2019 is off to a great start. I had two great album recording sessions- First with the guitarist Joel Harrison and his large ensemble at Oktaven Studios in Mt. Vernon, NY. Great band and music featuring soloists Ingrid Jensen, Stacy Dillard, Alan Ferber and Jon Irabagon. The second session was for trumpeter/vocalist Augie Hass’ new record, done at Trading 8’s in Paramus, NJ.
I played my first gig with Emmy and Tony-winning vocalist Kristen Chenoweth in Minneapolis with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra. Conducting and on piano was the fabulous Mary-Mitchell Campbell.
The beginning of January marks the annual arrival of APAP to New York. Two regular groups I play with, Duchess and the Laila Biali Trio, had great performances and turnouts for their showcases. Laila, Matt and I then also played a sold-out show at Rockwood Music Hall and the band was on fire.
Last but not least, I am starting to realize one of my two new projects that will be coming out sometime later in the year. The first of these projects is fulfilling a particular dream of mine: a large ensemble record featuring an amazing cast of the world’s best musicians, performing my original compositions arranged/orchestrated by the world’s top arrangers, including but not limited to Jim McNeely, Mike Holober, Alan Ferber, Darcy James Argue and more. I am beyond thrilled to put this out in to the world and perform it. Stay tuned for more!