Oteil Burbridge

Although Oteil and the Peacemakers is made up of incredibly talented musicians the music the story always comes back to Grammy-nominated Oteil Burbridge. His solo band features a blend of jazz, jam, funk and gospel grooves – and tremendously catchy words and melodies – that promises to propel this band into the jam – and jazz – forefront. In addition to Burbridge, the band consists of Chris Fryar on drums, Mark Kimbrell on guitars and Matt Slocum on keys. Burbridge’s influences include jazz greats such as Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Alphonso Johnson, and Aston "Family Man" Barrett, along with funk masters Larry Graham, James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, Willie Weeks, Jerry Jemmott, Rocco Prestia, Bootsy Collins and George Porter, Jr. In fact, cognoscenti and press who witnessed Oteil’s virtuoso performance of Pastorius’ “Three Views of a Secret” at last year’s Beacon Theater tribute uniformly called it the high point of the evening.Burbridge has always been in demand as a session and live sideman – recently, he was simultaneously a member of six different bands! His first step into the national spotlight came in 1991, when he became a founding member of the Aquarium Rescue Unit, a legendary jam outfit that still does the occasional reunion gig. He is probably best known, though, for his membership in The Allman Bros. Band since 1997. He was an immediate success with ABB fans, earning raves for his six string bass version of “Little Martha.” His work with the band also earned him two Grammy nominations for best rock instrumental, in 2004 and in 2005. Along the way, he found time to collaborate with Phish’s Page McConnell and The Funky Meters’ Russell Battiste on the jam unit Vida Blue.Burbridge has dropped all of his side projects recently, preferring to focus on the Allman Bros. and Oteil and the Peacemakers. Although Burbridge’s resume must dominate any story about the Peacemakers, each of the members of the band brings important elements to the whole. Drummer Chris Fryar played with the blues-rock touring group Gravy. He has also done session/side work with acts as diverse as Robert Moore and the Wildcats, Charles Neville. Keyboardist Matt Slocum was classically trained, attending the New England Conservatory of Music. As the newest member of the band, he adds precise musicianship to the mix. Guitarist Mark Kimbrell is also a veteran of the session scene, and brings astounding guitar virtuosity to the album.HIGHLIGHTS and RECORDINGS- Col. Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit - 1990-1993 Recordings: "Live" - 1992 "Mirrors Of Embarrassment” - 1993Aquarium Rescue Unit (with Paul Henson) - 1993-1997 Recordings: "In A Perfect World" - 1996 "The Calling" - 2003The Allman Brothers Band - 1997-present Recordings: "Peakin' at the Beacon" - 2000 "Hittin' The Note" - 2003 "One Way Out" - 2004 “Live At The Beacon" (DVD) -2003 *Grammy Nominated songwriter: "Instrumental Illness" - Hittin' The Note*Vida Blue (Phish Keyboardist solo project) Recordings: "Vida Blue" - 2000 "The Illustrated Band" - 2003Gov't Mule Recordings: "The Deep End Vol. 1" - 2001 "Rising Low" (DVD) - 2002Oteil Burbridge and the Peacemakers Recordings: "Love of a Lifetime" - 1998 "The Family Secret" (CD/DVD) - 2002