David Hilliker had music all around him from a very young age. Two older brothers toured and recorded with Brother Jack McDuff. Early studies with David Chitambar led to work with the legendary Ed Thigpen and John Von Ohlen. David’s attitude toward the music and the role of the drum chair is to “lay down the groove, swing hard, stay out of the way and make the rest of the band sound better.” The trio includes Derek Duleba on guitar and Tom Vaitsas on organ.

Hilliker will also perform at Sunday’s Jazz Brunch in the Crystal Ballroom.