Product in Focus
This month's product in focus is my first CD release, in collaboration
with Joe and Paul Midiri: JOE HOLT PRESENTS THE MIDIRI BROTHERS-AVALON.
This recording was released in 1999 and features jazz/swing
in the Benny Goodman tradition. I have known these boys since
high school (1974-I think) when they each picked up musical
instruments for the first time. Shortly thereafter, we were
immersed, as a group, in the Benny Goodman trio and quartet
music. This was not the typical persuit of teenagers in the
1970's, and as such, we attracted some (local) attention (what's
with these guys anyway?). These days the Midiri boys are increasingly
in demand at jazz festivals throughout the country (Conneticut,
Idaho, several in Florida and California). As our persuits are
largely seperate (these days) I perform with them but occasionally
(a couple of gigs a month, roughly). The musical rapport, however,
is as strong as ever, and this is captured in AVALON. Swing
and Goodman era standards as well as some fun originals are
featured. A complete list of selections can be seen on my product
page, along with my other available recordings.
View product page
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| Greetings!
Hope this month of February finds you well. As for January
(for those of us in the northeast and mid- atlantic) winter
finally came! I enjoy the cold and the snow (in some respects,
my favorite weather), except for how it interferes with
schedules. You'll find the "snowed out" Elkton (Md) Church
of the Nazarene concert rescheduled in this month's performance
schedule. Last month, nonetheless, was fairly full (for
a January, especially with the drought that many musicians
are enduring)- 28 engagements. Now it begins to get busier
as the year really gets into gear.
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| Jazz Performances and Piano Entertainment
Concerts |
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This month, Sullivan's Steak House continues on Tuesday
nights (with Bruce Kaminsky on bass) from 5:30-10:10pm,
also on Sun 2/20 from 4:30-9:10 with Steve Beskrone.
This month's lone piano entertainment concert (in
retirement communities that agree to be listed) is
in Annapolis, Md on Sat 2/19. In case I'm late getting
the March newsletter out (as I was this month), know
that I'll have a concert at the Philadelphia Protestant
Home on Thurs 3/3 at 7:00 pm. As always, anything
can happen, so I always recommend checking first before
coming, either with the host, or with me at (877)
JOE-HOLT
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| Church Sponsored and Christian Music
Concerts |
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Exciting to me now is the development of the "He's
Steppin' Out" live concert with comedian Brian Whitaker
(who brings to life Jim Lawlor's brilliant performance
on the recording). On 1/30 Brian and I skated through
an freezing rain mess (part of the way, until we got
to the snow part, which was much easier) and made
it (just in time) to the Marlton (NJ) Methodist Church,
where we performed the material in 2 morning services.
The funny part is that we came to the church on a
youth retreat weekend (which would have been excellent
except that the youth were retreating elsewhere).
In spite of this, the largely adult congregation recieved
the presentation enthusiastically as Pastor Lew Hiserote
appropriated it into worship and application. This
month, Brian and I get to present our program at The
Kings Christian Elementary School in Haddon Heights
NJ. Also this month, a variety dinner concert with
Karen Sommerville, and the reschuled concert in Elkton.
Click on the link for more information.
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| Other news |
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This begins my third year as Worship Facilatator
at the Chestertown Church of the Nazarene, in Chestertown
Maryland. Sometimes I still shake my head (and am
assured by the rattling). Back in 1979, at age 19,
I took over as organist/pianist of my church (from
childhood) in NJ. Before too long I assumed responsibility
for the full music ministry of the church, and stayed
in that position through 1990. At that point, with
increasing touring, and other considerations, it became
clear to me that it was time to "move on" from local
church ministry. Upon leaving the position, I became
the only 30 year old in my awareness to be given a
"retirement" dinner - attended by the congregation,
complete with a plaque (but not a gold watch). To
keep it short, I answered a call of God (yes, this
is how I see it), to come "out of retirement" 13 years
later (the plaque is on display in my office) here
in Chestertown, where I now serve part-time on staff
(a staff of two - now the Pastor (Jonathan Mills)
isn't so "lonely", and he laughs more). My primary
responsibilities here are twofold : to equip willing
members for ministry (kind of like being Mr. Holland
for the church), and to enhance worship. If you would
have told me 2 1/2 years ago that I would be doing
this, I would have taken your temperature (or checked
your pulse, for there obviously would have been something
wrong). It just goes to show what God can envision
(that we cannot). Many exciting things are going on
here, and it's a joy to watch it play out - and a
privilege to be a part of it.
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