Call Me Doctor!

It's done! I have a palm tree growing out of my head.

But seriously, after three grueling years of long days, short nights, lots of composing, writing, studying, and more, I am now a Doctor!

It's been a fantastic experience here in Miami and I am thankful for all the opportunities I have had here. Who would have thought that I'd be earning my sole award from Downbeat Magazine for Recording and Engineering? Not me, that's for sure. What an amazing program here.

Now it's on to my summer travels. I'll be in Frankfurt, Germany catching up with some old friends (and some are OLD friends these days, haha!). Then it's off to Trieste, Italy for the remainder of the summer. There I'll be teaching a workshop at the Conservatorio di Trieste as well as gigging and teaching. My old schoolmate from City College - drummer Gasper Bertoncelj - has been organizing a tour in Slovenia. Zoran Mastrojevic, another colleague based in Croatia, has also organized a workshop and some gigs in that part of Europe.

Then it's back to Miami to a new home and looking for work. Stay tuned....

Doctoral Update

Well, I'm sitting pretty in Miami. My concert was a success and now my paper is handed in. My defense is in a little less than two weeks and then come revisions and formatting, various other hoops to jump through and then you can call me Dr. Spiegel!

What a crazy thought!

In the meantime, I've been catching up on sleep and have started getting busy playing music again. So that's what a guitar looks like!

One gig to announce for this month:

The Russ Spiegel Trio
Russ Spiegel - guitar
Jim Gasior - organ
Michael Piolet - drums
Live at Lilt Lounge Tuesday, March 29th, 2016
Hours: 9-12pm
Address: 270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

Hello Again - I'm Still Here!

I've just been very lazy/busy pursuing my doctorate in Jazz Composition at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. I'm almost there - just a couple more months and a lot of writing and you can call me Dr. Spiegel!

I'm gearing up for my Doctoral Concert 7-8pm, Thursday, March 3 in Room 206 in the Foster building of the Frost school. Entrance is free, and the band is one-of-a-kind:

Reeds:

Tom Kelly, Manny Echazabal, Chris Thompson-Taylor, Joey Rosin, and Special Guest: Tim Armacost

Trumpets: 

Cisco Dimas, Nick Benitez, Sam Neufeld, and Special Guest: Brian Lynch

Trombones:

Chad Bernstein, Will Wulfeck, Javier Nero, and Major Bailey

Rhythm: 

Luke Franco, Jim Gasior, Bob Bruya, and Evan Hyde

Special Guests:

Alex Manfredo: vocals
Hendrik Meurkens: chromatic harmonica

Jackson Parodi: electronics and accordion

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

In the meantime, here's a little article I wrote that touches on my research....

https://theruzz.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/the-rise-and-development-of-the-contemporary-european-big-band/

Peace & Love,
Russ

Goodbye, New York!

For the next stage of my career I will be leaving New York for the time being to concentrate on my studies at the University of Miami. There I will begin working on my DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Jazz Composition in a lush setting of palm trees and ocean breeze.

Of course, New York will never be far from my mind and I hope to visit back there whenever the opportunty presents itself, as well as continued trips to Europe and elsewhere during school breaks. 

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

Upcoming Gigs:

Friday, Aug. 9: My final gig in New York City will be at the Bar Next Door performing standards and originals with my trio. Sets are at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. As this is a very small, intimate venue (seats about 30!!!), make sure to reserve a place. $12 cover.

The Russ Spiegel Trio:
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Gary Wang: bass
Anthony Pinciotti: drums

About the Bar Next Door: Slightly larger than a nice sized efficiency apartment, lit by votive candles, and bedecked with dark wood, it would be an understatement to call this subterranean West Village bar intimate. Jazz trios, crammed into a corner of the room near the working fireplace, play seven nights a week, as snuggling couples and self-styled enthnomusicologists lounge on dark leather banquettes while sipping wine or martinis. (There's an exhaustive menu for the former.)
 
The Bar Next Door
129 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 529-5945
www.lalanternacaffe.com

Return of the RSJO & More News

At Freitagsküche, Frankfurt Apr. 5, 2013
(c) Copyright Katrin Schander 2013

The picture on the left was taken in Frankfurt, Germany during my European tour. I had an amazing time playing, teaching, traveling, meeting awesome people and eating way too much and sleeping way too little during my five-week sojourn to Germany, Italy and Croatia. My most humble thanks to all those involved and I will treasure my memories of this trip.

Next on the agenda: gearing up for my move to Miami in August. I have been chosen out of a field of over 50 candidates to work on my DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Jazz Composition at the University of Miami. I will be attending on a full scholarship plus stipend. Going to be a busy time of schoolwork, teaching, and writing full-time.

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

GIGS:

Wednesday, May 22nd, 7-9pm (one set only): it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the great Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and the exceptionally talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Alejandro Aviles,Justin Wood, Stephan Kammerer, Carl Clements, Alden Banta
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Seneca Black, David Smith
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Chris Stover, Brad Madsen, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Matt Kane (drums)
Featuring Special Guests: Hendrik Meurkens on chr. harmonica & vocalist Tammy Scheffer
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and bandleader

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

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swingin'.
Russ

Off to Europe....

Hello Everyone!

I'm getting ready to head out for a five-week excursion of Germany and Italy with a little side-trip to Croatia to boot. Really looking forward to this and a great big thanks to all the wonderful people who helped me put this together (you know who you are)! 

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

Here's my gig schedule as things stand right now. Hope to see some of you at one of these events:

April 3rd: Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany.
April 4th: Frankfurt - Casablanca Bar, Le Meridien Hotel. Trio with Partido Gold
Apr. 5th: Frankfurt - Freitagsküche. Trio with Rudi Engel & Jens Biehl - 20:30.
Apr. 6th: Obertrubbach - Studio Lounge. Martelle Trio feat. Russ Spiegel - 19:30.
Apr. 7th: Wurzburg - Alter Kranen. Jazz Brunch with the Janosch Korell Group - 10:00.
Apr. 7-11: Stay in Wurzburg.
Apr. 11th: Hanau - Jazzkeller. Russ Spiegel Quartett - 21:00.
Apr. 12th: Attending the Frankfurt Musikmesse.
Apr. 13th: Bensheim - Rex. Martelle Trio feat. Russ Spiegel - 20:30.
Apr. 14th: Frankfurt - Waggong. Jazz Guitar Master Class - 12:00.
Apr. 15th: Mannheim - Cafe/Bar der Alte Feuerwache. Jazz Session w/Jens Bunge Group - 21:00. 
Apr. 16-18: Stay in Frankfurt. 
Apr. 19th: Heidelberg - Jazzhaus. Duo with guitarist Christian Eckert - 21:30.
Apr. 20th: Milan - Jazz Workshop at Via Mecenate - 16:00.
Apr. 21st: Rome - Beba do Samba. Jazz Guitar Masterclass - 16:00.
Apr. 21st: Rome - Beba do Samba. Duo with trumpeter Aldo Bassi - 22:00.
Apr. 22-23: Stay in Rome.
Apr. 24th: Trieste - Corte Café. Domingo Lobuono Trio - 19:00.
Apr. 25th: Rijeka, Croatia - HKD Club. Duo with guitarist Zoran Majstrovic - 20:00.
Apr. 26th: Trieste - Welcome Veg. Domingo Lobuono Trio - 19:00.
Apr. 27-29: Stay in Italy.
Apr. 30-May 3rd: Stay in Berlin.
May 3rd: Kaiserslautern - Lautrer Wirtshaus. Bodo Jaworek Ensemble - 20:00.
May 4th: Frankfurt - Nacht der Museen. Uli Schiffelholz Group - 19:00.
May 5th: free.
May 6th: Leaving back to NY.

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

As to my other gigs - as always:

Friday March 29 & Saturday March 30, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

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

Please have a look at my new YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/theruzz/videos?view=0&flow=grid

Best wishes,
Russ

The Big European Excursion

Hello from Brooklyn! There was snow everywhere just a few days ago, but now it's all melted. It's still cold, but dry and beautiful in NY.

I'll be heading over to Europe for a month or so to do gigs and hang out, meet friends, etc. Hopefully, for those of you located across the pond there will be a chance for us to meet up. It'd be great to see you after all this time!

I have free dates and it's not so much about the money (though money is welcome) as it is just to play and be working and keeping busy. So if you hear of anything - gigs or workshops - or have something I can join in on, I'd be very grateful.

Here's my gig schedule as things stand right now. Hope to be updating with some more dates between now and April:

3-4.4 free
5.4. Frankfurt - Freitagsküche
6.4  Studiolounge Obertrubbach
7.4  Jazzbrunch in Wurzburg
8-9.4 Workshop at Backline Wurzburg?? (evenings free)
10.4 free
11.4 Hanau Jazzkeller
12.4 free
13.4 Rex Bensheim
14.4 Jazzguitar Workshop, Waggong Frankfurt (evening free)
15.4.Jazzsession Mannheim
19.4 Jazzhaus Heidelberg
20-21.4 Milan
22-24.4 Trieste
25.4-27/28.4 Rome and Bari
3.5. Kaiserslautern
4.5 - Nacht der Museen/Frankfurt
Leaving back to NY on May 6th.

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

As to my other gigs - as always:

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

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

Have a look at my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/theruzz/videos?view=0&flow=grid

Best wishes,
Russ

End of the Year News - New for 2013

The picture on the left was taken during my recent trip to Key West, Florida, where I was visiting my buddy and guitar master Larry Baeder. I played about six gigs and it's looking like I'll be back there again in March. Tough musician's life.

On another front, I have decided to do back and get a doctorate in music, as this will enable me to find work teaching. I'll be off at the end of the month for a auditions at USC and the University of Toronto. Wish me luck.

Upcoming Gigs:

Friday, Jan. 4: I'll be back at the Bar Next Door performing standards and originals with my trio. Sets are at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30. As this is a very small, intimate venue (seats about 30!!!), make sure to reserve a place. Musicians are encouraged to bring their axes to sit in and join us. $12 cover.

The Russ Spiegel Trio:
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Thomson Kneeland: bass
Scott Neumann: drums

About the Bar Next Door: Slightly larger than a nice sized efficiency apartment, lit by votive candles, and bedecked with dark wood, it would be an understatement to call this subterranean West Village bar intimate. Jazz trios, crammed into a corner of the room near the working fireplace, play seven nights a week, as snuggling couples and self-styled enthnomusicologists lounge on dark leather banquettes while sipping wine or martinis. (There's an exhaustive menu for the former.)
 
The Bar Next Door
129 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 529-5945
www.lalanternacaffe.com

Wednesday, Jan. 23rd, 7-11pm: I'll be performing with bassist Mark Hagan's quintet at the '76 House in Tappan, NY.
  
The Mark Hagan Trio:
Joe Magnarelli: trumpet
Jon Gordon: sax
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Mark Hagan: bass
Scott Neumann: drums 

'76 House
110 Main St.
Tappan, NY 10983
(845) 359-5476
http://www.76house.com/

Wednesday, Jan. 30th, 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the exceptionally talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Craig Yaremko,Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Steve Smyth, David Smith
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Chris Stover, Scott Reeves, 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 bandleader

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

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Wishing you and yours a swinging 2013!
Russ

July Update

Producer (Me), Actor Gene Farber & Director David Capurso in L.A.

Greetings Friends and Fans,

June is now behind us, but July is promising to be another busy month. 

The screening of Das Boots at the New Media Film Festival in Los Angeles went extremely well. The movie got rave reviews and apart from that, David Capurso (the director) and I were able to hobnob with some of the movers and shakers in the Hollywood film scene. Next up:  Das Boots will be screening as part of the New York New Filmmakers Summer Series 2012 at the Anthology Film Archives Monday, July 9th starting at 7pm. Oh yeah, and you will soon be able to download Das Boots as we got a distribution deal via Indiefilmz.com!!! Check out our Facebook page and Bootsblog for more details.

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

UPCOMING GIGS:

Wednesday, July 11th, 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra celebrating Leap Day back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the exceptionally 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: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Dave Noland, Matt Garrison, Carl Miraghi
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Jason Colby, Marty Bound
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Chris Stover, Nick Finzer, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Memo Acevedo (perc)
Featuring Special Guest vocalist Tammy Scheffer
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and bandleader

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Sunday, July 8th & 22nd, 8:30-11pm: I'll be playing Latin jazz with some compatriots down in Park Slope.
The Russ Spiegel/Tommy Mattioli Latin Thang
Tommy Mattioli: vibes
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Carlos Velasquez: bass
Gabo Tomassini: congas & percussion

t.b.a.: timbales 

Fifth Estate

506 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tel. (718) 840-0089
http://www.fifthestatebar.com/

Keep swinging.
Russ

Off to L.A. & June Gigs

Greetings All,

I've been lax in my reporting but the first part of May was marred by a rather scary physical setback. Around the first first week I woke up in extreme pain that continued to get worse as the day went on. The next day it was impossible to do anything and I finally went in to the emergency room to find out I had a pinched nerve in my neck. As I went to physical therapy it turned out this was accompanied by a bad case of tendonitis probably brought on by too much piano playing. 

I am happy to report I am almost completely mended, just some more long-term effects of numbness in the first finger of my right hand. Luckily, this doesn't affect my playing and so I have plenty of gigs and projects to keep me going.

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

Off to L.A....

My short film, Das Boots will be having it's West Coast premiere at the the New Media Film Festival in L.A. on Wednesday, June 13th. I'll be heading out early Saturday morning June 9th to join my director David Capurso and actors Gene Farber and Sarah Ahlgren to attend the festival, walk the red carpet, schmooze, and see our movie screened. Oh yeah, and enjoy the beach & sunshine as well as sample some great Mexican food and go to a Dodgers game. Let's call it a working vacation.

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

Gigs:

NEW GIG JUST IN: 

Thursday, June 28th, 8-10:30pm:

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Russ Spiegel: guitar, comp
Mike Eckroth: keys
Yoshi Waki: bass
Ronen Itzik: drums
Inkwell Cafe
408 Rogers Ave
Brooklyn,NY 11225
http://plgarts.org/ai1ec_event/jazz-at-the-inkwell-thursday-june-14-8-1030-pm/?instance_id=42
The band will be playing music from my “The Deep Brooklyn Suite”: a series of musical impressions about Brooklyn. Stylistically, the music features elements of Jazz, Rock, and Brazilian music, and showcases some of Brooklyn’s finest musical talent.

Sunday, June 24th, 8:30-11pm: I'll be playing Latin jazz with some compatriots down in Park Slope.
The Russ Spiegel/Tommy Mattioli Latin Thang
Tommy Mattioli: vibes
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Carlos Velasquez: bass
Glenn Lowe: drums
Gabo Tomassini: percussion

Fifth Estate

506 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tel. (718) 840-0089
http://www.fifthestatebar.com/

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm (except June 9 & 15): I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/
 

Sundays 12-3pm (except June 10): it's brunch time at Wyne a Bit. Awesome sweet & savory crepes (not mention scrumptious breakfast crepes) and a fantastic wine & beer selection. I'll be playing solo jazz guitar but musicians are encouraged to drop by & sit in.

Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Keep Swinging,

Russ

May Update

Hard to believe, it's already May! Time flies and I've been keeping busy with various projects, more on that in future posts.

In the meantime, lots of music going on. I have, among other things, a new Latin Jazz group. Take a look at the gigs below....

Russ's Upcoming Gigs:

Wednesday, May 9th, 7-9pm: I'll be performing with my fantastic quintet, Uncommon Knowledge, with special guest Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica. We will be 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 musicians:

Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge"

Special Guest: Hendrik Meurkens - chromatic harmonica
Russ Spiegel - guitar/ comp 
Tim Armacost - 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

------------------------ 

Sunday, May 13 & May 27th, 8:30-11pm: I'll be playing Latin jazz with some compatriots down in Park Slope.
The Russ Spiegel/Tommy Mattioli Latin Thang
Tommy Mattioli: vibes
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Steve Wood: bass
Glenn: drums
Gabo: percussion

Fifth Estate

506 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Tel. (718) 840-0089
http://www.fifthestatebar.com/ 

Wednesday, May 23, 8-11pm: The wonderful guitarist Tosh Sheridan and I will be performing in duo at:

Claret Wine Bar

4602 Skillman Avenue  

Sunnyside (Queens), NY 11104 

Tel. (718) 937-7411

www.claretwinebar.com

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm: I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at this wonderful Italian restaurant and wood burning, brick oven pizzeria:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Sundays 12-3pm it's brunch time at Wyne a Bit. Awesome sweet & savory crepes (not mention scrumptious breakfast crepes) and a fantastic wine & beer selection. I'll be playing solo jazz guitar but musicians are encouraged to drop by & sit in.

Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Keep Swinging,

Russ

Milestone

Greetings All,

Hard to believe it, but I've been in New York over ten years now. So many things have happened - lots of good, some...uh, not so. In any case, this month I will be celebrating my birthday for the tenth time in New York at a nice, intimate club in Manhattan. More info below.

Our Kickstarter fundraiser for the band Uncommon Knowledge (see our attached video, which is still being edited) unfortunately did not do so well. It seems to be getting harder and harder to get projects off the ground. Nevertheless, through the agencies of music supporter extraordinaire Stu Deutsch, we will be going in to the studio on March 20th to record some songs and hopefully have enough usable tracks to put out on a new CD. More on this in the next Calendar update.

__________________________________

Russ's Birthday Gig/Jam:
Friday, March 30th, shows at 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30:
Come hang with me and my band at the Bar Next Door to celebrate my birthday. As this is a very small, intimate venue (seats about 30!!!), make sure to reserve a place. Musicians are encouraged to bring their axes to sit in and join us. $12 cover.

The Russ Spiegel Trio:
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Gary Wang: bass
Scott Neumann: drums

About the Bar Next Door: Slightly larger than a nice sized efficiency apartment, lit by votive candles, and bedecked with dark wood, it would be an understatement to call this subterranean West Village bar intimate. Jazz trios, crammed into a corner of the room near the working fireplace, play seven nights a week, as snuggling couples and self-styled enthnomusicologists lounge on dark leather banquettes while sipping wine or martinis. (There's an exhaustive menu for the former.)

The Bar Next Door
129 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 529-5945
www.lalanternacaffe.com

Fridays & Saturdays (except March 30), 7-10pm: 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/

Sundays 12-3pm it's brunch time again at Wyne a Bit. Awesome sweet & savory crepes (not mention ridiculous breakfast crepes) and a fantastic wine & beer selection. I'll be playing solo jazz guitar but musicians are encouraged to drop by & sit in.

Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Keep Swingin'
Russ

Big News!

Hello Friends and Music Fans!

The Big News is: It's official! We have just launched our Kickstarter project, Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge" plays the music of the Deep Brooklyn Suite. Whether you want to contribute or not, please take a look. Comments happily accepted!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/RuzzToneProductions/russ-spiegels-uncommon-knowledge-the-deep-brooklyn-0
We are planning on recording in March. Stay tuned.....

Also not-so-little news: I am now am somebody! See my new listing on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Spiegel

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

Gigs this Month:

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra celebrating Leap Day back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the great Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and the exceptionally 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: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, Steve Smythe, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Scott Reeves, Sara Jacovino, Chris Stover Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer .
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm 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/

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/

Keep Swingin'
Russ

Happy New Ears - 2012!

Greetings Friends and Fans,

It's a new year and and I hope you all have great prospects and projects ahead of you for 2012. For me, there are lots of promising developments - just waiting for some things to come together. If you will indulge me, here is what is on the table (in no particular order):
- The publisher of Jazzwise http://jazzwise.com/ (Britain's largest jazz publisher) wants to make my original big band charts available for sale and distribution in Europe. I have also submitted a proposal for a guitar book to them. More on that later.
- Speaking of Europe: I am waiting to hear if I will be doing more big band and jazz guitar workshops in Germany. A tour there is also pending.
- My goal for this year is to record (and hopefully release) at least two original recordings: one of my quintet, "Uncommon Knowledge" (performing Jan. 18th at the Zinc bar - see below) the songs of my Deep Brooklyn Suite, and the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, with new songs and arrangements and featuring the great Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica as well as the fantastic vocalist Tammy Scheffer. Anyone interested in helping get either of these projects off the ground, I would love to hear from you.
- The documentary film which I did the music for, "Building Bridges" by filmmaker Anand Kamalakar, will be screening this month at the Beacon School in Manhattan. I am still waiting for the date and time. I am waiting to hear about more film scoring projects for this year, including at least one feature.
- My essay, "First Takes on a Musical Life" will be released as part of anthology by Dan Thompson. Expected release date is this fall. More on this when I have more information.
- I have cleared the first hurdle to begin my DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Jazz Studies at the Manhattan School of Music. The audition process continues in March. Depending on the results of my audition, I hope to get funding to get a further degree. And I'll need it - MSM costs $35,000 a year. No money, no study.
- Also at the same time I have sent out applications for music professorships to a number of universities across the country. Right now waiting to hear back with hopefully good news.

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

Upcoming Gigs:

Wednesday, Jan. 18th, 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 musicians:
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

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm 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/

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/

Wishing all of you all the best for this new year,
Russ

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