From Central Illinois to Springfield's Jazz Stage: The Rhythmic Journey of Jeff Gouge
How did a small town boy from central Illinois find himself in Springfield, Missouri, as the musical director of the area's well-known Brueggemann/Gouge jazz combo? To discover how, follow Jeff Gouge on a long journey from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Africa, the Middle East, a twenty-two year Air Force career retiring as Lieutenant Colonel, a ten-year employee of an independent contractor for the United States Defense Department. After all that, what brought him to Springfield? His first grandchild. Says Jeff, "I did not want to miss out on that!"
Fortunately for Southwest Missouri's jazz community, he is the accomplished drummer for small combos and the diligent, tireless operative for keeping jazz alive to appreciative listeners every week. A true musical director.
He grew up with his parents playing the records of Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, Julie London. "When the Beatles hit," he said, "I loved the swing stuff. At ten years old, I listened to jazz radio on WGN, Chicago. Couldn't get enough."
From ages six through nine he took piano lessons from a woman down the street. "Once a week I handed her $1.50. But the lessons didn't take." Later, at school, he asked a music teacher what he should play and was directed to the drums. That was it.
His parents were not wealthy, so his father learned of a place near Branson, Missouri, where a student could work and attend mostly free: College of the Ozarks. His father told him not to become a musician. "Get a good job." While in college he played drums in the jazz band for most of the theater productions and graduated in three years. There he met Susan, his wife-to-be.
Always a fan of the professional drummer John Von Ohlen who played with Stan Kenton, Jeff struck out on his own to Indiana to be near Von Ohlen and learn from him. Gouge found small jobs, supporting himself and honing his skills. Later came marriage and a move to the Branson area, then the military career followed by defense contracting. Along came the grandchild, bringing he and his wife to Springfield where he became part of the jazz scene. Now he backs musicians and singers by playing drums in the Brueggemann/Gouge jazz combo.
He and Mark Brueggemann -- trumpeter and front man during performances -- are co-leaders in the combo, performing to enthsiastic crowds Tuesdays at Hold Fast Brewery and Thursdays at Galloway Station. Jeff and Mark also play with the MOJO Lite jazz combo.
An important part of the Brueggemann/Gouge combo is supporting outstanding area jazz vocalists: Laura French, Fresia, Heather Peterson, Angelia King, Diana Troup, Carol Reinhart, Claire Herzog, Jenna English, Stephanie Diaz, Juanita Lee, Sarah Tweedle. These singers perform to admiring crowds.
Springfield jazz venues? Hold Fast Brewery (each Tuesday), Wire Road Brewery, The Dugout, Galloway Station, Tie and Timber, Where House, Stardust Ballroom, Blue Room Comedy Club, Nathan P. Murphy's, Cellar + Plate.
When asked how he sees his role as a combo drummer, he speaks eloquently and professionally. "I try to orchestrate the tune from the drums whether it's Latin or jazz swing, and hope to be sensitive to what the members want. I try to play as if I were in the audience. Our music must always be interesting to listeners."
A student and scholar of jazz, Jeff makes several trips around the country each year to hear one of today's most outstanding drummers, Jeff Hamilton. Hamilton said the late drummer Mel Lewis told him, "Concentrate on the music from count-off until the last note." Gouge says, "I try to do that." With pride and sincerity he admits, "I consider what I do a full time job. I love it."
His early childhood influences of listening to jazz in his home and on WGN radio served him well, now a professional musician. Always thinking of the audience, he says, "Every time I try to capture the magic." And each week jazz fans in Springfield agree.
Written by: Michael Pulley
Michael Pulley is a writer based in Springfield, Missouri, known for his novels, short stories, and columns in the Springfield News-Leader. His 2023 novel, When All Else Fails, follows a family's journey through faith and societal pressures, blending humor with darker themes in a seamless narrative.
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