Influenced by Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, Charlie Christian, Kenny Burrell, Ornette Coleman, and many others, Effland’s style displays a thorough knowledge of the tradition without sacrificing individuality. As an improviser, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to play inspired, organic melodies in any context.
Comfortable in a wide variety of settings, he can be heard providing sensitive accompaniment to a straight-ahead jazz singer, as a sideman in an avant-garde trio, or as a leader of a group performing his own compositions.
After completing formal musical studies at West Virginia University and Middlesex University in London, Effland relocated to the fertile jazz scene of Chicago to continue learning America’s greatest music in one of its greatest homes. In a city steeped in musical tradition, he has surrounded himself with like-minded players focused on thoroughly absorbing the great traditions of Jazz while finding a personal and honest approach to the music.
In the past few years, Effland has performed extensively throughout the Midwest as well as touring on the East Coast and in Brazil. In that time, he has performed at many famous venues including the Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops for Champagne, the Velvet Lounge, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Detroit), Chris’ Jazz Cafe (Philadelphia), and the Chicago Jazz Festival. He has the opportunity to play with many great Chicago-based musicians including Scott Burns, Jeff Parker, Dennis Carroll, Neal Alger, John Bany, Greg Ward, Eric Schneider, Andy Brown, Geoff Bradfield, Dave Miller, Matt Ulery, Michael Raynor, Rob Amster, Joe Policastro, Mikel Avery, and many others. He is also a top call player in Chicago for accompanying jazz vocalists and has played with Jesse Palter, Elaine Dame, Erin McDougald, Juli Wood, Paul Marinaro, Amanda Crumley, Lisa Roti, Lesley Byers, Petra Van Nuis, Claudia Stefanski, Jeff Hedberg, Leslie Beukelman, Matt Lewis, Rose Colella, and others.
