What-s Happening

To all of you that check this site out from time to time..thank you!! Things have been really busy lately..between doing 3 or 4 shows a week with No Bad Ju Ju and working on the upcoming cd from The Boogie Hustlers..Add to that occasional shows with Opec, Gene Stovall, or one of my own configurations. I had the pleasure to play with Gene at the Shadow Lounge on my birthday on Aug 24h..also included Chris Parker on drums and Howard Alexander on Piano. We kicked it Jive Family style and the audience loved it. The Shadow Lounge is a very cool venue on Baum Blvd in East Liberty that you should check out if you have'nt already. Next to that in the same building is the somewhat new Ava Bar also very cool. Howie Alexander plays there every monday night 8-11. August 25t was the one year anniversary of Maynard Ferguson's death and we remember him now and always. I anticipate celebrating MF's life and music again in May 2008 on his birthday with a tribute band in the works. September 2nd i played with The John Hoe Orchestra in West Viginia..that was great because Walter White and Dennis Noday were also subbing and it was great to see and hear those cats!! Another favorite project of mine is MAJI or The Murray Ave Jazz Initiative under the direction of Jacob Yoffee. This is a 8 piece band with trpt 2 sax's bone, pno, bs, gtr, and drums. Check them out on myspace if you get a chance..they are one of the more contemporary enesembles working in Pittsburgh utilizing talent like Sean Jones and Bobby Selvaggio(alto) from Cleveland. Apologies for the photo secion of this site being down..will be back in full swing soon. :Later RW