*****Keyboardist Art Wheeler loves music, all great music, New Orleans jazz, Memphis blues, Chicago blues, jazz, salsa, you name the style, he's listening, studying and playing it.
*****But that's not all. Gershwin, Beatles, Kern, Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Beethoven, African American gospel, ragtime, stride, swing, Motown soul. He's a musical encyclopedia and can play it all. Robert Jospe, drummer-percussionist who has played with jazz greats Michael Brecker and Emily Remler says, "In my 25 years as a professional musician I don't know anyone anywhere who can play as many different sytles with the insight and authority as Art Wheeler".
*****Art Wheeler's virtuoso skill came to the attention of Oscar winner Jessica Lange. As a result they began rehearsing songs for the film "Blue Sky". Their work together led to a small role for Art who composed and performed original material in the movie. Lange would go on to win an Academy Award for her performance. As a music teacher Art Wheeler has been in the employ of Sissy Spacek, Sam Shepherd, John Kluge and Tommy Lee Jones.
*****Art has recently completed his book "POLYPHONY EPIPHANY - The Unique Collection of 1050 Modulations From C to A Minor".
*****Recently, Art composed, performed and produced an album for Grammy Award nominee Guitar Slim Junior. Recorded at Sun Studios, "Nothing Nice" features the legendary Memphis Horns.
*****Art Wheeler has lectured on the history of blues and jazz piano at the University of Virginia. He also for several years improvised to great acclaim accompaniment for silent films at the Virginia Festival of American Film. He has also performed to acclaim gospel music in African-American churches from Charlottesville, Virginia, Selma, Alabama to Los Angeles.
*****Art Wheeler continues to challenge himself by studying and playing all the world's great folk, classical and other musical styles.
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"POLYPHONY EPIPHANY -The Unique Collectiion of 1050 Modulations from C to A Minor" is available by contacting Art Wheeler at 434.466.3626.
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AESIOPIA- A forthcoming cd by Art Wheeler.
Above are 4 excerpts from orchestral music composed for 5 Aesop's Fables.
The complete work will be performed symphonically soon.
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Music Playlist at MixPod.com
