Well, it's been a while.

Sorry to have been gone so long, but it's been pretty busy at home and at work. I haven't been out to see any music, except one lovely evening at Fairport High School on January 4th. There was a small group ensemble night with the students' jazz combo opening. This combo includes Kimmy Lourette killing on upright bass, Greg Hammond on trombone, Ben Tiberio on guitar, Colin Lyness on keyboards and John Meeske on drums and there were two more kids, I think (and sorry that I don't know), on trumpet and sax. All excellent musicians, but they could use some rehearsals. They need to be able to communicate with each other while they are playing so that they can end a tune, among other things. With a few rehearsals, this has the potential to be a really great little combo.

Then, Summer Salsa led by Paul Gaspar took the stage, and we enjoyed some good Latin jazz. It was a mixed-age-group ensemble with high school-age, college-age, and adult musicians. And one nine-year-old Latin percussion player. He was a very good musician and totally adorable as well.

Then the Fairport Jazz Quintet, playing together for the first time, took us to a delightful jazzy place. This group was comprised of Mark Viavattine on the drum set, Jon Viavattine, Jr. on bass (a certified California rock star who was loving playing jazz), Paul Gaspar on trumpet, Joe Chiappone on guitar and Bill Tiberio on sax. A great group playing so tightly together--without a rehearsal--I hope to see them playing together again soon.

Well, Wednesday I am off to California with Joe for the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show at the Anaheim Convention Center and then three days in San Diego. I'm sure I'll have lots to post musically, because there are shows every night and amazing musicians demo-ing product all day. That's where, last year, I saw Frank Vignola (who I wish would come back to Rochester--he's been here before), Willy Porter and Monte Montgomery to name a few. I'll try to take good notes. If there's a "cyber-center" in the hotel or I can find a cybercafe, I'll post from there. If not, I'll try to take good notes and post when I get back. Talk to you soon.

yours in music,
Tracy