Art Lillard

Composer, arranger, bandleader, lyricist, and drummer Art Lillard grew up in Miami, where his jazz roots include playing with the great master Ira Sullivan and studying with pianist/composer Wally Cirillo. Art also studied at Karl Berger’s Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York, where his instructors included Anthony Braxton, Don Cherry, Jack DeJohnette, Dave Holland, Stu Martin, and John Surman. Subsequently, he graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston with a bachelor’s degree in composition and arranging, having garnered multiple scholarships and honors along the way. Art has also studied with Dean Anderson, Steve Bagby, Tom Boras, Paul Caputo, Andrew Cyrille, Mike Gibbs, Mike Holober, Greg Hopkins, Joe Hunt, Jim McNeely, Portinho, Maria Schneider, Kenny Werner, and Eliot Zigmund.

Art’s nine-horn Heavenly Big Band has been playing in clubs and concert spaces since 1987. Their compact disc, “Reasons to be Thankful,” was released on the Summit Records label in 2006, and their “Certain Relationships” in 2015. Art’s On Time Band, a trio/quartet that has been performing for many years, produced a recording, “It’s Time,” released by Summit in 2009. In 1998, Art's seven-piece swing band, Blue Heaven, appeared on television playing original compositions on two episodes of CBS's daytime series, "Guiding Light.”

A professional musician since 1970, Art has had a rich performing career. He has led and co-led many jazz ensembles. He has also played drums as a sideman in groups of various musical genres, including jazz, country & western, cabaret, rock, and show music. He has recorded with some of these groups. Along the way, he has played with such jazz luminaries as Ben Brown, Jaki Byard, Gilly Coggins, Junior Cook, Kenny Davern, Buddy DeFranco, Joe Diorio, Bobby Forrester, Eric Gunnison, Greg Hopkins, Paul Horn, Nancy King, Cecil McBee, Arturo O’Farrill, the aforementioned Ira Sullivan, and many more.

Art has written hundreds of compositions in a wide range of musical genres and is often commissioned by performers, producers and other composers to arrange music for vocalists and instrumental groups. Art’s original works appear on cd recordings by vibraphonist Gust Tsilis, vocalist Larry Browne, saxophonist Claire Daly, flutist Jan Leder, the band Groovalaya, and the duo of guitarist Pere Soto and saxophonist David Valdez. Art also wrote and scored the soundtrack for a film, “The Wannabees.” Some of his compositions can be heard on episodes of the MTV productions, “Jackass” and “Cat House,” and on HBO’s “True Blood,” as well as in the 2014 movie, “Teacher of the Year,” and an online commercial for Mercedes Benz.

Over the years Art has played professionally with such notables as Ron Affif, Harry Allen, Ray Anderson, Jeff Andrews, William Ash, Roy Ayers, Billy Bang, Roni Ben-Hur, Karl Berger, Tom Bergeron, Steve Bloom, Steve Blum, Paul Bollenback, Joanne Brackeen, Don Braden, Ben Brown, Cameron Brown, Brenda Buffalino, Bud Burridge, Jaki Byard, Tony Castellano, Thomas Chapin, Gilly Coggins, Joe Cohn, Junior Cook, Jay Corree, Bill Crow, Adrian Cunningham, Bob Cunningham, Claire Daly, Café DaSilva, Kenny Davern, Jon Davis, Santi Debriano, Buddy DeFranco, Rick Dellaratta and Jazz for Peace, Stacy Dillard, John diMartino, Joe Diorio, Jerry Dodgion, Dave Douglas, Billy Drewes, Dominique Eade, Essiet Essiet, Mark Feldman, Bobby Forrester, Joel Forrester, Ray Gallon, Keith Ganz, Hilary Gardner, George Garzone, Hilliard Green, Kelly Green, Drew Gress, Miles Griffith, Eric Gunnison, Ratzo B. Harris, John Hart, Michael Hashim, Freddie Hendrix, John Hicks, Patience Higgins, Jimmy Hill, Greg Hopkins, Jazzmeia Horn, Paul Horn, Dick Hyman, Ron Jackson, Jack Jeffers, Dave Kikoski, Frank Kimbrough, Nancy King, Mark Ledford, Mike Longo, John Marshall, Cecil McBee, Donny McCaslin, George Mesterhazy, Pat Metheny, Dom Minasi, Charles Moffett, Antoinette Montague, Wilbur Morris, Bob Mover, Mark Nadler, Zaid Nasser, Wayne Naus, Arturo O'Farrill, Marco Panascia, Sasha Perry, Bob Porcelli, Dave Post and Swingadelic, Scott Reeves, Emily Remler, Perry Robinson, Ari Roland, Saul Rubin, Barbara Russell, Ali Ryerson, Harvie S, “Little” Jimmy Scott, Sahib Shihab, Coy Shockley, Jack Six, Mauricio Smith, Sean Smith, Warren Smith, James Spaulding, Michael Jefry Stevens, Stan Strickland, Carol Sudhalter, Ira Sullivan, Helen Sung, Steve Swell, Buddy Terry, Bob Thoesen Big Band, Roseanna Vitro, Jack Walrath, Danny Walsh, James Weidman, Mark Whitecage, Deanna Witkowski, and Anthony Wonsey.

Art is also a respected teacher and mentor of many years to his own students. He has taught privately, at several community music schools, and at Long Island University.

Awards

2003 Performance of Heavenly Big Band was recorded by the Rutgers University Jazz Archives 1994 Third place, original instrumental compositions, in Sound Views magazine's competition of new recordings, for my composition, "To Love One Someone." 1981 Faculty Association Award for Performance, Berklee College of Music. 1979-1981 Student scholarships, Berklee College of Music and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1973 Student scholarship, Florida International University. 1972 Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Miami-Dade Junior College. 1969 Student scholarship, Miami-Dade Junior College

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Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band at the New York City Baha’i Center

by Tyran Grillo
October 24, 2017

Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band New York City Baha'i Center New York, NY August 22, 2017 In this teetering age in which we live, where one wrong move might tip an edge too far in one direction, drummer/composer Art Lillard and his “Heavenly Big Band" stand firmly toward the center, finding balance in more than just a solid groove or memorable lick. Rather, Lillard understands that sharing music needn't be political, fiercely philosophical, ...

Live Review

Art Lillard's On Time Trio at Sugarcane, Brooklyn

by Tyran Grillo
October 27, 2015

Art Lillard's On Time Trio Sugarcane Brooklyn, NY June 24, 2015 Attend jazz performances in a big city like New York long enough, and you're liable to realize how often the genre serves as a background to social activities. By the same token, music which isn't always fully acknowledged can peek its head above the surface with a voice all the more genuine for reaching out from a place of self-reflection. Such was the dynamic ...

Album Review

Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band: Certain Relationships

Read "Certain Relationships" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
March 29, 2015

Drummer Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band continues to spread sunshine and happiness on Certain Relationships, an album recorded in three sessions spanning the half-dozen years between 2005-2011. Of the fifteen selections, nine are vocals --by Pete McGuinness, Hilary Gardner, Andrea Wolper, Mary Foster Conklin or Dominique Eade. In Lillard's optimistic eyes, even the blues are gladsome (as Wolper affirms on Track 5, the buoyant “Happy Blues"). And the shuffling “You Bluesed Me," nicely sung by Conklin, is far more sunny ...

Album Review

Art Lillard's Heavenly Band: Reasons to Be Thankful

Read "Reasons to Be Thankful" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
April 10, 2014

Although drummer Art Lillard's Heavenly Band makes its home about as far from heaven as one could plausibly roam--New York City, to be precise--the music it produces on Reasons to Be Thankful (recorded in 2000 and released six years later) evokes at times an empyrean vibe, thanks in part to blissful arrangements by Lillard and guitarist Mark McCarron and spirited blowing by the ensemble. As for the point of view, it might best be described as contemporary swing, employing sophisticated ...

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Album Review

Art Lillard's Heavenly Band: Reasons To Be Thankful

Read "Reasons To Be Thankful" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone

by Michael P. Gladstone
March 15, 2006

File this one under: Swingin' NYC Big Band! Drummer, bandleader and composer Art Lillard has been leading versions of this organization over the past nineteen years and has produced in Reasons To Be Thankful an upbeat and impressive album that exposes several talented and underappreciated musicians in the Big Apple. The thirteen selections are all Lillard originals, save for one by guitarist Mark McCarron, who also contributes several fine guitar solos throughout the album.

Lillard also shows a ...

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Album Review

Art Lillard: Reasons to be Thankful

Read "Reasons to be Thankful" reviewed by Jim Santella

by Jim Santella
February 27, 2006

Recorded in 2000, this session by Art Lillard's big band combines lively swing and a traditional mainstream essence into one original package. Lillard and members of his organization wrote the music for this romping program. Lillard, a drummer, leads the band with a swinging rhythmic foundation and comfortable strides. He brings in vocal soloists for six of the thirteen tracks.

Lillard's variable-pitch drum solo on “Bluez Organ Man, and the song's incredible fusion of Caribbean percussion with big ...

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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard's Heavenly Big Band at Iridium on August 10

Source: Michael Ricci
July 9, 2010

With guest sax soloist Bob Mover

Iridium 1650 Broadway @ 51st Street New York, NY

212-582-2121

Tuesday, August 10 Sets at 8:00 and 10:00 P.M. Tickets: $25

About Art Lillard Art Lillard is a musician with many gifts. In each of his musical roles--drummer, composer, arranger and bandleader--he shares with us his unique and refreshing contribution to our musical culture. He has been leading his own jazz big-band, Art Lillard's Heavenly Band, since 1987, playing in ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard Upcoming Appearances

Source: All About Jazz
May 4, 2006

Hello again! I'd love to see you at one of my upcoming performances.

You can hear clips from Reasons to be Thankful, my new Heavenly Band recording on the Summit label, by going to my web site: http://www.artlillard.com/audio.htm This cd is available at record stores everywhere.

You can also download one of the tracks at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=1350

Here is the current calendar:

Friday, May 5 Jam Session with Maria Lazzaro Liberty Heights Tap Room 34 ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard April Performances

Source: All About Jazz
April 11, 2006

Art Lillard upcoming performances with various bands:

Thursday, April 13 The Jan Leder Quartet The Eighth Note 254 West 23rd Street, New York City Jan Leder on flute, Hiroshi Yamazaki on piano, Sean Smith on bass, Art Lillard on drums Sets at 10:30 PM & 12 midnight $7 cover, 2 drink minimum www.Jan Leder.info

Sunday, April 16 Art Lillard's Heavenly Band in a CD ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard March and April Performances

Source: All About Jazz
March 22, 2006

Art Lillard has released a new cd of all original music, Reasons to Be Thankful featuring his Heavenly Big Band, on the Summit label. You can hear clips of the recording here: http://www.artlillard.com/audio.htm

Here are some of Art's upcoming performances with various bands: Thursday, March 23 The Art Lillard Trio Sugarcane Caribbean cuisine restaurant 238 Flatbush Avenue between Bergen Street & Sixth Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn Steve Blum on guitar, ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard Upcoming Performances

Source: All About Jazz
March 15, 2006

Two imminent Art Lillard performances:

Friday, March 17: The Art Lillard Quartet featuring Ray Gallon on piano, Steve Blum on guitar, Nick Cudahy on bass, Art Lillard on drums at the Garage 99 Seventh Avenue South, between Grove & Barrow Streets, NYC 5:45 till 9:45 PM NO COVER

Sunday, March 19 Art Lillard's Heavenly Band CD release event for Reasons to be Thankful at ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard's Heavenly Band March 4th at The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck

Source: All About Jazz
March 2, 2006

Tuesday, March 4th Art Lillard's Heavenly Band The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck, New York http://www.centerforperformingarts.org/

For tickets and information about upcoming events, please contact The CENTER's Box Office at (845) 876-3080

8-10pm (doors open at 7pm) adult admission$20 seniors, students and children admission $18

2 shows of 45 minutes for listening and or dancing with this wwingin' New York ...
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Performance / Tour

The Art Lillard Quartet Tuesday, February 14 at the Ear Inn

Source: All About Jazz
February 13, 2006

February 13, 2006 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Tuesday, February 14 The Art Lillard Quartet at the Ear Inn 326 Spring Street, between Greenwich & Washington Streets, NYC 11:59 PM till 3:00 AM With Jon Davis on piano, Paul Carlon on sax and flute, Joe Fitzgerald on bass, Art Lillard on drums NO COVER Art Lillard Upcoming Appearances and New Summit CD “Reasons to be Thankful" The new Heavenly Band recording, “Reasons to be ...
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Performance / Tour

Art Lillard Upcoming Appearances and New Summit CD: Reasons to be Thankful

Source: All About Jazz
February 1, 2006

February 1, 2006 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Art Lillard Upcoming Appearances and New Summit CD “Reasons to be Thankful" The new Heavenly Band recording, “Reasons to be Thankful," is being released on the Summit Record label on February 7, 2006. This CD features all original jazz compositions, both vocal and instrumental, in a variety of swing and Latin feels. All tracks were recorded at Nola, one of New York's top studios. For more ...
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What Reviewers Say about the Heavenly Band’s CD, “Reasons to be Thankful”

A solid ensemble with soloists who can ideate with the best - John Gilbert, EjazzNews

File this one under: Swingin' NYC Big Band! - Michael P. Gladstone, AllAboutJazz

Lillard’s variable-pitch drum solo on “Bluez Organ Man,” and the song’s incredible fusion of Caribbean percussion with big band, is one of the session’s high points. - Jim Santella, AllAboutJazz

Reasons to be Thankful is a recording of fresh original material with wonderful orchestration and a unique way of blending the swing fad and the modern big band sound in one setting. This album merits many reasons to be thankful, which lovers of the big band sound will recognize. - Edward Blanco, AllAboutJazz

Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 2001-present and 1986-94 Maggio Music, Brooklyn, NY. Teach drums, flute, piano. 2001- 2003 New York City Public Schools. Substitute teacher (music). Spring 2001 Public School 226, Brooklyn, NY. Taught music theory, flute-recorder, and instrumental music to middle school classes. 1997 Bromley Studio, Brooklyn, NY. Taught various instruments. 1996 Music faculty, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY