A solid rhythm section, powerful horns, innovative harmonies, and a ripping repertoire…
CME is an informal group of musicians who have been playing jazz together since December 2010. The group emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere where all members can develop their skills. Their focus is on traditional swing, hard bop, and soul jazz with a touch of funk. The line-up is a bit untraditional, but each member of the septet shares a deep-rooted love of the small-group jazz setting. Their sets feature standards and other tunes by Billy Strayhorn, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock and Eddie Harris.
The group transforms leader and tenor saxophonist Craig Martin’s vision of each song into sound, hence the group wryly calls itself CME, the Craig Martin Experience. Joining Craig in the horn section are the fiery Quinn Marksteiner on alto sax and sweet-toned trumpeter Carl Hagelberg.
The rhythm section drives the band with fast-fingered Mike Rogers on guitar, the melodically creative Aaron Anderson on keyboards, the amazing Rob Heineman on bass, hard-swinging John Frary on drums, and the creative vocals of Layne Mills.