GST Jazz Band Minneapolis Saint Paul Minnesota Bio

GST (Greg Schaefer Trio) was formed by pop-punk veteran guitarist Greg Schaefer. The trio was an avenue to explore Greg's increased fascination with improvisation and jazz. The instrumental music has frequently been described as surf-jazz. The chords and rhythms may be jazz influenced, but the attitude and approach is 1977 punk rock. We like to think of it as punk rock for grown ups. The current GST lineup includes:

	Bio GST (Greg Schaefer Trio) was formed by pop-punk veteran guitarist Greg Schaefer. The trio was an avenue to explore Greg's increased fascination with improvisation and jazz. The instrumental music has frequently been described as surf-jazz. The chords and rhythms may be jazz influenced, but the attitude and approach is 1977 punk rock. We like to think of it as punk rock for grown ups. The current GST lineup includes: Joe Cline, Drums Bob DeBoer, Trumpet Greg Schaefer, Guitar & Trumpet Tony Watercott, Bass GST has been evolving since 1999 with their first gig occuring in September 1999 at the Clown Lounge. The original GST lineup included drummer Ram Zimmerman, a tenant in the same practice space and bassist Tony Watercott to fill out the trio. Schaefer's renewed interest in the trumpet (and minimal skills) added a oddball element of the band's sound. Watercott also contributes tunes for the instrumental group. In early November 2001 Joe Cline joined GST as the drummer to replace to Ram Zimmerman. Ram relocated to Austin Texas and was unable to continue working with GST. In 2001 tenor saxophonist Dennis Robertson also joined GST as a full time member, turning the trio into a quartet. In early 2002 Dennis decided to move on, however, he still occasionally sits in with GST. Trumpet player Bob DeBoer has moved into the spot vacated by Dennis, creating an unique sounding dual trumpet attack. A name change has been considered, but it hasn't seemed worth the effort. GST also frequently collaborates with other artists including poets Kelly Green and Jeff Skemp. Questions and comments are highly encouraged! Please email greg@gstjazz.com.

GST has been evolving since 1999 with their first gig occuring in September 1999 at the Clown Lounge. The original GST lineup included drummer Ram Zimmerman, a tenant in the same practice space and bassist Tony Watercott to fill out the trio. Schaefer's renewed interest in the trumpet (and minimal skills) added a oddball element of the band's sound. Watercott also contributes tunes for the instrumental group.

In early November 2001 Joe Cline joined GST as the drummer to replace to Ram Zimmerman. Ram relocated to Austin Texas and was unable to continue working with GST. In 2001 tenor saxophonist Dennis Robertson also joined GST as a full time member, turning the trio into a quartet.

In early 2002 Dennis decided to move on, however, he still occasionally sits in with GST. Trumpet player Bob DeBoer has moved into the spot vacated by Dennis, creating an unique sounding dual trumpet attack.

A name change has been considered, but it hasn't seemed worth the effort. GST also frequently collaborates with other artists including poets Kelly Green and Jeff Skemp.