MY Fall Fête
Ça commence ici!
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My Fall Fête begins with the resounding healing sound of a gong! One of the oldest sound healing instruments.
Upon first strike is the key of A. But as it moves around to Bb, it settles in F major - a rich earnest key delivered with conviction. As 17th century, Austrian pianist, composer and educator, Ernst Pauer, describes characteristics of the key of F, “full of peace of joy, but also expressing effectively a light, passing regret - a mournful, but not deeply sorrowful feeling.”
Imagine this “sound envelope” filling the space in my foyer with beautiful and blended harmonic overtones setting the perfect tone for the End of Summer Jazz Afternoon at my home.
Merci Beaucoup
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Thanks to all who attended our End of Summer House Concert with outstanding musicians and friends: Bryn Roberts, Ed Bennett, Joe Manis and Todd Strait; followed by the well attended all artists' jam led by Paul Ward's Trio featuring Bill Athens and Edwin Coleman III.
"Kansas City - me voilà"
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The morning after the End of Summer Jazz Afternoon, I found myself smiling remembering the epic water balloon deluge that took place on my lawn immediately after guests had left. A deluge initiated by the event's 13 yro emcee!
The over 1,000 colorful non-biodegradable broken balloons would need to litter my lawn for a few extra days, since I was immediately being whisked off on a whirlwind trip to Kansas City!
Albeit a short visit, I met some interesting characters in KC and was able to do some reconnaissance for a future music date.
Crème de la crème
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So far, however, the crème de la crème has been my trip to NYC to listen to Grammy Award Winning Pianist BILL CHARLAP with Peter Washington and Kenny Washington at THE VILLAGE VANGUARD for their live recording! (5 shows in 3 nights!) Inspirational. Transformative. Sublime.
Perfect timing for me. Accepting the invitation to travel first class with my beloved rhythm keeper. Feeling the vibration and turbo force of the plane pick up speed while lifting us up into the clouds above the fray.
En route to celebrate the changing of seasons. And. With one of my favorite jazz trios while recording live at the nation's oldest jazz club in NYC.
C'est la fin d'une époque
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'Tis Autumn. This season, I wave goodbye to the end of an era.
Many have asked why after over 2 years I've decided to shift my focus from headlining weekly and booking music at the Underground in Clackamas.
Réponse brève
This is MY season. My season for growth and renewed hope. Change is a prerequisite to growth.
Réponse longue
Those of you who know me, know I like to cultivate things. Relationships, people, pets, projects. I'm a gardener. Like seeds, my aspirations are firmly planted in the ground. And. My aspirations, just as my heart, must be nurtured to thrive.
So. This season I've shifted my focus toward MY growth. Navigating life's challenges by cultivating my own dreams. By focusing on how, when, where, and with whom I choose to share my passions. The ones that make up MY STORY.
La fin
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I'm proud of the work that I've done since the inception of the Underground (UG), a self-described "supper club." To create a viable infrastructure and music venue for the region's premier jazz musicians to deliver their art has been rewarding and thrilling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in an endeavor that carried much meaning for me.
Livraison de pizza
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Someone familiar with the work I've done behind the scenes at the UG remarked that it seemed like I was delivering gourmet gig pizzas in a Ferrari and that it was greasing up my seats! HA! People are funny. (And some more observant than others!)😎
To facilitate developing the current music program at the UG - now among the nation's Top 50 Speakeasies (according to YELP!) - has truly been memorable. The Song for the Dumped by Ben Folds Five comes to mind as I write this. (You should check out the lyrics! 😇 Replace “black t-shirt” with "my sweet gold flecked black drum kit with the gorgeous hardware lovingly named, B.E.A.T.S.!"😇)
Merci mes amis
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For making music with me at the UG. For putting up with "all the rules" 🤓 (and not ascribing them to me 🥸) and for allowing me to take soooo many group photos! 🤩 (you know who you are) 🤪
I’m grateful to have all of the memorable moments imprinted indefinitely in my heart, body, mind and soul.) I appreciate the role you've played in my music and I admire the love and devotion you have dedicated to your art. 😍🙏🏽
And. I look forward to hearing you soon!🤩
L'interlude
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Now that my focus has shifted and as my vision continues to clear . . . CLICK HERE. . .I'll be making more music. Spending more time in listening sessions, studio sessions and private sessions.
I’ll be gigging less. Traveling more. De-cluttering my digital platforms and scheduling important future engagements tête-à-tête.
Oh. And. Yes, I am writing a book. It's non-fiction. Focused on my musical experiences, the people I've met along the way who make it, the audiences who support it, and the hard core reality of the business.
Although the music is pure, the business is like a long dank dark red plastic hallway, filled with pimps, prostitutes, drug dealers and thieves. And then there's the down side!
Rich with real life stories. My book is well on its way. It's been cathartic, healing and fun. Be sure to check it out! You are certain to recognize many of the characters!
Je garde le meilleur pour la fin
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Next month one of Bill Charlap's earlier teachers will be visiting Oregon to perform a private concert in my home while spending the week recording arrangements specifically written for Todd Strait and me. Arranger, pianist and producer on Grammy-nominated Bop for Kerouac (Mark Murphy Muse), will be performing will Tom Wakeling, Todd Strait and me!
RSVP NOW for "An Intimate Evening with Bill Mays in Wine Country."
The arrangements are beautiful. The musicians among the best. And the song selection inspired largely by Bill Mays himself, are timely and fresh.
Comment cela s'est passé ?
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Three little words. I. Blame. Todd.
By way of history, I’ve been playing with esteemed drummer Todd Strait for over the past year enjoying his musicality, ingenuity, energy and heart.
Always showing up and giving 100% on my gigs after touring and playing with jazz luminaries for over 4 decades as a sideman.
Highlights include: receiving 4 GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS, recording over 100 albums, while being an amazing parent to 4 children, etc.
Yet, notwithstanding all of his talent and expertise, he consistently accepts my call, enthusiastically plays his heart out and shapes my tunes with his signature cymbal focused sound - as if supporting my vocals was the most exciting thing he’d done his entire career! Now. That's integrity.
THINK: NYC with Marian McPartland, Tal Farlow, Woody Herman's Thundering Herd and Kansas City with Eldar, Karrin Allyson, and Kevin Mahogany! )
SO, THANK YOU, MR. TODD STRAIT, FOR ALWAYS ACCEPTING MY CALL, GIVING YOUR BEST EVERY SINGLE TIME, ELEVATING MY MUSIC, AND NEVER WEARING WHITE SOCKS WITH A BLACK SUIT!🤩
