Rhapsody in Blue

Mr. Chair is a Madison-based dynamic and innovative ensemble composed of Jason Kutz (piano), Ben Ferris (bass) and Mike Koszewski (drums). The trio collaborates with singers, dancers, orchestras, string ensembles, poets and visual artists to pioneer exciting and distinct projects, showcasing their versatile style and interests in improvisational music. 
 
Mr. Chair produced two albums, set to release soon. “Sirena,” with singer Leslie Damaso and saxophonist Jon Irabagon, is a heartfelt, operatic arrangement of Filipino art songs called kundiman, set to the story of a mythical mermaid. “Spectaculous” is an orchestral hip hop album with singer and poet Dequadray White. They’ve also released two studio albums of original music with trombonist Mark Hetzler: “Nebulebula” (2019) and “Better Days” (2023).  
 
Other notable performances and projects include a recent premiere of jazz legend Roland Hanna’s bass concerto; reimaginations of Stravinsky's “Pulcinella,” Gerswhin's “Rhapsody in Blue” and Rodgers and Hammerstein's “South Pacific” as well as commissioned works with UW-Madison Geoscience Professor Dr. Stephen Meyers, musically exploring scientific topics like the big bang and underground wave patterns. 
 
Mr. Chair’s eclectic projects are united by a fearless exploration of musical storytelling, technical precision and dynamic, energizing performances. 
 
“The euphonious elements at the heart of Snarky Puppy’s appeal are also present in Mr. Chair’s debut.” (PROG UK) 

mrchairmusic.com

Dan Barker, a native of Ohio, began to study cello at age nine. His primary teachers are Linda Unkefer (Milwaukee Symphony), Don White (Cleveland Orchestra), David Chickering (Chicago Symphony), Crispin Campbell and Andor Toth. He holds a post-graduate double diploma from Interlochen Arts Academy, a Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music from California State University School of Music in Sacramento. 

Barker has participated in the Indiana String Academy with Richard Aaron and Nancy Snustad and the Weathersfield Music Festival with Roland and Almida Vamo. He has also participated in improvisational and non-classical workshops such as Music for People with David Darling and the New Direction Festival with Tim White. He keeps a busy concert schedule, performing regularly with regional orchestras throughout northern California and in recitals. 

Barker has had a thriving cello studio for the past 20 years in Davis, Calif., and has recently relocated to Madison with his wife and two young children.