Projects

Eric Ottem Jazz UnitJazz and funk favorites in Northern Colorado.

Featuring:

Eric Ottem – Trumpet, Coronet, Flugelhorn, Flumpet, and Vocals
Steve Lopes – Drums
Tim Carmichael – Bass
Vic Dillahay – Guitar

Handed a trumpet in sixth grade by his father and band director, Eric Ottem soon grew to be grateful he wasn’t allowed to play drums. Its piercing voice suited his personality while providing others relief from Eric’s endless deluge of metaphors. Compared to reading two staffs at once in his six-year-long attempt to learn the piano, the trumpet’s single clef felt like cheating. Within weeks he was digging into stacks of fake books as if they were illicit magazines, irresistibly drawn to the jazzy melodies of the Great American Songbook. Now, half a century later, Eric has acquired at least fifty trumpets and cannot commit to a single one of them. He is, however, committed to those songs that crackled on radios decades before he was born, songs later resurrected by the small jazz combos of the Fifties and Sixties where Eric’s musical soul resides.

Backing Eric is the hard-swinging “John Bonham of Jazz” himself, Mr. Steve Lopes. A passionate drummer with the rare ability to drive a band even while whispering a ballad, Steve’s rock solid playing infuses the group with an undeniable groove.

On bass is Tim Carmichael, a veteran of jazz and creative music with over 30 years of experience playing and teaching. Tim’s melodic concept provides the perfect counterpoint to Eric’s trumpet, weaving an ever-changing line informed by the history and possible futures of music.

The newest member, guitarist Vic Dillahay, brings a style informed by both Freddie Green and Bill Frisell, fusing swing-era rhythm playing with a thoroughly modern harmonic concept.

Together, the quartet delves through standards, funk, and latin tunes to keep audiences across Colorado engaged and grooving.

Eric Ottem Jazz Unit at BolderBOULDER 2023

Vic Dillahay Trio

With his wide-open tone and witty compositions, guitarist Vic Dillahay blends a myriad of styles into an unmistakably unique voice. For over 20 years, he has refined his distinctive sound with numerous jazz ensembles, Liam O’Beirne’s progressive Celtic band Indigent Row, and the fusion jam band Graphite Addiction. With this current trio, Vic explores the depths of his musical experience with free-roving originals, jazz standards, and hard-grooving funk.

Joining Vic is his long-time collaborator Tim Carmichael, a professional electric and acoustic upright bassist from Colorado. Tim studied at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Metropolitan State College of Denver with a focus on classical and jazz studies and has taught private lessons for over 20 years.

Rounding out the group is drummer Jon Powers, who has worked with artists including Justin Timberlake, Matt Morris, Charlie Sexton, Flobots, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Ron Miles, 3ology, Shannon Wexelberg, Taylor Mesple, Dave Preston, Dave & Tara Powers, Charlotte Sass, Rachel and the Kings and the Longmont Symphony Orchestra. Jon has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and Lopez Tonight. He performed Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on the internationally broadcast Hope For Haiti Now Telethon with Justin Timberlake, Matt Morris, Charlie Sexton and Dave Preston. The download of that performance reached #1 on the iTunes Singles Chart.

First Wednesday Jazz at Dry Land DistillersLocally-grown jazz.

Dry Land Distillers’ First Wednesday Jazz keeps it local, just like their spirits. Each month, host Vic Dillahay (guitar) is joined by a different player from Northern Colorado’s jazz scene and together they delve into jazz standards, original compositions, and free improvisations. Come enjoy expertly crafted jazz along with your expertly crafted cocktail.

Past guests include:

Liam O’Beirne (Indigent Row, The Neophonic Jazz Orchestra) – Mellophone, High and Low Whistles
Caton Sullenberger (The Jauntee) – Guitar
Eric Ottem (Eric Ottem Jazz Unit, House Blend Band) – Trumpet and Vocals
Tim Carmichael (Graphite Addiction, 3ology) – Bass
Bill Bohnenblust (Educator in Greeley, Colorado)– Piano
Nico Steffens (KoSnoCo, Rico Jones) – Alto and Baritone Sax
Doug Carmichael (3ology, Band Director at Erie High School) – Alto and Tenor Saxophone

First Wednesday Jazz with Doug Carmichael on Saxophone

Analogues of InfinitySolo improvisations with looping.

Live Recording of “Two Into Two Twice” (Curious Automata, 2022)

Occasional MusicSolo improvisations on acoustic instruments.

Live Recording of “Somewhat Precedented” (Curious Automata, 2021)

Vic and Doug Jazz Duo

Vic Dillahay and Doug Carmichael at Sun Rose Cafe

Vic Dillihay and Doug Carmichael are a jazz duo hailing from Longmont, Colorado, blending their unique musical talents to create a captivating soundscape that draws in audiences across the Front Range. Known for their seamless chemistry and improvisational spirit, Vic, a seasoned guitarist, and Doug, a soulful saxophonist, bring a vibrant energy to every performance. Their music is a heartfelt journey through jazz standards, soulful blues, and funky covers, each piece interwoven with spontaneity and passion that keep listeners on their toes.

Drawing inspiration from jazz greats and the natural beauty of Colorado, the duo has built a dedicated following in local venues and jazz festivals. Their live performances are more than just shows—they’re immersive experiences, each setlist curated with an intention to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Vic and Doug’s partnership, both as friends and musicians, shines through in their dynamic interplay, making them one of the must-see jazz acts in the Colorado jazz scene.