We Six
We Six officially formed in 2002, though many of the band members had been working together since the mid-1980s. The original lineup featured tenor saxophonist Berkeley Fudge, trumpeter Mike Plog, guitarist Paul Silbergleit, pianist Mark Davis, bassist Jeff Hamann, and drummer Dave Bayles, and recorded the album Bird Say in 2005. Although the group performed as a unit, often showcasing original compositions, the members were more often heard in other configurations with a wide range of musicians or leading their own groups. Over the years, the sextet evolved slightly: Jamie Breiwick took over for Mike Plog on trumpet, followed by Eric Jacobson. After Berkeley suffered a stroke in 2010, several saxophonists joined the group, including Eric Schoor and, currently, Chicago-based tenor saxophonist Scott Burns. In 2020, We Six released the album Vivid Dreams on the Blujazz label. The group has appeared in concert with special guests such as Benny Golson, Phil Woods, and Brian Lynch.
Berkeley Fudge (tenor saxophonist), born in 1937, is a legendary Milwaukee jazz musician. https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/mke-jazz-history/berkeley-fudge
Dave Bayles (drummer) was born in Skokie, Illinois, in 1964, but moved to Milwaukee with his family while in grade school. He is one of the most in-demand drummers in the region and teaches at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin—Parkside. https://davebaylesmusic.com
Paul Silbergleit (guitarist) was born in Milwaukee in 1968 but grew up in Fargo, ND. He returned to Milwaukee after graduating from Oberlin College. As a leader, he has released several albums, including The Hidden Standard (2020), which features the We Six lineup with Schoor and Jacobson.
Mike Plog (trumpeter) was born in 1968 and grew up in Green Bay, WI. He attended Berklee College of Music and, during the 1990s, performed and recorded with the Luis Diaz Quintet and his own groups.
Jeff Hamann (bassist) was born in 1968 and grew up in Brookfield, WI. He is one of the busiest bassists on the Milwaukee jazz scene and performed for many years on the nationally syndicated radio show Whad'Ya Know?
https://www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org/faculty-staff/jeff-hamann
Mark Davis (pianist) was born in Milwaukee in 1969. He is a co-founder of the Milwaukee Jazz Institute, the author of Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Books 1 and 2, and a member of the jazz faculty at Northern Illinois University. https://www.markdavismusic.com
Scott Burns (tenor saxophonist) has been a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene since relocating from his native Ohio in 1998. He currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University. https://www.scottburnsjazz.com
Eric Jacobson (trumpeter) was born in Racine, WI, in 1975 into a family of trumpeters, has released acclaimed albums on Origin Records, and toured around the country. https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com
Jamie Breiwick (trumpet), born in Racine, WI, in 1978, is a creative force in Milwaukee—leading innovative jazz groups, designing graphics for major jazz labels, and teaching music at The Prairie School.
Eric Schoor (tenor saxophonist) was born in 1990 and grew up in Kenosha, WI. While attending the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, he connected with members of We Six and soon joined the group. He moved to Charleston, SC in 2019.
Listen to We Six perform Mark Davis's composition "Vivid Dreams," featuring Eric Jacobson on trumpet, Eric Schoor on tenor saxophone, Paul Silbergleit on guitar, Mark Davis on piano, Jeff Hamann on bass, and Dave Bayles on drums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggNBgMR2IGY
