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I have been an enthusiastic listener of jazz and other forms of adult
alternative music for the last twenty-five years and I must say
that I am extremely impressed with Dave Hepler's talent and style.
His music, including his original compositions as well as remakes of the compositions of others,
possesses the combined qualities of being easy on the ear as well as being technically interesting and innovative.
It is my opinion that Dave Hepler has the potential of having a major impact on and making a major contribution to the world of
musical entertainment if his music is effectively marketed and made available to the general listening public.
-- Bob Vogel, Listener
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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
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