2019 - #ECUS

So – I guess the big thing from this year is that I started teaching again.  Being the jazz guitar instructor is kind of fulfilling a long-standing ambition of mine, and I’m enjoying it as much as I’d ever imagined. 

I did manage to carry out my plan for a marathon recording where I cleared all my back-catalog of tunes that hadn’t gotten their due.  Should get the tetralogy of records released shortly, once everything is mixed.  The fellas – Keith, Andy, Jerrold and Henry – did some amazing work. 

We lost Bob K. and Ralph – at least managed to help send Ralph off properly with re-working a Dreamers demo into a hymn of hope and love. 

Adopted hawks as my spirit animal. 

Listening – Gary Burton.  Julian Lage.  Lots of Hard Bop.  Dio Sabbath.  More Charlie Byrd.  More opera – Strauss in particular, going beyond Salome and Elektra.  And Verdi – especially conducted by Abbado. 

Reading – the Gary Burton autobiography, a lot of Spenser novels to end the year and start the new one.

Gigs – I started saying yes to almost everything, what with wanting to focus on my guitar playing more than composing this year.  Busiest year in a long, long time.  Still feel lousy about my playing, but what’s new?

Concerts – only 2, but both of note.  UFO at the St. George on Halloween night with Vinny and Marshall.  Their 50th anniversary tour.  A UFO sighting on Staten Island!  My 16 year-old self was thrilled.  And John Scofield and Dave Holland at the Blue Note with Lance.  Better gtr/bass duo than the Jim Hall/Red Mitchell record. 

Things have been falling into place pretty well, hence the hashtag.  “Everything’s Coming Up Stinky”.  #ECUS.  Here’s looking forward to the new year continuing the trend.

Picture of the year from Chrispy’s 1st birthday party.  Who you calling a loser?