Dreaming In Colour is a contemporary, instrumental jazz group that presents an atmosphere of resonant song writing that is full of energy and melodiousness. The group's diverse musical influences and contributions to contemporary jazz have been well received and appreciated by lovers of this genre. Their common ground is not just playing music, but creating a hip cutting edge vibe as well. With such an array of talent and musical arrangements that will surely grab you, a Dreaming In Colour performance will awaken your inner musical self. Each incarnation of the group has influenced the compass of their musical odyssey. Over the years their sound has evolved into one that consists of an inter blend of some of today’s top contemporary jazz artists. Bassist Kevin Ellis says while hurdling some of the obstacles of composing, it's important that your music remains relevant, recognizable, and that it has staying power.
The nucleus of Dreaming In Colour is Kevin Ellis and Chris Noonan.
Kevin Ellis-Kevin's desire to play guitar came at the age of 10. He didn't own a guitar until age 14, but he would often borrow one from a friend. There were no music stores or guitar instructors in his neighborhood, thus, forcing him to use his ear to learn how to play the songs that he liked. At age 16, he formed his first three-piece rock band. The group performed songs by such artists as Grand Funk Railroad, Carlos Santana, Rare Earth, Rush, and Chicago. He was first introduced to jazz-fusion after meeting a very talented St. Louis area musician - sensational jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage. Burrage introduced him to the music of such artists as Billy Cobham, Brian Auger, Weather Report and Miles Davis. Kevin always loved the movement and pulse of the bass guitar. Inspired by the likes of Stanley Clarke, Louis Johnson, and Marcus Miller, his interest in exploring the instrument continued to increase. Despite his accomplishments on guitar and keyboards, this increasing passion ultimately lead Kevin to choose bass as his primary instrument. He has since shared the stage with such world-renowned bassists as Jimmy Haslip, Kim Stone, Stanley Clarke, as well as the late great Ray Brown. Following a life long passion to assemble a group of musicians that would play instrumental music with a funk/rock edge in a jazz vein, he founded Dreaming In Colour.
Kevin has an approach to his instrument that is from the school of versatile bass playing. Sometimes referred to as the bassist without boundaries, he is a craftsman, creating insistent bass lines and head bobbing grooves that are the blueprint to the foundation of their phat sound. "It's all about picking and choosing your spots. Grazing in the groove is what I love most about performing.”
Chris Noonan-“The Polyrhythmic One” has played the drums since age 5 and has performed since age 8 in rock cover bands, prog rock bands, fusion cover bands, high school & college jazz bands and numerous State fair gigs. The whole list of typical road warrior working drum gigs, have molded his technique and ability. He has studied with Dave Weckl and with Jim Chapin in L.A. Having been compared to Dave Weckl and Vinnie Coliauta on technical ability, Chris is quick to say "while I appreciate the thought, there is only one Dave and one Vinnie. Being mentioned in the same sentence is an honor and a bit scary."
Chris attended North Texas State and has been invited to do drum clinics for Yamaha Drums. He is a proficient drummer/percussionist who is recognized and appreciated for his modern progressive jazz/rock fusion style. "I still have a lot of work to do and hopefully those who come to see us will enjoy it for what it is - great music first, individual ability second… it's all about the groove!” His Latin infused grooves along with his sense of timing and the ability to dissect rhythms, have made him a favorite among those concertgoers who love to chant - "give the drummer some.”
Joe Calandrino-Joe holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance/Studio Music from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville where he studied 7-string guitar with Rick Haydon. An adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL, Joe teaches Private Applied Jazz Guitar and directs the Jazz Guitar Ensemble.
His musical career began with the trumpet in middle school. He added guitar at age 12 and by 13 had joined groups performing for school dances and community activities. Joe has been a professional musician ever since performing regularly with local and regional acts. Though self taught on guitar and keyboard, he studied music theory early in high school to gain an understanding beyond that of simply “playing “ an instrument. This level of commitment along with diligent practice would bring accolades from the Illinois Music Educators Association and Illinois Association of Jazz Educators, as well as numerous camp and college scholarships.
Joe has since shared the stage with artists encompassing a multitude of genres including; Kansas, Joe Bonamassa, Vinx, Dave Alvin, The Romantics, Chuck Berry, Alejandro Escovedo and The Yellowjackets.
Aside from his passion for the art of guitar playing, he stays current with the latest equipment and guitar synthesizer technology and utilizes these to deliver a unique performance and listening experience.
Joe is widely known as a guitarist and musician who can cover a multitude of genres proficiently while maintaining a sound that is uniquely his own.
Dreaming In Colour records and performs with some of the industry's top contemporary/instrumental jazz luminaries who handle the sax and keyboard duties. Although there are some shared musical elements, their sound is distinctly different from other contemporary jazz groups.
Dreaming In Colour presents a collaboration of diverse styles and creativity, forging a genesis of energy complemented by bright and funky hooks. An encounter with Dreaming In Colour is truly an escape from the ordinary and may leave one referring to it as a dream sequence . . . .
