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

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

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

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 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....

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs, Gigs

This time I have four gigs in a row so I hope you can make it out to one or the other, or maybe two, or even three! Whoever makes all four will get a special prize!

___________________________________________________

-A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef at Amber Steak House.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Justin Wood: alto sax & flute
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 with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Saturday, Dec. 4th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with the Justin Wood trio. Great American food with an African American touch.
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

And finally -

-On Sunday, Dec. 5th, 7-9pm I will be presenting the music of my new quintet at the wonderful Cafe Orwell in Bushwick. New Compositions 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.

The Russ Spiegel Group:
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - tenor sax
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Cafe Orwell

247 Varet St
(between White St & Bogart St)
Brooklyn, NY 11206

(347) 294-4759
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-orwell-brooklyn

Nearest Transit: Morgan Ave (L)

Hope to see you all there!
Russ

New Gigs!

Hello All,

First and foremost, I am very happy to report that Das Boots did exceptionally well at the Big Apple Film Festival. Lots of laughs and a great response at the end put my mind at ease as to whether this venture was worth it. My thanks again to all involved.

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

Latest Gigs:
-This and every Friday evening 7-10pm 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/

-Saturday, Nov. 20th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with Fumi Tomita on bass and Chris Benham on drums. Great American food with an African American touch.
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

-Sunday, Nov. 28th, from 10pm-1am I'll be working off some of those pounds of turkey and stuffing along with bassist Fumi Tomita at drummer Brian Woodruff's Sunday night jam session at Blackbirds in Astoria, Queens. All you jazzbo's bring yer axes to this relaxed session.
Blackbirds

41-19 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103

(718) 943-6899

www.blackbirdsbar.com

-And finally, a brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef at Amber Steak House.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Justin Wood: alto sax & flute
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

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

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Keep swinging,
Russ

Latest Gigs

The next performance of the RSJO will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Monday, October 11th. 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, James Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - Scott Reeves, Sara Jacovino, Alex Asher, Barry Cooper
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/

I will be making a rare small band appearance this coming Sunday, Oct. 17th at the Brooklyn Lyceum. Featuring some of the top musicians around, there will be plenty of musical fireworks as we play through originals and arrangements from yours truly.

The Russ Spiegel Group
Dan Pratt - reeds
Russ Spiegel - guit, comp
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Tix are $10, sets at 9pm & 10:30pm

Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 857-4816
www.brooklynlyceum.com/

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

_____________

Also of note - my short film, "Das Boots" was accepted into the Big Apple Film Festival and will be showing at the Tribeca Cinemas Thursday evening, Nov. 4th as part of the program starting at 8:30pm. Come out & show your support (& wish us luck, too!).

Hope to see you!

Upcoming Performances

Hello Music Lovers,

First of all, I would like to report that the concert of the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra at the Iridium jazz club here in NYC was one of the smokingest shows I have ever played. The band was ridiculously tight and everyone played with energy and verve. I received a lot of compliments on our performance. Which brings me to:

The next performance of the RSJO will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Monday, October 11th. 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.

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

I will also be doing a rare trio hit at the lovely LIC Bar in Long Island City this coming Wednesday, September 15th. It's only one set from 8pm-8:45 so get there early if you want to catch us. I'll be playing with the inimitable Sam Minaya on bass (we first played together when I was doing a show out in Pasadena, CA, a while back) and Brian Fishler on drums.

LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd
Queens, New York 11101
(718) 786-5400
www.licbar.com/

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

Don't forget to keep up with my latest column over at Earbits.com:
Notes of a Jazz Survivor

Be well, everyone.

RSJO Concert, Movie Completed, Other News

Hello Music Fans,

I am very pleased to announce that the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be performing at one of New York's finest Jazz Venues. We will play at the Iridium Jazz Club on Tuesday, September 7th, with sets at 8 and 10pm. Make your reservations early.

The RSJO is:
Russ Spiegel: Composer, Arranger, Guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile

Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, David Smith
Trombones: Alex Jeun, Andy Hunter, Jack Davis, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
Special Guest - Vocalist Dennis Jeter

Iridium Jazz Club
1650 Broadway
New York, 10020
(212) 582-2121
www.iridiumjazzclub.com/

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

On another front, I am pleased to announce that my short movie, "Das Boots" is finished and is already submitted to a number of festivals here in the US and around the globe. I have no idea how it will do but I am very pleased with how it came out and I am sending a huge "THANK YOU" to all those involved in the project. I am trying to arrange a screening now for cast, crew & supporters. DVDs will go out to all involved after the film's premiere, hopefully at one of the bigger festivals. In the meantime, you can find out a little bit about it at IMDb: Das Boots

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

For those of you who have been following this site, you are probably aware that I recently began writing a weekly column entitled, "Notes of a Jazz Survivor" for the website earbits.com. Well, I guess there's nothing like putting it out there to see what the world thinks of what you are doing. This past week I received an email from Dan Thompson, who is a professor of ethnomusicology over at Columbia University. Dan is also a writer and he is putting together an anthology of musicians writing about music and asked me to contribute an article to this work. Imagine my surprise and satisfaction of being asked to include my musings along with those of Grammy, Pulitzer and National Book Award winning writers and musicians! More on this later, but do check out earbits.com for all my writings.

Keep Groovin'
Russ