|
Greetings!
Hope all is well with you, and welcome to those of you who have
added your names to my mailing list since the last issue. I
apologize that this issue is less than timely (in other words, I'm
late!). Because of this, I have chosen to combine the June and July
issues. Things have been especially busy in recent weeks, and this
way I can take my time and be fully prepared (and on time) for the
August issue. I will continue to prod my "web guy" to be on top of
schedule updates, so don't hesitate to check the performance
schedule prior to the August newsletter. If you clicked on a link to
one of my web pages last time, you may have noticed that there was
no means by which to access any other pages, because of my new site
design (we're working on getting this "unglitched"). This may mean
you haven't seen the changes (improvements and additions) to the
site yet. Check it out by clicking on the website link at page
bottom (you may find the F11 key helpful). Now about these months...
| Jazz Performances and Piano Entertainment
Concerts |
 |
|
In June, I have enjoyed playing at Sullivan's Steak House
(my regular Tuesday night jazz gig in Wilmington, De.) with
Steve Beskrone (on bass). The gig continues in July with a
variety of bass players and a couple of additional nights
(clicking on the link below will fill in the details). Also in
June (in addition to other things) I have had successful
engagements with Bryan Clark at the Shark's Cove restaurant in
Fenwick Island, De. Gigs with Bryan continue in July and
coming months. On Friday the 15th, I particapate in an outdoor
(I think) concert for the town of Middletown De. from 6-9pm
featuring Karen Sommerville. The summertime can be a little
erratic (swiss cheese) for gigs, but I'm managing (through
God's provision) to stay busy. Click on the link below for a
more thorough schedule (and don't forget to scroll down to the
"Future Highlights" section).
|
| Church Sponsored and Christian Music
Concerts |
|
|
Concerts lately (and continuing in the near term) have been
solo piano. In May I performed at the Elmer (NJ) Presbyterian
Church, and the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Easton,
Md. In June I've performed in concert with the Midiri boys at
Chestertown (Md) Church of the Nazerene and on 6/26 presented
a worship concert at the Trail Church of the Nazerene in New
Freedom, Pa. both events went well and were very well
recieved. In July, the Kingstown Trio (read below for more
info) debuts in Chestertown. I also make the trek to
Martinsburg, WVa for a solo concert. The article below will
detail the upcoming concerts and Jazz Vespers services at
Chestertown Church of the Nazarene. Over the next few months,
I expect the number of concerts "on the books" to increase
noticably. Stay tuned.
|
| Concert Series and Jazz Vespers News |
|
|
Back in March, I announced, in this newsletter, the lineup
for the "Second Sunday Concert" series at the Chestertown (Md)
Church of the Nazarere. It's time to update the schedule, and
announce the artists for the Jazz Vespers services (taking the
second Sunday slots for Sept.-Jan.).
On July 10, the Kingstown trio will be presenting it's
debut concert. The trio has actually existed for over two
years, and forms the nucleus (piano, bass, drums) of the
instrumental music and service accompaniment ministry at
Chestertown Church. We have developed some really neat "smooth
jazz" arrangements that we present as preludes and postludes
in the worship service (!). We're taking it now a step further
by establishing a seperate identity (from the church), and
beginning work on a new CD: "smooth jazz for worship" (or
something like that). It will be a fun evening - as will the
concert of vocalist Tim Dove on Aug. 14. Then comes the Jazz
Vespers services...
- Sept. 11 - The New Legacy Jazz Band
- Oct. 9 - Dave Shiff;sax, Bruce Kaminsky; bass, & Joe
- Nov 13 - Vocalist Sue Matthews
- Dec 11 - In-house talent (including the Kingstown Trio)
All "Second Sunday" series concerts begin at 6pm,
all Jazz Vespers services begin at 5pm. Keep in tocch with the
church website for more detailed info on each concert.
|
|
|
Product in focus |
|
|
|
This month's featured recording is not a part of the "Joe
Holt's Notes" label, but rather one of several recordings by
other artists in which I perform or am featured. "Norman
Satchell (on tenor saxophone) plays Bill Hollis" is a
collection of original "easy listening" jazz tunes composed by
Philadelphia area pianist/composer Bill Hollis. In recent
years Bill has had health problems that have impeded his
ability to perform. When Norman began his consideration of
this project, he asked me to step in and perform Bill's tunes
in his place. I know Bill personally (though I haven't seen
him for some time), and considered this an honor. This
original recording (a sequel came later) was completed in the
late 1990's and features only two musicians: Norman and
myself. When we went into the studio, I played two roles;
first, as bass player (using the keyboard), then overdubbing
two hand piano. This is not dissimilar to the "left hand bass"
style of playing which I often do, except that I still got to
use my left hand to play piano. After Norman recorded the
saxophone tracks, the recording engineer added some electronic
percussion (when I wasn't looking). It is different being
essentially a "sideman" on a recording (most musicians whom
you hear on recordings are) than it is to be wholly
responsible for a project and have full creative control. The
recordings that I list (and which will be featured in coming
issues) that are not mine (but on which I am hired to perform)
will provide a variety of music for you to (hopefully) enjoy.
If you like easy listening jazz, then you'll enjoy this one.
Find out more....
|
|
