Bill Heller
From Long Island, New York, Bill grew up in a very musical household. His Dad was a conductor (NYC Subway), and his Mom orchestrated all the activities around the house! From an early age, he and his two brothers were surrounded by family get-togethers filled with music. It wasn't long before he got into the act, playing accordion! Along with his brothers he would play in many different situations throughout high school and college – and continues to do so. Bill attended Fredonia State University, and received a degree in Music Education. He paid his dues in the Long Island club scene, as well as on cruise ships Bill met Russ Freeman while recording the "Brian Moore Custom Guitars Artist Collection" CD. Russ asked Bill if he would play on a few tracks that he was producing for his and Craig Chaquico's "Redwoods to the Rockies." His first Rippingtons recording was “Topaz”, back in 1998, and he has been performing live with the band since March of 2001. Since then Bill has co-produced all of Craig’s CDs, of which a few songs made it to the number one position on the smooth jazz charts! Married to his sweetheart from college, Dawn, together they have two children Angelea, and Jonathan. Dawn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000, During her illness Bill co-wrote and produced a CD dedicated to her called “Strong Woman” from which they donated a good portion of the proceeds to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Although she had a recurrence in 2006, she is currently cancer free! Bill is currently working on an album of his own! The compositions are all originals written by Bill. This recording features sax players Jeff Kashiwa and Eric Marienthal, and three different rhythm sections, from the Rippingtons Dave Karasony drums and Rico Belled bass, Joel Rosenblatt drums (Spyro Gyra, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bill Evans, Michel Camillo) drums and Dave Anderson bass (Bill Evans, Art Garfunkle, Blood Sweat & Tears, Bob Baldwin), and Frank Bellucci drums and Jim Cammack bass. In 2006, 2010 and 2012 Bill served as the Musical Director for the Long Island Hall of Fame awards shows. The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that our musical heritage on Long Island is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. At these shows he provided arrangements and incidental music, and the bands he assembled accompanied such acts as Little Anthony and the Imperials, Gary US Bonds, Felix Cavaliere, The Lovin Spoonful, Charlie Daniels, Eddie Money, and more. .. (allaboutjazz.com)