Welcome To 2010

Hello People,

I've finally returned to the blogosphere after a short absence due to the business of setting up my new band. The group consists of Steve Williams on Drums

(formerly with Shirley Horn & one of the hardest swingers in the business), Russel Blake on Acoustic & Electric Bass (The highly acclaimed Bass virtuoso and creator of The Melo-Chordal Bass Technique), Benito Gonzalez on Piano (rising Piano star & winner of the 2005 Great American Jazz Piano Competition), and Eric Wyatt on Tenor Sax (A leader in his own right, one of the new voices on Saxophone out of NYC to be reckoned with) and yours truly on Trombone. We recently had a successful appearance at the 2010 APAP Conference and I'm scheduling dates throughout the year. When you see us listed be sure to check us out.

Updates

Recently I’ve been experiencing warm, cordial interactions with people in many different parts of the country. Of course this hasn’t always been the case, but recently things are feeling different – a little more respectful & sincere. Is it my imagination, or do people seem to be acting more humane towards one another since Obama became president?
I was in Santa Barbara, Costa Mesa, Ca. and Austin, Texas last week with Sonny, and did an in store performance in Austin for my new CD, ”Decade”. It took place at Waterloo Records, Austin’s famous record store. I found out why Waterloo has been so popular for so long in Austin especially at a time when record stores are slowly disappearing. The store has a very welcoming vibe, like you're entering someone's house and the staff is very friendly & knowledgeable. It must start from the top down as the owner, John Kunz is a great cat and true music lover. If you’re in Austin (a great city) I encourage you to stop by. A quick shout out to my friends Janet M. & Janet V. at  Santa Barbara Travel Bureau (Montecito) – thanks for everything.
On another note, I’ve recently been informed that I’ve been nominated for a 2009 Jazz Journalists Association's Jazz Award for Trombonist Of The Year. I'd just like to thank those of you that follow me for your recognition and support. It is not taken lightly. In closing for now - Belated Best Wishes To All The Mothers of the World ........

Well friends, I’ve decided to try my hand at blogging after several of my associates seem
to feel there is interest out there about what
I might have to say. I’ll thank you in advance for checking in and leaving your comments.


I’m on the road right now, en route to performances
In California and Texas with Sonny Rollins. We played last week in Fayetteville, Arkansas & Miami, Florida. I was
pleasantly surprised by the people and the vibe in Fayetteville. I found a progressive,friendly attitude everywhere & an enthusiastic audience. They have a good jazz society out there as well, spearheaded by a gentleman named Robert Ginsburg. Check them out here: North Arkansas Jazz Society
Our show in Miami was more challenging due to the difficulty we had with the sound on stage. Some acoustic halls (like the one in Miami with a 3 second delay center stage) make it very difficult
to perform with any amplification. We did our best and the audience seemed to enjoy it. A quick shout out to my friend Robbie Bell whose blog radio talk show on gourmet cooking is “Join Us At The Table”.

Gigs with My Band