Jim Struyk Sextet

The Jim Struyk Sextet is a groove-based ensemble that creates an eclectic, high energy sound. The Jim Struyk Sextet influences include artists such as Herbie Hancock, James Brown, Prince, Groove Armada, Maceo Parker, Parliament, George Clinton, the Meters, Tower of Power, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Charlie Hunter, Groove Riders, Phish, Ben Folds, Bill Withers, and Dave Matthews.

The Jim Struyk Sextet sound and following takes music to a new level and experience. GROOVES THAT MOVE. JAMS THAT TAKE YOU BEYOND THE ORDINARY. The Jim Struyk Sextet keeps the music alive in any atmosphere. From the bars to the clubs, the music of the Jim Struyk Sextet transcends to a wide dynamic of people.

Band Members:
Adam Duym brings a unique voice to the Jim Struyk Sextet with tight, punchy bass lines that groove and make your booty move. Adam is a native of the Chicago suburbs and is currently a student at Northern Illinois University where he is pursuing degrees in Philosophy and Music Education. Adam has performed internationally with the NIU Steel band, as well as many steel pan combos and theatre groups. His major musical influences include Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Grooverider, Liam Teague, and Cliff Alexis.

Jim Struyk delivers relentless energy to the crowd through his hypnotic grooves and moves. Adding mind captivating horn lines and intoxicating melodies, Jim Struyk leads the sextet and the crowd on a musical journey through the night. Jim is a native of Nashville, TN. Moving to the Chicagoland area in 1998, he has made a reputation for himself as a producer and sought after musician. Jim has adventured into all genres of music including hip-hop with the group Solfantom, electronica with the Phonic Bombers, American roots rock with the Voodoo Kings, and Latin fusion with Jesus Florido. Rick Deja's career has taken him from free form jazz to the African High life. An accomplished saxophonist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Rick has played with such artists as Babatunde Olatunji and Prince Alphebaum. His performance appearances read like a traveler's guide to the world. With stops in Scotland, Africa, and the U.S.A, Rick has appeared on over ten albums including his 1997 CD "Deja Brew". He is no stranger to the world music scene and he weaves his solos through both tranquility and turbulence.

Jonathan Gaska paints an electric soundscape with his distinct style of guitar playing. As a graduate of Northern Illinois University where he earned a degree in guitar performance under Blue Note recording artiste Fareed Haque, Jonathan integrates jazz with styles such as classical, folk, rock, and funk. He is also building a reputation as a composer/arranger, as well as a freelance musician in the Chicago area. Jonathan’s intensity and emotion set fire to his interweaving guitar lines. His major influences include Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Leo Kottke.

Donny Rifkin has been captivating audiences on keyboards since the age of two. Nearly 25 years later, Donny still captivates audiences with the Jim Struyk Sextet through influences such as Thelonius Monk, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, and John Medeski. After completing a degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Kansas, Donny toured with a number of bands across the United States and has returned to his home of Chicago to unleash his musical creativity to crowds and audiences ready to groove.

Matt Cordier ties the groove together with his eclectic drumming styles. From Reggae to metal to jazz, Matt Cordier understands and helps to develop danceable grooves that make your booty move all night. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, where he studied with Chicago drummer Jeff Stitley and is continuing to learn the art of drumming by studying with jazz greats such as Carl Allen and Paul Wertico as well as session giant Kenny Arnoff. Matt is currently under the mentorship of French drummer Sol Garnier. As a sought after freelance musician, Matt has toured the United States and Taiwan. Matt cites Gene Krupa, Art Blakey, Philly Jo Jones, and Billy Higgins his major drumming influences.

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