Last Post for 2011

Hello Friends and Music Fans,

The year is winding down but it's been a great 2011 with lots of wonderful events.

Right now I'm in a holding pattern of sorts, waiting for some exciting things to happen - whether I gain a professorship, start working on my doctorate, get further film score commissions, etc. - this all remains to be determined in the coming year.

In the meantime, I'm still a busy boy with lots of gigs to finish off the year:

Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

I will also be performing at Il Porto on New Years Eve, 8pm-midnight in quartet featuring the wonderful trumpeter/vocalist Dennis Jeter. Make sure to reserve your seats now!

**Update: A new gig every Sunday!!!
Sundays 12-3pm it's solo jazz guitar at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie in Greenpoint:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Wednesday, Dec. 21st 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the beautiful and extremely talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer:
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Craig Yaremko, Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Russ Nolan, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Nick Finzer, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Rachel Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guest vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Thanksgiving Update

Greetings Music Fans!

I hope you are all well and gearing up for the Thanksgiving festivities. I am spending another turkey day up with my friends Carl & Amanda Clements in Amherst, Massachusetts. We just returned from a refreshing walk along the Fort River. Always nice to breathe fresh air.

My European sojourn was a blast. I had an amazing time all along my stops in Frankfurt, Nürnberg, Würzburg, and Istanbul. My workshop with the student big band of the Würzburg Musikhochschule was not only a great experience, the band played fantastic! Here's a shot from the performance.

So - here are my upcoming performances:

Friday, Nov. 25, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with the amazing Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Saturday, Nov. 26, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

**Update: This gig is now every Sunday!!!
Sunday, Nov. 27, 12-3pm it's a new brunch gig at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

And in December, it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the beautiful and extremely talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer:
Wednesday, Dec. 21st 7-9pm (one set only)
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Craig Yaremko, Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Russ Nolan, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Nick Finzer, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guest vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Update from Germany

Greetings All,

Busy times! I arrived in Germany a week ago, saw some old friends, had a concert in Hanau and then jetted off to visit Istanbul for five days. While I was there I stopped by the Nardis jazz club in the Galata district of the city and ended up jamming with jazz legend Dusko Goykovich. I arrived back in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday came down to Würzburg to do a performance with the Polish singer Sylwia Bialas and on this coming Monday and Tuesday I will be working with the big band at the Musikhochschule here in Würzburg before heading back to NYC on the 27th.

----------------------

Monday, Oct. 24: Workshop with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band

Tuesday, Oct 25: Workshop and Concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band
Hofstallstraße 6
97070 Würzburg, Germany

0931 32187-0
www.hfm-wuerzburg.de/

Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with the amazing Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Latest News

Greetings All!

I am presently spending time in the town of Auburn, NY, playing in the band for the musical The Marvelous Wonderettes. A quaint spot along the Fingerlakes, lots of green, rolling hills, historic places and lots of fresh air, this is a nice break from city life.

---------------------------

Upcoming events:

Wednesday, Sept. 28th, 7-9pm: I'll be performing with my fantastic quintet, Uncommon Knowledge, performing pieces from my Deep Brooklyn Suite, which is a series of musical impressions about Brooklyn. Stylistically, the music features elements of Jazz, Rock, and Brazilian music, and showcases some of New York’s finest musical talent:

Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge"
Russ Spiegel - guitar/ comp
Tim Amacost - reeds
Mike Eckroth - piano
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

-----------------------

In October I'm headed back to Germany to do a workshop and concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band as well as a number of other gigs, plus a side trip to Istanbul to visit the birthplace of my father. Here is my present gig itinerary:

Friday, Oct. 14: The Russ Spiegel Trio
Jazzkeller Hanau
Philippsruher Allee 22
63450 Hanau, Germany

06181 259965

www.jazzkeller-hanau.de/

Thursday, Oct. 20: The Sylwia Bialas Group
Vinothek Tiepolo
Hotel Dortmunder Hof/Vinothek Tiepolo/Weinfaß
Innerer Graben 22
D - 97070 Würzburg
www.Vinothektieopolo.de

Monday, Oct. 24: Workshop with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band

Tuesday, Oct 25: Workshop and Concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band
Hofstallstraße 6
97070 Würzburg, Germany

0931 32187-0
www.hfm-wuerzburg.de/

----------------------

And, as always: Every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Big Update!

Hello Friends, Fans, and Family,

Big happenings since the last update!

The past Monday I had the honor and privilege of working with master singer Mr. Tony Bennett as part of his band for the upcoming season premiere of the hit TV show "Blue Bloods" (which also features Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg). Mr. Bennett was gracious and the consumate professional. This acting thing certainly has its perks....

Also on the film/music front: My short film, Das Boots, will be screening at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival as part of the short comedy lineup on Sunday, Aug. 21st at 3pm. But get there early, I will be performing before the show with my jazz trio from 2-3pm. This is all happening at:

St. Francis College Theater
180 Remsen St.
Brooklyn NY 11201
For tickets & info: http://parkslopefilms.com/The_Art_Of_Brooklyn/Welcome.html
Don't forget to check the Das Boots website: www.dasbootsmovie.com

___________________

Our recent gig of the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra at the Zinc Bar was a tremendous success! We had a very nice crowd and I received a request from the club the very next day for a repeat performance. So, the next date of the RSJO again featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens, the wonderful Israeli vocalist Tammy Scheffer will be:

Wednesday, Aug. 31st 7-9pm (one set only)
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Justin Wood, Alejandro Aviles, Jake Saslow, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, David Smith, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Eric Halvorson (drums); Todd Isler (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

_______________

Don't forget: This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

_________________

Mid-September I'm off to New York's Finger Lakes to the town of Auburn to play in the pit band for the musical, The Marvelous Wonderettes. More info here:

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse
17 William Street
Auburn, NY 13021
(315) 255-1305
www.merry-go-round.com‎

_______________

And finally - in October I'm headed back to Germany to do a workshop and concert with the Wurzburg Musikhochschule Big Band as well as a number of other gigs. I'm delighted as always to return to my second homeland. It should be a blast!!!

Keep Swinging!
Russ

Upcoming Concert of the RSJO - Latin Time!

On Wednesday, July 27th, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be back performing live at the Zinc Bar in Manhattan, featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens, the wonderful Israeli vocalist Tammy Scheffer, along with jazz greats Duane Eubanks, Tim Armacost and Mike Eckroth, among many others. This one-set performance begins at 7pm and costs only $10.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Justin Wood, Craig Yaremko, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Nick Finzer, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neuman (drums); Todd Isler (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

-----------------

This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-------------------

Also - as mentioned in my last post:

My short film, "Das Boots" was recently accepted into the Art of Brooklyn Festival and will be shown August 21st. More info coming. Here are some links:

www.dasbootsmovie.com
www.theartofbrooklyn.com

I was recently contracted to compose the music for Anand Kamalakar's documentary, "Building Bridges." The story follows students from Beacon High School in Manhattan as they raise money and then travel to India to perform a blend of classical Indian and Western dance. The 28 students and their minders experience "globalization firsthand" as they learn the vast differences and similarities between these two cultures. On June 30 I went into the studio to record the soundtrack with some very capable musicians. The film should be completed in the next few weeks. I will post when I hear about a screening.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Update - July 1, 2011

Greetings All,

Been awhile since I added anything to this here blog. Here's the latest:

My short film, "Das Boots" was recently accepted into the Art of Brooklyn Festival and will be shown August 21st. More info coming. Here are some links:

www.dasbootsmovie.com
www.theartofbrooklyn.com

Also on the film front: I was recently contracted to compose the music for Anand Kamalakar's documentary, "Building Bridges." The story follows students from Beacon High School in Manhattan as they raise money and then travel to India to perform a blend of classical Indian and Western dance. The 28 students and their minders experience "globalization firsthand" as they learn the vast differences and similarities between these two cultures. On June 30 I went into the studio to record the soundtrack with some very capable musicians and am now in the process of mixing the music.

-------------------

Upcoming Gigs:

On Wednesday, July 27th, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be back performing live at the Zinc Bar in Manhattan, featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens. This one-set performance begins at 7pm and costs only $10.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Justin Wood, Craig Yaremko, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Alex Asher, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neuman (drums)
Featuring Special Guest Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

Also - This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging!
Russ

Update from Germany

It's not always easy keeping up with one's blog and I've been neglectful as of late. My trip out to North Carolina was a blast - Jim Ketch is an inspired, and inspiring head of the jazz department over at UNC Chapel Hill and I treasured the opportunity to work with him and his students on a concert of my big band music. While there, I also taught a Jazz Guitar Master Class under the auspices of Billy Stewart and spent an hour talking about some of my arranging and composing techniques with the students of Stephen Anderson's class. I also ran into Branford Marsalis and had an opportunity to introduce myself and say hello.

This Wednesday I arrived in Frankfurt, Germany and on Thursday performed in trio in Wurzburg and last night (Friday) in Hanau. It's been amazing being back where I lived for almost 20 years. I've been catching up with old friends, making some new ones, and basically enjoying the change of pace. I'm off to Nuremberg on Monday where I will be hanging out for a week of rest and relaxation - and a gig or two. It's been a busy first half of the year. Going to try to enjoy some down time before I return to the New York grind May 16th.

Keep swinging,
Russ

Latest News: Gig Update

Hello Friends and Music Lovers,

As mentioned in my previous post I am very happy to mention that this Sunday I will be flying down to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where I will be an Aebersold Guest Artist. The university big band will be performing a concert of my big band music with yours truly as Special Guest and I will also be giving master classes in Jazz Guitar and Jazz Composition and Arranging as well as working with the jazz ensembles there.

The first two weeks of May I will also be taking a trip back to my second homeland - Germany - where I will be performing at the Hanau Jazzkeller on May 6th, with hopefully more to follow.

_________________________

Upcoming Gigs:

Thursday, April 14th, 6:30-8:30pm - it's "Attack of the Russes" as I will be playing a private event in duo with saxophonist Russ Nolan in Manhattan. Wish you all could be there.

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

NEW!!! Saturday, April 16th, April 30th, May 21st & May 28th, 1-4pm: I'll be playing a jazz brunch with my trio at a wonderful new cafe in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, called Milk & Roses. Specializing in paninis, wonderful coffee, not to mention a nice selection of beer & wine, this cozy spot is a great place to recover from your Friday night debauches.
Milk & Roses
1110 Manhattan Avenue
NY 11222-1034
(718) 389-0160

Also, this Saturday, April 16th, 8-11pm I'll be performing with vocalist Nikita Washington at the upscale L'Escale restaurant in Greenwich, Ct.
L'Escale
500 Steamboat Rd
Greenwich CT
www.lescalerestaurant.com

Tuesday, April 19th, 7:30pm: I will be performing a concert of my music with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Jazz Band as part of the Aebersold Guest Artist Series.
Hill Hall Auditorium
145 E Cameron Ave
Chapel Hill
North Carolina 27514

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Exciting News!

Hey Friends and Music Lovers,

I have neglected to mention in my previous posts that April 17-20th I will be flown down to the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina where I will be an Aebersold Guest Artist. The university big band will be performing a concert of my big band music with yours truly as Special Guest and I will also be giving master classes in Jazz Guitar and Jazz Composition and Arranging as well as working with the jazz ensembles there. It is a real honor and I feel humbled (but not too much!) before my task.

A further positive development is I recently worked with director David Capurso on his short film, "I am Julia" scoring the music for this movie. He and his business partner John Ramaine have landed financing for a feature film and have asked me to provide the score music. As a matter of fact, one of my big band pieces, "Undertow" has not only been chosen as the theme song, but has become the inspiration for the title of the movie, which will also be called, "Undertow." I am very flattered, as you can imagine.

As to travel - the first two weeks of May I will also be taking a trip back to my second homeland - Germany - where I will be performing at the Hanau Jazzkeller on May 6th, with hopefully more to follow.

_________________________

Upcoming Gigs:

Tuesday, April 5th, 8:30pm-12:30am: I'll be appearing with my buddy for many years, the fantastic alto saxophonist Derrick James in quartet at the venerable Showman's up in Harlem. Get ready for some good time swinging organ jazz.
Showman's
375 W 125th St
New York, NY 10027
(212) 864-8941

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Tuesday, April 19th, 7:30pm: I will be performing a concert of my music with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Jazz Band as part of the Aebersold Guest Artist Series.
Hill Hall Auditorium
145 E Cameron Ave
Chapel Hill
North Carolina 27514

Gig Post March 16, 2011

Hello Friends and Music Lovers,

I wanted to hip you to some upcoming gigs....

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

On Sunday, March 20th I have a double hit:
12-4pm I'll be playing a jazz brunch in trio at Le Bateau Ivre in Manhattan with bassist Jim Whitney and drummer Scott Neuman.
Le Bateau Ivre
230 E. 51st St. (betw. 2nd/3rd Aves.)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 583-0579
http://www.lebateauivrenyc.com/

And 7-10pm I'll be performing the music from my Deep Brooklyn Suite with my quintet Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge" at Puppets Jazz Bar:
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - saxes
Mike Eckroth - piano
Jim Whitney - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Puppets Jazz Bar
481 5th Avenue
NY 11215
(718) 499-2622
http://www.puppetsjazz.com/schedules/03-mar.html

Finally, the weekends of March 24th-27th and April 1st-3rd I'll be playing guitar in the musical "Suessical" at
Richard Perry Theater at Poly Prep Country Day School
http://www.zvents.com/z/brooklyn-ny/seussical-the-musical--events--170060445

All the best and look forward to seeing you!
Russ

Gig Update Feb. 9, 2011

Hello Music Fans,

The next few days I'll be playing a number of fun gigs. Here's the info:

On Thursday, Feb. 10th, from 7:30-10:30pm: A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef, delicious fish and wonderful salads at Amber Steak House. They also have a full bar so no one will go thirsty.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Ian Rapien: tenor & soprano sax
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with a bassist at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Also - Valentine's Day, Monday, Feb. 14th I'll be performing at Il Porto in duo to celebrate the Day of Love 7-11pm. Make your reservations now!

And finally, on Thursday, Feb. 17th, 7-10pm I'll be performing with Swedish flautist Elsa Nilsson at Tutuma Social Club.

Elsa Nilsson Quartet:
Elsa Nilsson: flutes and compositions
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Yuka Tadano: bass
Cody Rahn: Drums

Tutuma Social Club
164 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022
(646) 300-0305
www.tutumasocialclub.com

Stay tuned for more updates....

Gig Update Jan. 29. 2011

Monday, January 31st - The next performance of the 17-piece Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Show time is 9pm and 10:30pm. We will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band - $5 is suggested, but no one will complain if that tenner jumps out of your pocket.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra
Russ Spiegel - compositions, arrangements, guitar
Reeds - Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Dan Pratt, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets - Colin Brigstocke, David Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - John Knight, Sara Jacovino, Barry Cooper, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm - Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with a bassist at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Sunday, Feb. 5th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with the Justin Wood quartet. Great American food with an African American touch.

Cornerstone Restaurant
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Feb. 10th, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef, delicious fish and wonderful salads at Amber Steak House. They also have a full bar so no one will go thirsty.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Ian Rapien: tenor & soprano sax
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

Stay tuned for more news....

Happy New Year - New Gigs

A great big Happy New Year to all of you reading this. This year promises to bring some new projects, new concerts and new travels and of course I send out my wishes to all of you that you have a fulfilling and successful 2010.

Two more important dates:

-On Tuesday, Jan. 18th, 8:30-10:30pm I will be presenting the music of my new quintet at the wonderful Puppets Jazz Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn. New Compositions and arrangements played by some of New York's finest musicians and all you have to do is show up and hopefully stick some nice green bills in the tip bucket.

Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge":
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - tenor sax
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Puppets Jazz Bar
481 5th Avenue
NY 11215
(718) 499-2622

Monday, January 31st - The next performance of the 17-piece Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Show time is 9pm and we will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band - $5 is suggested, but no one will complain if that tenner jumps out of your pocket.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra
Russ Spiegel - comp, arr, guit
Reeds - Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Dan Pratt, Dave Noland, Terry Goss
Trumpets - Colin Brigstocke, David Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - John Knight, Sara Jacovino, Barry Cooper, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm - Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

Also, as usual - -This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Stay tuned for more news....