Well, I’m back from Europe and Asia where I’ve been touring the last three weeks with my trio. Once again, I’m blown away by the warmth and love we’ve received from so many beautiful and receptive crowds. The tour included Norway, Sweden, Austria, England, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, The Netherlands and finally, Indonesia. Every time I get to visit these amazing cities, I’m in awe of their beauty, culture and food! We ate particularly well this whole trip, and I can’t tell you how much that can turn a good gig into a great one! On behalf of Billy Williams on drums and Thomas Fonnesbaek on bass, I can’t thank all of the amazing promoters, venues, and folks who came out enough! You all made this a tour none of us will soon forget. I've been finding myself more and more reluctant to head home so soon every time I travel to Europe, and this was certainly no exception. However, one thing always makes me homesick...Candy! While on the road, Candy was enjoying a much needed vacation with my parents in Virginia. As great as Europe and Asia were, nothing beats coming home to this pretty girl!
Now back in the City, I’m looking forward to sharing more music with folks here in the States. If you’re around any of these upcoming gigs, I’d love to see you out there. I’m especially looking forward to returning to Mezzrow in NYC with bassist Evan Gregor. If you’ve never checked out this club, you’re missing out. Mezzrow has a very special vibe, and it’s been one of my favorite places to both play and listen to great music. I strongly encourage anyone in NYC to stop by if you can. We’ll be playing some of my favorite standards out of the great songbook, as well as some newer originals.
In April, I'll be joining Katie Thiroux's Trio tour in early and late April (WA, Canada & CO/ CA & AZ). And, in between, the Justin Kauflin Trio will be heading to Fayetteville, AR to play at the Walton Arts Center on April 15, 2017.
That’ll do it for now. Again, thank you so much for your support and encouragement, and I sincerely hope to see you soon. Until then, all my best. Justin