JEFFJJLISK 

Jeff Lisk was born in the windy City of Chicago, Illinois, Earth, and began playing piano at age eight and switched to drums at the age of ten.  Chicago provided Jeff with much musical inspiration because of its rich culture and diversity.  Jeff’s first love was classical music but soon discovered jazz and became a young big band fanatic and huge fan of the Buddy Rich Band, Count Basie, Thad Jones/ Mel Lewis Band, Gene Krupa, etc.  Not too many years later he became open to various rock styles and cites Ginger Baker as an early influence.  Also he took a particular liking to Latin music having found ‘Prez Prado,’ ‘Tito Puente,’ and ‘Cal Tjader’ records in the family collection.  This Latin influence would simmer for years and later blossom into Maddrum Soñando, the Latin-Caribbean band Jeff led and founded.  Jeff’s influences and mentors were quite diverse while growing up in Chicago.  When he was twelve years old, he met drummer Barrett Deems (Louis Armstrong/ Jimmy Dorsey Band) at the Quincy Court Concert series.  He became fast friends with Barrett and stayed in touch with him until Barrett’s passing in September 15th, 1998.  He was a major influence and inspiration on Jeff.