Since 1992, one incarnation or another of Dave Flippo’s “Flippomusic Jazz Ensemble” has added it’s unique voice to the Chicago jazz scene.  After two CD’s of original “world-jazz fusion” from the quintet with Tendrils of Light and Ganesh on Southport Records, Flippo emerged as a vocalist, first with a duo CD,  When the Heart is Strong and then again with quintet on Tao Tunes  (Oppilf Records) - a all original vocal jazz setting of 18 chapters of the ancient Chinese text- the Tao Te Ching.  Each of these CD’s came out of Flippo’s desire to compose and explore new styles, idioms and forms. 

Their newest release, Life on Mars, (Oppilf Records) present Dave’s “jazzified” arrangements of classic rock tunes by Bowie, Hendrix, Lenon/McCartney, Dylan, Bruce (Cream), Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder (and a few standards.). One of their tracks, “If Six Were Nine,” was chosen by the 2016 Jazz Connects Jukebox Jury Award as part of the Jazz Connects Conference sponsored by Jazz Times Magazine. The CD is receiving international airplay from Africa and Europe to South America and Asia..

 Dave draws from both sides of the musical fence, having built a solid foundation while obtaining his Doctorate and Masters of Music in music composition and theory from the University of Michigan and the Eastman School of Music.  Immediately following these studies, he plunged into jazz theory and piano with Chicago jazz teacher Alan Swain. 

He is joined by bassist (and engineer) Donn De Santo and drummer Heath Chappel, both are long time members of this ensemble.  The quintet includes Dan Hesler on saxophones/flute and Aris Biskis on percussion. The trio has recently performed at Eddy V’s Prime Seafood, the Underground Wonderbar,  Jerry’s Wicker Park and numerous area libraries. For parties and professional occasions, please feel free to visit Dave’s site at www.chicagopianist.net