What It Is

"What It Is" is a organ trio combining elements of funk, soul, jazz, rock, hip hop, drum and bass and what ever else the fellas may be listening to at the moment. While traveling in many directions the band stays always true to its most basic and important element: the groove.

What It Is comprised of members from some of the best touring groups in the Midwest, with experience playing festivals as large as Milwaukee Summerfest and opening for national acts such as Chicago and Los Lobos.

Jesse Cryderman (guitar and vocals) and Damian Williams (Keyboards, bass keys and vocals) have been working together in various projects for almost three years now. The most notable of these projects was the funky quartet known as FlyManTell. With the departure of the rhythm section of FMT Jesse and Damian decided to pursue the idea of the trio and began seeking the type of solid drummer needed for such an ambitious undertaking.

Upon working with local pop guitarist Graham Cousens, Jesse met Michael Sommer( the drummer of GC`s band) and the path was set. With Michaels incredible rhythmic sensibility, metronome like timing and intense work ethic the foundation was laid for what has become a truly funky group that continues to get tighter and evolve with each show.

Best described as a soulful groove jazz band, the sound is somewhere between modern jazz, New Orleans funk, and improvisational rock, and tends to move bodies in all directions when the cooking begins.

If you are in need of a deep groove to shake your behind or bob your head to, catching a "What It Is" show is an absolute must!

What It Is released their full-length debut record, Don't Hold Back, on Oct. 31, 2006. It was recorded live at Little Big Studios in Chicago, IL.

Since then, the band has written another 10 songs and is in the studio doing pre-production for the next record.

A live disc is also currently available.

For more information or to book a show
Call: 773.655.2889 (Jesse)
Or Email: What It Is Booking: jesse.cryderman@gmail.com