Spare Parts

Spare Parts

Spare Parts is a Chicago-based group that combines funk, rock, jazz and reggae, with a strong jazz fusion identity. The group is made up of Bill Matthieson on piano and Liz Stell on flute, and it draws on music from the 1800s alongside a broad range of other influences. Its stated reference points include Weather Report and the Beatles, reflecting an approach that blends jazz improvisation with elements from popular music.

Performances and collaborations

Spare Parts performs at major venues and festivals in the United States and also appears internationally, including at the Festival de Jazz in Lima, Peru. The group has shared stages with Victor Wooten, Snoop Dogg, Fareed Haque, Lenny Pickett of SNL and Tower of Power, 2 Live Crew, Liquid Soul and The Jazz Mandolin Project.

Recordings and other work

The band’s 2006 release Brain Candy receives regular airplay. Spare Parts also scores music for independent films and commercials, while continuing to explore new musical territory and build a wider audience.