Collin Shook
Austin, TX | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF | AFM
Music
Press
It's always satisfying when a musician records his or her own work and that work turns out to be moving stuff. Such is the case with pianist Collin Shook. On Derivatives (Mont Elefant), Shook and Dylan DeRobertis (bass) and Matt Pirc (drums) play together gracefully. Clearly Shook knows his Bill Evans, a joyous thing. His pacing, voicing and dramatic builds have Evans whispering in his ear. A thoroughly enjoyable album that engages you in spiritual conversation. Sample any of the album's tracks; they're all great. For more on Collin Shook, go here. - Marc Meyers
Derivatives, the debut album from the Collin Shook Trio, is 53 minutes of technically skilled and vividly expressive jazz. Pianist Shook, bassist Dylan DeRobertis and drummer Matt Pirc have crafted a record that honestly acknowledges its host of influences while breathing new life into jazz with an ever-shifting batch of original compositions.
Recorded live in a single day in April at Mattlind Recording Studio, Derivatives has the uninhibited air of in-the-moment performance, showcasing the players' skills in hard-driving bop, ballads and Latin-tinged songs. The album opens with "Mantra," a 6/8 waltz that builds from mellow chords to cascading piano notes from Shook. "Poca Cosa (The Little One)," written as a tribute to the downtown restaurant, begins with a rhythmic drum burst from Pirc and moves with a Latin swing.
The album's centerpiece, "Occupy Suite," is presented as a prelude and two movements, stretching nine minutes, during which it's easy not only to envision the massive Wall Street protests, but also to feel the anger, uncertainty and energetic yearning that drove the cause. The "Prelude" starts with some ominous chords, while "Movement 1" rushes in like a storm, edgy even at its quietest moments. "Movement 2" balances on the edge of chaos.
Well-educated in the breadth and possibility of jazz, the Collin Shook Trio bring versatility and originality to the local scene. - Eric Swedlund - Tucson Weekly
"Recorded this April, is a brand-new CD by an independent piano trio. With its poetic, yet contemporary, compositional style, lyrical melodies, gentle piano playing, and interplay between the three players, listeners will feel like they are in a dream. The opposition of silence and activity is also well expressed. So you won't be bored even if you listen the whole way through." - Catfish Records - Japan
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Collin Shook, at 26, is an award-winning American jazz pianist, composer, and bassist. After 5 years of performing and recording in Tucson AZ (2009-14), Collin relocated to Austin, Texas, as his home base from where he performs piano and double bass as a sideman and leader.
His current incarnation is "SHOOKTET", an Austin modern jazz group that performs collaborations and compositions from all members of the ensemble: Justin Vasquez(alto), Derrick Becker(trumpet), Richard Mikel(bass), and Daniel Dufour(drums).
Collin's compositions and voice as a pianist lends towards a blend of more modern, post-bop pianistic styles, drawing influence from Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Tommy Flannigan, as well as Brad Mehldau, Stefano Bollani, Aaron Parks.... "Clearly Shook knows his Bill Evans, a joyous thing. His pacing, voicing and dramatic builds have Evans whispering in his ear." - Marc Myers 2012
Collin's second record is due in the Spring of 2016, featuring 6 original compositions for quintet featuring Tucson's finest: Mike Moynihan, Max Goldschmid, Dylan DeRobertis, and Tim Rachbach. (http://www.collinshook.bandcamp.com/)
Collin teamed up with Tucson's Matt Pirc (drums) and Dylan DeRobertis (double bass) in the Fall of 2010, where they began writing and performing original music. Their debut album, "Derivatives" (Mont Elefant-2012), features 11 of these original compositions. (http://collinshook.bandcamp.com/album/derivatives)
Collin received the "Best Keyboardist" award from the Tucson TAMMIES (Local Music Awards) in 2012, and two of his bands (Collin Shook Trio and Black Jackalope Ensemble) placed in 2nd and 3rd place in the "Best Jazz Band" category for Tucson.
Band Members
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