American Cruise Lines - back on board

One of the nice surprises of 2010 was the addition of American Cruise Lines to my performing schedule. After initial performances in Chestertown (facilitated thru my relationship with the Prince Theatre), I was retained for the remainder of the season, performing at port in Cambridge. Now, the 2011 schedule kicks in, and I'm back in the saddle (uh...life raft?). Starting this coming Tuesday (and a few times each month thru October), I'll be bringing "Spontaneous joy" to the parlor of the American Spirit. Looking forward to it!

Shore Jazz: a Saturday night fixture at Beseme

Shore Jazz is back at Beseme' for the 2011 season. Actually, it's been a few weeks, and the response is strong. Mike McShane, John Ewart and I form the "original" trio. When one or more of us can't be there on a given week, guest artists will be featured. For the next 2 weeks, I'll be holding down the fort with Dave Schiff - sax, this weekend (4/30), and Paul Midiri - vibes the following (5/7). John and Mike return on 5/14. Check the schedule for my dates, and come join us!

Resurrection day for "He's Steppin' Out"

Back in the 1980's, I began a children's choir, at church in NJ where I served as music director. Not finding any music that served the purpose, I began writing my own songs for the group; songs that brought Bible messages home to the children, who made them their own. We had good times for a few years, then we all moved on (and grew up). Every so often, though, Carol would ask me: “When are you going to record those songs?”, and finally, in 2002, I released “He’s Steppin’ Out”. On this CD the original songs and skits are transformed into a 2 man act along with singer/comedian Jimmy Lawlor. I listened to it yesterday for the first time in awhile, and laughed out loud (all over again). Soon after releasing the CD, my friend Brian Whitaker stepped into the roles Jimmy created (and added some new ones), to create a live performance version (in the video above - from 2004 - Brian helps me present “One Big Mess”). All things at the right time (or - for everything there is a season…), and now, after putting it down for a few years, Brian and I are “resurrecting” “He’s Steppin’ Out” with an Easter Sunday presentation at the Crossroads Alliance Chruch in Dover, DE. We’re both looking forward to what the future holds. If you’re not familiar with “He’s Steppin Out”, you should be. Get it here (you’ll want it - trust me).

Summer Performances with Larzine

As the summer schedule takes shape

Joe to perform "Spontaneous Joy" at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown

Looking forward to this Sunday in the beautiful sanctuary of my home church! Join us at 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown MD, Sunday 4/3 at 3pm.

Concert review - Tri State Jazz Society - 2/27/11

Got to give it to Jim McGann here. I've always believed you can learn (perhaps everything you need to know) about a musician from their playing. That said, Jim knows me better than most - and we've never even held a conversation:
REVIEW - PIANO SERIES - JOE HOLT
The Time: Sunday, February 27, 2011, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Place: The Porch Club, 4th and Howards Sts., Riverton, NJ
Joe Holt, piano


Copied from the Tri-State Jazz Society blog

Direction. Getting from point A to point B. How we get from those two points varies according to the individual. For some, the quickest route serves best, not attractive for sight-seeing, but saves time. For others, taking in some scenery, and an escape from the busiest highways with its congestion, short-tempered drivers et al allows for a more pleasant drive.

Then there’s Joe Holt.

To illustrate visually a Joe Holt piano performance would go something like this: Getting in the car, starting the engine, go back in the house because he forgot something, get back in car, drive around the block three times to admire the Christmas lights, then go back to the house because he forgot to say goodbye to the pet dog, off again, one more trip around the block-this time to admire the neighbor’s ’57 Chevy, makes a U-turn, then arrives at a traffic light, makes another U-turn to go to an intersection where there is no light, takes a road less traveled to get to point B! It is an understated cliché to define Holt’s playing as the mouse in the maze hunting for the elusive piece of cheese.

To be a good stride pianist, one must have a strong left hand. All the greats had them – Smith, Johnson, Waller, etc. Mr. Holt was no exception. In some cases, he presented his left hand as a walking bass, taking “bass solos” as in the case in his performance of “Sweet Georgia Brown.” However, his right hand should not go unnoticed-the driving metaphor described in the previous paragraph is applied here. Some performances like in the opening “Aint Misbehavin’” had both hands switch parts – the bass playing melody and the treble playing bass.

All of the selections performed had their moments. “Putting on the Ritz” could be defined as “What happened after the Ritz.” Both hands stagger in opposite directions, somehow managing to hail a taxi cab to go uptown, while passing Carnegie Hall, “Anitra’s Dance” is performed, ultimately arriving at Small’s Paradise Café where the house band is playing “Sing, Sing, Sing.” “If Only” a Holt original, took a different direction. Described as a “feeling of regret,” the title fits the mood of the piece, sort of a looking back on an unpleasant past. Based loosely on the melody of “Ochi Chernye (Dark Eyes)”, the piece reminds one of Debussy’s impressionistic works. The closing, “I Got Rhythm” was the best saved for last. Describing his penchant for quoting as “my Tourettes,” Holt applied them liberally, citing diversified works as “Yes, We Have No Bananas” and “Seven, Come Eleven.” Gershwin’s composition brought out the Basie in Holt, applying the subtle treble effects the great Count was known for, even going so far as to allow a Walter Page impression with his left hand!

The relaxed encore, “If I Had You,” marked the end of an adventurous ride, arriving at Point B, safe and sound. - Jim McGann

Lessons for the Thoughtful Pianist now available

It's been a long road, to this point. Charie', now in college, was in elementary school when the Joe Holt's Notes (the original use for this title) subscription series was churning out mini-lessons in my initial attempt to get ideas on paper, and reach an audience of those to whom I could be helpful in learning and discovery. Back then, I didn't even type, let alone use a computer, so when I faced a point of having to write, produce, and administer this by myself, I was forced to put it down. In recent years, having become (slightly) more functional with things technological, I've been working on the best way to get this back up and running. In the process, the possibilities of digging deeper, and reaching farther have been opening up. Never one to shy away from the grand vision, a new "delivery system" has been put in place to allow depth of presentation, ease of access, and a broad reach to those interested in taking the journey with me. As before (in the original "Joe Holt's Notes"), this series is designed to make the lessons available as I write them (in a much more expansive and comprehensive form), allowing a breathing, evolving series to live on for (hopefully) a long time. If you are interested in playing the piano, at whatever level and angle of view you currently stand, you are invited to take the journey along with me. Click here for the Lessons for the Thoughtful Pianist video channel. Click here for the lesson blog.   

Joe to perform "Spontaneous Joy" at the Darlington Arts Center

On Saturday March 5, at 8pm, I'm looking forward to presenting my concert of musical improvisation  in Garnet Valley PA, at the Darlington Arts Center. Thanks to Bill Wallace of the Tri State Jazz Society (where I will perform a stride piano based program 6 days before) for making this connection. It going to be a casual coffeehouse atmosphere, with an open mic opportunity before the concert (at 7:30pm). Join us!

Joe accompanies for 2011 "Women Helping Women", at the Prince

Women Helping Women is a wonderful effort to support the work or Dr Maria Boria. The annual performance, at the Prince Theatre, features top local artists, and the full support of the community (in other words, reserve early, if you want a seat). As I love accompanying, I'm always glad to get the call. Steve Payne (sound engineer) posted this video last year of Melissa McGlynn's performance of "Natural Woman". Extra fun for me, as I seldom perform in this vein. You'll get a sense, from this video, that the show is not only a noble effort, but also a good time. This year's event is scheduled for May 11, at the Prince Theatre, in Chestertown, MD. Click here for an article about last year's Women Helping Women.

Transcription of "Sunny Side of the Street" posted

For anyone who plays the piano (and reads music), Ian Pallister has posted a transcription of a video post of "Sunny Side of the Street", from a nursing home performance in 2007. Transcribing is not one of my "gifts" (takes me forever), so I'm grateful to Ian for putting this out there. The video above is the performance behind the transcription. click here for the sheet music.

Joe performs "Spontaneous Joy" at the Washington Grace Church of the Nazarene, Sunday 1/23/11

This Sunday evening, January 23, 2011, I will be presenting my solo piano improvisation concert: "Spontaneous Joy" at the Washington Grace Church of the Nazarene - presented in conjunction with the Community of Hope Church of the Nazarene. This is a concert (entirely) of musical improvisation that will include hymns and Christian song, as well as classical themes, jazz and popular standards, music from my improvisation CD: “Stories Without Words” and entertaining examples of improv, including the “A.D.D. Improvisation”. This is much the same presentation, in substance, that I would give in a theater or performing arts center. What will be different will be the inclusion of hymns and spirituals, and an open presentation of my own understanding of, and trust in God as the center and source. At least that's my purpose.  
This concert will (hopefully) appeal to people who enjoy the arts, are spiritually sensitive, open minded, enjoy jazz and/or classical music. If you are in the vicinity of Washington, DC this Sunday evening at 6pm, why not join us?

Joe's 2011 YouTube channel now open

Yes, again! Every year I think I have to re-explain this, but once you start poking around my YouTube postings (beginning in 2007), it should make sense. The new joeholtsnotes2011 channel will document this year in performance, both in and out of public view. Occasional highlight postings will continue to appear on my original joeholtsnotes channel. If you have a YouTube account, you can subscribe to both them and not miss anything (or much). New this year are promo videos for select events. Hope you enjoy the postings!

Free "Stories Without Words" CD offer thru 1/31/11

You read that right. Anyone who "likes" my Stories Without Words Facebook page (currently or newly) can request a free Stories Without Words CD (or a CD of your choice, if you have already purchased Stories ...)! All that's needed is an e-mail to joeholt@joeholtsnotes.com requesting the CD, with your shipping address. Do you like this? You really should.

Debut Concert for the Tri-State Jazz Society, in February

On Sunday February 27th, 2011, at 2pm, I am scheduled to perform a solo concert at the Porch Club, in Riverton NJ, for the Tri-State Jazz Society's new piano concert series. The concert is titled: "Stride Piano - A Continuing Legacy of Spontaneous Joy", and will explore an evolution of solo jazz performance from vintage stride, through the subsequent generations of solo pianists influenced by this approach. looking forward to a really fun afternoon!

100th performance for Philadelphia Protestant Home (IL) residents

In 1994, I began working at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, at the request of the new administrator, who I had worked with/for previously. Before long, I was making regular visits to the Health Center (nursing) and Assisted Living units in the capacity of music therapist, as well as performing as an entertainer for the Independent Living residents at semi-monthly intervals. Some years later, the schedule was pared back (the commuting distance was always an issue) to , eventually, only the retirement (IL) residents. To this day, the every other month schedule continues, and sometime this year (I'm not certain exactly when, perhaps it was last night), I'll perform my 100th concert for the residents (and guests and visitors). Believe it or not, there are some residents who have been with me for all 100 shows (and they still come)! As you can imagine, it's a very "warm and fuzzy" relationship, and one (actually many) for which I'm grateful. The above video is from the first time I brought the camera, soon after I began documenting for YouTube in 2007. Looking forward to the next 100 shows!

New Year's Eve at the Inn at 202 Dover

Here is the local newspaper advertisement for the Peacock (Inn at 202 Dover) New Year's Eve event. A fine and elegant establishment, and worth the price ($100 person). Mike McShane (drums) and I will be doing our 2 man rhythm section thing (the last 3 years were with Dave Ross on bass, so this steps it up a little) for dancing, with (a new addition this year) Beth McDonald gracing the microphone, and taking our presentation to another level. Join us!

Video postings from Church Hill Theatre 11-13-10

This playlist has been created to house, comprehensively, the video postings from the Church Hill Theatre concert: "Happiness ... A Thing Called Jazz" on November 13, from both Beth's YT channel, and mine. If you are interested in being informed of (my) new videos as they are posted, you can subscribe to my channels (if you do not yet have a YouTube account, it's easy and free). Current postings are made on this years channel, and highlight postings on my original channel.   

2 video promos for Avalon Theatre 12-11-10

Inspired by some of the video that the Avalon Theatre has posted to promote it's own shows, I put together this short video to promote my concert this Saturday. Will continue with the concept, and make some change in the promo content for each show. Speaking of the Avalon"s promo ...

Looking forward to my crack at it! Hope you can come!

Concert review - Church Hill Theatre - 11-13-10

THE JOE HOLT TRIO AND BETH MCDONALD PERFORM AT THE CHURCH HILL THEATER

The Joe Holt Trio and singer Beth McDonald put on a varied yet consistently enjoyable show at the Church Hill Theater in Church Hill, Maryland. As pianist Holt explained near the beginning of the night, he performs music billed as “Happiness Is A Thing Called Jazz.” There was a definite joy felt in each of the performances even though it did cover a wide range of music.

Joe Holt began the show with a medley of Fats Waller's best known songs: “Ain't Misbehavin'” (taken at a medium tempo) and a cooking “Honeysuckle Rose” which climaxed with some hot stride. After talking in an educational and informative manner about what jazz is, he played Scott Joplin's “The Entertainer” first as ragtime, and then as jazz in a witty manner.

Singer-songwriter Beth McDonald joined the pianist for a cheerful version of “The Glory Of Love.” Bassist Gary Cattley and drummer Mike McShane, regular members of the Joe Holt Trio, assisted the pianist on a rendition of “Fly Me To The Moon” that swung like Oscar Peterson. Next up were three originals by Ms. McDonald. The first piece was originally a lullaby but in this version had the feel of reggae. An instrumental had Cattley switching to tuba, and the third number was a humorous story in which Beth sang about the “joys” of being pregnant.

The trio performed Chick Corea's “Spain” (which Holt called a bit of a curve ball), coming up with a creative version that did not sound at all like Corea. The first half of the show concluded with the singer introducing an original folk song while accompanied by Holt.

The good spirits and eclectic program continued throughout the second half. Holt first played a classical melody unaccompanied and then, when joined by Cattley and McShane, it became an uptempo romp. The trio performed a thoughtful “Christmas Time Is Here” and a hard-swinging “Linus And Lucy.”

A “Disney Medley” comprised of “Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah,” “The Bare Necessities” and “I Want To Be Like You” was a delight, featuring Beth McDonald and the tuba of Cattley. The singer was also heard at her best on “Somebody Loves Me” and a warm version of “Why Try To Change Me Now.” She concluded the show with a rockish original and an emotional duet with Holt on the spiritual standard “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” Called back for an encore, an uptempo instrumental rendition of “When You're Smiling” segued into Ms. McDonald's touching vocal on Charlie Chaplin's “Smile.”

There were no slow moments throughout the show, the audience was rightfully enthusiastic, and Joe Holt and his musical friends succeeded in demonstrating that jazz can certainly be happy music.

Scott Yanow,

Author of ten books including Swing, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76

Joe joins lecture series - "The Joy of Improvisation"

On Tuesday evening, November 23rd, I was invited to present "The Joy of Improvisation" at Cokesbury Village, in Hockessin DE, as part of their lecture series. Of course, a good bit of playing (on a very nice Steinway, in their auditorium) was involved, but, for once, I didn't have to worry about talking too much! In addition to my usual demonstrations of musical improvisation (including the "A.D.D.), several questions from the audience led the evening to some interesting places. A warm and enthusiastic response from the Cokesbury (retirement) residents, plus an invitation to return for next year's series, suggests that, sometimes, too much talking actually doesn't get me into trouble   :)  

Solo debut, in the Stoltz Listening Room, on December 11

The Avalon Theatre, in Easton, MD, is long established as the premier performance venue in these parts. With the recent addition of the Stoltz Listening Room, increased opportunity exists for both local/regional artists, and those whose audience is more targeted (for example, a solo pianist, who isn't George Winston, will very likely not draw the same number as the popular rock or country artist). Saturday December 11 could be bittersweet, with that beautiful grand piano on the main stage, but not bitter at all. Happy to bring my Roland along, and sweet to debut at the Avalon with my solo concert: "Spontaneous Joy". Can't wait! 

American Cruise Lines moves to warmer waters

An unexpected addition to this year's performance itinerary were concerts on the American Star (pictured), and the American Spirit, for American Cruise Lines. This summer, Chestertown, MD was added, on a trial basis, to one of the (many) itineraries ACL offers. The combination of my relationship to the Prince Theatre, and old fashioned good timing, gave me the opportunity to be part of the Chestertown experience for the new visitors. My part in this "experience" was just a piece of a much larger effort by the town planning and tourism officials to create a warm and compelling welcome for our guests. By all accounts, it was a thorough success. As for me, when Chestertown stops were completed, I was retained by ACL to perform at the Cambridge, MD port, where the touring season continued through last week. Now, the season closes on the northern destinations, as all the ship head south. The ACL schedule shuts down completely in Jan/Feb, after which the southern runs resume. In mid to late Spring, the ships again enter the Chesepeake Bay, and (by all accounts) I'll be back in the saddle. It's been a good run.

The Trio, with Beth McDonald, to perform at Church Hill Theatre on 11/13

And now the Church Hill Theatre changes the subject. Our concert will be the first performance (for the public. Rehearsals are ongoing for the theatre's upcoming schedule) in the space after the Rocky Horror show (someone has to do it). "Happiness ... A Thing Called Jazz" will begin at 8pm on Saturday, November 13. We will perform (solo and trio) instrumental selections from my new CD of the same title, along with a wide variety of happy stuff, including beautiful vocals by Beth, and some fun surprises. Learn more in the News links of the Church Hill Theatre website. 

Rocky Horror rocks Church Hill

...and now the dust settles. It was over a year ago that Steve Arnold shared with me the news that, once public, would be sure to rock the foundations of the local arts community: the Rocky Horror Show would be coming to the Church Hill stage (as the fall musical for 2010). As his musical director (for "Once On This Island" the year before, and "Trimuph of Love" in production at that time) he was excited to let me in on the scoop. Not sure that he was prepared for my response, though, which was, essentially, a blank stare. Other than the memory, as a teenager, of the marquis at the local movie theatre, suggesting that this was some kind of midnight gathering for creatures of another realm, I knew nothing. Perhaps a willful, and blissful ignorance. After recovering from the shock, Steve began explaining the plot, which didn't get much beyond the "sweet transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania" (because the plot, or what there is of it, isn't really the focus), before I began receiving my education on the Rocky "experience". Though I have participated in the arts as a (full time) performing musician from the time I could drive myself to gigs, it wasn't until my late 40's that I began making a connection to the theater. On top of this, my movie education, in general, is rather abysmal (guess I have never been able to sit still for very long). My "education" intensified as the news became public, and the "buzz" quickly grew into a roar. As all of this swirled around, I had to confront the reality that I was able to dodge for the prior 2 years: that my performing schedule could no longer accommodate carving out 3 consecutive weekends, especially in the middle of the fall. Undaunted, Steve made it clear that he wanted me involved in as much of the process of this production as I was able to accommodate. Piece by piece, the puzzle was assembled. I would participate in the audition and rehearsal process as vocal music director, then hand off musical responsibility to the instrumentalists who would perform the show. It couldn't have worked any better. Phillip Dutton became the vital link in all of this, as he stepped into the process in the final weeks of rehearsal. A fine pianist, sensitive musician, and a quick study, Phil (in a skillful way) navigated the ropes, and in just a few rehearsals, I (reluctantly) released the baton. In the final week, the locally based band, THC in the Sex Lounge, and go-to reed man Ron Demby joined Phil to provide an appropriately tasteful, and solid foundation from which the cast would launch, and create an experience unlike this region has ever experienced in live theater. I did not anticipate how difficult the "hand off" would be, as I wanted to continue to be there in support of the amazing contributions of our (amazingly talented) cast. At the final dress rehearsal, the night before opening, I sat myself in the middle of the theater (one of only 3 in the audience), knowing it would be my one opportunity to take this all in (prior to the midnight closing show, as my own performing conflicted with all the others). It was everything that Steve envisioned it would be, and more. The commitment of our cast and crew (moving and working as, essentially as single unit) was as deep as anything I've seen, and summons my sincere respect for everyone involved. Now, we move on, but with an indelible mark left on the local arts community, and most especially, I'm sure, on the cast and crew, who turned the dreaming into being. Click on the "In the News" link of the Church Hill Theatre website to read the review of the Rocky Horror Show.

Another blog!

If I keep adding YouTube channels, and Facebook pages, I might as well do it here also. This "news" blog will be geared to events and happenings. The "journal" blog will continue to be a place of reflection; to share thoughts and ideas. After some deliberation, I've decided to go ahead and write this in the first person (you know who's doing this, anyway). Look for announcements of upcoming events, releases, reviews, and all the latest. Stay tuned ...