Great video of the Harry Connick Jr. band with Roger Ingram.

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Earlier today I ran across the following great video of the Harry Connick Jr band on YouTube. It looks like it’s from the “Swinging Out Live” concert video from the early ’90s, although it’s not a chart I remember – I think I only saw that concert on an edited version on British TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9tVe_lS4Ns

The song is “Something’s Gotta Give”. It’s a great arrangement and the band is cooking. In particular, Roger Ingram is at his spectacular best on Lead Trumpet. This may be one of the best video examples I’ve seen of him!

Mel Lewis Interviews now online.

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I’ve heard of the Mel Lewis radio interviews, conducted in the late 1980s, before but had never had a chance to listen to them. They are one of those resources that used to do the rounds among other drummers, often on increasingly poorly copied cassette tapes! Yesterday, I was made aware that they have been made available to listen to online. Check them out at the Percussive Arts Society‘s website.

Bus Chatter

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The bus is home today – much as it has been for the past few days, and will be for the next. For the next 7-8 hours, we will find various ways to entertain ourselves. Before movie time, much of that will involve sleeping or conversation.

It’s fascinating to hear the discussions going on around this mobile room at 8:30am. Music is one topic of conversation, of course, in one corner, but other subjects range from home improvement to classic literature to the basest of humour.

This kind of thoughtful diversity is one of the great things about being in the company of other musicians. It’s hard to know if an audience fully appreciates how communicative an experience it is to play in, and as, an ensemble. The discourse off the bandstand is an extension of that, and is something I always treasure.

Then, as the fervour of recent caffeination subsides, it quietens in here. Time to plug in the headphones, read or take a nap. Or perhaps all three. We have all day…

SIFT 2012

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Here’s a date for your diaries, albeit somewhat in advance! I just heard that the 2012 Scottish International Festival of Trumpets is set to take place from June 21-24, 2012, in Elgin, Scotland.

The inaugural SIFT was held last summer and was, happily, sufficiently successful that they are planning the repeat event! I’m honoured to be invited to be featured at the festival. Numerous other players will also be in attendance, presenting concerts and masterclasses during the 4 days of the event.

The SIFT website currently has details from last year’s event, but my information is that it will be updated with 2012 info before long.

Hope to see some of you there!

 

Update – 7th Oct, 2011: I just heard that SIFT 2012 has been cancelled. Hopefully to return in 2013…

 

 

February/March 2011

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After as quiet a start to the year as I can remember, it’s time to hit the road again! From February 17th to 24th, and on February 26th, I’ll be touring with The Artie Shaw Orchestra. We have 8 dates on this little sojourn and I’m looking forward to my first trip out with an actual “ghost band” of one of the great American bandleaders. Should be lots of fun!

The dates and cities are as follows. For more details, please check my schedule page.

  • Feb. 17 – Richmond, VA
  • Feb.18 – Newberry, SC
  • Feb.19 – Henderson, NC
  • Feb.21 – Lancaster, PA
  • Feb.22 – Zelionople, PA
  • Feb.23 – Princeton, NJ
  • Feb.24 – Nashua, NH
  • Feb.26 – Mahwah, NJ

Looking forward to March, I’m actually playing my first gig in New York City, since the move here. On March 18th, I’ll be tackling the Lead trumpet chair with Mr Ho’s Orchestrotica, on their CD release concert at Le Poisson Rouge, in the West Village. This peculiarly named group plays the music of the great Juan Esquivel – considered by many to be Mexico’s answer to Duke Ellington! The style has been described both as ‘exotica’ and ‘space-age’; all I know is that it’s a lot of fun, particularly since the Lead book is somewhat high!! Hope to see some NY folks there – either for moral support, or to point and laugh!

More news about my prospective trip to Europe in June, upon my return from this round of travels.

BD