Hello friends. Thanks for being there last week. Yikes! The place was packed! Here's the thing about the new owners: A) They hung with us. They could have come in, cleaned house (which they did), and moved on with their agenda. Instead, they patiently adopted a wait and see posture, and accepted the value of our contribution to their business model. We not only survived, we now have an opportunity for growth. B) They are committed to improving the physical plant, both for the comfort of our audience, and for the pure listening experience. From the beginning at this location I've received complaints that unless you sit at a table close to the bandstand, you can't hear the band. So with some input from Phil DiRe, whose intellect and artistry command respect, Vinnie Lesh agreed to tie my sound system into the house. Now you can sit wherever you'd like and hear the music, not for volume, but for presence. And that's what I'm talking about with these guys. If you make a suggestion, your opinion is taken seriously. Our next goal is to simply take over where the Tralf left off. More on who we're bringing in as we get closer...
And this week...
Tuesday, 1/3/2012 at the Iris Restaurant 7:30 - 10:30
Colin Gordon, alto saxophone Chris Ziemba, piano Danny Ziemann, bass your host, drum set
Again, the Eastman School... This week's featured artist comes to us courtesy of this week's rhythm section. Eastman graduate Chris Ziemba & Eastman student Danny Ziemann actually did my job for me this week. They unselfishly got together at a local brew pub in order to brainstorm. Imagine the sacrifice. After much contemplation, (and likely a serious tab), Chris & Danny narrowed their artistic choices down to Eastman graduate student Colin Gordon. So we again enjoy the distinct privilege of presenting yet another talent new to our Savvy & Informed audience. I haven't met Colin, so the onus is on me to hang with these guys. But sometimes the other kids will let you play if you bring the ball. So please join us. Hear a young saxophonist new to your ears. Hear as well the direction the music is taking, for it is the responsibility of youth to challenge the status quo, and to direct the music in ways fresh and creative. With every 20-something that has come to our stage from the Eastman School, the commitment to time, feel, lyric, and harmonic cohesion are there. We hear the history of the music insofar as the standards and jazz canon are concerned. But we hear too how the music sounds to them today, and what it may sound like tomorrow. Join us, and hear the future. Still, the Iris Restaurant, in the Maple-Ridge Plaza. Maple & Sweet Home Roads. Good music, good food, good people, chilled spirits, and a great hang.
upcoming at the Iris Restaurant...
Tuesday, 1/17 Miles & Wayne Tucker
Tuesday, 1/24 Laurie Bordonaro
Tuesday, 1/31 The Kipler Brothers
Tuesday, 2/7 Phil DiRe
Tuesday, 2/21 Jay Bianchi
Tuesday, 2/28 Vince Ercolomento
Tuesday, 4/10 Rick Strauss
links...
File your flight plan...
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.
- Michael Altshuler
In 2012 and beyond...
Health,
Hope,
Dialogue,
Respect,
Tolerance,
and Friendships.
Happy New Year.
dan
