June, 2006
So it’s the middle of June and I’ve been getting back into the swing of things here in NYC. I had a really amazing gig last night and felt inspired to share a little with the journal page.
I had my first gig at La Lanterna. For a long time I’ve admired the musicians associated with that venue. Some of my favorite NYC players of my generation are working there regularly. I played with Edward Perez and Mark Ferber, who both sounded great. We also had Marks bother Alan on Trombone for a couple of songs. He always sounds great. We played a nice mix of standards and originals. Most exciting of all is that the place was totally packed. They were actually turning people away for both sets. I sold some CD’s and got lots of great feedback on the gig. It was awesome to see so many friends stop by. Tim, Won Kyung, Deeshawn, Vanvoorst, even Tyler stoped by with some friends but couldn’t get a seat. Even though I play often in NYC I rarely get to play my own music in such a listener friendly environment. Hopefully this is just a taste of things to come. Persistence!!!
In other news, I’ve actually be gigging a lot. I been working up some Choro’s and Baiao’s with Itai on some Saturday gigs. I’ve also been working with Jenn Jade Ledesna and having a ball. I was reunited with Apostolos, the great greek bassist for a gig in Astoria last wednesday. I also played with the Eliano Braz Forro Band again recently. I love this music and hope to continue to learn this style. It fills a room with people moving and having a ball. I continue to play with my trio every week and have been lucky to work with Edward Perez and Ferenc Nemeth on a regular basis.
Also I’ve been listening alot and going out. Djavan (early stuff) is on my Itunes right now. He’s ridiculous. I’ve also seen some great shows recently. My good friends Claire and Olivier Manchon have had a couple of great shows. I love these guys. They are great friends and inspiring musicians. A show at Smalls with Ari Hoening, Jean Michael Pilc, Johannas Videmuller, and Chris Potter blew me away. I haven’t felt that lost in rhythm in a long time. I also saw Guilhermo Kliens Los Gauchos at the Vanguard. He’s writing beautiful stuff.
All in all, still loving NYC and still moving!!! Let’s do it!!! Thanks for checking in with me.
All the Best,
Clay
