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Bobby Wiens
Bobby Wiens is a professional drummer based in Denver, CO, with 15 years of performing, touring, recording and teaching experience under his belt. Over his career, Wiens has led several bands which perform his eclectic stockpile of compositions and arrangements. He is also an in-demand sideman who has worked with a number of world-class musicians both locally and internationally.
Wiens grew up in a nurturing musical home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He studied piano throughout his childhood before joining his middle school’s concert band as a percussionist at age twelve.
After several years of living in Calgary and playing in a variety of bands, he moved to Vancouver, BC to complete his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Capilano University. During these formative years he was under the tutelage of Dr. Dylan van der Schyff, who is a significant influence on the way he thinks about, plays and teaches music. In 2017 he was awarded an Artist grant which allowed him to live in New York City and undertake an apprenticeship with the great drummer and educator John Riley. Following this he completed his Master of Music degree at the University of Northern Colorado where he was a Jazz Drum Set Teaching Assistant under Jim White.
In addition to his performance based work, Bobby devotes himself to music education. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Colorado, and Front Range Community College. He is also heavily involved in the teaching of private studio lessons, clinics and master classes for musicians of all ages.
Gear
Gretsch USA Custom Drums in Anniversary Sparkle finish (5.5x14 snare, 8x12 tom, 14x14 floor tom, 14x20 bass drum)
Jesse Simpson Custom Cymbals (14" hi hats, 20" ride, 22" ride w/2 rivets)
Zildjian cymbals (22" Vintage 60's swish knocker, 18" K Pre-Aged Dry Light Ride)
Noble & Cooley Solid Shell 6x14" snare
Tags
Bobby Wiens: Focus
by Jack Bowers
There are times when superb musicianship can redeem an album that may otherwise be gauged as no more than ordinary. Focus, Canadian-bred drummer Bobby Wiens’ second recording as leader, marks one of those times. Even though the album’s dozen themes are, aside from a few outliers, matter-of-fact, they are so marvelously performed by Wiens’ talented quartet that the album’s listening experience becomes a genuine pleasure.<PWhile Wiens, who wrote and arranged the first eleven of those tunes, keeps a ...
Continue ReadingBobby Wiens: Focus
by Kyle Simpler
Even though a recording is a finished product, it still captures the feeling and intensity of the session. When players have a good working rapport, everything translates through the music. Clearly, the musicians assembled by drummer Bobby Wiens for his second album, Focus, share a strong rapport, and that chemistry is evident throughout the recording. Originally from Calgary, Wiens grew up surrounded by music. He developed an interest in drums during middle school, which ultimately led to years ...
Continue ReadingDenin Koch: It Comes in Waves
by Geannine Reid
Guitarist Denin Slage-Koch's third album, It Comes in Waves, is a contemporary jazz outing featuring eight original compositions and a reimagined pop classic. Known for his exceptional technique and thoughtful compositions, Slage-Koch has assembled a group of highly skilled musicians to bring his vision to life. Slage-Koch's skill as a composer is evident in tracks like “The Road Home" and “The Philosopher (for Wayne Shorter)." In “The Road Home" one can hear beautiful harmonic progressions and tension/resolution patterns developed throughout ...
Continue ReadingBobby Wiens: Talking Drums
by Jack Bowers
If drums could talk, Bobby Wiens' kit would no doubt have some nice things to say about how he enlivened and supported his teammates on this tasteful quintet date that was recorded in July 2020, with masks and social distancing, at the UNC Studios in Greeley, CO. Apparently, the quintet were then students at the University of Northern Colorado; if true, they learned their lessons well and were more than ready to test how readily that knowledge might harmonize in ...
Continue ReadingWilliam Chernoff: Aim To Stay
by Hrayr Attarian
Canadian bassist William Chernoff showcases his crisp, clever writing and musicianship on his exciting debut, Aim To Stay. Leading a quartet made up of fellow alumni from Capilano University, Chernoff interprets seven of his lyrical originals that draw upon his various influences. For instance guitarist Bill Frisell serves as an inspiration for “Stop Me If You've Heard Enough," built on cinematic Americana motifs. Trumpeter Thad Bailey-Mai expands on the main theme with his warm and mellow phrases like ...
Continue Reading"Focus succeeds because it never feels bound by a single stylistic approach. Drawing from New Orleans traditions, modal jazz, Latin rhythms, free improvisation, and modern groove-oriented jazz, Wiens creates a recording that remains cohesive through the strength of the ensemble's interaction. More importantly, the album reveals a composer and bandleader whose greatest strength is his ability to bring diverse musical influences together while allowing each member of the quartet room to contribute to the conversation."
-Kyle Simpler, All About Jazz
Photos
Music
For AJ
From: Live at DazzleBy Bobby Wiens
For AJ
From: Live at DazzleBy Bobby Wiens
With God On Our Side
From: FocusBy Bobby Wiens
Aim To Stay
From: Aim To StayBy Bobby Wiens
