I must begin this posting with an apology for derelection in my blogging duties. With nothing to report, I would not be culpable, but having appeared in Soul R&B Le Magazine, I certainly should have made an entry! Hopefully, some of you in France were able to pick up a copy, as I understand it is now difficult to find. Here is a link to their website: Soul R&B
This weekend performed for the Nu Jazz Review, in Dayton, Ohio, at Michael’s Dining and Jazz. Performing with me on the concert were Brandon Meeks, bass and Greg Artry, drums. Although the venue did not present the ideal space for performance, we had a great response from the audience. The best reaction came from a local artist, who exclaimed that she could not have imagined music that sounded like this!
Apollinaris, known as “The Queen of Table Waters,” has licensed Bedroom Window for a cd titled, Songs for Dinner, which will be distributed to their clients, in Germany. Other artists on the cd include Ella Fitzgerald and Jazzanova; an honor to be included in such wonderful company! Here is a link to their site:
Relax, have a Bratwurst, Pilsner, Apollinaris, and enjoy the music!
In one week, Tuesday, April 28th, I will be performing at Dakota Lounge, in Santa Monica, CA.
The band will be excellent, with Jevin Hunter on drums and Eric Sittner on bass. Looking forward to sunshine, beautiful people, good times, and laying it down!
What a fun weekend, and now, time to rest on this Easter Sunday!
On Friday, I caught the Lil’ Wayne concert, at the Sears Center. As my friend is the tour manager, I benefited by getting great seats. I have only attended a couple of arena concerts in my life, so this was quite an experience. I could appreciate the level of entertainment and choreography. No doubt, this was a full-on show! Then, the fun continued till 4 in the morning, at 10-pin, with tour’s artists and crew!
Last night, I attended a Bilal concert, at the Double Door, and promoted for my show, later this week. It was a fun concert, I loved the band’s extended grooves, transitions, and the “screaming” I had heard so much about, was kept to a reasonable level!
For those of you who have been keeping up with my blog, you know that I posted an admissions essay a few months ago, and that last month, I was auditioning for graduate school in New York. As a result of these efforts, fortunately, I have a decision to make!
I was accepted into the University of Illinois and Indiana University’s programs as a jazz pianist and Manhattan School of Music, as a jazz vocalist. I feel extremely proud to be admitted into these prestigious programs on two different instruments. Of course, music is its own reward, but no doubt, the acknowledgement feels great!
Chi City, get ready for April 16th, at the Double Door!
Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally updated the music player, adding 3 tracks from the January 16th concert, at L’Opus Cafe, in Paris.
This was the first time performing the new tune, “Ol Skool.” We took it too fast, but I hope it still works!
Just returned from 10 days in NYC. Played the tourist role for some of the trip, going to the MET and MOMA. Auditioned at Manhattan School of Music. Ate at City Pie three times, amazing mushroom slices and pepperoni with cheese calzones! I also spent time checking out some of the city’s talented people. New York can be an intimidating place. This time though, the city felt more manageable. Maybe, I am ready to take that leap! Of course, there are millions of things I need to work on and refine, but after surveying the scene, I know that I have something to contribute.
Maybe, I can eventually get the audio from the soundboard, synch this with the video, which will sound much better, but until then . . .