After finishing a corporate event on a boat in Portsmouth, NH, a couple of members of the band and myself headed over to our favorite watering hole, The Dolphin Striker. To our surprise and delight, crammed into the downstairs playing area was three of the best sidemen in the business: Marty Rowan on organ, Dave Brown (Billy Joel) and Dave Mattacks (Tull, McCartney, etc.) on drums. Marty and Mattacks came over to say hi on their break. We sipped our beers, talked shop and had a few … [Read more...]
A Most Embarrassing Moment
June 6, 2008 By
In the early '80s when I was studying with Alan Dawson, the mayor of Boston held a dinner in Alan’s honor and dubbed the day, Alan Dawson Day. Alan was given the key to the city and a dinner was held at Anthony’s Pier Four. Present were many jazz and music industry dignitaries. At the time I was listening intently to as many jazz records that I could get my hands on, especially “Now He Sings Now He Sobs” by Chick Corea featuring some amazing drumming by jazz drumming icon and Boston … [Read more...]
Remembering Buddy Rich
May 14, 2008 By
At the age of 7 or 8, circa 1962/63, growing up in a Boston suburb, in a home with a dad who was a drummer, it was difficult for me not to be influenced by music. The combination of having a drumset always at the ready in our basement, great music constantly coming from the living room stereo, and the Beatles dominating the airwaves, just about sealed my fate that I’d be a musician. In addition to the bombardment of music in the home, my dad also exposed me to the local live scene. Many New … [Read more...]
Two Minutes with Elvin
May 6, 2008 By
To me sometimes, certain people seem bigger than life. There is something special that separates them from the rest of the pack. I’d bet that anyone who’s met or known Elvin Jones would say that about him. I’m estimating it was around 1995, Jumpstreet was working a wedding at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge, MA. Inside the Charles is a great jazz club called The Reggata Bar. Members of Jumpstreet at the time included Peter Calo on guitar and a wonderful saxophone player and friend from … [Read more...]
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