Drummer Chris Beck’s debut album, The Journey, was born out of personal tragedy. Losing his young son Aiden in an accident, music helped Beck navigate his pain and sorrow. The recording, along with his many performances and collaborations, has cemented his reputation as one of the hottest drummers in the New York jazz scene. He’s worked with stalwarts like Wynton Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut, Rufus Reid, Martha and the Vandellas, Nicholas Payton, Macy Gray, and more.
Originally from Philadelphia, Beck is part of a musical legacy that began with his grandfather, singer Elder Charles Beck, to Tony Beck, a gospel producer. With a group consisting of Terell Stafford (trumpet), Stacy Dillard (tenor sax),, Anthony Wonsey (piano) and Eric Wheeler (bass), Beck pays tribute to his son on both his rendition of Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven (also written after the guitarist lost his son in a tragic accident) and “Waiting for Aiden.” The group also tackled Wayne Shorter’s “Mahjong,” Quincy Jones’ “Quintessence,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Byrdilke,” and several more original compositions. The result is a recording that Jazz Weekly hails as “ smoking vintage post bop. “
Hodge Podge
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