Called an “unstoppable improvisation team” by the Vail Daily, Perpetual Motion’s newest CD is a vibrant blend of Central and South American folk, contemporary jazz, blues, and rock and roll. The result is a wonderfully eclectic collection of songs, all tied together by an underlying Latin groove.

Alternating easily between acoustic violin and her trademark blue electric violin, Josie Quick’s passionate improvisation takes the instrument to new places. Combining the use of fingerstyle playing and open tunings, Tom Carleno’s guitar work is no mere accompaniment. He deftly maneuvers his way around the instrument, playing harmony and melody simultaneously. Westword magazine has lauded them for their “Distinctive and captivating original compositions suffused with emotion, interplay, and sensuality.” Their energetic stage presence causes audiences to exclaim, “You guys are Perpetual Motion! “Wonderfully refreshing! Moving, emotional, and powerfully articulate, the musical skills are miles above average. An inspiring display.” said Catsask music magazine.

The musicians of Perpetual Motion are stellar individually as well as collectively. Violinist/composer Josie Quick received her Bachelors degree in violin performance from the University of Denver. She performs regularly with her classical string quartet, the Frontera String Quartet. She also can be found performing as a strolling violinist, most significantly at Denver International Airport during the holiday season, in addition to private events throughout the metro area. A popular instructor, she also teaches classes at Swallow Hill Music Association in bluegrass, blues fiddle, and improvisation. Her playing can be heard on numerous independent recordings of other Colorado artists.

Guitarist/composer Tom Carleno studied music at the University of Colorado at Denver and guitar and composition with Steve Mesple of Wind Machine. He performs his solo guitar compositions for private events throughout the city. In addition to his full studio of acoustic and electric guitar students, he is writing a method book on open guitar tunings. He can be heard on various studio recordings, notably Danny Seraphin of the rock group Chicago.

Bassist Blake Eberhard became a founding member of the nationally known jazz band Wind Machine in 1985 and remained as a full-time member until 1990, recording seven CDs on the Silverwave Label. He currently plays all over town in a plethora of bands, including Pan Jumbies. He’s had opening act performances for Take 6, the Nylons, Koko Taylor, Steppenwolf, The Bobs, Montreaux, and others. He has performed with John Denver in Aspen as well as toured internationally with the rock group AXE. Recording projects include TV and radio jingles for McDonalds, Ford, Isuzu, RTD, Colorado Lottery, AT&T, Alpha-Hydroxy, and many others including a 2002 Session with Dr. John for a Honda commercial, later released as a single!

Drummer Rob Chamberlin has been performing professionally since the tender age of fourteen. The number of bands he has played with is staggering. Highlights include stints with the legendary Tommy Bolin; the nationally known funk bands Hit City and the Gravity Band, and Lannie Garret. Rob appeared with the award winning Denver Center Theater Group and has also performed with the Denver Symphony and Denver Art Center.

Perpetual Motion was formed in 1989 when guitarist Tom Carleno asked violinist Josie Quick to collaborate with him in new arrangements of his original compositions. Tom’s innovative tunings and fingerstyle technique complemented Josie’s classical training and passion for jazz, and Perpetual Motion was born. Their unique folksy sound made them regulars on the coffee house and art festival circuit. Percussionist/drummer Chad Johnson joined them on several tracks for their debut album Ready, Willing, and Able, released in 1993. With the addition of an electric violin came new inspiration, and their music began to show influences from blues, rock, and progressive jazz. They continued performing as a trio until their next recording, which again included Chad on drums as well as bassist Matt Deason.

In January 1998 Perpetual Motion released their second album, Surfing on Cloud Nine. Audience response to their elegant arrangements of Christmas music inspired them to record Christmas Time Is Here with bassist Michael Olson and drummer Rob Chamberlin, released in 2000. The electric violin opened the door for the use of effects, which has lead to explorations of progressive jazz. Perpetual Motion has also been influenced by the sounds of Latin America, and those rhythms have made their way into their songwriting as well. This recording features Quick and Carleno as well as bassist Blake Eberhard and drummer/percussionist Christian Teele. Perpetual Motion continues to perform regularly for enthusiastic audiences of all ages. They’ve received much critical acclaim as well as won awards such as Westword magazine’s Best of Denver and Top Ten Independent Bands from Femmusic.com.

SONG SAMPLES:

Spring Fever

Josie Quick

Education: University of Denver, Lamont School of Music
Received Bachelor of Music, 1987
Major: Violin Performance
Full Scholarship recipient, University Scholars Award and Lamont Scholarship
Member of Golden Key National Honor Society
Completed two year Suzuki Pedagogy Seminar
Studied with Harold Wippler, former Denver Symphony Concertmaster and teacher of Eugene Fodor, 1987 - 1995

Performing Experience:
Perpetual Motion: June 1989 - present. Jazz ensemble consisting of violin, guitar, bass, and drums performing and recording original compositions. Produced and released three critically acclaimed CDs.
Frontera String Quartet: January 1995 - present. First violin in traditional string quartet performing classical repertoire.
Arriaga String Quartet: June 1989 - December 1999. Alternate first and second violin responsibilities. Performing classical repertoire.
Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestral Seminar: June, 1990. Scholarship recipient. Worked with internationally known musicians to prepare weekly orchestra programs.
Le Festivale June 1989, June 1990. Summer music festival in Denver, Colorado. Antonia Wilson, Music director.
Member of numerous community orchestras: Arapahoe Philharmonic, Jefferson Symphony, Longmont Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic.

Strolling Violin Experience:
International Performing Artist’s Series, Denver International Airport. 1994 to present. Performing jazz and classical music for high volume and holiday travelers.
First Call Artist for numerous talent agencies in the Denver area, including Skyline Talent and Events.
Freelance musician - Provided entertainment for numerous social occasions for Denver’s society including Wally Worthham, Denver District Attorney; Bernadette Berger, philanthropist (Berger Funds); and Terry Considine, U.S. Senator.
Loews Giorgio Hotel August 1989 to December 1990 Performed jazz and classical music in a formal dining room every weekend.

Teaching Experience:
Instructor in Bluegrass, Improvisation, and Blues Fiddle at Swallow Hill Music Association Fall 2002 to present
Violin instructor: September 1985 - present. Teaches private lessons to students ranging in age from five to 72, both Suzuki and traditional methods.
Cherry Creek Instrumental Music program: September 1996 - present. Teaches classroom strings to fourth and fifth grades.
Gilpin Elementary School Extended Day Center: September 1987 -Spring 1993 Director of Suzuki Violin Program. Gave private lessons to students kindergarten through fifth grade, organized recitals, gave group theory/ensemble lessons. Taught class in music appreciation with Jurgen De Lemos.

Professional Organizations:
Member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Music Teacher's National Association, Denver Musician’s Association, and Colorado Music Association.

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