Jeff DeHerdt: triple threat musician

There is a resurgence in jazz of the triple threat artist: a vocalist, pianist and composer. Leading the trend nationally are artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Peter Cincotti and Diana Krall. This city also has a gifted talent that falls into that category in Jeff DeHerdt.

DeHerdt has played the sideman's role from straight-ahead groups to backing vocalist, and when not serving as keyboardist in Cathy Morris’ Brazilian Lounge Band, he performs with his own group. His latest recorded effort is Club Bordeaux, which clearly defines a multitalented artist on the move.

DeHerdt stated his quest for performing his own original material and not cover tunes. "It has to do with being a young musician. There are so many musicians that have said it all on standards. It’s a lot easier to pick up fresh ideas on my own tunes."

DeHerdt composes vocal and instrumental tunes that showcase his ironic sense of humor, flavored by his musical hero Thelonius Monk. "I love Monk, I guess like kindred souls. I tend to like people that have been influenced by him and of course he's a demi-god," DeHerdt added.

As a triple threat musician singing, playing piano and composing, DeHerdt's personal favorite of the three was surprising. "Composing would probably be the most satisfying. Playing piano would be next and singing would be last because I feel less comfortable with it right now."

Jazz, rock and pop share equally in DeHerdt's musical mind set. He admits that he is open to making a career as a singer in any of the musical genres and that he views it all as music. DeHerdt wears many musical hats well and can be heard all over Indy in various settings or leading his own group.

Downtown

Chatterbox, 435 Massachusetts Ave. Ron Enyard Quartet featuring B-3 organ Friday, July 9. Trumpeter Mike Rodman is back with his quartet Saturday, July 10. Sets both nights are 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. with a cover charge.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, 45 S. Illinois St. "Sizzling Steaks & Jazz Sunday" showcases the jazz harp of The Jan Aldridge Clark Trio July 11 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Northside

Jazz Kitchen, 54th Street and College Avenue. The Steve Allee Big Band featuring guest tenor sax Gary Campbell performs Friday, July 9. The classy and brassy vocals of Mary Moss & Friends swing hard Saturday, July 10. Sets both nights are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. with a cover charge.

D'Vines Wine Bar, 86th and Keystone Ave., Woodfield Shopping Center. George Middleton plays Friday, July 9. Dave Ellman plays Saturday, July 10. Music both nights runs 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Southside

Smokehouse Cafe, Countyline Road and Meridian Street. New Sunday Jazz Brunch with modern tasty jazz by The Impulse Trio playing 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pauly's Italian Restaurant, Southport Road and Highway 37. Relaxing jazz from The Notemen Jazz Combo Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Fridays 7 to 10 p.m.

Northwest

Rick's Cafe Boatyard, 4050 Dandy Trail. The Art Trio plays Friday, July 9 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 10 Jennifer Kirk plays 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monica Herzig plays 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Chuck Workman is the producer/host of the Sunday Morning Jazz Show at 107.9 WTPI.