Newsletter - January 8

Happy New Year!

So I counted: 77 official performances in 2017! Thank you everybody who attended even just one.

2018 started by ringing in the new year with Johnny Showcase & the Mystic Ticket. The Showcase invited me to sit in for their set. 2018 continued by celebrating with Uptown String Band. The Mummers Parade marked my second year writing Uptown's New Years Day routine. Despite frigid weather, the show went on. Uptown placed 6th (out of 16)! I'm proud to be a small part of their success. If you examine astutely, you can find my cameo appearance in the video of their performance.

January is comparatively quiet regarding public shows. Saturday, January 13 You Do You splits the bill with Somethin' Divine's E.P. Release show at the Grape Room. I lead the Philly Phatness horn section with You Do You; a 7-piece new wave funk rock party band from Philly known for their infectious beats and electrifying 70’s-era showmanship. Otherwise, I'm playing with the John Byrne Band at Brittingham's Pub Friday, January 26. 

Just because January public performances are scant doesn't mean I'm idle. I finally carved time to mix my next solo album, The Nook, a straight ahead jazz album featuring John Swana. I'm also developing a jazz duo Christmas album with long time friend and bassist Ben Basile; something along the lines of our album A Duo Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Plus I'm engineering recording sessions for a few Philadelphia artists. 

I'm learning new material (20+ songs) for the John Byrne Band, York Street HustleAdam Z, and my own sextet. Keeping it fresh for the audience. I'm also steeped in transcriptions and arrangements for other clients. So, much is going on behind the scenes. 

Stay warm and tuned in. 

VT

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