Tom Hilliker Jazz: Duneland Beach Inn

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Duneland Beach Inn

Last night the trio performed at the lovely Duneland Beach Inn nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, in Michigan City, IN. This was our third appearance there in roughly the last 4 months. The Inn is nestled deep within the woods far from the road noise of the main highway. It is very much a romantic getaway just steps away from a private beach. Everything about the Inn oozes with warmth and personality.

One of the things I love most about Duneland Beach is how they treat us like royalty! The owner reserves an upstairs room of the inn for us to relax in during a break and to store our gear and cases, etc. - like our own private green room). And the room itself.....oh, the room.....so inviting and elegantly decorated - complete with jacuzzi, queen bed - the whole package (oh, how I wish I could have spent the night there)!

The management even insists on serving the members of the band meals from their fabulous gourmet menu! And as one can imagine, the food is simply to die for - each plate so carefully and artistically prepared and presented. They are absolutely wonderful people.

Not only, does the Duneland Beach staff, of course, deserve high marks, but last night's dinner guests were wonderful to perform for.

The trio Jim Steele (piano), David Hilliker (drums) and me (on bass) backed Ms. Bunny Fisher, a well known and much loved vocalist from the Michigan City area. Her devoted fans follow her wherever she and the band play. Last night was no exception. Though attendance levels weren't as strong as usual (evidently, we were competing with a major event occurring at a large country club nearby) the crowd was enthusiastic and engaging. The most rousing applause came at the conclusion of a gorgeous rendition of "My Funny Valentine". I thought the ceiling would cave in from the rompous cheers and shouts of praise!

If you've never visited the Duneland Beach Inn, you owe it to yourself to experience its simple elegance and romantic charm. Why not make dinner plans at Duneland Beach with your special someone? Better yet, why not join us for a magical evening of exquisite food, warm, friendly people and great jazz? Check our performance schedule (right hand column) and find out when we are scheduled to play there again. We'd love to see you there!.

Tom Hilliker

3 comments:

Anonymous said...: What an awesome blog!!! Can't wait to come and here you guys!; April 12, 2008 at 4:28 PM
David Arment said...: Great post Tom. I never been to this Inn, but now I want to go.; April 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Anonymous said...: The Tom Hilliker Jazz Trio rocks my socks off!! Holla!!!; April 17, 2008 at 8:07 AM

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Tom Hilliker's Bio

Tom grew up in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. He began taking electric bass lessons at 11, and that same year landed his first gig with a band led by his jazz guitarist brother. At 15, he worked for almost a year with a popular country band on weekends. (His parents had the wonderful privilege of driving him to rehearsals and gigs, but never complained.)

Before his 16th birthday, he was asked to join the most in-demand cover band in central New York led by his bass teach (who was actually one of the busiest guitar instructors in the area). During the summer between his junior and senior years in high school, Tom enrolled in a summer program at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied arranging and jazz theory. He moved to Boston after graduating from high school, and toured for a year with the Craig Payton Band (jazz fusion) throughout much of New England.

As a young teen, Tom's dad surprised him one day with a brand new double bass. Unfortunately, it collected a lot of dust for a couple of years---he was simply too busy playing the electric bass in the high school jazz band as well as his weekend gigs. However, he seriously started pursuing this instrument when he was 18.

The person he credits for building a love for the acoustic bass was the great jazz organist, Jack MacDuff. Not many people realize that before taking up organ, MacDuff was a bassist himself. When Tom was 18, he joined MacDuff's band and traveled with him for almost a full year. It was a great privilege for Tom to record and tour with MacDuff throught Western Europe.

While on the road with MacDuff, Tom published a book for the jazz bass player entitled, "Ron Carter Bass Lines", a transcription of jazz bass lines featuring bassist Ron Carter. The book is available as part of the Jamey Abersold Jazz Play Along Series.

Tom left MacDuff's band to return home to New York to learn to play the acoustic bass that MacDuff had taught him so much about! (MacDuff's music called for an electric bass only.) MacDuff also introduced Tom to his musical idol---the great jazz bassist, Ray Brown.

After leaving MacDuff's band, Tom began formal bass lessons with the principal bassist of the Buffalo Philharmonic, and later with the principals bassist of the Rochester Philharmonic. Later that same year, Tom was invited to join Barry Kiener's trio. (Barry was Buddy Rich's pianist for several years. Tom first heard him on the Tonight Show.)

In 1994, Tom performed with internationally known jazz pianist, Monty Alexander. Since then, he has worked as a freelance bassist. Currently, he leads the Tom Hilliker Jazz Trio, featuring pianist Jim Steele. The trio performs throughout north central Indiana and the Chicago area.

David Hilliker's Bio

Laying the groove down, swinging hard, using space, all with an attitude to make the rest of the band sound better, is what drummer David Hilliker brings to the music. Hilliker was born into a very musical family in upstate New York, having two older brothers who toured and recorded with Jazz Organ Great, Brother Jack McDuff. He was very fortunate to get the feel, and sounds of blues and jazz music into his soul at a very tender age. He was performing in clubs, and sitting in with the elder brothers at the age of 12. He has studied with legendary drummers Ed Thigpen, and John Von Ohlen; performed at the Elkhart Jazz Festival, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase and Andy's Jazz Club (both in Chicago), and many restaurants and clubs throughout the midwest. David has been very fortunate to perform with such jazz greats as Bill Heid, Ira Sullivan, Robert Irving III, Marlene Rosenberg, Willie Pickens, Larry Gray, Joe Beck, Ali Ryerson, Bill Watrous, Joey DeFrancesco, John Clayton, Benny Green, and the legendary tenor saxophonist George Coleman. For Hilliker, the music is never about him, or playing flashy. "Less is more.......it's all about the groove, and bringing joy to those who hear it".

Tom Hilliker Jazz

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Duneland Beach Inn

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