Monday, July 12, 2021

Danny Hull Musically This Week Vol XX, No 3

 

Hello everyone.  A welcome, last minute booking...

Tuesday, 7/13 at Milkie’s on Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00





Patty Flaherty, vocals     Craig Kastelnik, Hammond B-3     Bob Sneider, guitar     your correspondent, drum set
No, our guest artist series is not returning to Milkie’s Elmwood, but it will be good to see the venerable Mr. Milkie after so many years.  Patty & Craig are in town, and Patty found us a venue.  As so many of you know, having been in the audience since 1997, our guest artist series has afforded yours truly the opportunity to accompany countless world-class musicians of all backgrounds and influences.  That gig was always about who we featured, never about me.  In truth, it is I who had to rise to the occasion most nights, considering the likes of the brilliant musical artists who so generously agreed to play.  But to sit in the pocket of Craig Kastelnik twice a year?  Indescribable.  If you play the drum set, you have no harmonic vocabulary to call upon.  It’s all about the feel.  With Craig kicking pedals or left hand bass, comping behind Patty’s vocals, or playing a searing solo, the harmony will be unquestioned, but the feel will be exceptional.  It is simply an honor and a privilege to offer them the date when the guest artists series is ongoing, and to take the gig when they call.  Another embarrassment of riches…  Milkie’s is at 522 Elmwood, corner of West Utica.  There’s a city parking lot accessible from W. Utica on the opposite corner.  Can’t wait to see you again.

Saturday, 7/17 at The Sunset Grill     5:00 - 8:00

 
Jack Civiletto & April Mazzone     Brent Minet, piano     Bob Ambrusko, bass     yours truly, drum set
This is going to be fun.  Great singers, two-part vocal harmony, familiar tunes, and a beautiful setting.  The Sunset Grill is at 3 O’Connell Island in Wilson.

Upcoming...
Thursday, 7/22 with guitarist Mike Kelly at 75 Stutson St in Rochester 8:00 - 10:00
Sunday, 9/5 at the Olcott Jazz Trail
Friday, 5/6/2022 at the Riviera Theatre with Morgane La Touche 8:00 

Links...

July 4th reflections…
I can assure you that we love our country, not for what it was - though it has always been great - not for what it is - though of this we are deeply proud - but what it someday can and, through the efforts of us all, someday will be.
 - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
Family,
Friendships,
Gratitude

dan

Monday, October 28, 2019

Dan Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week: Tuesday, 10/29/2019 at Rizotto 6:30 - 9:30

Hello Everyone.  Your invitation...


Tuesday, 10/29/2019 at Rizotto     6:30 - 9:30
Colleen Williams, vocals     Bobby Jones, piano     Jerry Livingston, bass     your host, drum set 

Not much to say…  You know everyone.  You know Colleen, and you know of her artistry: charm and confidence, and pitch like a laser…  You know Bobby, singularly one of the greatest musicians to grow, evolve, and live among us on our Niagara Frontier.  And Jerry Livingston - renown for his pocket, his feel, his gentle persona, and his riveting solos.  And many of you already know Rizotto, distinct among restaurants for Italian cuisine, and now emerging as a purveyor of music for those with distinguishing taste.  You have been so very generous in your support.  We remain grateful, and look forward to seeing again.  Rizotto, at 930 Maple Road, 204-4455…  World-class Italian food and wine, craft beers, good people, and a great hang

next Tuesday, 11/5 at Rizotto 6:30 - 9:30
Jack Civiletto, guitar & vocals     Brent Manet, keys     Bob Ambrusko, bass     your correspondent, drum set

Upcoming at Rizotto
11/12 vocalist Peggy Farrell with pianist Michael T. Jones & Paul LaDuca
11/19 trumpeter Mike Kaupa with pianist Gordon Webster & bassist Buddy Fadale
11/26 baritone saxophonist Bruce Johnstone with Michael T. Jones & bassist Jim Colemon
12/3 vocalist Alex McArthur
12/17 trombonist Chris Dempsey & trumpeter Brandon Choi with Michael T. Jones & Paul LaDuca

Upcoming elsewhere…
11/18 with Bob Meier & the Hit Men Horns Big Band at The Sportsmen's 7:00
11/20 with Phil Sims at the KO Bar 6:30

Links…

No matter the challenge
Adversity is an experience, not a final act.
 - Coach George Raveling

Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
Family,
Friendships,
Gratitude

dan

Monday, November 6, 2017

Dan Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week Vol XVII, No 18

Hello friends.  Another favorite son returns home.

Tuesday, 11/7 at the Amherst Anchor Bar     7:30 - 10:30
Jeff Hackworth, tenor saxophone     Bobby Jones, piano     Wayne Moose, bass     your correspondent, drum set
Jeff and I go back to the 70’s.  Here’s my question: What kind of confidence and self assurance does it take for a 50’s baby boomer to give up the comforts and security of home, and move to New York in the year 2000?  A self-trust earned from experience, maybe?  Two years with Chubby Checker, another two with the Tommy Dorsey Band…  Subbing in the Blood, Sweat, & Tears horn section, a TV appearance with Buddy Rich, The Temptations, Jack Jones, Doc Severinsen, Mel Torme…  And most recently, a sixth compact disc recording as a leader - The Heart of the Matter.  We are honored to welcome Jeff home for a brief visit, and reunite him with Bobby Jones, the featured B3 specialist from his maiden disc, What a Wonderful World.  Can you join us?  Still no cover charge at the Amherst Anchor Bar, 4300 Maple Road, corner of Sweet Home… 
Thursday, 11/9 at Pausa    7:00 - 10:00
 
Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin
Phil Sims - trombone & arrangements     Andy Weinzler, Russ D’Alba, Kelly Bucheger - tenor saxophones     Harry Graser - piano     Paul Zapalowski - bass     dh - drum set
Pausa is a great room for listening.  Intimacy, a grand piano, and a singular ensemble…  Three tenors, trombone, and rhythm playing harmonized soli from the immortal canon of JJ Johnson and Hank Mobley… Simply a privilege…  Pausa is at 19 Wadsworth St

next Tuesday, 11/14 at the Amherst Anchor Bar     7:30 - 10:30
Dave Schiavone, saxophones & flute     Michael T. Jones,     piano     Jim Colemon, bass     your host, drum set
book signing: History of Buffalo Music & Entertainment by Rick Falkowski

Upcoming at the Amherst Anchor Bar
Tuesday, 11/21 vocalist Cindy Miller with Lisa Hasselback and Wayne Moose
Tuesday, 11/28 The Music of JJ & Kai
Tuesday, 12/5 saxophonist Darcy Hepner with Bobby Jones
Tuesday, 12/12 vocalist Joanna Batt with Bobby Jones & bassist Buddy Fadale
Tuesday, 12/19 trombonist Ken Crane with pianist Chris Ziemba
Tuesday, 1/23 percussionist Wendell Rivera
Tuesday, 3/27 vocalist Sharon Bailey

Upcoming
Friday, 12/8 with The Phil Sims M.O.B. Big Band at The Tralf     7:00

links…

Veterans Day, November 11
True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.  It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
 - Arthur Ashe

You're playing a game, whether it's Little League or Game 7 of the Word Series. It's impossible to do well unless you're having a good time. People talk about pressure. Yeah, there's pressure. But I just look at it as fun.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/having_a_good_time_2.html
You're playing a game, whether it's Little League or Game 7 of the Word Series. It's impossible to do well unless you're having a good time. People talk about pressure. Yeah, there's pressure. But I just look at it as fun.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/having_a_good_time_2.html
Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
Family,
Friendships,
Gratitude…

My thanks…
dan

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week, 7/23/2017

Hello friends.  Some things don’t change, even after a four year layoff.  True to habit, here is your invitation to this week’s musical festivities, though a bit late for tomorrow’s gigs…

Sunday, 7/23 at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery 2:00 - 4:00

Don Rice, tenor saxophone     Joe Rozler, piano     Wayne Moose, bass     yours truly, drum set
The following is not a typo: This will be the 27th consecutive Art Gallery appearance by the remarkable Don Rice.  The man is ageless.  But for Don, this year’s performance is bittersweet.  For the first time in all of those 27 years, he cannot enjoy the company and goodwill of his childhood friend, Stan Lipsey.  Don & Stan grew up only minutes apart in Omaha, Nebraska, and they remained friends for life.  This will be an emotional concert performance by Don, indeed.  But be appraised, the gig is on, rain or shine.  The plan is to move the performance into the Art Gallery auditorium should the rains cancel our outdoor plans.

Sunday, 7/23 at the Olcott Jazz Trail     6:00 - 8:00

Pat La Barbera, tenor saxophone     Bob Sneider, guitar     Bobby Jones, piano     Danny Vitale, bass     dh, drum set
The above isn’t a typo either.  The legendary Pat La Barbera is in performance on the Olcott shores of Lake Ontario…  And consider that this band would be smoking were maestro La Barbera not on the gig!  We all know who Bobby Jones is.  We’re simply blessed that he chooses to render his musicality in his native Niagara Frontier.  Bob Sneider is not native to Western New York, but his teaching responsibilities at the renown Eastman School has him living and playing music among us.  And Danny Vitale is a product of a rich Rochester jazz tradition.  Here’s a bit of a back story: When I called Bob Sneider about this gig, I asked him who he likes on tenor.  He said, “Get La Barbera!”  I said, “That’s a (expletive) great idea!  But I don’t have his contact info.”  Story shortened: Bob sounds Pat.  Pat books the gig.  But what clinched the deal?  According to Bob Sneider, Pat loves Danny Vitale’s pulse.  A drummer’s embarrassment of riches…  And like the Art Gallery, the Olcott Jazz Trail is also a rain or shine event.  Pack an umbrella and dig the day.

Tuesday, 7/25 at the Amherst Anchor Bar     7:30 - 10:30
Michael T. Jones
Bobby Jones

Bobby Jones & Michael T. Jones, piano     Danny Ziemann, bass     Daniel Patrick, drum set
This is a first.  The Jones Brothers on the same gig!  Do I really need to say more?  Last week’s start to our renewed guest artist series was inspiring.  Little did I realize how much of a void we left when we walked away those four years ago.  We played to a packed house of friends who love both the music and the personalities that share their musical art.  The only way I can offer our sincere gratitude is to promise that we will persevere.  Thank you for your enthusiasm and your generous spirit.  We’re in this together.  The Amherst Anchor Bar is at 4300  Maple Road, corner of Sweet Home.  And note the revised 7:30 start time.  Dinner & jazz anyone?

next Tuesday, 8/1 at the Amherst Anchor Bar    7:30 - 10:30
Mike Costley

Mike Costley, vocals     Bobby Jones, piano     Wayne Moose, bass     your correspondent, drum set


Upcoming at the Amherst Anchor Bar
Tuesday, 8/8 saxophonist Vince Ercolomento, trumpeter Mike Kaupa, pianist John Nyerges, & bassist Peter Chwazik
Tuesday, 8/15 saxophonist Miles Tucker with guitarist Bob Sneider & Danny Ziemann
Tuesday, 8/22 saxophonist Doug Stone with Bobby Jones & Wayne Moose
Tuesday, 8/29 trumpeter Tim Clarke with pianist Lisa Hasselback & Wayne Moose
Tuesday, 9/5 vocalist Mary Stahl with pianist Jim Calabrese & bassist Buddy Fadale
Tuesday, 9/12 singer/songwriter Barbara Jean’s CD Release Party with Michael T. Jones & Danny Ziemann
Tuesday, 9/19 Three Brothers & a Distant Cousin with trombonist Phil Sims, saxophonists Andy Weinzler, Russ D’Alba, & Kelly Bucheger, pianist George Caldwell, & bassist Paul Zapalowski
Tuesday, 9/26 trumpeter Mark Filsinger & trombonist Brendan Lanighan
Tuesday, 10/3 saxophonist Darcy Hepner
Tuesday, 10/10 vocalist Patty Flaherty with Hammond B3 Organist Craig Kastelnik
Tuesday, 10/24 saxophonist Don Menza

The Art Gallery, 2:00 - 4:00
Sunday, 7/30 vocalist Laurie Bordonaro & saxophonist Bobby Militello with Bobby Jones & Wayne Moose
Sunday, 8/6 vocalist Kevin Mahogany with baritone saxophonist Bruce Johnstone, Michael T. Jones, & Wayne Moose

Other gigs to date
Thursday, 8/17 with Barbara Jean at Ellery Park in Jamestown  6:30 - 8:30
Saturday, 8/19 with the Pete Ciraolo Big Band at the Erie County Fair  7:00 - 8:30
Sunday, 8/20 with Jim Tudini at St. Joseph’s Church Campus Ministry  7:30 - 10:30
Wednesday, 8/23 with Barbara Jean at the South Dayton Park  6:30 - 8:30

links

Persistence, Perseverance, and Progress
Is it progress if a cannibal uses a fork?
 - Stanislaw J Lec

Hope to see you…

Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
Family,
Friendships,
dan

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Danny Hull Newsletter: Musically This Week, 5/3/2016

Hello everyone.  Happy pseudo-Spring.  Time for an update…

Wednesday, 5/4 at Mezza     6:30 - 9:30
Jeffrey Arthur, vocals     Warren Stirtzinger, guitar     Randy Stirtzinger, vibraphone     Wayne Moose, bass     yours truly, drum set
I have to admit it.  Jeffrey surprised me.  We did a Mezza hit back in December, and I had the pleasure of accompanying a seasoned singer who knew standards, knew his keys, swung hard, sang in tune, and chose his material for variety of groove and sentiment.  It was a blast!  (Being skeptical of singers one has never worked with is a storied tradition among accompanists…)  Jeffrey even charmed the ladies with his ballroom dancing skills!  So if you are a fan of the great American Songbook, an intimate atmosphere, craft beers, and a general good time, please consider joining us.  Mezza is at 929 Elmwood Avenue between Bidwell & Delevan.

Thursday, 5/19 at Williamsville East High School     7:30
Pianist Bill Charlap with the Williamsville East Jazz Orchestra
And they mean Jazz Orchestra…  Literally a swinging big band within a string orchestra…  And if you weren’t sitting in a school auditorium seeing what you’re hearing, you could not be convinced that these are high school musicians.  Wayne Moose and Steve Shewan direct a music program at Williamsville East that rivals any Arts Academy anywhere.  And to their credit, the annual Legends of Jazz concert is about the kids.  The opening half of the program will feature Bill Charlap in a trio setting, accompanying student soloists and vocalists.  The second half features the guest artist with the Jazz Orchestra.

One of the world’s premiere jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed with many leading artists of our time, ranging from Phil Woods and Tony Bennett to Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. He is known for his interpretations of American popular songs and has recorded albums featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin. Lyricists Alan & Marilyn Bergman have said, "Bill Charlap's playing is unique, warm and intelligent. He not only plays the melody - he also plays the lyric. And, for lyric writers, that’s as good as it gets."

In 1997, Charlap formed the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington (no relation), now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. In 2000, he was signed to Blue Note Records and has since received two Grammy Award nominations, for Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein and The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard. In 2009, Charlap was the pianist and musical director for The Blue Note 7, an all-star jazz septet celebrating the legacy of Blue Note Records on its 70th anniversary. The septet performed a 50-city tour and released the CD, Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records. Tony Bennett and Bill Charlap are the recipients of a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop album, for their 2015 release, The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern.

Charlap is the artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at the 92Y, in New York City. The year 2016 will mark his 12th anniversary as artistic director.  He has produced several concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center and an evening of George Gershwin’s music at the Hollywood Bowl.  Charlap's long-awaited new recording debuts on Impulse Renaissance Records. THE BILL CHARLAP TRIO: NOTES FROM NEW YORK features the trio in peak performance, and was recorded immediately following a two-week run at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. 

Born in New York City, Charlap began playing the piano at age three. His father was Broadway composer Moose Charlap, whose credits include Peter Pan, and his mother is singer Sandy Stewart, who appeared on the Ed Sullivan and Perry Como shows and earned a Grammy nomination for her recording of “My Coloring Book.” In 2005, Charlap and Stewart released the acclaimed CD, Love Is Here To Stay (Blue Note). Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes. The two artists often collaborate in a duo piano setting. In 2010, Charlap and Rosnes released Double Portrait (Blue Note).

All tickets are reserved seating and cost $16.50.  The Legends of Jazz concerts traditionally sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended. Reserve your tickets at www.ticketpeak.com/wmb.  For more information, contact WEHS Music at 716-626-8425 or legendsofjazz@gmail.com.

Upcoming for your correspondent
Thursday, 5/19 with Bill Charlap and Wayne Moose at the Williamsville East Legends of Jazz concert 7:30
Sunday, 5/22 with Ron Corsaro  - Jazz Vespers at Christ United Methodist - 4:30
Friday, 6/3 with Ralph Fava - 100 American Craftsmen at the Kenan Center - 6:00
Saturday, 6/4 with Ron Corsaro - 100 American Craftsmen at the Kenan Center - 3:00
Saturday, 6/4 with Phil Sims & Joanna Batt at the Roycroft - 8:00
Monday, 6/13 with the Buffalo Brass Big Band at the Sportmen’s - 7:00
Thursday, 7/7 with Barbara Jean at Falconer Park - 6:30
Sunday, 7/10 with Cindy Miller at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 2:00
Thursday, 7/14 with Laurie Bordonaro at Russell Park in Akron - 12:00
Sunday, 7/17 with George Caldwell & Bobby LaVell at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 2:00
Thursday, 7/21 with Barbara Jean at Ellery Park in Jamestown - 6:30
Sunday 7/24 with Don Rice at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 2:00
Sunday, 7/31 with Mike Costley & Bobby Militello at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 2:00
Sunday, 8/7 with Three Generations of Hasselbacks at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - 2:00
Friday, 8/26 with Carol McLaughlin at the Lewiston Jazz Festival - 7:15
Saturday, 8/27 with Barbara Jean at the Lewiston Jazz Festival - 5:00
Saturday, 8/27 with Doug Stone at the Lewiston Jazz Festival - 7:15

The Primaries, and the march to November…
Half of the American people have never read a newspaper.  Half never voted for President.  One hopes it is the same half.
 - Gore Vidal

Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
Family,
Friendships,
dan