• New Trio Ready For Action
I’m currently booking dates for my jazz/standards trio, so if you need a small combo to play your function, please get in touch! The group consists of myself on guitar and vocals, Mike Maleson on trumpet, and Mike Conrad on bass and vocals.
• The Latin Side Of Deno
Flamenco Guitarist Edgar Chavez and I have been working on a set of Latin and Flamenco songs. I’ve re-strung my Gerondino Fernandez and have been searching for material – off the beaten path!!
• Mike Maleson Directs Local Jazz Band
Sunday morning means time for rehearsals with the Maimonides High School Jazz band – directed by Mike Maleson. It’s a great bunch of talented youth!! It’s not easy to wake up, but worth it to see Mike in action. He’s a great educator and the kids admire him.
• Antoinette Perry Joins Jazz Report
Jazz Report was recently joined by jazz vocalist Antoinette Perry and may well be covering the material from her CD "Mood Swings." Songs from the album include "All of Me," "On A Clear Day," "Summertime," "Willow Weep For Me," "Angel Eyes," "Take The A Train," "Satin Doll," and "Mood Indigo."
• Appreciating Thaddeus Hogarth
Berklee College of Music Professor Thaddeus Hogarth is the individual directly responsible for me being able to attend Berklee. Through his guidance I was able pass my entrance audition and gain acceptance – not an easy task these days. Thaddeus writes a gear blog for Berkleemusic.com concerning amplification and tone. Having recently sought his advice concerning amplifiers, I now seek his advice on pedalboards.
• Boots Maleson Pays A Visit
Boots Maleson is a first-call Manhattan session musician and touring bass player. He is also Mike’s brother and recently I was fortunate enough to have jammed with him and Mike at my place. Boots knows the entire Great American songbook and has spent a lifetime in jazz.
• Recommended Reading From Deno
"Little Girl Blue" is a new biography about the life and times of Karen Carpenter. Not much to do with blues or jazz, but she did have an angelic voice and was a top-tier entertainer. It was an interesting read.
• Come See The Danny Roberts Band!
The Danny Roberts Band is doing its first gig this month. We’ve got two sets worth of r&b, soul, and blues. On drums and vocals is Rich Marshall, who has had a long association with the Boston music scene and the Cantab Lounge in Cambridge. Also, Rich has played drums with the famous disco band Tavares. Danny Roberts is on lead vocals, with Dennis Mayer on keys and vocals and Zak Valkrie on bass and vocals. Contact me for more details!
• A Quick Note About "Jams At Berklee"
"Jams At Berklee" is an official school club, run by students and designed to provide students with live playing environments. It’s a good place to meet other players and make friends. As a Berklee alumni, I remain “on call” to assist this organization when needed.
• Thumbs Up From Deno
"Round Midnight" is a classic jazz movie loosely based on the life of Bud Powell, and the main character is played by Dexter Gordon. Highly recommended!!
• Room To Move And Moving To Get More Room!!
I will soon be setting up new a music studio in the South End. More details as things happen!
• And The Amp Contest Winner Is...
The Matchless Lightning 15 Reverb is the combo amp I decided to upgrade to – after much comparison.
