The Brad Fritcher + trois project to perform Aug. 13 in Montague
White Lake Beacon General News
Posted: 8-12-2013
photo by Brother Bear Productions
The Brad Fritcher + trois project (pronounced Buh-rad Ph-rich-er plus twah) consists of four eager musicians who are expanding their artistic vision beyond the strict confines of the jazz genre’s tradition.
After their first rehearsal on Grand Valley State University’s campus, the trio of Brad Fritcher (trumpet), Dutcher Snedeker (piano) and Christian VanDuinen (drums) knew immediately that they were working with something valuable. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Wallace drifted into the bass position and into the studio at Blue Lake Public Radio they went. The album that came forth is one that conveys each member’s ability to communicate intellectually and musically to themselves, each other and the listener. After the release of the album, the Brad Fritcher + trois continues to tether audiences to their concepts and their sound with live and intimate performances.
Snedeker is a Grand Rapids pianist with a long history of performance. Coming from a musical family filled with parents, three uncles, and grandparents who have all made a path in music, he has grown surrounded by a variety of music styles. A current sophomore at GVSU, his classical training of 13 years, combined with six years of performing jazz, all meet with a desire to blend styles from metal to Jazz to R&B. Taking in the teachings of local pianists like Giuseppe Lupis, Steve Talaga, and Kurt Ellenburger, the balance between the Classical and Jazz world became easier to bridge and opportunities started to come forward. From gigging in Jazz combos and Rock groups, to accompanying saxophonists and Jazz artists like Downie, joining Brad Fitcher in his pursuit of creating live, personal music that blends styles and gets others to groove and connect with one another feels like the next natural step.Dutcher has been a musician for his entire life in Grand Rapids, in urban ministries, in a Gospel/Contemporary Christian worship settings, at local music festivals, and for weddings and special events.
At the age of eight, VanDuinen became interested in drums and started to take lessons from various local drum kit teachers. VanDuinen graduated from an excellent music program at Northview High School; where he played in Jazz Ensemble, Combo and also sang in the Honor’s Choir; Varsity Voices. He has performed at the Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, The Irish on Ionia Festival, the Detroit Jazz Festival and numerous others. He is a merit winner in the category of ‘Contemporary Instrumental Ensemble’ for the National Fine Arts of the Assemblies of God churches.
VanDuinen is currently studying Music Education and Composition at Grand Rapids Community College. He plays in several groups in Grand Rapids, including the Billies Irish Band, Grand River Winds and Brad Fritcher + trois. VanDuinen plans to finish his Associates of the Arts at GRCC and attend Western Michigan University to study further in his chosen path.
From concert halls, to jazz clubs, to punk houses, Wallace has been performing all of his life. Experimenting in many genres has given him the ability to find the groove and keep his sound interesting. He is always looking to expand his abilities, and is always ready for the next adventure.
No matter what style of music pleases you, the Brad Fritcher + trois project will sure to keep its audience guessing at what they are going to pull out next. They will be returning to Montague from 7:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17 to perform at the Book Nook and Java Shop.
For more information on Brad Fritcher + trois project, contact Brother Bear Productions at http://brotherbearproductions.com or the ACWL atwww.artswhitelake.org or 231-893-2524.