljazz's Tendrils of Light (Southport SSD-002), David Flippo & Co. bring world music influences to bear on what is essentially jazz. Nothing new, right? What gives this recording so much more is the band's élan and their sharp musical chops. At times they offer very traditional jazz, but then go off to explore the world with such instruments as a grand piano, the Arabic dumbek, and the Indian tabla. Toss in some Latin percussion, and it becomes a potpourri of styles that keeps you guessing - Schwann Spectrum

Strait out of Chicago by way of various global byways, the octet known as Flippomusic Globaljazz makes a point of surfing between jazz and world music strains of the Latin, African, Asian, Middle Eastern and other types.

Along the way, the consensus attitude shifts from whimsy to contemplation! Their album Tendrils of Light (Southport) is nothing if not polydirectional. Leader-keyboardist David Flippo's material keeps you guessing: the album opens with the Caribbean-meets-Far-Eastern "Zimbabalupi" and closed with the twilight ballad "Dreams Reborn." The group's version of "Do Nothing 'Till You Hear From Me" is liberally undercoated with dark reharmonizations and a slinking rhythm, while "Well You Needn't" assumes a slow and rubbery reggae posture. Sometimes the going gets diffuse, but the heart is in the right place. - Jazz Times Magazine

Contemporary jazz is coming to Tommy Nevin's Pub in Evanston thanks to Skokie resident Dave Flippo. He will be bringing his quartet, Jazz From Planet Flippo, to the popular restaurant and performance venue twice a month starting Jan. 22.Audiences will hear original pieces by pianist and composer Flippo as well as his arrangement of tunes by such artists as David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles. These artists are featured on the group's most recent album, "Life on Mars."
In addition, Jazz From Planet Flippo members will play more modern tunes by such artists as Amy Winehouse and Jason Mraz. "But they're jazz versions of them," Flippo said. "And I'm writing some originals that are exploring new directions. I'm trying to get things that are more cosmic and spiritual, and then some things that are more fun."
Flippo has been playing jazz since he was about 14 years old. "I was classically trained and I did a doctorate in music composition and theory but I always played jazz on the side," he said. "Miles Davis was the main guy that I really liked. At first it sounded like noise to me and then I started appreciating it."
Flippo has led a jazz ensemble since 1992. "I mainly put it together to play my music, because I'm a composer, but we've gotten into some other projects lately," Flippo said. Saxophone player Dan Hesler has been with Flippo from the beginning. His quartet also includes drummer Heath Chappell and Donn De Santo on acoustic and electric bass.
Jazz from Planet Flippo has performed at numerous jazz festivals, including Taste of Chicago, South Shore Jazzfest, Around the Coyote Art Festival and Navy Pier World Jazz Festival. They have also performed at many clubs, including Pete Miller's, Beat Kitchen and Hot House, and frequently perform at colleges and libraries. Special public performances have included Jazzin' at the Shedd, After Hours at the Field Museum, Brookfield Zoo Summer Concert Series and Chicago Cultural Center Concert Series.
Flippo said that what makes his ensemble unique is the diverse influences of his original music. "I'm into world music, I'm into Indian and African, I'm into historical classic music like Bach and Beethoven and Renaissance, and I'm into jazz," he said. The most recent of his group's five albums, "Life on Mars," reflects some of those influences. "I arranged a bunch of rock classics and pop classics from the '60s and '70s," he explained.
Flippo, who earned a bachelor of arts from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Musical Arts in music composition from the Eastman School of Music and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in music composition from the University of Michigan, has been teaching in this area since 1987. He currently teaches music, jazz and classical piano at Triton College and the College of Lake County, as well as giving private lessons.
Flippo is looking forward to bringing his group to Tommy Nevin's for several reasons. "I have a lot of students in this area," he noted, adding, "Evanston's a cool town. It's a nice club and it has a nice room to play in." More at www.flippomusic.com .
Myrna Petlicki / Pioneer Press
Jazz from Planet Flippo When: 3-6 p.m. Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and Feb. 26
Where: Tommy Nevin's, 1450 Sherman Ave., Evanston NO COVER - ALL AGES - Pioneer Press - Chicago Tribune

Dave Flippo is from his own planet. But, he counters, so is everybody else.
“That’s the weird thing about human existence. Every person walking around, they’re the center of their universe,” Flippo said. “When I write my music, I’m not writing it for other people; I’m writing it for myself and expressing my own world.”
Flippo is a composer and musician whose quartet, “Jazz from Planet Flippo,” has started a series of performances at Tommy Nevin’s Pub in Evanston. They currently play twice a month at Nevin’s — their next show is Jan. 22 — and feature a variety of Flippo’s compositions, from world music-inspired pieces to “jazzified” covers of popular songs.
Though Flippo started off writing classical and contemporary concert music, he said he was drawn to the freedom and improvisation of jazz. After 11 years of pursuing higher education degrees and with a newly-earned doctorate under his belt, the Pittsburgh native decided to continue pursuing jazz music in Chicago.
His group, “Jazz from Planet Flippo,” started out around 25 years ago under the name “Flippomusic Globaljazz.” Since then they have recorded five albums and performed at various venues in the Chicago area, with Flippo composing, playing keys and sometimes adding vocals.
Donn DeSanto, the bassist for the group, called Flippo a “musical genius.” He said Flippo’s music has a unique and unconventional sound that is difficult to describe.
“He hears things in ways that no one else does,” DeSanto said.
Part of this distinctive style, Flippo said, comes from his extensive use of what he calls “dirty chords,” or dissonance. He likened his music to a Gauguin painting, with earthy tones that blend some darkness into the brighter colors.
When composing, Flippo said he likes to keep a specific idea or phrase in mind to guide the music. The group’s fourth album, “Tao Tunes,” was actually based on the “Tao Te Ching,” an ancient Chinese text.
“The words and the way the words flow make melodies come out of them,” Flippo said. “Speech has ups and downs, so for things with text that’s how I (compose).”
The group’s most recent album, “Life on Mars,” takes a different approach. It includes jazz arrangements of various rock songs, from the Beatles to David Bowie.
This concept was inspired when Flippo was playing in a Wilmette restaurant and the owner asked if he knew any Jimi Hendrix. Though Flippo said he is not naturally a “rocker,” after playing around with a few rock tunes, Flippo decided to turn these arrangements into a full album.
Flippo’s eclectic style has now found a home at Nevin’s. Though the pub started out featuring mostly Irish music, manager Brian Davenport said these days they are “open-minded” when it comes to musical acts.
“As long as they can get a few people in the door and create a good atmosphere, we book all kinds of shows,” Davenport said.
The performances are being marketed as an event for all ages, and Flippo said he hopes the arrangements of familiar tunes draw in a younger crowd. He added that musicians need to keep refreshing the genre to make sure it doesn’t die out, citing jazz legend Miles Davis’ adoption of hip hop styles.
DeSanto, however, said he is not worried about the future of jazz. Unlike rock, which he described as “like vanilla cake” that eventually becomes tiresome, he said he is confident that jazz will continue to evolve.
“Jazz is something that is timeless,” DeSanto said. “It’s not the flavor of the month.”
Email: madelineburakoff2020@u.northwestern.edu
Twitter: @madsburk - Daily Northwestern

“Joined by a solid crew, Flippo has put together a really nice set of originals and reinterpretations of the music of Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and even Amy Winehouse... Everything swings and is well-conceived...There’s a lot to like here, and Flippo should be proud of what he’s done with Dedications.” - Paul Abella - WDCB Radio - Paul Abella