Submitted photoAsher Fulero Band

After nearly two decades as a producer and sideman, Portland piano whiz Asher Fulero steps into the spotlight on “Catching Air,” the debut album from his eponymous band.

Over the last 17 years, Fulero has appeared on recordings alongside Tom Morello, “American Idol” finalist Crystal Bowersox, David Grisman, Leftover Salmon and more. He’s also kept busy with solo piano albums, electronica alter ego project Halo Refuser and production duo Darkwhyte.

As a bandleader, Fulero is all about the jams. “Catching Air,” a full-length album, is only six tracks, and most push the 10-minute mark.

But this isn’t just another wannabe Dead record. Throughout, Fulero weaves a mix of funky rhythms and rocking beats with more introspective, jazz-influenced fare. Just listen to track two, the meandering, piano-driven “Thoughts on Paper,” for the full range — by the end, it really does sound as if the pianist is trying to organize the contents of his brain into a 10-minute song.

Along with the rest of the Asher Fulero Band — bassist Brett McConnell, drummer Murray Gusseck, and guitarists Darvey Santner and Nathan Day — Fulero is joined on the record by saxophonist Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and singer/mandolinist Mimi Naja of Fruition.

Catch these jams in full flight when the band performs at McMenamins Old St. Francis School on Thursday.

Asher Fulero Band; 7 p.m. Thursday; free; McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St., Bend; www.mcmenamins.com or 541-382-5174. —Brian McElhiney