Award Winning Composer/Multi-instrumentalist

Jef Bek is a multi-instrumentalist/composer that has received 18 awards and nominations composing and performing original music for theatrical productions. As a young composer, Jef was inspired by the great Progressive Rock masters of the early 70’s. Jef began his career as the drummer for the Chicago based Prog-Rock band Dot Dot Dot.

Jef then discovered his niche, providing live original music for theatrical productions. Jef’s first venture into this realm was with John Cusack’s New Crime Productions and served as their resident Musical Director for 7 years. Productions included FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and METHUSALEM (Joseph Jefferson Award for Original Music). Among Jef’s many theatrical collaborations included the American Premiere of A CLOCKWORK ORANGE at Steppenwolf Theatre.

In Los Angeles, Bek was a founding member of Zoo District Theatre. Shows included THE MASTER AND MARGARITA (L.A. Weekly Award for Original Music) and NOSFERATU…ANGEL OF THE FINAL HOUR (Ovation Award, Garland Award for Original Music). Bek wrote the music, lyrics and book for the world premiere of EVEL KNIEVEL THE ROCK OPERA which received critical acclaim and was nominated for Musical of the Year.

“He’s one of LA’s most valuable theater artists.”
— Los Angeles Times
“masterfully crafted prog songs”
— Prog Archives
“Fascinating musical intricacies ”
— Progressive Rock Central
“The more often I listened to DISTANT STARLIGHT, the more it captivated me”
— DPRP
“Progressive Rock at it’s best”
— Music Street Journal
“DISTANT STARLIGHT hits all the right notes for Melodic Symphonic Prog fans. I recommend you check it out!”
— Music Historian, Author Jerry Lucky’s The Progressive Rock Files Podcast

DISTANT STARLIGHT

2024 IndeProg Award ALBUM OF THE YEAR

- Friday Night Progressive

Jef’s current passion is focused on composing and recording with brilliant musicians. His new album DISTANT STARLIGHT is a collection of original material that strives to reach beyond conventional confines to discover new musical dimensions. Although he’s continuing to draw from his early, as well as new, musical inspirations, Jef speaks with his own distinctive musical voice which he’s developed over his accomplished 40+ year career.

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