It has been quite the month, and I'm feeling particularly grateful today. I've gone from the Dominican Republic with Jimmy Macbride, Christopher Smith (and Quincy Jones Productions' photographer Adam Hart); to Vermont with the Brian McCarthy Nonet; to Miami with the Clayton Brothers Quintet; to DC's Allyn Johnson's Divine Order Studios to begin recording the new album with homeboys Billy Williams Jr., Chris Smith and Stantawn Kendrick (and DownBeat/Jazz Times photographer Mark Robbins); made some great sounds with Christopher Brydge back at home in Virginia Beach, VA; then rounded out the month over Thanksgiving weekend with 4 sold out shows at my favorite NYC joint, Mezzrow, with Jimmy, Chris Smith and Stantawn...and to chat with the very great Eldar after the show. The NYC hang was made that much more fun with mom tagging along!
Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support us and to all the amazing musicians who lifted my musical spirits considerably!
Returned to the west coast yesterday. Time to work on some Christmas music, so stay tuned!
Peace!
Justin