Brian Culbertson
Biography
Even though Brian Culbertson might be categorized as jazz lite, his music has enough "oomph" to keep you interested. The talented composer/arranger/keyboardist/trombonist's music has maturity that is, at times, beyond his years, and Culbertson credits his dad with helping him develop an ear for the type of music he makes. His father, Jim Culbertson, a respected high school jazz band director and trumpeter, cultivated a love of sanguine sounds for a young Brian, who eagerly listened to anything his dad listened to. Their Decatur, IL, home would be alive with the recorded sounds of Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, the Brecker Brothers, and David Sanborn. Growing up, Culbertson also listened to '70s R&B/pop/funk bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Culbertson began his musical training at the age of eight with piano lessons; at nine he moved to drums, at ten trombone, and at 12 bass. Bored with classical recital pieces, he began composing in junior high. By his freshman year in high school, he was experimenting with the then-new Yamaha DX-7 synthesizer and an old four-track recorder in the basement of his parents' home. His dedication earned him six individual and five group Down Beat student awards.
During his high-school years, he started getting into MIDI sequencing and synthesizers. He couldn't find players who were able to play his songs on the level he wanted as most of his peers were into heavy metal. So Culbertson, who cites pop producer/songwriter David Foster (Earth, Wind & Fire's "After the Love Is Gone") as one of his strongest influences, learned how to play all the parts himself. After graduation, Culbertson headed to Chicago to begin studies in the music program at DePaul University. On campus, he began to run into high-level musicians and started playing in a band. A family friend helped Culbertson get a deal with Mesa/Blue Moon in 1994. In the bedroom of the apartment he shared with three college buddies, Culbertson single-handedly recorded his debut album, Long Night Out. The album spent ten consecutive weeks in the Top Five of the adult contemporary charts. On his follow-up album, Modern Life, Culbertson eschewed the one-man band approach in favor of a live band made up of some of the best musicians in Chicago, plus stellar saxophonist Gerald Albright. He's since put out several other albums, including After Hours (1995), Secrets (1997), and Somethin' Bout Love (1999). Culbertson's productions include albums by Bob Mamet and Steve Cole. Having gotten into composing advertising jingles, Culbertson has set his sights on soundtracks. In 2001 the pianist (who also could play the trombone, trumpet, and percussion as well) released Nice & Slow, followed by Come on Up in 2003. Two years later he issued It's on Tonight, and in 2006 Soulful Christmas, a collection of holiday favorites as well as an original. ~ Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
If Brian came to town 10 times each year,I would attend 10 times each year. He is an awesome preformer and very down to earth. He came to Indy twice in 2008 and neither show was similar. He is just an awesomely talented man. My fav by far!!!
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love, love love Brian and his dad. Every chance I get I play all his CDz and I enjoy him every concert I attend when he's playing! JVC Jazz Festival would not be the same without Brian Culbertson headlining!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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what can you say when you're on the virge of tears because the beauty of the music is so painful it feels great!!
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I had the privilege of seeing Brian Culbertson twice here in Sacramento at the Radisson Inn, the first time with his Father. Both were fantastic concerts and I have been a fan ever since. I have all of his CDs and will continue to follow his career. Such a talent!
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Just saw Brian Culbertson & Dave Koz perform for the first time together ....ABSOTIVE L Y THE BEST CONCERT !!!
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GOT A CHANCE TO SEE HIM PERFORM ONCE.....VER Y GOOD IN PERSON....GR E A T ARTIST!!!
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Brian opened at a recent Barry Manilow concert - Wow, he stole the show. Fantastic...
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his smooth sound is just right for a nice easy day or nightin the arms of someone special
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I have seen Brian perform many times in person and he is wonderful! He always steal the show!
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I was at the show at Yoshi's and I was first introduced to Brian Culbertson at the 2005 JVC jazz festival and he rocked the house. I would go to any venue to see this young man play. His energy is contagious and I told him so when I met him after the show. His wife is talented singer as well! Don't sleep on the Brian Culbertson experience!
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Brian Culbertson & The Funk Experiance Shut My Mind Off To The Outside World For A Short But Awesome 1.5 Hours In San Francisco. I Had Never Heard Of Him Until I Was Looking At The Up Coming Shows At Yoshi's. A Beautiful Women I'm A Bit Nutty For Loves Funk. So, I Got Two Tickets.... She Declined.... She Missed A Show Of A Life Time. Thank You Brian & Company For Opening My Mind. Q.
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Caught his show (and met him)at his 9-13-08 show at the Keswick outside Philly. The country wouldn't have an energy shortage if it was hooked up to Brian and the band. Just about blew the roof off. What a performance!
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I got the chance to see this man Live & Direct @ Fraze Pavillion ampitheatre
in Dayton, Ohio & that brother Put on a show!! Didn't know he could slap a Bass like that...I would advise anyone that BC & his Band must be seen Live to be fully appreciated! ! Dee M/Cincinnati |
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BC IS THA BOMB!. I CALL HIM "WHITE CHOCOLATE" IF YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM PERFORM, YOU ARE MISSING GREAT ENTERTAINMEN T . HE IS FUNKY, HAS ENERGY, AND SWAG AND A FUNKY BAND OF ALL BRUTHAS!! HIS LATEST CD, BRINGING BACK THE FUNK (BBTF) CO-PRODUCED WITH MAURICE WHITE, (OF EARTH, WIND AND FIRE) TRANSENDS HIM INTO CONTEMPARARY FUNK WITH A JAZZY EDGE! ARTIST LIKE MUSIQ, BOOTSY,LEDIS , A N D GERALD ALBRIGHT ARE FEATURED. IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT. GO GET IT! IT'S ALL THAT!. BC KEEP IT FUNKY NOW!.YOUR#1 FAN. ME
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I saw him in concert .He put on a great show. He'll be back in Sept at the house of blues in Orlando .I'll be there!
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MY ALL TIME FAVORITE. SAW HIM LIVE IN ST LOUIS, HE IS EVEN MORE AWESOME
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Brain has collaborated with the finest artist especially with Maurice White on his newest CD along with Music Soulchild.
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I THINK BRIAN IS FAR EXPERIENCED BEYOND HIS TENDER YOUNG YEARS I LOVE HIS MUSIC HE IS BRILLIANT ON THE KEYS.LOVE IT!!!!
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Got all three and some can play them in my car for weeks love him he gives a very,very nice concert, PLAY ON BRIAN
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See, Brian is multi-talent e d ! So are we that? I'm not. I love to hear an instrument sing, smooth jazz-style. Whether it's piano, saxophone, trumpet, guitar or flute.
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The piano will never sound the same after listen to Brian play it...Do what you do!!!!!!!!!! !
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I saw Brian at the Clearwater Jazz Festival in 2007 and he was FANTASTIC!! It looked like he was making love to that keyboard with his fingers. What great sound.
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i like the sounds this man brings us with the piano, his music gets attention, not near what it should,just keep diong it to it brian,summer is all most here just about time for some new sounds from you,i for one can hardly wait,until then i'll continue enjoying these three cd's of yours.......
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I have all three copies and I am "anxiously" waiting for his next project.
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You got to see this man perform!!!!! ! ! ! ! Oh and Mindi Abair is also a must see.
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