Buffalo Live Jazz

Monday, September 2, 2013

Danny Hull Newsletter: Milkie's no more

Hello friends. Rather than wax enthused about our Fall line-up, I am constrained to offer this disquieting update. The Tuesday night guest artist series at Milkie's has ended. My thanks to those of you who have endeavored to keep our little scene alive, musicians and audience alike, but it's time to go in a new direction. It has been a distinct honor to present this music to those who care about it, and to accompany the legions of world-class musicians who have done our gig. I am grateful. I'll let you know should I find another venue. Until then, please continue to support the musicians who give so much of their soul at every turn of phrase. With any luck, I'll be in touch...

What are the odds I'll find another venue?

Almost all Nevadans regard the (Yucca Mountain) repository as a threat to Las Vegas, a gamblers' destination that lives off tourists who are demonstrably irrational about probabilities.

- George Will

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Monday, August 26, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 49

Hello friends. A simple thank you isn't enough, but it is indeed sincere. So thank you to Ronnie Corsaro. Thank you Carol Calato. Thank you to Sandra Hays and Lori Presti. Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers who so unselfishly gave of their energy and their time. The success of the incomparable Lewiston Jazz Festival is testament to the effort and the commitment of these generous souls. What a privilege to be a part of it and to be associated with such heartfelt and caring individuals... The greater jazz community is in your debt.

Tuesday, 8/27 at Milkie's Elmwood

trioPAYAZZO plus 2

7:00 - 10:00

trioPAYAZZO plus 2

Harry Fackelman, saxophone Andy Peruzzini, trumpet Bernard Kunz, guitar Marc Cousins, bass your host, drum set

I have to admit I don't get it. You've likely heard of trioPAYAZZO. They get gigs. They have a following. And all this success without the services of a cooperating drummer... What kind of world do we live in? I look at it as a corruption of that old Nancy Reagan thing - just say no to drums. So in the interest of all that is fair, I've forced myself on them. Stop in if you can. Hear the damage that one slightly miffed musician can do with an array of percussive choices. Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Tuesday, 9/10 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

A Jones Summit

Michael T. Jones, piano Bobby Jones, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

Upcoming at Milkie's Elmwood

Tuesday, 9/3 (Labor Day Break)

Tuesday, 10/15 Patty Flaherty & Craig Kastelnik

links...

www.milkiesonelmwood.com/

www.BuffaloLiveJazz.com

To stick my hands in the toaster...

He has to be a great drummer to be better than no drummer.

- Chet Baker

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 48

Hello friends. A fantastic week that ends with the Lewiston Jazz Festival...

Tuesday, 8/20 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Bobby Jones, piano George Kane, guitar Danny Ziemann, bass your host, drum set

Again, a new and different quartet, this time comprised of three veterans and a 20-something - but a 20-something with enough experience to qualify as a veteran... Always searching for ways to blend the extraordinary talent in this town and to present creative music of American roots... Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Wednesday, 8/21 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:15 - 9:15

Buffalo Brass open rehearsal

Back in the big chair after subbing out to play Ronnie Corsaro's gazebo gig this summer... More accurately - the other big chair... Dennis Tribuzzi plays a rather significant role at lead trumpet. Acknowledged: drum set is critical in a big band. But if Dennis is your lead player, and you're not listening to him, you have much to learn. This is a rehearsal, not a performance - open to the public and free of charge. We're preparing for an upcoming Sunday performance at Milkie's, and you are invited to sit ringside and learn how Phil takes 17 disparate musicians and creates a cohesive whole that swings, that hits together, and makes music as one.

Saturday, 8/24 at the Lewiston Jazz Festival

Main Stage 12:00 - 1:30

Mike Kaupa Quintet

Mike Kaupa, trumpet Bruce Johnstone, baritone saxophone Chris Ziemba, piano Buddy Fadale, bass yours truly, drum set

Don't sit home Tuesday night in favor of this weekend's Lewiston Jazz Festival. Do both. At Milkie's Elmwood we offer an intimate setting where the listener can get up-close-and-personal with the music and the performers. But as a veteran of every Lewiston Jazz Fest since its inception, I can't offer enough praise and encouragement. Shall we start with the fact that it's free? Free? Really? Have you checked out the schedule? Another Niagara Frontier embarrassment of riches... Ronnie Corsaro, Carol Calato, Hannah Hays, and the generous sponsors who labor for this event for an entire year should all be enshrined. If the summer has to end, this is the way to end it.

Frontier House 5:30 - 7:30

Bob Sneider, guitar Bobby Jones, piano Danny Vitale, bass your correspondent, drum set

And speaking of new-to-us quartets, Bobby Jones has never had the pleasure of playing music with Rochester's Danny Vitale. Wait till he feels that pulse...

next Tuesday, 8/27 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

trioPAYAZZO plus 2

Harry Fackelman, saxophone Andy Peruzzini, trumpet Bernard Kunz, guitar Marc Cousins, bass your host, drum set

Upcoming at Milkie's Elmwood

Tuesday, 10/15 Patty Flaherty & Craig Kastelnik

links...

www.milkiesonelmwood.com/

www.BuffaloLiveJazz.com

http://www.lewistonjazz.com/

So come out and share it with us...

What we play is life.

- Louis Armstrong

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 47

Hello friends. For your consideration...

Tuesday, 8/13 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Tim Clarke, trumpet Kenny Kuriscak, saxophones George Caldwell, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

I think we have yet another new quintet offering, never before presented to a discerning audience. Amazing how that can happen, especially considering that the local jazz community of musicians, who for the most part all know each other, can still find different ways to connect and share in their musical explorations. So explore we shall. We talked about arranging a rehearsal, but that's as far as it got - talk. Newly configured, we'll bring our musical and physical roots to bear, and test the limits of a collective creativity. Tim Clarke arrived in Buffalo from Eugene, Oregon by way of a demanding position at Fisher Price. George Caldwell was coaxed here from New York City and Clarksdale, Mississippi by way of love and marriage. Kenny, Cameron, and I are all Niagara Frontier born and raised. No matter one's roots, the music transcends geography. We'll convene this Tuesday, and we'll play. We hope you'll join us. Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Wednesday, 8/14 at the Hennepin Gazebo, Lewiston

Ronnie Corsaro - piano & arrangements

7:00 - 9:00

The Upstate Express

Ronnie Corsaro - piano & arrangements Tim Clarke - trumpet Ricky Fleming - trombone Russ D'Alba & Kenny Kuriscak - saxophones Wayne Moose - bass yours truly - drum set

This will be the season finale for the Upstate Express. Thanks to Ronnie Corsaro for securing the funding and for inviting me to be a part of it. It has been a privilege a to play his charts with this group of guys. Hopefully the tradition will continue next summer and for many summers to follow.

next Tuesday, 8/20 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Bobby Jones, piano George Kane, guitar Danny Ziemann, bass your host, drum set

Upcoming at Milkie's Elmwood

Tuesday, 8/27 trioPAYAZZO plus 2

Tuesday, 10/15 Patty Flaherty & Craig Kastelnik

links...

www.milkiesonelmwood.com/

www.BuffaloLiveJazz.com

http://phattlippz.blogspot.com/

www.georgecaldwelljazz.com/

as is Tuesday's quintet...

History is an intricate web of timing, people, circumstances, and serendipity.

- Don Rittner

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Monday, August 5, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 46

Hello friends. Still a busy summer...

Mike Kaupa, trumpet

Tuesday, 8/6 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Mike Kaupa, trumpet Bobby Jones, piano Buddy Fadale, bass your host, drum set

Trumpet is a difficult instrument to master, as is the art of improvisation. So it stands to reason that if you're an accomplished trumpet player, and you can solo over changes, you are a unique and sought after musician. But Mike Kaupa takes "unique" to another place entirely. His haunting sound remains the same, but when he feeds his ideas through an array of pedals and amplified technology, he takes his listener on an aural adventure usually reserved for guitarists and purveyors of the EWI - the Electric Wind Instrument. In Mike's case however, especially because of his reverence for his roots, the journey is heartfelt and musical. Don't miss this night if your plans allow. Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Wednesday, 8/7 at the Hennepin Gazebo, Lewiston 7

The Upstate Express

:00 - 9:00

The Upstate Express

Ronnie Corsaro - piano & arrangements Tim Clarke - trumpet Ricky Fleming - trombone Russ D'Alba & Kenny Kuriscak - saxophones Wayne Moose - bass yours truly - drum set

Now in week five of our summer schedule, Ronnie continues to challenge both himself and his septet. Rather than play the same music for six weeks, he is digging deeper into his book, and the gems just keep coming. It is indeed a privilege to play Ronnie's charts with this band.

Thursday, 8/8 at Lakewood Beach Gazebo

Barbara Jean, vocals

7:

Barbara Jean, vocals Bruce Johnstone, baritone saxophone Dalt Berringer, piano Lloyd Howard, bass your correspondent, drum set

Barbara Jean's southern tier band and the legendary Bruce Johnstone, just down the road from the Chautauqua Institution...

Sunday, 8/11 at The Legends Bar & Grill 2:00 - 5:00

101 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls

The Ralph Fava Trio

Ralph Fava, guitar Joe Baudo, organ yours truly, drum set

The Niagara Fine Arts Program continues its Jazzy Sundays Series, this week with Ralph Fava fronting an organ trio. There is a small stage on the patio outside the Legends Bar & Grill at the intersection of Old Falls & 1st.

next Tuesday, 8/13 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Tim Clarke, trumpet Kenny Kuriscak, saxophones George Caldwell, piano Cameron Kayne, bass

Upcoming at Milkie's Elmwood

Tuesday, 8/20 George Kane & Bobby Jones

Tuesday, 8/27 trioPAYAZZO plus 2

Tuesday, 10/15 Patty Flaherty & Craig Kastelnik

links...

www.milkiesonelmwood.com/

www.BuffaloLiveJazz.com

www.mikekaupa.com/

www.budfadale.com/

www.barbarajeanjazz.com/

So enjoy today...

The Cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be.

- Carl Sagan

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 45

Hello friends. What a great summer...

Tuesday, 7/30 at Milkie's Elmwood

7:00 - 10:00

Mike Costley, vocals Bobby Jones, piano Bill Staebell, bass your host, drum set

Reunion Tuesdays continues. This Tuesday we'll reprise Mike Costley's Art Gallery performance, but in a far more intimate setting. I'd advise an early arrival if you want to get a table or a seat at the bar. This will be another of those memorable nights. Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881 I'd advise an early arrival if you want to get a table or a seat at the bar. This will be another of those memorable nights. Milkie's on Elmwood, at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Wednesday, 7/31 at the Fredonia Gazebo 6:30 - 8:30

The Dave Golando Big Band

Looking forward to the challenge of playing Dave's book for the first time... I'm told that the Fredonia Gazebo is on route 20 in the center of town.

next Sunday, 8/4 at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery 2:00 - 4:00

The Western New York Jazz Orchestra

Dave Kayne - piano, arranger, composer

Jim Bohm, Mark Filsinger, Joe Martino, Paul Wos - trumpets

Dave DeWitt, John Hasselback, Alan Jaenecke, Lon Gormley, Brian Poulan - trombones

Brian Tervo, Craig Incontro, Ken Kuriscak, Ken Witman, Bruce Johnstone - saxes

Mike Moser - guitar

Cameron Kayne - bass

your host - drum set

The Western New York Jazz Orchestra has the distinction of closing out year 32 of the longest running free concert series in the country. It is simply an honor to play these concerts and to be associated with all of the good people who make it happen: Stan Lipsey, Don Metz, the long list of esteemed musicians, the sound crew, and a grateful audience. And somehow, year after year, the weather has been with us. The Karma is good for a reason...

next Tuesday, 8/6 at Milkie's Elmwood 7:00 - 10:00

Mike Kaupa, trumpet Bobby Jones, piano Buddy Fadale, bass your host, drum set

Upcoming at Milkie's Elmwood

Tuesday, 8/13 Kenny Kuriscak & Tim Clarke

Tuesday, 8/27 trioPAYAZZO plus 2

Tuesday, 10/15 Patty Flaherty & Craig Kastelnik

links...

www.milkiesonelmwood.com/

www.BuffaloLiveJazz.com

http://www.mikecostley.com/

beauty, karma, and truth...

The fact is, there really is no such thing as 'normal'. Everybody's different, and that is the essence of their beauty.
- Kevin Aucoin

Health,

Hope,

Dialogue,

Respect,

Tolerance,

Friendships,

dan

Monday, July 22, 2013

Danny Hull: Musically This Week Vol XV, No 44

Sunday, 7/21 at Old Falls Street USA 2:00 - 5:00

Bobby Jones, piano Peter Chwazik, bass dh, drum set

The Niagara Fine Arts Program (fantastic that there is such an organization) calls this concert series Jazzy Sundays, to distinguish it from their Friday concerts featuring music of other genres. The stage is located in the middle block on Old Falls Street directly across from the new NCCC Culinary Arts Center. This performance will be a first for me, in that I have the distinct honor of accompanying Bobby Jones and Peter Chwazik together! Yikes! World class on keys and world class on bass!

Tuesday, 7/23 at Milkie's Elmwood

Gary Keller, saxophone

Jay Bianchi, piano

7:00 - 10:00

Gary Keller, saxophone Jay Bianchi, piano Cameron Kayne, bass your host, drum set

Maybe we should call our Milkie's gig "Reunion Tuesdays". If you were there last week, you know of what I speak. Larry Covelli, Craig Kastelnik, & Patty Flaherty all on the same band. Don Menza, Louie Marino, Mike Costley, and Russ D'Alba all sitting-in. Sam Noto, Phil DiRe, Chuck Buffamonte, and Ray Chamberlain all in the house. It was one of the most inspiring evenings of music and friendships in the 15 years of our Tuesday jazz experiment. And I dare predict that this week will be no different. For starters, our reunion theme continues. Saxophonist Gary Keller returns home for a brief visit while on a summer break from his teaching responsibilities at the University of Miami, while pianist Jay Bianchi gets a break from his teaching duties at the New School. And the new bassist for the Airmen of Note completes the reunion theme. This is not only going to be a reunion. This is going to be a celebration. Cameron Kayne is one of the most accomplished and impressive young men whose growth I have ever had the pleasure to witness. From sitting-in at Bobby McGee's while still in high school to his selection as the new bassist for the most renown service band in the country? I feel honored to have a personal perspective. Congratulations to Cameron, and to Dave and Shelly Kayne. Hard work, consistency, decency, attitude, and unselfish parenting have produced a young man who will now represent his Buffalo roots in performances at The White House and around the world. And how does Cameron complete the reunion theme this week? Cameron's grandfather was another Buffalo legend - pianist and teacher Danny Kayne. And who were Danny's bassist and drummer upon reaching a certain age and skill level? Jay Bianchi & Danny's son, Dave. Mike Costley last week proudly informed the crowd at Milkie's that they were hearing Buffalo Royalty. This week, the theme continues. Please join us. Milkie's on Elmwood is at the intersection of West Utica & Elmwood Avenue. 882-5881

Wednesday, 7/24 at Hennepin Gazebo, Lewiston 7:00 - 9:00

Thursday, 7/25 at Russell Park in Akron 12:00 - 1:00

The Upstate Express

Ronnie Corsaro - piano & arrangements Tim Clarke - trumpet Ricky Fleming - trombone Russ D'Alba & Kenny Kuriscak - saxophones Wayne Moose - bass yours truly - drum set

Ronnie's summer tradition continues both in its Lewiston home and on the road. Both are fantastic venues for summer music. If your schedule allows for a drive to Akron and a matinee performance, you also have the irresistible option of sampling the cuisine at Guy's Subs, located on the very boundary of Russell Park. Heaven.

Thursday, 7/25 at Ellery Park Pavilion, Jamestown 6:30 - 8:30