Greetings from Virginia, where the weather is absolutely beautiful! I’ve been enjoying a bit of time off to recoup and organize my thoughts for a new project coming later this year, and to prepare for some very exciting upcoming trips. Billy Williams and I had a great time in Copenhagen earlier this month at Jazzhus Montmartre. It was a great way to start off my thirtieth year, and so much fun sharing the stage with bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek! This was my third time there, and I can’t tell you what a joy it is to perform for such warm and receptive audiences. A huge thanks to Christian Brorsen for the invitation. And, oddly enough, I’ve been able to take part in some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had! Who would've thought?
I’m looking forward to hitting the road again this April to take part in some very meaningful concerts.
Firstly, to the Kennedy Center in DC to be a part of this year’s NEA Jazz Masters Ceremony, honoring 4 exceptional individuals in jazz. I’m pleased to pay tribute to Wendy Oxenhorn who created the JAZZ FOUNDATION, a non-profit which has helped many jazz musicians in later life, including Clark Terry, and many others unable to perform regularly due to health-related issues.
Next, I'm headed to New Jersey to take part in a benefit concert in support of The Seeing Eye, FESTIVAL OF SOUND. I’m always thrilled to return to Candy’s and my old stomping grounds, and can’t think of a better reason than to raise funds for an organization that truly changes lives; they've certainly changed mine.
After Candy finishes greeting all her fans, we’ll be off to Vermont, where I’ll host a screening of "Keep on Keepin On" and a Trio performance with some outstanding New York-based musicians, Evan Gregor and Mark Ferber.
And finally, we’ll be making our first venture to Missouri, where we’ll be showing the film, as well as conducting student workshops and concerts as a part of the "We Always Swing" Jazz Series. I’ll be joined by my buddies Billy Williams and Christopher Smith once again, and it’s going to be a blast!
I can’t wait to get back out there, and hope very much to see you if you happen to be at any of these locations. If not, I sincerely hope to get out to your neighborhood very soon. Until then, all my best to you, and I hope you’re enjoying this Spring weather wherever you are.
Peace,