Continuing the New Year's Eve Tradition at the Inn at 202 Dover

Honestly, I've lost track. This may be the 5th consecutive for me year for me on New Year's eve at the Inn at 202 Dover, in Easton, MD. There has been an evolution of form (I began at the Inn working with bassist Dave Ross as a duo, transitioning to my two man rhythm section approach with Mike McShane, while establishing a solo presence for their Sunday brunch), but a continuum of substance. Last year, Beth McDonald joined Mike and I. Beth, with her Peggy Lee influenced charm, is the perfect compliment to the instrumental music for dancing under the stars in the conservatory. The only thing that could rival this is the Inn itself. If you have yet to make plans, New Years Eve at the Inn at 202 Dover deserves your serious consideration.

CD Review - The American Rag

Recently I received a surprise in my mailbox - a copy of this review of my lastest recording:"Happiness ... A Thing Called Jazz" (by Cam Miller in the American Rag, Sept, 2011 edition). I got to know Cam, a little, when I was touring with the Midiri Band, a few years ago. He made it clear that he was connecting with what I was doing. Actually (in person) he called me a "monster" (meant as a compliment), but I was never comfortable running with that. Now, in print, he comes close, having given me the gift of this (composite) phrase: Pianist Joe Holt is a soloist extrodianare, an intense musician with teriffic chops (who) shows you he means business. Thanks Cam!

Shore Jazz on the Move

Things are evolving a bit with Shore Jazz, as well with as each of us individually. The winds began to swirl when we booked a show at the Night Cat, in Easton, MD, for Friday December 2 (fueled by the buzz around our Friday night steady at the Big Pickle, in St. Michaels). This provided the needed kick in the pants to get the "official" CD project together which, as of now, looks on track to release at the Night Cat (above: a studious Mike McShane at an editing session). While this was happening, Sherman Ward (a.k.a. Eddie Sherman) picked up the group for a Rehoboth Jazz Festival weekend booking with the "Eddie Sherman Show", with more dates (similarly configured) to follow. Winds of change also brought news of the closing of Beseme' (our Saturday night steady of 2 years) on 12/17 (we will be there for the closing night party), and the addition of (my longstanding friend and colleague) Paul Midiri a number of performances (including the Night Cat). Not sure what 2012 will bring (as other projects also swirl in the mix), but we're prepared to sort it all out.