Welcome to the home page of THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT, an innovative trio that plays melodic modern jazz and is based in Minnesota in the United States.
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"Music [that] comes from a deep and well thought-out place."
"This Midwestern combo is gonna be a contender, you wait 'n' see."
"The massively creative minds involved in this project digest a diversity of styles and the results are stunning."
"The Willie August Project plays durable music that expertly straddles
the line between easy groove and challenging absorption."
Web site copyright 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 The Willie August Project.
CONTACT INFO - BIOS/PHOTOS - ABOUT - AWARDS - SHOWS - NEWS/RADIO INFO - CDs/MP3s
Direct links to albums on iTunes.com:
Surrender to the Wind, by the Willie August Project - click here!
Empire at Twilight, by Ben Siems, featuring Jeremy Hauer - click here!
Click here to visit The Willie August Project on MySpace!
You can now purchase individual Willie August Project and Ben Siems tracks as MP3s,
directly from this site! Go to the CDs/MP3s section below for more information.
NOTE: If you have an older browser and these links do not function properly, CLICK HERE to view a simplified version of our site.
Photo copyright 2004 Mike Raymond
THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT
Melodic Modern Jazz
Ben Siems - guitar, composer
Jeremy Hauer - drums
Information & Bookings:
612-825-9952
Email: WillieAugust@hotmail.com
URL: http://WillieAugust.tripod.com
ABOUT THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT
click
here for
BIOS & PHOTOS
Please also check out our pages at MySpace, CDBaby, and the TWIN
CITIES MUSIC NETWORK.
The Willie August Project is also listed at:
iTunes,
INDIEJAZZ.COM,
MP3TUNES.COM,
BAND MECCA, and
THE MUSICIANS RESOURCE CENTER.
The Willie August Project began as a collaboration between guitarist-composer Ben Siems and drummer Jeremy Hauer. The group is named for Siems' late grandfather, who was an avid supporter of live music before dying at a young age from a brain tumor. To round out the trio, upright bass duties are shared by some of the top bassists in Minnesota, including Jeff Brueske, Graydon Peterson, and Elizabeth Draper.
From A&R Select Artist Representation, Hollywood California:
"The Willie August Project jazz trio is demonstrating its forward-thinking musical theory with the audio goods on tap in its album, Surrender to the Wind. Genre-bending abounds with the progressive compositions presented by this act. Leader and principal composer Ben Siems has a history of bravely attacking jazz, fusion, avant-classical, ambient, experimental, singer-songwriter, and cinematic and theatrical styles. It sounds like a lot to bite off but the Project has no problem masticating this mouthful. The massively creative minds involved in this group digest a diversity of genre interests and the results are stunning.
Atmosphere swells out of the speakers on 'Andean Fire Circle,' the startling single from Surrender to the Wind. Captivating guitar playing stands as the spine of this music that mingles jazz, ambient and folk flavors in a slowly building and emotive work that carries the listener a great distance in its few minutes of running time. Drawing on a diversity of styles enables the band to embrace the whole scope of human emotion, from the most uplifting joy to the greatest depths of despair."
--Kristofer Upjohn, staff writer
Inspired
by the small group jazz of the 1960s and 70s, especially the jazz-folk-rock fusion sounds associated with the ECM record label, The Willie August
Project builds its sound around extraordinarily cohesive ensemble playing,
with an emphasis on collective improvisation. Each member of the group
is both a fine soloist and an excellent supporting musician and listener.
As a result, this trio is able to maintain a remarkable consistency
of mood throughout each tune, with each passage flowing seamlessly into
the next.
The Willie August Project
*RUNNER UP and HONORABLE MENTION, 2006 SONG OF THE YEAR International Songwriting Contest
*#1 New Addition to the XM Radio Real Jazz 70 Playlist, first week of 2006
*AllAboutJazz.com All Time Top Fifty Daily Downloads List, 2005, 2006
*MP3 Tunes Jazz Top Fifty, 2005, 2006
*Minnesota Jazz On Air Top Fifty, four months in 2004
*Honorable Mention, CITY PAGES Best Albums of 2004 List
*Minnesota Music Awards Nominations:
Jazz Recording of the Year, 2004
Jazz Artist/Group of the Year, 2003
Jazz Artist/Group of the Year, 2002
Jazz Recording of the Year, 2001
Jazz Group of the Year, 2000
*See below for additional honors for Surrender to the Wind!*
Ben Siems
*Recipient of four grants from New York City's MEET THE COMPOSER, INC., including 2005 and 2006 Creative Connections Awards
*Winner of a 2006 subito grant from the American Composers Forum
*Recipient of ASCAPlus Writer Awards, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
*Featured performer at the 2004 Twin Cities Winter Jazz Fest Mainstage Guitar Summit
*Winner of the 2001 Harriet Tubman Center Composer's Commission
NOTE: Last-minute changes to club gigs are rare, but not unheard of, occurrences. It is always a good idea to call the club the day of a show you wish to attend to verify details.
Photos copyright 2004 Tom Herbers
Two performances in the Great North Woods as part of this spectacular county-wide event!!
FRI., MAY 9, 7 p.m.: at GUNFLINT LODGE, 45 miles northwest of Grand Marais at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
What a location! This lodge/outfitter/restaurant all in one is a legendary north woods establishment. Weather permitting, we'll be playing on the outdoor patio -- talk about a dreamlike setting!
SAT., MAY 10, 9 p.m.: at the GUNFLINT TAVERN, 111 Wisconsin Street, downtown Grand Marais, 55604.
And speaking of great locations with spectacular views, we are always thrilled to return to the Gunflint Tavern, one of our favorite venues anywhere. The food is fantastic, and the view out the windows of the picturesque Grand Marais marina is about as good as it gets.
FRI., MAY 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
The Willie August Project performs at Art-a-Whirl, the annual celebration of the Twin Cities' diverse arts community! Stroll through the studios of hundreds of independent artists housed at the massive Northrup King Building, then come on down to the wine and cheese reception area to hear our sets.
SAT., MAY 17, 7:30-10 p.m.
JoJo's Rise and Wine, 12501 Nicollet Ave., Suite 100, Burnsville, MN 55337, 952-736-3001.
A Ben Siems solo acoustic show -- authentic Delta blues and an eclectic mix of folk and folk-rock classics.
THU., JUNE 5, 8 - 10 p.m.
The 318 Cafe, 318 Water Street, Excelsior, MN 55331, 952-401-7902.
The Willie August Project's debut at this beautiful cafe/wine bar in the picturesque town of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka. A great destination on a summer evening!
THU., JUNE 12, 7 - 8:15 p.m.
MINNEHAHA FALLS PARK BANDSTAND, 4801 Minnehaha Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
We kick off WAP in the PARKS 2008 with a performance at historic Minnehaha Falls Park, regularly listed as one of the most scenic urban parks in the country. Nestled amidst an oak grove and just steps from the falls overlook, this bandstand is the quintessence of Minnesota summer!
WED., JULY 9, 7-8:15 p.m.
FATHER HENNEPIN BLUFFS PARK BANDSTAND at the STONE ARCH BRIDGE, 420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Round two of WAP in the Parks 2008 is our debut at this historic park that captures the essence of the old Minneapolis riverfront. Enjoy the beautiful hardwoods lining the river, stroll past the great shops and restaurants of Riverplace and St. Anthony Main, or take in the view of the new I-35W bridge taking shape. In addition to enjoying this great setting and our performance, please join us in paying our respect to those who lost their lives in last summer's horrible tragedy.
THU., JULY 10, 6 - 8 p.m.
NICOLLET ISLAND PAVILION, 40 Power Street on historic Nicollet Island, downtown Minneapolis, MN 55401.
A bonus WAP in the Parks 2008 event! We perform as part of 125 Years of Park History a silent auction/fundraise and celebration of the great Minneapolis tradition of preserving and protecting beautiful urban open spaces.
THU., AUG. 7, 7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
LAKE HARRIET BANDSHELL, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 44509.
What better way to wrap up WAP in the Parks 2008 than with a performance at the grandest, most historic Minneapolis outdoor venue of them all -- the spectacular Lake Harriet Bandshell. Bring a picnic (don't forget treats from the adjacent pavilion!) and enjoy this breathtaking summer setting that captures all that is great about summer in Minnesota!!
Photo copyright 2006 Leslie Ostrander
Listen for The Willie August Project's music on a jazz radio station in your area:
NATIONAL:
**XM RADIO REAL JAZZ 70**
The ASCAP Network, streaming audio and podcasts at www.ascap.com/network.
INTERNET: indieWarehouse Radio
MASSACHUSETTS: WGBH, Boston
NEW YORK: WKCR, WBGO, New York City;
WGMC, Rochester; WAER, Syracuse
PENNSYLVANIA: WRTI, Philadelphia;
WDUQ, Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON, DC: WPFW
GEORGIA: WCLK, Atlanta
OHIO: WRMU, Alliance
MICHIGAN: WEMU, Eastern MI
ILLINOIS, MISSOURI: WBEZ, WNUR, Chicago;
WSIE, Southern Ill., St. Louis, MO
LOUISIANA: WWOZ, New Orleans
MINNESOTA: KBEM and KFAI, Twin Cities;
WTIP, North Shore
COLORADO: KUVO, Denver
WASHINGTON: KPLU, Seattle/Tacoma
OREGON: KMHD, Portland
CALIFORNIA: KSCM, San Mateo/SF Bay;
KKJZ, Long Beach; KSDS, Sand Diego
FEEL FREE TO CALL THE STATION IN YOUR AREA AND REQUEST THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT!!
& REVIEWS
The Willie August Project's CDs are on the DiPhoCal Jazz record label.
Click on a selection or scroll down.
Prefer to "pod"? Use these links to find albums on iTunes!!
Surrender to the Wind, by The Willie August Project - CLICK HERE
Empire at Twilight, by Ben Siems, featuring Jeremy Hauer - CLICK HERE
Or, click on "MP3s for streaming or purchase."
The Willie August Project's current CD, SURRENDER TO THE WIND, can also be found at BestBuy.com!
(Enter "Willie August" in the search window.)
*NEW!! MP3s for streaming or purchase! (2003)
--Immediately below.
*SURRENDER TO THE WIND (2003)
--Scroll down.
*EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT (2007)
--Scroll down.
*DREAM TRUTHS (2000)
--Scroll down.
*TRANSPARENT SUNRISE (1999)
--Scroll down.
PURCHASING INFORMATION
--Scroll down.
*Service provided by PromoFM.com and A&R Select, Hollywood, CA, USA, official A&R representative of The Willie August Project and Ben Siems.*
NOTE: The "Buy Now" button is a feature coming soon. If it does not function at this moment, click on "VISIT" and you will be brought to the PromoFM.com web site, where this player is housed, and guided through the process of setting up an account to purchase MP3s. Also, when you click on a song, there may be a 5-10 second delay before that song starts playing. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience.
VISIT
Ben Siems
All songs copyright Ben Siems and Thunder Cliff Music, ASCAP. Unauthorized duplication or distribution is strictly prohibited by U.S. and international copyright laws.
SURRENDER TO THE WIND - EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT - DREAM TRUTHS - TRANSPARENT SUNRISE - PURCHASING INFORMATION
MP3 contents:
A. From Surrender to the Wind
1.Andean Fire Circle (CD trk. 2)
2.Nothing Matters but the Joy (CD trk. 10)
3.Chilly and the Mustangs (CD trk. 6)
4.Surrender to the Wind (CD trk. 1)
8.Ramsey Hill (CD trk. 3)
10. Aspirations in Cobblestone (CD trk. 4)
11. Suite for a Dancer, Movt. 6 (CD trk. 7)
B. From Empire at Twilight, by Ben Siems
5. Threshold (CD trk. 8)
9. Shadow Chasers (CD trk. 7)
12. The Isolation of the Ascendant (CD trk. 11)
13. Primeval Scape (CD trk. 10)
15. Time, too, Crumbles (CD trk. 3)
C. From Dream Truths
7. Pool Hall Chatter (CD trk. 3)
D. From Transparent Sunrise
6. The Terms of My Surrender (CD trk. 7)
E. From Sun's Gonna Shine, by Ben Siems
14. Sun's Gonna Shine (CD trk. 1)
DiPhoCal Jazz Records #DiPh 03
Released 11/21/2003
Distributed by NorthCountry Distributors, Redwood, NY
Scroll up to the MP3 player above to hear a variety of sample tracks from this disc!
Copyright 2003 Ben Siems and Thunder Cliff Music, ASCAP. All rights reserved.
For more sound clips, a complete list of tracks and other information, please visit our pages at CDBABY.com, and at indieWarehouse.com.
**#1 New Addition, XM Radio Real Jazz 70, first week of 2006**
**AllAboutJazz.com All Time Top Fifty (#18) Daily Downloads music list, 2005
**Honorable Mention, CITY PAGES Best Albums of 2004 list**
VISIT www.cdbaby.com/willieaugust OR CLICK ON ONE OF THESE LOGOS:
EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT - DREAM TRUTHS - TRANSPARENT SUNRISE - PURCHASING INFORMATION
REVIEWS OF SURRENDER TO THE WIND
From CADENCE MAGAZINE
The Review of Jazz and Blues:
Creative Improvised Music; April, 2004
Copyright 2004 Cadence Magazine
WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT, SURRENDER TO THE WIND, DiPhoCal Jazz 3
Ben Siems, g; Jeremy Hauer, d, perc.; Scot Hornick, b; Jim Chenoweth, b; Laura Caviani, p.
Sept., 03, Minneapolis.
Light, but firm, swing characterizes parts of SURRENDER TO THE WIND, while other parts have a textured approach that connotes New Age music. Fear not the bland, however, because The Willie August Project, so named for leader Ben Siems' grandfather, plays durable music that expertly straddles the line between easy groove, and challenging absorption.
Occasionally reminiscent of Gary Burton's DUSTER and LOFTY FAKE ANAGRAM-era groups in their synthesis of jazz with folk and rock sounds, SURRENDER TO THE WIND is pleasurable to listen to; it easily seems half its generous length. Laura Caviani fits into the trio's quietly compelling spaces beautifully on her two (opening and closing) tracks, the former of which is the disc's first out-and-out swinger. The Ornette-ish "Taunting the Duck Squat Impostor," with its tricky melody and extended soloing, also shows off this group's power to hit the boards, but what impresses most here are the quieter, more spare tracks. "Aspirations in Cobblestone" and the excerpt from "Suite for a Dancer," for instance, have an earthy feel that quiets the mind, and resonates both physically and mentally.
Siems himself is a fountain of muted melody, with a masterful grasp of the guitaristic art of the octave. Although he plays electric throughout, his sonic approach gives even his highest, brightest notes the warmth of a candle flame. Jeremy Hauer is a sympathetic percussionist, laying back much of the time, and going for texture and color over forward propulsion, while the respective bassists fill the trio's mid-range with the necessary essentials. An off-the-beaten-path release that makes one want to hear more. --Larry Nai
"A very impressive CD. Siems' guitar work is sterling. Absolutely topnotch."
-Mike Raymond, Jazz Director, WTIP-FM North Shore, MN
Detailed information on retail store purchase options for this Willie August Project disc can be found below in the PURCHASING INFO section. For mail order information, send an email to The Willie August Project.
"At last, a youthful jazz guitarist who doesn’t break his neck trying to capture/channel the styles of Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, or Wes Montgomery! Not that there’s anything amiss with those fellows, but if I want to hear them, I’ll listen to their discs – too many guitarists follow a bit too closely in their giant footsteps. Guitarist Ben Siems has obviously learned a more n’ a bit from those guys, yet he doesn’t sound like any of ‘em. The beautifully pensive, acoustic 'Andean Fire Circle' feels like he’s listened to not only acoustic jazz string-benders (like Ralph Towner) but also to folk-oriented guitarists Leo Kottke and John Fahey ... but there are faint echoes of Hendrix (more melodically than stylistically). Another fine thing re: this Siems doesn’t overplay, plays melodies (instead of just “notes”), and employs (but does not overindulge) a sense of quietude & “space,” as do his beautifully empathetic bass/drums band-mates. Special kudos to drummer Jeremy Hauer, whose brittle, tasty, slightly minimalist approach recalls Matt Wilson and Han Bennink. There is plenty of crisp swing to go along with the suspension of time ... This Midwestern combo is gonna be a contender, you wait ‘n’ see."
-Mark Keresman, www.JazzReview.com
"Siems solos confidently on guitar, tastefully making use of space. His work is clearly about making music as opposed to succumbing to a preoccupation with technique -- the latter being the case with all too many musicians impressed with pyrotechnics. ...His sensitivity as an improviser is quite evident in the music. When he points out that 'Jazz, like life, is not about reaching a destination' and he discusses his ongoing journey, it is clear that his music comes from a deep and well thought-out place. Siems offers a depth and diversity of music here. Considering his exploration and understanding of his place in the universe, and how it informs his music, I recommend sharing the path with him for a moment, and listening to The Willie August Project."
-Winthrop Bedford, Jazz Improv magazine
"The jazziest tune [on Surrender to the Wind] is the title cut. Siems' notes on the guitar are juicy and loquacious, with an attractive underbelly of swing ... this is a delightful ride. "Nothing Matters but the Joy" glows in shimmering beauty defined lyrically by Siems. ... It's a nice one indeed, which can be said of the album as a whole."
-Jerry D'Souza, AllAboutJazz.com
(Read the complete review at www.allaboutjazz.com.)
"The Willie August Project takes us to far off places on SURRENDER TO THE WIND. The compositions of Ben Siems reverberate with the beauty of nature."
-Leigh Kamman, Minnesota Public Radio
DiPhoCal Records #DiPh 04
Released 10/18/2007
Listen to sample tracks from Empire at Twilight by scrolling up to the MP3 PLAYER above!
SURRENDER TO THE WIND - DREAM TRUTHS - TRANSPARENT SUNRISE - PURCHASING INFO
DiPhoCal Jazz Records #DiPh02
Released 12/1/2000
TO PURCHASE DREAM TRUTHS,
CLICK ON THIS ICON:
Listen for selections from Dream Truths on KBEM-FM 88.5 ("Jazz 88") in the Minneapolis - St. Paul metro area. Don't hesitate to call them at 612-529-KBEM and request The Willie August Project!
SURRENDER TO THE WIND
EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT
TRANSPARENT SUNRISE - PURCHASING INFO
NOMINATED FOR JAZZ RECORDING OF THE YEAR, 2001 MN MUSIC AWARDS
SONGS in MP3 PLAYER, ABOVE:
Pool Hall Chatter
Copyright 2000 B. Siems
Thunder Cliff Music, ASCAP
"The Willie August Project
... has achieved something quite personal on this sophomore CD. Siems
writes blues-hued, graceful and often melancholy themes, while his guitar
work is moving further afield from an obvious love of Wes Montgomery
into an idio-syncratic realm. Hauer uses his drum kit in a painterly,
post-modern way, spontaneously composing arresting intros, and adding
cool running commentary to Siems' themes." "A very fine album." "Eight fine examples of what
Twin Cities music critic Tom Surowicz has described as Siems' 'stellar
composing.' From the swinging blues of 'Pool Hall Chatter' to the dark
groove of 'Should Have;' from the introspective 'Ashes of My Dreams'
to the explosively modern, 'The Trial and the Truth,' Siems shows his
remarkable ability to capture a wide range of moods. Dream Truths
truly offers something for every jazz fan."
�Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/10/00
�Leigh Kamman, host of Minnesota Public Radio's, "The
Jazz Image."
�Twin Cities Jazz Society's, JAZZ NOTES, 12/00
DiPhoCal
Jazz Records #DiPh01
Released 6/10/1999
PLEASE NOTE: TRANSPARENT SUNRISE is currently out of print. If you are interested in purchasing this CD, please send us an email and we will let you know if there are any copies available. Thanks to all those who have purchased this CD!! SURRENDER TO THE WIND - EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT - DREAM TRUTHS - PURCHASING INFO
SONGS IN MP3 PLAYER, ABOVE:
The Terms of My Surrender
All selections copyright 1999 B. Siems.
Thunder Cliff Music, ASCAP
"Siems wrote a batch of grade-A
songs for the group's debut CD" "Outstanding writing, good
group cohesion, sure swing, well-schooled solos, catchy riffs, and healthy
echoes of Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis and other 1960s post-bop icons
-- TRANSPARENT SUNRISE delivers all that and more."
--Minneapolis Star Tribune, "Free Time," 11/5/99
--Twin Cities Jazz Society's, "Jazz Notes," 11/99
With the help of our friends at the
TWIN CITIES MUSIC NETWORK, we are
pleased to offer our CDs for sale
directly from this site!!
Just scroll up and look for the
TCMUSIC.NET "Buy It Now" icons...
You can also hear sound samples from
Surrender to the Wind and Dream Truths
and/or purchase the discs from our page
at IndieJazz.com.
SURRENDER TO THE WIND - EMPIRE AT TWILIGHT - TRANSPARENT SUNRISE - DREAM TRUTHS
CDs may also be purchased at any Willie August Project performance.
If you live in the Twin Cities metro area, you can find several retail stores selling one or all of our CDs, including the Electric Fetus and all Cheapo/Applause Discs stores. For more information, send an email to The Willie August Project and request information on retail purchase of CDs.
CONTACT - BIOS/PHOTOS - ABOUT - AWARDS - SHOWS - NEWS - CDs
THANK YOU FOR VISITING THE WILLIE AUGUST PROJECT WEB SITE!!
Please visit often to keep up to date on our activities.
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*Please also visit our pages at IndieJazz.com, at the Twin Cities Music Network and at PlanetCD.com.
Melodic Modern Jazz
Information and bookings: 612-825-9952
Email: WillieAugust@hotmail.com
URL: http://WillieAugust.tripod.com