Summer ‘09

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Hello! It seems as though summer is just getting started here in New England despite the fact that it’s now August. And here I sit, once again, staring at this screen and scrambling with an attempt to update my most ravenous fans (all 7 of you – you know who you are!) with whatever it is that comprises my life in the music world, as Genesis’ excellent album ‘Wind & Wuthering’ (Dec 1976) plays on in the background.

~ recap of the recent past ~

Major thanks to all who came out to the Tough Love Trio gig at the Acton Jazz Café on the 18^th of July. Blake, Mike & myself are exceptionally grateful for such a remarkable turnout. You made us feel very appreciated and at home, and we appreciate that! It was especially a treat for me to see so many friends from various circles and periods of my life. As a journeyman freelance drummer, the chance to play music with my own trio is (thus far) not something I get to do every week. I don’t take the opportunity for granted, and I must say that the show of support we received in Acton is also something I don’t take for granted. Thank you again! We’ll be back at the AJC on the 28^th of November, playing the early show again – 7pm.

This summer has brought me several gigs that have all required quite a bit of homework on my part. I’m always grateful for the gigs, and thankfully the homework involved was a labour of love. One in particular I’d like to mention was an outdoor concert in Kendall Sq. Cambridge on 4-August where I filled in for the legendary Dave Mattacks (who was touring the UK at the time). I was called to back-up singer/songwriter Celia Slattery, and DM had played drums for most of the tracks on her latest studio recording ‘Cast of Characters’. I was thrilled to get the call from Celia to do the gig, and humbled by the prospect of filling in for one of my drumming heroes – and a great friend. I made sure I did my homework! Also on the gig were the fantastic Mark Shilansky on keyboards & vocals, and a bassist who’s made quite a name for himself in the Boston area – Greg Loughman. Greg has subbed for Blake before with the Tough Love Trio, so I was familiar with his brilliant playing and very pleased he was on the gig. Mark and I hadn’t played together since we were both at NEC in ’92-’93 – - and trust me, Mark was amazing back then. Well, he’s truly become a master now. Mark is not only an incredible pianist, but has also become a well-respected producer in his own right, and his production prowess is all over Celia’s ‘Cast of Characters’ album. Thankfully the homework seems to have paid off, as the gig was not only a success, but also extremely fun (and enormously rewarding).

~ upcoming do-dads ~

Immediately around the corner (and speaking of gigs with lots of homework ;) I’ll be playing with another fantastic singer/songwriter named Alizon Lissance – again at the Acton Jazz Café – this Saturday the 15^th of August. Alizon is a gifted pianist, singer, songwriter, and has been a member of the venerable Boston band The Love Dogs for 15+ years. She has an excellent solo CD out called ‘So What About You’ and we’ll be performing some cuts off of that album plus a ton of other material. Check Alizon out here.

For those on Boston’s North Shore, the annual summer concert series continues on Castle Hill, at the Crane estate in Ipswich MA. I’ll be there once again on the 3^rd of September, backing up Ipswich’s own Orville Giddings. Orv will have his extended ensemble that night; a full horn section joins his regular quartet, along with a few esteemed guests. Info is available here.

As always, thanks for your interest!