Click to read a recent article featuring Jeff Van Devender in the Rifle, CO Citizen Telegram. In addition to playing piano every Sunday morning at St. John's Episcopal Church in New Castle, Colorado, Jeff Van Devender is also the pianist for Carbondale Community United Methodist Church in Carbondale, Colorado where he also accompanies a church choir which performs every week.
His Music Defined:
"His piano melodies have been described as a blending of classical, jazz and rock influences with a touch of soul. Bending Chords picks up where Ascend left off, adding new elements to the blend. Listen as you are transported to another time and place." Scott Jeffries
Van Devender's music is sometimes best described as 'George Winston meets Elton John.' His solo performances often take an improvisational journey sending the listener through a timeless wave of inspired spontaneous melody never before heard. It is these moments of spontaneous inspiration that have delighted audiences as they witness his music's continuous evolution.
Recent Achievements:
The JavaMusiK Label is pleased to announce that Ascend by Jeffrey van D was nominated for 2 awards in 2001! Each year, Just Plain Folks selects music from Independent Artists around the world which represents the "cream of the crop."
The first nomination was in the Best Solo Instrumental CD category. Over 2,400 independent CD entries were received from around the world, and they narrowed the field to 226 in 28 Genres, roughly 9%.
The other nomination was in the Best Solo Instrumental Song category. Over 35,000 Songs were narrowed down to 530 Songs from Members in 43 US States and 17 Countries in 30 Different Genres.
Congratulations on the nomination, Jeff!
In 1999, Van Devender spearheaded the only Colorado campaign of a national Independent Musicians for Kosovo Refugee Relief effort. As the local coordinator in Glenwood Springs, he formed an organization which pulled together 15 different local performing groups to help raise consciousness and funds to go directly to refugee relief through Red Cross. Close to $2500.00 was raised through his efforts. The national tally from the 44 cities which participated in this effort was over $25,000.00.
Van Devender has been a featured performer at YMCA Of The Rockies in Estes Park, CO and Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, CO for 7 years running. These conference centers frequently bring a diverse audience from all over the globe to Van Devender's music.
He can also be seen playing in churches throughout the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado just about every Sunday. Van Devender is the church pianist/organist for St. John's Episcopal Church in New Castle, CO and also Carbondale Community Methodist Church in Carbondale, CO.
He often plays for weddings and other ceremonies at First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs, CO and Snowmass Chapel in Snowmass, CO where he recently had the privelege of playing for a very special Christmas service along with Jimmy Ibbotson of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This service was attended by Barbara Mandrell & her family.
During the summer of 2001, Van Devender found himself learning a whole different genre of music. Country recording artist Peter Britt invited Van Devender to join his rehearsals. By the end of the summer however, a different direction was in store for Van Devender's musical journey, as he was beginning a new school year at a new school district. It has always been clear that a touring schedule would not fit in well with a teaching schedule at an elementary school.
Another niche Van Devender's music has worked it's way into is Art Shows. The Roaring Fork Valley seems to be full of them, and for that Jeffrey van D is grateful! He has played for many over the last 8 years.
Here are several that stand out: Quilters of the Rockies Show - Aspen, CO CCAH Valley Visual Arts Show - Carbondale, CO Roaring Fork Valley Culinary Arts Festival - Glenwood Springs, CO Bookcliffs Council on Arts and Humanities Art Festival - Rifle, CO
Both Ascend and Bending Chords can be found at establishments listed here.
Great music, including tunes from The JavaMusiK Label can be found at our JavaMiX Station. Click between the eyes on the banner below:
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