Lee Heerspink

Monsters’ Impromptu

Throughout his career, Lee Heerspink has been a go-to musician for performances all around the US as a session and touring guitarist in various outfits. With the debut of Monsters’ Impromptu, he delights in sharing the spotlight with some of Michigan’s most seasoned and rising artists while crafting a compelling listen for jazz fans of all backgrounds. Featuring the combined talents of Randy Marsh on drums with Jim Alfredson on organ (Organissimo), Dutcher Snedeker (Earth Radio, Normal Mode, Mark Lavengood), and Caleb Elzinga (Joe Hertler & The Rainbowseekers), this ensemble’s first outing celebrates jazz in its many forms while highlighting each member’s individual talents.

The album has been well received from the many listeners that have shared, streamed, and reviewed the record:

– “A sure bet of the adventurous listener that’s not afraid to go beyond meat and potatoes.” – Midwest Record

– “There is ample energy and enthusiasm on Michigan-based guitarist Lee Heerspink’s debut recording, Monsters’ Impromptu, which consists of seven of the leader’s funk/fusion-based compositions performed by an admirable quintet whose members are clearly in sync with Heerspink’s assertive point of view, and lend him their unflagging support.” – Jack Bowers (All About Jazz)

– “Monsters’ Impromptu is a fascinating listen, not only because the music is uniformly excellent, but also because it doesn’t just sound influenced by John Scofield’s consistently excellent bands of the mid/late 1990’s, but rather, at moments, it sounds like exactly like those bands. …wherever the needle drops on Monsters’ Impromptu, you’re going to hear some fantastic and engaging music.” – Paul Abella (WDCB)

– “Together, all five bring considerable chemistry, character and cohesion to Lee Heerspink’s Monsters’ Impromptu. It’s a remarkably powerful album with an engaging, eclectic and solid groove.” (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)

– Fellow guitarist Corey Christiansen had this to say about Monsters’ Impromptu: “It’s rare that an artist puts together such a solid first offering as Lee has with this album of original music. While there are hints and nods to some of the greats that have come before him, there’s an authentic element to his sound and his compositions. Randy Marsh and Jim Alfredson do a great job providing the house where the music and other participants come together for a nice party. I highly recommend checking this one out.”

– “Heerspink’s melodicism and his clear influence from the classic organ trio canon shine in this memorable project.” Saxophonist/Composer/Educator – Jordan VanHemert

Comparisons will always be drawn between jazz artists, as the tradition focuses on studying the past, bringing the art form into the present, and pushing the catalog forward into the future. Heerspink’s music stands tall as an authentic voice while drawing from inspirations like Soulive, Medeski Martin and Wood, John Scofield, Galactic, and his colleagues in Organissimo. Capturing the experience of playing monster with his two young sons, Monsters’ Impromptu centers around the joy and childlike energy felt between these artists interpreting these seven, stellar compositions.

Musicians:

Monsters’ Impromptu Track Listing:

  • Let It Simmer — 7:55
  • Stumble Bumble — 6:19
  • Monsters’ Impromptu — 7:11
  • Rinse Cycle — 7:51
  • See You Soon — 5:39
  • What Happens In The Woods — 7:55
  • Preach It Gary — 6:41

Recorded on April 2, 2021 at Third Coast Recording Co. in Grand Haven, MI