David Hilliker

Laying the groove down, swinging hard, using space, all with an attitude to make the rest of the band sound better, is what drummer David Hilliker brings to the music. David was born into a very musical family in upstate New York, having two older brothers who toured and recorded with Jazz Organ Great, Brother Jack McDuff. He was very fortunate to get the feel and sounds of blues and jazz music into his soul at a very tender age. He was performing in clubs, and sitting in with the elder brothers at the age of 12. He has studied with legendary drummers Ed Thigpen, and John Von Ohlen. He has performed at the Elkhart Jazz Festival, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase, Andy's Jazz Club, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and many restaurants and clubs throughout the Midwest. David has been VERY fortunate to perform with such Jazz greats as Bill Heid, Ira Sullivan, Robert Irving III, Marlene Rosenberg, Willie Pickens, Larry Gray, Frank D'Rone, Duke Payne, Tom Vaitsas, Mike Frost, Bill Boris, Kimberly Gordon, Joe Beck, Ali Ryerson, Bill Watrous, Joey DeFrancesco, Tony Monaco, Fareed Haque, John Clayton, Benny Green, Ingrid Jensen, Melvin Rhyne, and legendary saxophonists George Coleman and Von Freeman. For Hilliker, the music is never about him, or playing flashy. "Less is more.....it's all about the groove and bringing joy to those who hear it. I want the band to swing hard, and people to want to get up and dance".