BEEP! (JAZZ TRIO)

The members of Beep! met in 2001 while attending the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. In each other they recognized a common direction: a pull towards musical exploration, creativity and integrity. Through years of playing together the trio has developed a unique group dynamic that fully showcases each other’s abilities. In any given tune, the three musicians are always changing what they do, playfully exploring new rhythms and embarking on melodic journeys. Their powerful sound stems in a large part from deeply sensing each other’s playing, each instrument breathing life into the others. Beep! endeavors to find new ways to play standard jazz repertoire, pop songs and folk music while consistently composing original works.

“Beep!, is an exciting and dynamic group that is well-versed in the Jazz tradition, with a style that makes classic Jazz fresh.” -Chris Siebert, Musical Director for Lavay Smith

As individuals, they contribute their diverse musical backgrounds. Michael Coleman grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he studied piano with Michael Weiss, Barry Harris and Dan Wall. Since arriving in the Bay Area, Michael has had the good fortune of playing with Marcus Shelby, Dayna Stephens, Smith Dobson Jr., Howard Wiley, Matt Morrish and many other great musicians. He writes for and plays keyboards in local indie rock band, The Attachments. As the percussionist for Jug Free America, Michael toured both the United States and Eastern Europe.

While attending Oberlin Conservatory, Rob Schwartz studied with jazz drummer Billy Hart. Rob moved to Oakland in the summer of ’05 and now is an in-demand sideman in the Bay Area jazz scene. He has performed with Rob Adkins, Nick Lyons, Dayna Stephens, and regularly backs singer Gina Harris. He is a member of the rock bands, The Attachments and Amos Payne. Rob is active in the Bay Area Brazilian music scene and plays with the bateria of Fogo Na Roupa, two-time Grand Champions of the San Francisco Carnival.

Nate Brenner began his professional career at a young age, joining his father, Craig’s, rhythm and blues band while still in elementary school. While at Oberlin he studied bass with Peter Dominguez, and composition with Wendell Logan. Nate has performed jazz with Marcus Belgrave, Donald Byrd, Gary Bartz, and Noah Bernstein-Hanley. Versatile in other styles he has performed with The Blue Roots, Gaucho, and is currently a member of the rock groups Amos Payne, and Sister Suvi, a group based out of Montreal.

The trio currently resides in the Bay Area and performs regularly at venues including Enrico’s, Jupiter, Amnesia, Kelly’s, The Uptown and Mama Buzz café

BEEP! - SHORT STORIES (2007)

Modern piano trio plays originals, standards and pop songs

Michael Coleman-Piano/Wurly

Nate Brenner-Bass

Robert Schwartz-Drums

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