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Announcing: VOID Our third release is now available! Check back soon for sound clips!

Hi,

We are Java Men. We are a modern music ensemble from Louisville, Kentucky. Over the years, Louisville has been the musical diving board for such diverse artists as Jimmy Raney, Palace Brothers, Don Braden, Rahn Burton, Terry Adams (of NRBQ), Midnight Star, The Moonglows and Slint.

While still in college, Todd toured Europe and performed at The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with a locally acclaimed Jazz trio. In the summer of '95, Craig was one of 25 guitarists invited to teach and perform at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society in Nashville (he returns this year). Ray played for two years in the regionally successful rhythm and funk group, lovesauce and soulbones. All three of us have been or are members of the Drag City recording outfit King Kong, an act included in Lollapalooza's second stage lineup in 1994.

Java Men was formed in the Fall of 1992 as a sonic workshop for the three of us to play and study within the veins of our heroes, who range from Chick Corea to Bill Frisell, Coltrane to Mingus, Pat Metheny to Larry Young, Jerry Reed to Frank Zappa. Eight months into our existence, we played our first original material and have used writing to further our development since.

Java Men are about evolution. Accordingly, in the Fall of 1993, we began a new chapter in our development, introducing ourselves to the rigors of recording. We began taping as many gigs as we could afford with a DAT machine and traded one of Todd's CD players for some studio time. When a batch of songs existed that we felt was good enough to share with our growing audiences, we put some tapes on the shelves.

Ray Rizzo drums & percussion

Craig Wagner guitars

Todd Hildreth Hammond organ

A year after our first release, further guerrilla recording tactics yielded our second collection of material, A Letter to St. Paul (Cadence review). The songwriting has continued to keep us moving forward with an insatiable dedication to melody, rhythm, and vibe. We have grown into a sound we hear as our own, honestly showcasing our heavy roots in all eras of Jazz, Bluegrass, 20th century instrumental music, Rhythm & Blues, and Rock. Do not, under any circumstances, overlook any of the pieces on this recording. We believe them to be the sincerest reasons for our existence.

A Letter to St. Paul

Java Men have always been a Jazz-based organ trio seeking to identify ourselves by tracing the evolution of such ensembles through the history of modern music. However, Java Men compositions are not heard or intended as an exercise or experiment. Our predecessors exist as barometers for us, giving us endless possibilities and confirmation in the forging of new musical paths. With this in mind, we create strong music and it is from the music that we come to you with a deep belief in our vision and chemistry as an ensemble that is operating in directions beyond Louisville. The knowledge is growing. As always, we will continue to search for new audiences and opportunities to ensure that the evolution of Craig, Todd and Ray continues.

Thanks for your time.

Check out these interviews with:

Todd Hildreth

Craig Wagner - Just Jazz Guitar
Cincinnati Jazz Guitar Society

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Music Links

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Beeblebrox

We maintain an ever growing mailing list for our listeners. If you would like to be included, or have any comments, questions, criticisms, etc., then please contact us via E-Mail or write to:

Java Men
P.O. Box 17080
Louisville, KY 40217