So far, so good, 2011!  Per usual, here’s a long overdue update from yours truly….but i’ve got an excuse…

…really:

In December I became a Dad for the 1st time! Between the truly amazing ride of caring for our newborn son during his 1st year, & the amount of gigs I’ve been fortunate to play – as well as teaching privately…I’ve been busier than I’ve ever been. I know I’ve not been updating the ‘gigs’ page here as regularly as I should, but I’m working on it. I’m also on ‘Twitter’ (stevechag), ‘Facebook’ & ‘LinkedIn’ (though not as regularly) & do try to send out periodic live performance updates though those networks.

~ ~ As my son is down for his 1st nap of the day, I’m quickly attempting to type up this brief update ~ ~

1st off, “shout outs” for being able to fill the calendar with some truly awesome musicians [& people] so far this year. Prominently in my mind right now//to name a few: Jody Blackwell; Michael Payette & Cassandre McKinley; Myanna; Chris Stovall Brown; Alizon Lissance; Michelle “Evil Gal” Willson; Dave Sag’s Blues Party (most recently w/Boston legend Willie Loco Alexander); “The Regal Queen of the Blues” – Shirley Lewis; Thomas Hebb; Celia Slattery; Orville Giddings; Greg Luttrell, Ben Zecker, Natalie Fernandez, & Vinny Briguglio (the Redline crew); & of course my own little jazz group the Tough Love Trio – most recently w/special guest saxophonist Danny Harrington.  [...Apologies if I've left anyone out....it's early in the morning ...]

I mentioned Jody Blackwell above. Her new album, ‘Come and Gone’, is OUT, it is FANTASTIC, & I’m honored to have been a part of it. DO check it out: here .  I may have mentioned this before, but not only does Jody write & sing beautifully, she’s got an awesome cast of characters playing on her new album…. guitarists Mike Mele & Duke Levine; Hammond B3 organist Ken Clark; bassist Joe McMahon….  There will be some more gigs with Jody coming up (& I’ll be sure to put them up this site).

I’m also doing some more session work this year (particularly at the fabulous Zippah studio) – - and most recently with Boston singer/songwriter Ted Hu.  The compositions Ted had me record were quite challenging, but in the end very rewarding. When his album his completed & released, I’ll be sure to mention it here.

Dad has to run now!  Until soon….

taken by moi @ Blue Ocean Music Hall, Salisbury MA