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Greetings!
What a month! Things are happening at an increasingly busy pace
(I was tempted to say dizzying, but I should save that word for
when things get even busier - which they probably will). The big
news this month is "Joe Holt's Notes on the Radio" which premiers
on Thursday Feb 2 (only a few hours after I send this). Also,
check out the improvements to the website (thank you Max Murray!).
There's lots to talk about this month. Let's get started...
| Jazz Performances and Piano Entertainment Concerts |
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January offered a wide variety of performing opportunities,
February is not too far behind. Don't forget to check my
telephone performance line at 877-JOE-HOLT for last minute
changes and updates. In addition to everything going on
this month, I wanted to give you a "heads up" and announce
my first solo concert at the Mainstay in Rock Hall Md on
March 18th at 8pm. See the quick links to go the the Mainstay
concert page. In the coming weeks, the announcement will
be there. Check out all my public events via the link below.
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| Church Sponsored and Christian Music Concerts |
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The highlight of the month for me is the return of "He's
Steppin' Out": a family concert with comedian Brian Whitaker
and myself. We will be "taking over" the morning worship
service of the Elkton Church of the Nazarene on the 19th
of this month at 11am. Find out more about this and other
concerts by clicking on the link below.
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| Radio News |
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Very few people knew about this "when the time is right"
vision that I've kept to myself for years: to buy time on
a local radio station (first one, then expand) and present
my recorded material on my own show. Well, all of a sudden
(or so it seems), the time is right; all the of the "pieces"
have come together (this is. of course, the short version).
One of the best things about this whole deal is that the
station (WNJC 1360, in Southern New Jersey) streams live
on the Internet. If you can't listen on Thursday nights
between 9 and 9:30 pm, though, you're not out of luck; the
show will be archived each week on my website. So now there's
no excuse not to check it out...
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| The long and winding story |
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This story is coming to a close, but it isn't over yet
(don't worry, this really is the last installment of the
multi-part saga that began last August). What began with
a brief moment of connection with Cab Calloway in 1994 had
continued with a meaningful rapport with Mrs. Calloway for,
now, several years. I have had some wonderful visits with
a woman who loves music, and her late husband. Imagine a
smiling senior citizen singing happily (at the appropriate
time), then cheering on an improvised solo; "you go man!
yeah! I hear you!", and you can get the picture. Of all
things I do in my integrated musical pursuits, the connection
with, and the joy brought to senior citizens (as an entertainer
and a music therapist), is the most deeply rewarding. God's
plan is always beyond our comprehension.
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In Focus
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A word of explanation: Last month we took a sneak peek
ahead at my new solo jazz CD - "Playing By Heart - Always",
taking pre-release orders (thank you for these), and anticipating
it's release by now. Well, almost. I apologize for the production
delays that were, perhaps naively, unforeseen. The good
news is that we've now moved into manufacturing, so now
I know "the end is near". I'll fill the pre- release orders
immediately upon my receipt of the product, and will look
forward to announcing the official release of "Playing By
Heart - Always" in the next newsletter. But, that's not
the only reason that I'm not still talking about it. This
month's (other) big news is the new release : "All Aglow".
This recording debuts the original songs of Pete Peters.
Pete approached me some months ago to help him put the pieces
in place (edit and arrange the material, secure the musicians,
find a studio) to realize his dream. I think we are all
happy with the outcome. Featured on this recording are:
Alan Dale - drums, Tom Baldwin - bass, Pete Smyser - guitar,
you-know - who - piano, Sue Matthews and Tim Dove - vocals.
The song are new, but in the tradition of the old standards.
I think you'll like it.
view product page.... |
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