Here’s what's new...

What's new? ... I've started playing the Upton Hawkes Hybrid double bass, a fantastic instrument made in Mystic, CT, by Gary Upton at Upton Bass. I had been looking around for a "new sound" even though I had been playing my vintage Juzek since 1975(!) A couple of my students had been using Upton basses and I was very impressed with (and a bit jealous of) their sound. So I decided to try one out for myself and loved the punchy, wooden sound and responsiveness right from the start! I got hooked and have enjoyed playing the Upton Hybrid on all my gigs since then. I hope you get a chance to hear me playing it soon and, if you're a bassist, try one out at Gary's picturesque shoppe in Mystic, right next to the famed Mystic Seaport Village. Pictured below (l. to r.) set-up wizard Jack, me, my Upton Hawkes Hybrid and Gary Upton.

Upcoming gigs...

At Johnny Ray's, 1015 Bridgeport Ave., Milford, CT on Saturday, March 8th, from 8pm - 12 m, with pianist Kent Hewitt, an outstanding jazz pianist. Both of us sing a bit, Kent a la Sinatra, myself a la Jobim. An exciting atmosphere for listening and even dancing!

With the great vocalist, Steve March Torme, on Saturday, April 12, at the Tilles Performing Arts Center in Greenvale, Long Island, NY, at 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Ticket Info: 516 299 3100. Also, if you'd like to see what life on the road with Steve and a fantastic big band was like, check out the blog I kept during our 2-month tour in Jan.-Feb. of '07. It features a lot of pictures!

A Memorial Concert dedicated to the memory and inspiration of Stan Wheeler, beloved jazz trumpeter, college Master, Sterling Professor, will be held on Sunday, April 13th, at the Yale Law School auditorium. Several jazz groups associated with Wheeler will perform, including the Reunion Jazz Ensemble of which I am a member, along with fellow School of Music alumni Frank Bennett, Brad Dechter, Paul Sullivan and Paul Lieberman.

On Saturday, April 26th, an intimate jazz recital will take place at Brent Evans Piano Shop, 963 State Street, New Haven, CT. (203) 785-8780. Joining me at the restored Mason & Hamlin grand will be pianist Kent Hewitt and saxophonist Bob Kolb for an evening of jazz standards and bossa novas. Wine and refreshments will be served.