Bios
Jeff Engholm
Jeff wears many hats as a bassist, singer, songwriter, engineer, conductor, and producer. Primarily a bass player, he works mostly for the George Maurer Jazz Group. Jeff also plays in Blimp, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, and the up and coming Feelin' Band, based out of Minneapolis. He is the recording engineer at Rockhouse Studios in St Joseph, and has engineered and helped produce the last five George Maurer albums and three Collective Unconscious CD's. As an independent producer, Jeff has put together productions of Carmina Burana, African Sanctus, the Beatles album Abbey Road, Great Duets with local favorite Tim Hausner, and the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds.
Nathan "Nature" Nesje
Nature is a former resident of St. Cloud and graduate of St. Cloud State University now happily living with his forgiving wife Cari and his ever-smiling son Henry (and Lady Yet-To-Be-Named expected in June '10) in the geographic center of the Twin Cities. He enjoys old guitars, astronomy, biking and anything that gets him outside. He does not enjoy building bathrooms, but understands the need.
Muggsy Lauer
Muggsy spent a large portion of his younger days in the pit band for shows ranging from "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Evita," and "Little Shop of Horrors" to "Nunsense," "Baby," "A Christmas Carol" and recently "Rent." He is a member of the George Maurer Jazz Group, plays Monday Night Jazz at the Veranda Lounge (Mondays from 8-10:30 pm) and does pick up gigs as they come along. By day he owns his own coffee roasting business called Muggsy's Beans.
George Maurer
George's innate interest in many forms of music have led him on many collaborative adventures. Jazz fans know him from his regular gigs with the George Maurer Jazz Group at acclaimed Twin Cities venue The Dakota Jazz Club and also his collaborations with vocalists such as Prudence Johnson, Ruth McKenzie, Debbie Duncan, and Ann Michels. Most recently George has been music directing at the Chanhassen Dinner Theaters, and playing for a production at the famous Guthrie Theater -- on accordion!?! George has created original compositions and arrangements for orchestra and ballet, big band and Bobby Vee. He writes original scores for film, theater and dance. He also produced 15 solo piano CDs and five George Maurer Jazz Group CDs released on label, Pine Curtain Productions, plus CDs for a variety of other artists. You can find even more info at georgemaurer.com.