Phil Sims: Jazz Happenings - Saturday, November 30 The Katy MIner Quartet at Lebros

Hello, everyone,

Well, it's a short week, somewhat, so I thought I'd get crackin' early. Holiday time, so there is no McLaughlin Big Band this week at CMC, but we'll be back next week on 12/5. On the eve of the next CMC there is a Buffalo Brass night, as well (12/4), at Milkie's. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, and are already of a mind to start thinking about your next one, you know, the one after you've recovered from trying to boil a 25 pound turkey in oil (you'll need a lot of oil and crossed fingers for that one, but you knew that), stood your big screen on end so you could watch football lying down, and took part in that impromptu pie "tasting", err, gorging contest. The Cool Whip people thank you very much, by the way. This is their weekend!!! If you've made it up off the couch by Saturday, I've got a great musical event for you, and we'd love to see you. Details in a moment.

We had a very interesting past weekend starting with what began as a bit of a scare, but turned out A-OK. Vocalist extraordinaire, Katy Miner, was scheduled to be with us at the Roycroft, Friday night, but was not feeling well at all, and could not join us. She's all good, mended now, and ready for this week's musical endeavor. We missed Katy, but in her stead, Lisa Hasselback saved the day by joining us on piano. I went up front with the t-bone, and together with Tommy K, and Zap, we swung like mad, and had a great evening. Thanks to so many folks who came out and packed the historic old hall. We really enjoyed playing for you all, and hopefully, you all had a great time! It was great to see and chat with all of you. If you were there to see Katy, we're sorry for her absence, but she's up to bat, again, this week, if you're game for another try.

Saturday night I was privileged to be asked to be the guest artist with the funk jazz group, Winelight at DBGB in Allentown. Not only was the band intense, but we had some fine surprise guests in Miles Tucker and Jim Calieri, both stupendous tenor-men. So we ended up with five horns up there and dug in to play some soulful, funky jazz, the kind of stuff where people are just groovin' in their seats. Arrangements while you wait, you know the drill. Tons of fun. JB, Wit-man, and the rhythm section were feelin' it. DBGB is a cool spot, nice food, nice atmosphere, and they really care about the music. If you haven't gotten there, keep an eye on the Saturday events with Winelight and give yourself a treat, dinner and a show. Bobby Militello will be their guest on December 28. Making my plans, now.

Here's the plan for this week...

Saturday, November 30 The Katy MIner Quartet at Lebros (Campbell and Dodge, Getzville) 8:30PM

The Katy Miner Quartet

Katy Miner, vocals, moi, trombone and piano, Jacko Kulp, bass, and Tommy Kasperek, drums

Katy is an incredibly gifted singer. Word. She can sing pretty much any style (I haven't heard her yodel yet, though), and she sounds smooth as silk. A voice you don't want to miss. Award winning bassist, Jack the "Kulp-rit" plays more bass than you can imagine (Han Solo: "I don't know, I can imagine quite a bit"!), and Tommy K is just the swingin-est drummer, ever. Lebros has great food and beverages, awesome service, and Jack behind the bar will pour nicely for you with a smile.

Well, that's it! One shot this week. But it's all good, it's all good. We're doing our first Thanksgiving in the new house, taking a conservative "oven approach" to the big bird, and looking forward to a nice weekend. Still making plans. Cindy did get out of Wegman's alive yesterday, so what more could we ask for? Well, we'd love to see you, soon, that's what we ask for, in addition to wishing you a great Thanksgiving. C'mon, let's get these holidays rolling!

But wait, there's more:

12/4 Buffalo Brass at Milkie's

12/8 The Quartet with Carol McLaughlin and guest pianist, Lisa Hasselback (she's ba-aack!)

12/20 Michael McNeill Octet at Pausa

12/21 Quartet Christmas gig at Lebros

1/3 Heather Holden Quartet at Bacchus

1/4 Joanna Batt Quartet at Ramada Inn

And even more to come. See you soon.

THE BUFFALO NEWS music video. "It's the Most Buffalo Week of the Year"

Howard Goldman and Guy Boleri perform a familiar Christmas tune with new lyrics by Mary Kunz Goldman. Filmed at TheOldHouseDowntown.

http://www.buffalonews.com/spotlight/from-turkey-trot-to-worlds-largest-disco-thanksgiving-week-tells-a-tale-of-our-citys-psyche-20131123

 




It’s the most Buffalo week of the year Tops and Wegmans are vying In hopes we’ll be buying Their turkeys and beer – It’s the most Buffalo week of the year! It’s the most Buffalo season of all. Watch the Bills beat Atlanta And go harass Santa At Boulevard Mall – It’s the most Buffalo season of all! College chums are returning The home fires are burning They’ll even admire our snow. We’ll hug and we’ll kiss ’n Then go out and listen to bands that were big long ago. It’s the most Buffalo week of the year! We’ll go off our diets Fight Black Friday riots Then sit on our rear – It’s the most Buffalo week of the year! It’s the most Buffalo season of all! From Charlie the Tuna To polar bear Luna We’re all standing tall! It’s the most Buffalo season of all! Our city is shining To expats out dining, Insisting on kummelweck rolls. Who needs Austin or Frisco With the World’s Largest Disco And Bullfeathers, Brunner’s and Cole’s? It’s the most Buffalo week of the year! From the bars along Chip Up will go a big “Hip – Hip Hooray” – (it’s a cheer) For the most Buffalo week of the year!

Phil Sims: Jazz Happenings

Hello, everyone,

I hope everyone is well, and given that it's time to shop for turkeys, presents, and trimmings...

 ...wow...

...yes, we now own one (Pier One, if you need it), and yes, we do spend our money wisely, and, clearly, any way we see fit...

here's hoping there is time remaining to allow yourself be entertained, either by this missive from afar, or in person, here in town. On the home front, "All-them-leaves" are finally corralled, Home depot has been absolutely ransacked as we spruce up the new place, and my good friend, Pat Georger, from Hamburg Music, did an awesome job tuning our "new" piano that sounded like a hundred honky-tonks and a bevy of banjos duking it out before he made the scene. Dave Sypos (our expert Allentown piano tuner), we miss you (and all of our A-town friends), we hope you are well, and we hope to see you soon. Things appear to be coming together out here in West Seneca (which we are loving, by the way).

Before getting into the music, I'd like to send out a hello and heart-felt thanks to all the folks at KSLN. Last week, Cindy moved on from her associate post at the sizable downtown law firm that inhabits the refurbished Calumet Building, and after our wonderful five days off together, she has taken up her new post in the banking and investing sector (yesterday was her first day). While we're both excited for this great new opportunity, for me it will be weird not stopping down to Chip/Frank for "coffee Mondays" (which really could be any day) and seeing so many familiar, smiling faces, while always being greeted so warmly by good friends. Thanks to Pat K, Judy, Tim, all the equities and partners, associates, and of course, the entire staff for everything you have done for us. I hesitate to name too many names because this email will go on and on (big firm), or I'll miss someone. So, from the "coolest person ever" to the "chocolate bar gal", to the "the cookie lady" (food not required to be considered a good friend!), and everyone else, we will miss you, but we hope to see you very soon.

On to the weekly entertainment, now.

Tuesday, November 19th Cindy Sims and the Buffalo State Philharmonia Community Orchestra in concert at Rockwell Hall. 7:30PM

OK, she's not exactly the guest soloist (yet!)... (and the dogs are not yet orchestra-trained), but she's in the French horn section! 

Handel's Water Music Suite, Saint-Saens' Suite Algerienne, Godard Suite for Flute and Orchestra, Bizet's Carmen Suite No. 1, and Grieg's Sigurd Jorsalfar make for quite a heady program of totally-not-jazz music! Consider it an extreme palette cleanser for the jazz courses to come. Expertly and enthusiastically conducted by our dear friend, Paul Ferington.

Thursday, November 21st The Carol McLaughlin Big Band rehearses at the Historic Colored Musicians Club (Broadway and Michigan) 8:30PM

Historic Colored Musicians Club

Although it appears we are rehearsing in a small anti-room, and sax-man Jim Riggi looks like he's wearing a fur-lined flak jacket, I assure you there is ample room for guests, and the heat is definitely paid for, and on. Carol looks to turn up the heat on all of us with his oft-brisk tempi. Hence, I cannot guarantee there will be no flak! Ring the buzzer, climb the stairs, and blend in to a significant part of Buffalo jazz history.

Friday, November 22nd The Katy Miner Quartet at the Historic Roycroft Inn (S. Grove St., East Aurora) 7:30PM

The Katy Miner Quartet

Katy Miner, vocals, myself, piano and trombone, Paul Zapalowski, bass, Tom Kasperek, drums

Katy is an incredible singer, smoothly presenting a wide range of styles and sounds, from Blossom Dearie, to the Beatles, to Ella, to Burt Bacharach to the Police, and beyond. Paul and TK are two of the best, period. The Roycroft is a beautiful setting, with fine food and beverages and friendly service.

Saturday, November 23rd, Myself as guest artist with Winelight at Duke's Bohemian Bar and Grill (DBGB), (Allen and Wadsworth) 6:00PM

Phil Sims

I don't have a Winelight pic, so you're stuck with me! This is a new one for me (gig, not the picture), and I'm thrilled and honored to be asked to be the guest soloist! The band kicks off around 6 or 6:30, but then I get to join them at 8PM. DBGB has a great stage, ample seating for dinner, and a nice bar in the back.

Coming...

11/30 Katy Miner Quartet at Lebros

12/4 Buffalo Brass rehearses at Milkie's

12/8 Phil Sims Quartet with Carol McLaughlin at Milkie's

12/20 Michael McNeill Octet at Pausa Art House

1/3 Heather Holden Quartet at Bacchus

much more to come!

Wishing you all a great start to the holiday season. And if you're around, or coming home to visit, Cindy and I (and the bands) hope to see you very soon.