Expect an energetic jazzy, rock'n'roll show Friday and Saturday, May 30-31 when Jacob Koller's 'Music For Bowlers' Trio performs at Truckee's Moody's Bistro & Lounge.

Jacob Koller on piano, Chris Finet on bass and Corey Fogel on drums come together to produce unpredictable harmonic progressions, lyrical melodies, spontaneous improvisations and tight grooves. Koller’s compositions are all over the map with regards to their genre, yet all have a distinct and identifiable characteristic that ties them together into an intricately woven rug.

Shorter pieces such as Knit to Own and New Goods have a distinct setting and reveal the nuances of a particular scene from a multi-dimensional photograph. Qing and Gig for Gag take audiences on an epic adventure into unexplored territory. Even pieces like Nello, riddled with complex time signatures and unexpected metric modulations, feel completely natural.

The trio appeals to a wide audience. Younger indie rock fans often mingle with traditional jazz connoisseurs at a 'Music for Bowlers' show. This wide appeal is due in part to what the Phoenix New Times described as “energetic jazz-rock, as Fogel’s powerful drum palpitations add a head-nodding element missing from most jazz-based piano music.”

At the same time Koller has been developing a loyal following of fans, he has captured the hearts of the media. Don Gordon of Hawaii Public Radio
(KPHO) said, “This young man has a talent that few possess. You can make a comparison to his playing, phrasing or technique with many great or prominent piano legends and you would be right because that’s how good he is. But to compare him would be unfair simply because Jacob Koller is in his own league and should be mentioned with the legends, not compared to them.”

Koller’s musical talents were recognized at a young age. Before entering high school, Jacob Koller had already won more than 10 classical piano competitions. At age 14, he discovered his true passion of improvisation and composition when he joined his high school jazz band. Within one year he was performing all over the Phoenix area with top jazz musicians such as Dennis Roland and Jesse McGuire. At Arizona University on a full jazz scholarship he studied classical piano with Reyna Aschaffenberg and jazz piano with Chuck Mahronic.

He also has studied privately with Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, Phil Strange, Uri Caine and Angie Sanchez. Professionally he has toured, recorded and performed over the world with musicians such as Tony Malaby, Terence Blanchard, Mark Dresser and Ricky Woodard. In 2007, Koller was selected as one of five finalists in the U.S. in the prestigious Cole Porter Jazz Piano Fellowship.

Each member of Jacob Koller’s 'Music for Bowlers' trio is an accomplished musician in his own right. Bass player Chris Finet has performed with such international artists as Doc Severinson, Bobby McFerrin, John Tchicai, Ernie Watts and others. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music studying with Orin O’Brien of the New York Philharmonic. Corey Fogel on drums and percussion graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Integrated Media/Music from California Institute of the Arts. He has collaborated with Leo Smith, Mark Dresser, Sara Roberts, Willie Winant, Tom Leeser, Vinny Golia, and John Oswald. He also has recorded with The Gowns, Treasure Mammal, The Mountain Goats and Bob Bruno.

Located inside the historic Truckee Hotel on Commercial Row, Moody's Bistro & Lounge is known for its locally sourced ingredients served in an informal atmosphere reminiscent of Tahoe in the 1920s. The restaurant serves a variety of Contemporary American specialties in a range of affordable price points, as well as a seasonal drink menu made with fresh herbs and fruit.

The lounge also is home to live jazz shows by top U.S. and international acts. Moody's is located a few minutes from Interstate 80 at 10007 Bridge Street in Truckee (on the corner of Commercial Row). For reservations, call
(530) 587-8688 or visit www.moodysbistro.com.