Dave Bendigkeit and Keepers of the Flame (L-R): David Udolf, piano; Dave Bendigkeit, trumpet; Chris Amberger, bass; Akira Tana, drums. Photo (c) Greg Toland

The “Keepers of the Flame” is a jazz coalition created by Dave Bendigkeit on trumpet and flugelhorn, featuring Dave Udolf on piano, Akira Tana on drums, and Chris Amberger on bass. They perform all original songs from the great river of American music where the groove and self-expression are paramount, as well as unique arrangements of the great jazz compositions and familiar songs from the American Songbook.  Members have performed with everyone from Art Blakey, Cab Calloway, Shelly Manne and Ella Fitzgerald to Freddie Hubbard, Art Farmer, Sonny Stitt, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and so many other giants of this music.