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
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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
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
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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.
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
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
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
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....
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....
Saturday, January 29, 2011
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....
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....
Friday, January 14, 2011
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....
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....
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