|
The Artists
The Four Tops and The Temptations
After touring with these groups extensively from 1997 - 2002, I am now
occasionally being asked to lead the 9-piece horn section for The Four Tops. I am hoping that the Tops continue to tour
despite the recent passing of Renaldo Benson, better known as Obie.
Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra
This is an 18-piece big band that is very exciting to play with and also
to watch. It features some of Philly's best horn players playing the original compositions and arrangements by Lars
Halle. LHJO is the most fun I have ever had playing in the traditional big band setting because of the players involved.
The writing is amazing. This band is a must-see for anyone who enjoys live music! Good stuff. http://www.lhjo.com
Orquesta La Paz
Famous salsa band based in Philly in the 70's. They have just gotten
back together and are ready to spice up the city again. I honestly can not put into words how cool this band is.
If you like to dance to totally authentic salsa, this is THE BAND to see! La Paz features a horn section comprised of
four trombones and the arrangements are some of the best I've ever played.
Mobile Pleasure Lounge
The Mobile Pleasure Lounge is a tradition that originated in Miami where a bunch
of us would get together with film students and score their latest works on the spot at a club. Tom Spiker has brought
this tradition to Philly using many different local musicians to score films that Tom has put together himself. On a
typical Mobile Pleasure Lounge gig, you may find yourself watching Angela Landsbury, Chips, The Incredible Hulk, The Swamp
Thing, and Chong. And trust me, this is Angela Landsbury like you've never seen her before!
FM
If you should ever have the urge to hear some "Brickhouse", this is the band
to see. I've been with them for a little over a year and we are like a little family. Earth, Wind, and Fire, Chicago,
Stevie Wonder... they got all that shit over here! Passionate cover band. Lots of fun. Great if you need
to dance. Check out their website at http://www.fmbandmusic.com
Lucky Thompson and DNA
Classic, original Blue Note Jazz group with three horns. We are the house
band at Gloria's Gourmet Seafood Restaurant in Philly on Thursday nights. I am there whenever I can make it. Terrible
comedian, awesome jazz. This band is heart and soul.
Jerry Vivino Quintet
Jerry plays tenor sax on Conan O'Brian's show in the Max
Weinberg Seven. We've played together for Frankie Valli a few times and we have a jazz gig together in February. He
is a very inspiring player.
Tania Alexandra
Tania is a folk/rock singer/songwriter that I play with
around Philly and New Jersey. Her music is everything from introspective to jazzy to full out rock. Tania has
a gorgeous voice and plays keyboards in this group. Eric Hastings is about the most musical drummer you can
see anywhere, and Monica McIntyre is a beautiful cellist/vocalist. This band also features the infamous Tom Spiker on
the bass on many gigs. Brilliant songwriting and great vibes make seeing this band live a truly personal experience.
http://www.taniaalexandra.com/
The Sextet
This small jazz group features Seth Meicht, Nick Corvino, Lars Halle,
Brian Howell, Matt Mitchell, and myself. We play an assortment of our own, individual compositions along with some other
arrangements of standards. The sextet is very free and expressivo... up in here!
Big Swingface
This is a 7-piece jazz group that features three horns (Ben Vinci - leader, Nick Corvino,
and myself) and a vocalist (Meg Clifton) who is just about the finest jazz vocalist you can hope to hear. Seriously,
she is brilliant! Band swings. Lots of good ol' 2 and 4.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Actually, when I was growing
up I really didn't dig his voice much but I like it now. His tone is rich and his melodies are expressive.
He's like a fine wine that has aged... or maybe a fine cheese would be a better analogy. Either way, it's a nice experience
to hear him do his thing. One really cool note about playing for him is that the horn section is usually comprised of
heavy cats from the SNL band, Conan's band, and old legends from the NY studio scene.
|
