Drummer/Composer/Producer Stockton Helbing has had a very busy last few years. Immediately after completing his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas in 2003, Helbing was hired by his longtime hero, jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson.
Helbing spent almost four years touring around the world with his friend and mentor until Ferguson's sudden passing in August 2006. In addition to holding the drum chair, Helbing served as Music Director as well as producer for Ferguson's final studio album, The One and Only, which was recorded only four weeks before the jazz icon's death. The album features an all-star band of Maynard's favorite alumni including Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Chip McNeill, and Steve Wiest.
In September 2006, Helbing was music director and drummer for the Maynard Ferguson Tribute concert in St. Louis, MO. The star-studded event featured a big band comprised of some of the best musicians in the business paying tribute to Ferguson's entire musical history. The concert, which features Helbing conducting the band, is available on DVD.
In the aftermath of losing his friend and hero, Helbing focused on his newest album project, For Nothing is Secret (Armored Records). The 2007 all-original music album features Helbing's drumming, producing, composing, and arranging skills. It also features trumpeter Ken Edwards, trombonist Steve Wiest, saxophonist Chip McNeill, pianist David Braid, guitarist Noel Johnston, and bassist Brian Mulholland. In reviewing the album, AllAboutJazz.com commented
“When the grade is entered, it's no Secret that Helbing has passed this latest test with room to spare and continues to show promise as a drummer and leader.”For Nothing is Secret is the follow up to Helbing's 2005 release Lodestar (NohJoh Music) which was selected by Maynard Ferguson to be a part of his MF Presents series, a selection that made Helbing both the only drummer and the youngest musician ever to hold such honors.
Helbing holds a B.A. in Music from the University of North Texas. While in school, Helbing was a member of the Grammy Award winning One O'Clock Lab Band, under the direction of Neil Slater, and recorded two albums with the band, Lab 2002 and Lab 2003. While at UNT, Helbing also performed with Chris Potter, Bob Brookmeyer, Maria Schneider, Dick Oatts, John Abercrombie, Bennie Green, and many more. Helbing spent three years studying with renowned drum set player and educator Ed Soph.
Helbing maintains a full schedule of performing, teaching, clinicing, producing, composing and recording. In addition to concerts and clinics with his own group, The Stockton Helbing Quintet, Helbing plays and records with Grammy Award winning saxophonist Chip McNeill, Grammy Award nominated trombonist Steve Wiest, trumpeter Ken Edwards, bassist Brian Mulholland, guitarist Clay Ross, pianist Dan Cavanagh and saxophonist Tyler Summers among others. In 2007, Helbing launched his own record label, Armored Records, which focuses on all original music releases.
Promo Materials
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