Most Recent Review From: 'Los Angeles Jazz Scene'
"Overall, the playing on Secret Light is sophisticated, quietly emotional, and full of strong melodies. Dave Hepler is a fine pianist whose CD rewards repeated listenings."
(please click here to see this review in it's entirety)
-- Scott Yanow

Most Recent Review From: 'iTunes'
Completely mesmerizing.  Hepler is a true spirit of the symphonic jazz movement started by Gershwin. His songs carry you through an emotional journey of self discovery and placidity I highly recommend his work as part of your jazz collection. Superb. 5/5 stars.
-- Charlie Spartacus, iTunes

Most Recent Review From: 'Cadence Jazz Magazine'
Dave Hepler gets a little ornate in places on "(2)," but he never tries to hide his facility at swinging. His version of "Good Bait" may be busy but it jumps while "Nod To Ahmad" successfully evokes Mr. Jamal's economy and urbanity even though the melody itself is a lot like "Nardis," a Bill Evans favorite. There is also an Evans feel in the solemn quiet of the ballads "Beautiful Sad Song" and "N'Orleans," while "Tell Me" and "Blu" are nice slippery Rhythm & Blues miniatures. Hepler even makes the cloying likes of "Imagine" and "Beauty & The Beast" sound tolerable, which is a real testament to his skill.
-- Jerome Wilson, Cadence

Song For My Father
With his latest CD "Song for my Father," the Indianapolis based jazz pianist Dave Hepler takes us along with him on an emotional journey which embraces and celebrates the influence of his father on his life and music. Dave Hepler is a man with impeccable chops who covers all the bases from blues to standards such as "Round Midnight" and "In A Sentimental Mood." "Song for my Father" opens softly with "White River Winter," a classically centered piece which hints at the solid jazz fundamentals soon to follow.
-- Daron Pearce, Tipp-C

Dave Hepler, a pianist from Indianapolis, dedicated this solo CD to his late father, a part time trumpeter who taught him about jazz. The music is thoughtful and sometimes quite emotional but never downbeat. Hepler begins the set with three picturesque originals that reflect aspects of his life and thoughts: "White River Winter," "The Saga Of Shackleton" and "Johnny 'Mike' Spann." He also performs his "After The Rescue" and "Quietus" along with seven standards that were either favorites of his father or songs that fit his feelings towards him. Some of the performances (such as "Sometimes I'm Happy" and "St. Louis Blues") are quite light-hearted and swinging while a few are episodic and introspective. Hepler is a skilled player and able to easily convey emotion through his playing, even when swinging.
This subtle exploration of Hepler's thoughts emotions and love of jazz is well worth several listens.
-- Scott Yano

4
Hepler opens his piano duet program on 'Dave Hepler 4' with a freestanding improvisation and an original tune before he slides gracefully into a repertoire of popular songs that span the musical taste of much of the twentieth century...Hepler appears to be a musician who can take a tune out, but who also loves to explore the potential for reconfiguring the melody from the inside. He handles both roles quite effectively.
-- Frank Rubino, Cadence

Tidings
Hepler continues to grow pianistically in his approach to jazz. There are no time restraints for Hepler to reinvigorate timeless Christmas themes. Christmas Impressions runs over 12 minutes, but Hepler doesn't let one second go to waste...[There is] so much outstanding music coming out of Hepler, I would say this is one album that will give you Tidings of enjoyment for many a holiday season.
-- Chuck Workman, Nuvo

Anomaly
Something unusual is the definition of the word Anomaly...For honest, interaction and spontaneity -- the elements that go into making a strong jazz statement -- Anomaly lives up to its definition and should satisfy any serious jazz lover. 'Where Have all the Pretty Girls Gone' is a very good example of the trios's spontaneity of performance..and [Hepler's] impressionistic piano probing.
-- Chuck Workman, Nuvo

Birthday Wish
"This group [Dave Hepler Trio] recently released the CD, Birthday Wish. Just put it in your CD player and let the go for awhile. The trio of seasoned musicians know the mysteries of the arts they practice. Introspection, reading, or romance, their new CD Birthday Wish would make a good birthday present...inducing a sort of blissful state."
-- Village Vine