I had a great time at the Bel Aire this evening, and I think everyone else did to. We had a full house and I got to play with a host of great players. Joe Dorris played the first half of the night, and we were joined by Philip Papotnik on soprano sax, Tony Anthony Faranda on percussion, Denny Fiscus on harp, and had a surprise visit from Dale R. McBrier on flute! Thanks to Susan A. Smith and so many others for stopping by. My only frustration is that I love taking photos and videos, and wish I could share something from tonight - but I havent figured out how to be on both sides of the mic yet. (I guess you have to close your eyes and pretend you see the the guys playing.) Anyone want to help with that? And yes, Randy Fullerton, I know youre waiting for the audio or video. Soon, Brother Randy, soon. Ill start working with Nathan Harpst in the Raven studio before the year is over. One of the nicest things about playing again is that I am getting to work with a wide range of vocalists and musicians. Many more to be announced in the coming months. Two of my mates from the long lost band, Calico, will be joining me in the coming months, Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter Drew DeCrease is back from England, and will come in from Pittsburgh, And guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Giles Ponticello will leave his jazz and blues gigs in Columbus long enough to play for an evening. I just got word that Ross Falzone will be passing through from Nashville this month. Well try to get him to sit in at the Bel Aire. And were waiting for a sighting from Joe Scutella. Maybe Patrick A Scutella can keep me posted. Coming up next - I get to host the incomparable San Bialomizy next week. Stan has played with about half of my global jazz heroes, from Clem DeRosa and the Dorsey Brothers Band to Dave Brubek, and so many more. Every practice with him is a master class. Join us if you can - Thursday, Oct. 16, Bel Aire Hotel, Victors Restaurant. Thanks.
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 03:34:56 +0000