Well, I’m finally back from an amazingly productive time as a resident at the 18th Street Arts Center. I had a blast, skipped the brutal NYC winter, got to know LA a little, and wrote as much as I could. Keep an eye out for lots of new music coming your way. In the meantime, I’m thrilled to be back and gearing up for the release of MOBRO. This has been a long time coming. We debuted this piece in April of 2011 at The Jazz Gallery and recorded that December. I’ve been anxious to share it with everyone ever since. We’re releasing it on my new label, Parade Light Records, on May 13th. Pre-order coming soon!

Greg put together an incredible band for this weekend – April 11th and 12th. Come thru! Gerald Clayton – piano, Joe Sanders – bass, and Ron Blake – saxophones (Friday only)

Double-Wide will be playing at The Blue Whale this Friday, March 7th. It’s my first time bringing this group to Los Angeles, and I’m really excited about it. Since I’m in the middle of my residency at 18th Street Arts Center there will be lots of new music for the band, as well. Spread the word!

*sets are at 9pm and 10:30pm
**this incarnation of Double-Wide features Matt Perrine – sousaphone (the one and only), Joe Dyson – drums (New Orleans drum sensation), Joe Bagg – organ (LA’s own!), and Eric Miller (young trombone phenom from the Monk Institute band)

For those of you in the Los Angeles area, I’m doing a master class at UCLA on February 19th. More info here

I’m happy to share with you that Edward Simon’s Venezuelan Suite is now available. I feel very lucky to have been a part of this one. Edward Simon is one of the most sensitive accompanists around, his writing is deeply emotional, and he leads a band with grace and poise. Watch a short video about the project here.

Buy your copy here.

featuring:
Edward Simon -piano
Adam Cruz – drums
Mark Turner -tenor sax
Roberto Koch – bass
Marco Granados -flute
John Ellis -bass clarinet
Jorge Glem – cuatro
Leonardo Granados -maracas
Luis Quintero -percussion
Edmar Castaneda -harp

February 7th: Tonight is the first of several concerts featuring brand new music composed during my residency at the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica. I’ve enlisted the help of two friends from the east coast to help bring the music to life, guitarist Mike Moreno and drummer Joe Dyson. Also joining us will be bassist Dave Robaire and vibraphonist Diego Urbano who are currently participants in the Thelonious Monk Institute‘s two-year program at UCLA. Blue Whale, 9pm and 10:30pm

I caught up with Lee Mergner this past August at the Newport Jazz Festival. We had a nice chat. Check it out here