Brad Billmaier is a Toledo, Ohio based jazz percussionist, composer, and educator. He has performed extensively throughout the Midwest, honing a style that could be considered post-bop and “modern mainstream” oriented, while frequently incorporating funk, fusion, Americana, Afro-Cuban, and avant-garde elements.
Brad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in jazz from the University of Toledo and a Master’s Degree in jazz from Bowling Green State University where he is now employed as an instructor of jazz drumset and large jazz ensembles/small groups.
During his many years performing professionally, Brad has collaborated/shared the stage with local, regional, and national jazz luminaries including: Gene and Ray Parker; Edward Gooch; Ellen Rowe; Ramona Collins; Jeff Halsey; David Bixler; Jose Gobbo; Mark Tonelli; Zakk Jones; Ron Kischuk; Alvin Waddles; Cliff Monear; and others. He has even been called upon to play with internationally acclaimed musicians such as 2008 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition winner Jon Irabagon Estonian guitarist Jaak Sooaar and Israeli guitarist/oudist/Avishai Cohen collaborator Amos Hoffman.
Brad’s work in both his self-titled ensemble and as a sideman has taken him across the country to cities such as New York, Chicago, Madison, Buffalo, St. Louis, Detroit, Columbus, Traverse City, and countless others. He has been a featured performer in such clubs and venues as Cliff Bell’s, The Blue Llama, Ginger Rabbit, Blu Jazz, Merriman’s Playhouse, Dick’s Den, Lucille’s Jazz Lounge, Elastic Arts, Fulton Street Collective, Columbus Jazz and Ribs Festival, The Black Swamp Arts Festival, the Elkhart Jazz Festival, The River Raisin Jazz Festival, Radio Bean, and many more.
During a performance at one of Toledo’s longest running jazz sessions, hosted by Brad at the Ottawa Tavern.
Brad focuses on participating in many musical settings, from creative-improvised music, jazz, blues, rock, fusion, etc., thereby strengthening his ability to incorporate different styles into his playing in any context. Brad thus keeps a very active performance schedule, averaging some 175+ performances per year, as well as contracted studio work and private events. In addition to performing, he teaches across multiple institutions, keeps a busy studio of students, and frequently performs in clinics and workshops throughout the area.
Brad’s compositions and playing can be heard on his recent 2023 release “In the Lurch”, featuring Max Bowen, Kenji Lee, and Andy Peck, as well as his 2020 debut album “Starless” featuring Peter Formaek, Aidan Cafferty, Max Bowen, Ben Wolkins, and Kenton Davey. His other recording efforts can be heard in albums by William Schneider and Midwest modern-jazz supergroup Third Shore Collective.
Contact Brad for more info.