Since his move to Chicago in 1987, Dave Flippo has divided his musical efforts into three areas - leading his Modern Jazz Quintet FLIPPOMUSIC, performing as a jazz/popular pianist/vocalist and leader at various private events and teaching piano at the College of Lake County and from his own studio - Dr. Flippo's Eclectic Piano Studio.

FLIPPOMUSIC, formed in 1992, present's Dave's "globaljazz" compositions which blend jazz with a variety of world music styles. Dave's Doctorate and Masters in Music Composition (U. of Michigan/ Eastman School) and his world music studies combine with his jazz background combine to create a multitude of unique compositions which are performed by his quintet. He has also studied Indian music with Lyon Liefer and Muntaz Ali and taken classes with ethnomuicologists Ellen Kester and William Malm. He has recorded two CD's on Chicago's Southport Records with this ensemble--"Tendrils of Light" and "Ganesh."

His emergence as a jazz vocalist brought about his third CD, "When the Heart is True, the Voice Rings True," a duo recording with bassist Donn De Santo, released on his own Oppilf Records label.

His most recent project continues his work as a vocalist, pianist and composer. He has brought the larger ensemble back into the studio to record "Tao Tunes" -- a unique project which sets 18 chapters of the ancient Tao Te Ching. Forging the texts into lyrics, the settings cover numerous styles--swing, bossa, Tango, jazz waltz, funk, rock, drone and several almost "classical" arrangements. Aside from the regular band of Hesler, De Santo, Chappell and Flippo, guest artists include Larry Gray-cello, Neal Alger-guitar, Hamid Drake-percussion, Mike Levin-clarinet/flute and Kathleen Hughes-violin. The CD is due for release November 27th, 2011.

The Flippojazz Ensemble often performs in area library concert series and area clubs. Most recently at Katerinas, the Heartland Cafe and Skokie and Freemont Libraries. The band offers a variety of shows:
1. "The Mix" A little of everything--some globaljazz, a mini-set of "Tao Tunes," and original arrangements of both jazz standards and modern classics (Sting, Lenon/McCartney, J. Mitchell, S. Wonder, etc.)
2. "All Tao Tunes" this music has enough stylistic variety to fill a whole show, and some of the tunes can be done instrumentally to give the audience a "rest" from the words.
3. "All Globaljazz" - a concert with a world music theme, which has often worked great for ethnic festivals or diverse audiences. Such performance include: The Evanston Ethnic Festival, Skokie Festival of Cultures and Taste of Chicago.
4. "Private Party Mix"-Dave performs at numerous private parties as soloist and small ensemble leader. Of course, he leaves his original book at home and works with the client to create whatever kind of musical program they're looking for--jazz standards, contemporary, show tunes, classical, etc.

Lists of past performances, audio files and our calendar appear on our website. The web page also lists all of Dave's original works with links to numerous audio files. Enjoy!