Had a great time at the Hyde Park Jazz Fest and ended up with some great vibes at Norman’s!
Norman's
Ended another Sunday night with great vibes at Norman’s!
Le Piano
I had the opportunity to hang out and make music with the Chicago Freedom Ensemble. What a great venue!!
Pandemic recital!
Recently, I was able to perform in a recital for my good friend, vocalist Kara Walton. We were unable to have a live audience for the show at UNT so she booked an extra performance at nearby venue Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton. It was a great show, well-attended by both Kara’s extended family and many of our peers. It was a blast to play with (from left to right) Aaron Stone (trumpet), Kara (voice), Steve Heffner (bass), Joel White (guitar) and Alex Souris (drums) for the first time after so many months of isolation.
Jammin'
My summer was packed! I spent all summer getting around Chicago to play at as many jam sessions as I could pack in. Hung out a lot at The Hungry Brain, Andy’s Jazz Club and Norman’s Bistro. I enjoyed playing with Jeremiah Collier at Some like it Black, a creative arts bar in the Kenwood/Oakland community. Thanks to Ernest Dawkins for introducing me to the Young Masters and asking me to sit in on a few occasions, part of the Chicago Night out in the Parks program. Had a big crowd and a sunny day back at the Deer Park Jazz Festival playing with my friend Francesca, on the keys as part of the Francesca Castro Quartet. One last thanks to Declan Stapleton at the Harp and Fiddle in Park Ridge, where my friend Megan Wilcox and played twice to a hometown crowd. I even got in some teaching and music directing for Carol Stephens at her Macaroni Soup Music Camp for children in first to fifth grades.
Jazz Brunch at the Harp and Fiddle with Megan Wilcox
Played a couple sets at a local Park Ridge restaurant with my good friend from high school, Megan Wilcox. We performed a mix of jazz, pop and musical theatre tunes!
Recording with the Francesca Castro Quartet
Got the opportunity to record with my good friend, guitarist/vocalist Francesca Castro and help her work on her debut EP. She, myself, Grant Le (bass) and Julian Merluzzi (drums) headed up to Dr. Caw in Northbrook to lay down some tracks. Check out some demos on the music page!
NYU Summer Jazz Improv Workshop: Paris (Part 2)
Over the course of the workshop, I was able to perform at a couple of Parisian jazz clubs with the other students. Here are a couple pictures and clips from our gigs. We performed a mix of original compositions and standards.
The sign in front of the Caveau des Oubliettes for our first performance.
Some of my new friends jamming: Olivia Jones (drums), Josh Cusack (bass), Alex Scher (guitar), and Will Britto (piano).
A clip of one of the tunes from our final performance, “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye,” featuring Max Wickham (tenor), Matilda Simcock (vocals), Josh Sam Nich (guitar), Max Beck (bass), and Julius Rogers (drums).
NYU Summer Jazz Improv Workshop: Paris
I have the opportunity this summer to attend the NYU Summer Jazz Improv Workshop: PARIS! I'm looking forward to meeting NYU Jazz faculty Dave Pietro and Dave Schroeder along with other jazz artists and educators in Paris for an exciting, immersive experience in jazz and French culture. Not only am I looking forward to making great music, but getting to practice my French!
It is a two-week intensive that includes daily faculty-directed small groups, jazz theory and improvisation classes and master classes with leading jazz artists from around Europe. Recording sessions and performances at Paris venues will be scheduled weekly. Additionally, we will also have time to see the sites, visit museums, attend jazz clubs and enjoy French cuisine.
Jazz Showcase
July 3rd found me playing with my friend from MYA, fabulous guitarist Francesca Castro! We played a couple of sets and had a great time! Grant Le was on bass, Andrew Egizio on drums and special guests on Sax and Trumpet. Check out some of the tunes on the Music page!
Rachel Trumbore and Sarah Campbell Wedding
Rachel Trumbore, sister of fellow Jazz Singer Lizzi Trumbore, was married on June 23rd in Oswego, IL. I had the pleasure of playing with Tyler Papierniak on bass, and of course Lizzi was on vocals! It was a wonderful ceremony. Congrats Rachel and Sarah!!
Denton Arts and Jazz Festival 2018
My first Denton Arts and Jazz Fest was a hit!! Great weather and awesome jazz! I had the pleasure of performing with the Three O'clock Band and with the UNT Jazz Singers.
