Indianapolis NUVO July 07, 2004

Music & Clubs

Jeff DeHerdt: triple threat musician
Chuck Workman

There is a resurgence in jazz of the triple threat artist: a vocalist, pianist and composer. Leading the trend nationally are artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Peter Cincotti and Diana Krall. This city also has a gifted talent that falls into that category in Jeff DeHerdt.

DeHerdt has played the sideman's role from straight-ahead groups to backing vocalist, and when not serving as keyboardist in Cathy Morris’ Brazilian Lounge Band, he performs with his own group. His latest recorded effort is Club Bordeaux, which clearly defines a multitalented artist on the move.

DeHerdt stated his quest for performing his own original material and not cover tunes. "It has to do with being a young musician. There are so many musicians that have said it all on standards. It’s a lot easier to pick up fresh ideas on my own tunes."

DeHerdt composes vocal and instrumental tunes that showcase his ironic sense of humor, flavored by his musical hero Thelonius Monk. "I love Monk, I guess like kindred souls. I tend to like people that have been influenced by him and of course he's a demi-god," DeHerdt added.

As a triple threat musician singing, playing piano and composing, DeHerdt's personal favorite of the three was surprising. "Composing would probably be the most satisfying. Playing piano would be next and singing would be last because I feel less comfortable with it right now."

Jazz, rock and pop share equally in DeHerdt's musical mind set. He admits that he is open to making a career as a singer in any of the musical genres and that he views it all as music. DeHerdt wears many musical hats well and can be heard all over Indy in various settings or leading his own group.