Tag: Jazz

Bonkers in Honkers Part 2

When I left you, we were about to start playing at Hong Kong’s Lyric Theater- technically the reason for us being there. For an out-of-touch bebop musician like me, a relatively big pop show like this is unfamiliar territory. I’m used to playing with two or three cohorts, minimal amplification, minimal audience, almost nothing in … Continue reading Bonkers in Honkers Part 2

A Curse Unleashed; Working for Doughnuts; and a Dahlia by Any Other Name

I’m back, safe and sound with the muggers and drug dealers in NYC. My people. The last leg of our little NW adventure took place in charming Portland. It’s rare on a tour like this to spend a few days in one town, but that’s how it worked out, and I was well pleased. I … Continue reading A Curse Unleashed; Working for Doughnuts; and a Dahlia by Any Other Name

Uppity youngsters, a sentimental Journey, and a belt rings a Belltown

Back on the tour bus, with a whole new entourage. Glad I didn't learn the names of the last one. So confusing- I don't know how Willie Nelson does it! And these groupies really seem to have no idea what the job entails. Very poor.  I'm headed down to Portland, Oregon from      the … Continue reading Uppity youngsters, a sentimental Journey, and a belt rings a Belltown

Swinging a Canadian Club; and a Bucket Full of Poutine 

On the tour bus like a rockstar! I don't recognize anyone in my entourage, and I'm surprised so many groupies dress in sweat pants and Ugg boots,  but whatever. It's been a pretty huge couple of days; I'm beat, and I'm glad they're all pretending to ignore me. Caught the 6AM flight from NY yesterday, … Continue reading Swinging a Canadian Club; and a Bucket Full of Poutine 

 Don’t Knock the Knob Jockey

The other day I spent several hours in a tiny windowless closet. Don't judge me- sometimes we all need a quiet place to contemplate life while lying in a shivering ball, wide-eyed and whimpering. But in this case, I was in an engineer's studio in Midtown Manhattan, remastering the Catch and Release tracks for the … Continue reading  Don’t Knock the Knob Jockey

Afternoon Has Broken, Also Brain: The Price of the Jazz Life

Firstly let me apologise if this post descends into indecipherable drivel. But that’s my writing style, and it’s got me where I am today. Aside from that, I just read a disturbing article informing me that my late-night lifestyle is making me sick and stupid; my ability to form coherent sentences is diminishing, and my … Continue reading Afternoon Has Broken, Also Brain: The Price of the Jazz Life

What Now?? (Or, Breathing New Life into a Dead Horse)

The Catch and Release Experiment, as it was originally envisioned, has limped over the finish line, exhausted and disoriented, and is now curled up and panting in the nearest bar. It’s finished, and not a moment too soon. And depending on your perspective, it was either a roaring success, or a dismal, soul-crushing failure. Personally, … Continue reading What Now?? (Or, Breathing New Life into a Dead Horse)

Change for a Dollar!

In all the excitement and relief of putting this part of the Catch and Release project to bed, I forgot to put the final installment up on the blog! So here it is- Change for a Dollar, featuring the great Jerry Weldon on tenor. Have a listen, and if you like it, buy it for … Continue reading Change for a Dollar!

A Big Finish: Tune #8 in Pictures

We made it! The last tune in the Catch and Release series is in the can! It'll be up online next week, and I'll put up a video outlining the tune tomorrow. But in the meantime, check out some pics from the session (as always, thanks to the brilliant and talented Una)! And we can … Continue reading A Big Finish: Tune #8 in Pictures

Hempton Band in Arty Noir Masterpiece!

It's been action central here at Catch and Release HQ, which should really mean lots of posts on this blog. Unfortunately most of the goings-on are unsuitable for broadcast. So instead we bring you BY FAR the coolest video we've ever been a part of. Our resident videographer, the all-around awesome Una, growing tired of … Continue reading Hempton Band in Arty Noir Masterpiece!