Behind the Beat: Wilder Deitz Group

The Wilder Deitz Group, based out of the American Midwest, perform improvisational music steeped in world, hip-hop, and jazz music traditions. Using both folk textures and electronic sounds, pianist Wilder Deitz, tenor saxophonist Alex Charland, bassist Ben Johnson, and drummer Joe Galligan create music that is at once eclectic, danceable, and eminently tuneful. Deitz, the bandleader and principal composer, honed his emotionally-charged, highly creative piano style while under the tutelage of NEA Jazz Master Richard Davis, with whom Deitz has studied extensively. After four years in existence, the Wilder Deitz Group is releasing “Child’s Play,” a new record devoted to showcasing Deitz’s and Charland’s original compositions, and which will be available for purchase at the concert.

Behind the Beat is a weekly Jazz Series on Fridays from 5-7pm in der Rathskeller.