Rehoboth Jazz Festival

I've been performing at the Rehoboth Jazz Festival for 20+ years, but more often than not at a side venue. This year my band Movin' & Groovin' was made an official sanctioned festival performer. We're there on the poster along with some impressive company, I'd say.

Maynard Ferguson Tribute Show

I've been working with a fine big band in Wilmington, DE and am looking forward to this concert with guest artist Denis Diblasio (bari sax), long time member of Maynard's band as well as composer and arranger. Our show will feature several of his compositions.

Here is a video of our closer from the concert (side shot):

Superstar

Follow up to the Leon Russell tribute show at Wolf Trap. This song turned out pretty nice- it was essentially spontaneous.. we knew what the form would be and and we ran the intro and ending at sound check.. that's it! Jenny Langer (Black Betty) is on vocals.

I made a playlist of other videos from the concert, which also includes a second version of Superstar from an audience member.

Wolf Trap

I'm excited to perform in this special tribute concert while adding the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Center to my performance resume.

The most challenging part of this show was to create horn section arrangements for Leon Russell's music, which required thinking in a sensitive manner to use horns as an enhancement while taking care not to step over the background vocals and other instrument parts.
The show is already sold out! Bandhouse gigs puts on these one-off tribute shows to high acclaim at premium venues in the Washington, DC region, utilizing a rotating cast of the area's all-star musicians and producers.

NPR Tiny Desk, 2018

Got a last minute call form "Skribe"! We did this live shoot on a very chilly afternoon in Annapolis. I originally recorded "Common Ground" for Aaron Yealdhal's last CD at Sweetfoot Studios. We reprised it for NPR and I was happy to participate.
Check out the original studio recording HERE, where I am multi-tracked with my trpt and flugel.

Buddy RIch Tribute

It's Buddy Rich's centennial and drummer Jackie Browne has organized a tribute concert for the occasion. Click the image for detailed info:

Jackie has assembled a band of Wilmington's heavy hitters for this one-off event and I feel privileged to have been included in his trumpet section. Hope to see you there if you're in the area.

NYE 2017

If you're reading this come check me out as I perform with the popular R&B band "Comfort Zone" for New Years Eve at a venue where music and food are a serious priority. No ticket needed!

Trombone Debut

Like a lot of other trumpet players I keep a valve trombone around, just because... So I was recently hired by singer/songwriter Alexander Peters to create and record trumpet parts for a CD he was working on called "Warm Butter". He also inquired about trombone players so I thought what the heck, let's see what the old Getzen can do! So off to Sweetfoot Studios I went. A traffic mishap kept Alex from making it to the session (I have yet to meet him!) so I just worked it out with Shea Springer, who owns and runs the studio.

So, without further adieu, here are my first ever trombone performances on a commercially released recording:

Berlin Jazz & Blues

Another year for me performing at the Berlin Jazz & Blues Festival. Top notch acts from start to finish. Spread the word!

Earth Frequency

Wow, I just returned from another festival tour with Jay Hoad. Our first performance was at Earth Frequency Festival near Brisbane, totally out in the bush and off the grid. This is one of Australia's major festivals and may be their version of 'Burning Man'. It was a total trip!
After that we hit the road for a 2500km trek to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Lot's of bush camping along the way. All in all another successful tour Down Under.

NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Have you heard of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series? Bryan Russo called me to join him in creating a submission for this year's concert series, and this is the result:
This was the second take of a song Bryan had basically just finished writing. I just did my best to add instrumental enhancement. For a lot of musos there is suddenly a lot more to write and sing about.
Bryan's quote: 'What a Time to Be Alive' is the first song in a planned album of socially conscious, lyrically poignant protest songs in the key of Waits, Newman, and Dylan.

NYE 2016

I'll be ringing in the 2017 New Year performing with my 4-piece Funk, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, R&B, etc. band Movin' & Groovin' at the Milton Theatre. Hit up their web site for tix and enjoy this historic venue.

Album Of The Year

The album "Off The Cuff" that I launched earlier this year on a tour with Jay Hoad has just been awarded South Australia's "Roots Album Of The Year" by the ARBA. This album was mainly a collaboration with Jay and legendary Hall of Fame Blues man Chris Finnen, but I am proud to have been also featured on a few tracks. Check it out!

Bryan Russo's Bargain Scotch

Over the past year I've been collaborating with singer and songwriter Bryan Russo. "Bargain Scotch" is his latest band project. This album was recorded last winter and released today. Give it a listen!

Jah Works

In the middle of a busy summer gig season I got a call to sub for a two night run with touring Reggae act Jah Works at Seacrets, Jamaica USA

I had earlier gigs on both days(!) but hustled to make it work out. This video is of the last songs on the final night. Click ahead to 4:34 where I get tapped to blow one more time - whew!
Jah Works is a phenomenal ensemble with a long track record and world-wide following. Check out their latest album "Believe". I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to play with these guys.

Sweetfoot Studios

Sweetfoot Studios is in Easton, MD and run by Shea Springer. I was hired to layer some background horns for a tune on Skribe's (Aaron Yealdhall) upcoming CD, "Postcards". Check out "Common Ground":
While I was there Shea got me to add my trumpet to a track he was working on for an artist named Brendan Gallagher. I've yet to meet him but he seems like another talented songwriter and keyboardist. This is the final result, called "To The Grave":

Fiji Festival Redux

Jay Hoad & I have been performing yearly at the Uprising Festival in Fiji. This video is of us performing Jay's original song, "Rat Race" - a completely spontaneous, unplanned encore to our festival set:

I also found this random YouTube video from our set opener:

As you can see, our performance stretched from day into night! We're looking forward to playing this festival again later this year.
You can stream the album version of Rat Race HERE, and on Spotify.

Australian CD Launch

I just returned from another tour down under with Jay Hoad, this time to launch his new album "Off The Cuff", which is a collaboration with Hall of Fame blues guitarist Chris Finnen. Our tour was mostly around the greater South Australia region:

• Sat Mar 5th- Old Bush Inn Willunga - (FRINGE FESTIVAL)
• Sun Mar 6th- Coopers Alehouse Wallaroo
• Mon Mar 7th- Jetty Bar Glenelg
• Fri Mar 11th- Hotel Victor - (FRINGE FESTIVAL)
• Sat Mar 12th- Grange Hotel  Grange Esplanade
• Sun Mar 13th- Sevenhill Hotel - (FRINGE FESTIVAL)
• Mon Mar 14th- Jetty Bar Glenelg
• Wed Mar 16th- Highway Inn Plympton

Stream the entire CD here- my feature is on track #5, "These Days":

NYE 2015

This will be my 3rd year in a row performing at the cool Evo Brewpub in downtown Salisbury. Come see what all the fun is about and ring in the 2016 New Year with me!

Conjunction Funktion

Here's another band I've been working with recently, and it's right up my alley. Yes, we do plenty of old school Funk, just like they spell it. Drummer Mike Shockley invited me in. Mike and I go way back to the days when Jay Hoad was working on the East Coast. This video is after many months of a winter layoff for the band.

Kallidad

This happened towards the end of the Australian tour. We were invited to be the support (opening) act for Kallidad, the new and very hot death-flamenco group from Australia. They packed the house! After our set their crew painted our faces and invited Jay and I up for a completely spontaneous jam. So glad I handed my phone to an audience member on the way to the stage (thank you!).

Another Australian Tour!

I'm heading over to do a run of shows with Jay Hoad, with a lot of sight-seeing along the way. Here's the rundown:
South Australia
    ▪ Wed Feb 18th Warradale Hotel, Adelaide - 7pm
    ▪ Thu Feb 19th Tassie Tavern, Port Augusta - 7pm
    ▪ Fri Feb 20th Cummins Hotel, Cummins - 9pm
    ▪ Sat Feb 21st Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln - 9pm
    ▪ Sun Feb 22nd Pier Hotel, Port Lincoln - 1pm
Western Australia
    ▪ Fri Feb 27th Caves House, Yalingup - 8pm
    ▪ Sat Feb 28th NANNUP MUSIC FESTIVAL
    ▪ Sun Mar 1st NANNUP MUSIC FESTIVAL
    ▪ Wed Mar 4th Mojo's, Fremantle - 8pm
    ▪ Thu Mar 5th Gypsy Tapas, Fremantle - 7pm

Bobby Shew Concert

This concert is happening this weekend with our big band and we're all very excited to perform and hang out with Bobby.

UPDATE: check out these photos from the concert. No video, sorry!

Corona Uprising Festival- Fiji

This was my second year performing at this festival in Fiji with Jay Hoad. Click the poster for photos. I'll have a video up soon too.

Here's a video interview we did for the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation

James Morrison Master Class

I've wanted to meet Australia's top brass performer for years but our paths never crossed during all my prior Australian tours. Joining me on this trip to the Washington Music Center were fellow Eastern Shore trumpeters Pat Shaner and Tom Davis. My trumpet playing sister Justine lives just down the street and met us there too.

Check out James giving us an intimate taste of his incredible skills:

 

 

Medicare

I'd better stick to music!!

2013 In Review

Well, 2013 was an awesome year of travel and music making! Four separate international tours with Jay Hoad included major festivals in India, Australia and Fiji, which were interspersed with US shows, tours, festivals and other performances, all juggled among multiple bands and performing ensembles. It's all summarized here:

♫ 2013 trpt.com performances ♫

Another Tour Down Under

Here's the schedule of my shows so far with Jay Hoad and the Jay Hoad Band, spread out over the states of Victoria and South Australia:

• Wed Feb 27th - The Highway - 8pm
• Thu Feb 28th - The Blues Restaurant, Middleton - 8pm
• Fri Mar 1st - *Private Event*
• Sat Mar 2nd - Pier Hotel - 3pm
• Sat Mar 2nd - Seacliff Hotel - 8pm
• Sun Mar 3rd - Fringe at the Bay, Glenelg - 1pm
• Sun Mar 3rd - Gov Hindmarsh (Fringe Festival) - 6pm
• Mon Mar 4th - Jetty Bar - 8pm
• Thu Mar 7th - Old Bush Inn, Willunga - 8pm
• March 8-11th - *Port Fairy Folk Festival*
• Thu Mar 14th - The Singing Gallery, McLarenvale

Saarang 2013 - India

I've just returned from my first trip to India, where I gave a performance with Jay Hoad at Saarang 2013, a music and cultural festival in Chennai held on the campus of ITT, Madras

Jay and I were joined for our performance by fantastic local drummer Yohan Marshall  >>

This was an awesome tour for us experiencing a great culture, their fantastic people and music.

Click HERE to see a more extensive photo slideshow of India and the music festival.

Random fan video from one of our sets:

AUS Tour Update

It keeps going! The poster I uploaded here represents just one bit of our tour that is taking us across the continent from Sydney to Perth. This weekend we'll be performing at Womadelaide, a large World Music Festival in South Australia. We're anticipating a massive audience. I hope to be able to post festival photos here soon.

Winter Aussie Tours

I'm heading back 'down under' (where it's actually Summer!) to join with Jay Hoad for some significant upcoming shows and concerts.

This first show at The Gov will be a reunion of Jay's full band, which also secured a few major Australian Festivals scheduled this March, including the Fringe Festival and Womadelaide World Music Festival. In between I'll be performing smaller venues with Jay in duo and trio formats. Then we'll be caravaning out to Western Australia. Wow. Keep up with the entire tour schedule at Jay Hoad's web site.

New CDs

I know I haven't posted in a while; I'll call this a 2011 wrap-up post.
It's been a great year for gigging and I was also able to add several new albums to my (limited) discography:

We recorded the Bullbuckers debut CD at Milkboy Recording studios in Philadelphia under the production guidance of Grammy winner Tim Sonnefeld. I wrote the horn arrangements and had a hand in a few of the original creations as well. Click the image to see all the album artwork. Click HERE to order your personal copy.

Jay Hoad finally released his second album this year, which was recorded at Deep Blue Studios in Australia. As opposed to his first album where I had full participation I'm only on the first track here, but it's a killer! Listen to me on 'Windy Creek' at this page. Click HERE to purchase the US import or download tracks.

This last CD was just released by my jazz/funk group The Larks recorded live at last year's Rehoboth Jazz Festival. Click the image to see all the album artwork, which was handled by Grammy winner Jack Frisch. Go HERE to listen to the CD in it's entirety and purchase a copy, along with other cool offerings by The Larks.

I Remember Clifford

I was contacted and interviewed by the Wilmington News Journal to get some quotes from a "notable Delaware trumpeter" regarding the upcoming Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, held every year in June.
The article was published in today's editions; two different on-line versions can be viewed HERE and HERE

This is really quite a nice festival, not all dumbed down to a smooth jazz event like so many these days. And all the concerts are free.

Clifford was born and lived in Wilmington and I've been gigging up that way quite a bit lately. The festival in his name has honored his legacy for the past 22 years.

Versatility

Two new slide shows illustrating a Jekyll and Hyde type of trumpet performance transition in the same day:

Day:  Elkton, MD - performing original ska with the Bullbuckers at the RamJam festival. Think hippie girls in bikini tops with hula hoops:

(Wanna see videos of our RamJam performance? LOOK HERE)

Night:  Ocean City, MD - performing a 20's show with Pam Miller at a Rotary Convention. Think attentive, dressed up mature types:

New Australian Tour

Just announced! Returning for my fourth jaunt down under to perform with Jay Hoad, in support of his new CD "Stories For The Soul". Shows are scheduled at the Fringe Festival and various venues around South Australia. Here's the lineup so far:

• 2/25 - The Oriental (Norwood)
  
• 2/26 - Bay Bar Dos (Glenelg, afternoon show)
  
• 2/26 - Crown & Sceptre (Fringe Festival show)
• 2/27 - Seacliff Beach (Seacliff)
  
• 2/28 - The Jetty (Glenelg)
  
• 3/3 - The Haus (Hahndorf)
  
• 3/4 - Komodo (Fringe Festival show)
• 3/5 - Komodo (Fringe Festival show)
• 3/6 - Red Poles Winery (McLaren Vale)

By the way, The first single from Jay's CD has been released and is available as a FREE download. Recommended. Go HERE to fetch it.

Rams Head Live

I was pretty fatigued after our NYE extravaganza but had to head to Baltimore for a Bullbuckers New Year's Day show at Rams Head Live to open for the Pietasters.
This embedded video is a playlist of our eleven song set that night:

Update 5/1/11: Most of the vids from this playlist have been removed from public consumption for reasons I won't get into. The one song I was able to salvage is called "Time".

Happy New Year

Had a swell time this year, thanks to the Bullbuckers and Dogfish.
(For contrast, to see what my last New Year's consisted of look HERE)

We were privileged to be the featured performers at Dogfish Head. Thanks to the Discovery Channel's Brewmaster series, Dogfish has become quite the destination! Dogfish served us a five-course gourmet meal that featured a unique beer paired with every course.

Here's a video link to the New Years countdown (and Auld Anxiety).
We surely didn't disappoint as we're booked to perform there again several more times in 2011. It's worth checking out.

Trpt Lesson

Here I am setting up for a two hour lesson with Roger Ingram:

A bit of a confession: This was my first private lesson since high school! Even though I've been a busy trumpet player since then I never pursued any additional coaching. I knew how to play and was plenty successful as a trumpeter, plus I was somewhat preoccupied with pursuing a professional career outside of music. I eventually came to realize I had developed a few bad habits that I guess went unnoticed because I had plenty of "head room" to effectively compensate for my evolving deficiencies.

I saw Roger give a masterclass at Maryland Trumpet Day last month. I could relate to his approach to the embouchure and blowing and thought I might be able to benefit more from a personal session. He returned to the area to host a clinic at Washington Music Center (Chuck's) and we arranged to meet there.

Bottom line: I was prescribed heaps of remedial work! Yes, Clarke and Schlossberg are back on the stand in my studio and I'm to approach them with soft, determined finesse. My sister Justine dropped by to crash the end of our session and quickly stepped up to reinforce everything that Roger was recommending for me. We had a good, productive trumpet hang.

Justine is a great pro trumpet player in the D.C. area. I'll maybe dedicate a full post to her in the future. Roger is very impressive too. Definitely check his site out and consider setting up your own private lesson the next time he's in your area.

Poland in Philly

Had to blog about this show I played Saturday night... It was a last minute show arranged by our guitarist Jesse. Apparently his neighbor is involved with the venue.

This charming restaurant and nightspot is in the middle of a Polish neighborhood in Philadelphia. When we got there I couldn't quite overcome my initial impression of "Polish Mafia" but it couldn't have been nicer. There were a few guys who helped us move our gear in and made sure that we were accommodated in every way. Everybody in the place spoke Polish, except when they were speaking with us. I had a nice selection of Polish beers and home cooked food.

After we got down to business I could sense that we weren't quite what they expected. On our set break they even said as much to us but also indicated that they liked it anyway ("is it ska mixed with jazz?"). We wound up playing well past the legal closing time.

Check out these links for a few more reviews of this eclectic place:
Philly Food Guys blog
Yelp.com reviews
Philly Phoodie blog

Trombone Shorty

Trombone Shorty's career is on a rocket ship trajectory. Literally. And I am a total fan. Do yourself a favor and check him out.

I've now had the distinct privilege of sharing the stage with this prodigy three times in 2010 already. The photo above was taken in the "green room" after our performance at the Bottle and Cork with his band and the Bullbuckers last month, who might just be his favorite local support band!

Additional photo links for our combined shows:
● 605 Market Street, Wilmington, DE -- 2/26/10
● Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach, DE -- 8/15/10
● Light Up The Queen Foundation -- 9/24/10

Check out this brief clip of Troy's wicked trpt notes at our last show:

Update: June 2012- we returned to the Bottle & Cork on 6/28 for another combined show. Read the review!

Summer Madness

"A trumpet man possessed"

*click the photo for the zoomed version*

The tally: (see the details at my constantly updated gig schedule)

● June: 21 shows
● July: 25 shows
● August: 29 shows

These are personal records for me. It is a direct result of hard work on the horn along with successful networking - but also not learning how to say "no" when it might have been in my best interests!

(I think I can lay claim to being the hardest working trpt player in the area this season - higher gig totals if I could have cloned myself!)

PS: -"Summer Madness" is by Kool and The Gang. Check out the live version, released in 1976. Awesome.

Rehoboth Bandstand

On a hot August night, the second of three gigs that day...

Jay Hoad Summer 2010 Tour

I'll be filling this post with a few mementos from our collaboration this summer of a very successful tour with Jay. Some info is also available now on Jay's blog. Stop back for updates!

3rd Friday

In Salisbury, MD. A nice monthly event similar to what other small communities are doing. Here are photos of the last one which featured a robust outdoor performance by The Larks
Update the photos are no longer on-line :-(
Update 1/25/11: Video has just surfaced of that 3rd Friday event so I embedded it here. It features some relaxed trumpet playing.

Cherry Poppin'

...Daddies that is.

Great show last night and great getting to meet and hang with those guys in our meager Green Room accommodations.

Of course, I told them I've been covering "Zoot Suit Riot" in my society band ("Images") for years. They only became impressed when they came to understand I had transcribed it myself and cover it in their original key. Apparently there are stock charts out in the wild that are in a different (easier) key. Good times!

New Larks Photos

I performed a couple of back to back shows with The Larks on 3/10. First at the local mall in support of the current US Census promotion, then on to our local bar haunt. We had a professional photographer along for the ride (SDMI). Check out his handiwork:

• Salisbury Centre
• Market Street Inn

PS, The Larks get a nice mention at afterthegoldrush

Goin' To Jamaica

That's right, leaving this weekend. We'll be following along with the lyrics of Jay Hoad's song of the same title - everything except the hurricane bit I hope. Click below to download or listen to Jay's epic composition (which features my ripping trumpet solo at the end):

►  "Goin' To Jamaica" (mp3)

UPDATE 3/7/10: Just returned from a fantastic trip. I didn't realize that I had been waiting my whole life to go to Jamaica. Lots of sun and good times along with moments of discovery and inspiration. Highly recommended. **click here for random trip photos**

Red Clay

Found an old DVD a friend made of a fun bar gig I did in Ocean City, Maryland a few years back. I ripped this cut from it the best I could.

More videos are posted at The Lark's YouTube Channel

This Time It's Real

Last week I made a fun, funny (ha-ha) post about shoveling 12+ inches of snow, quite a rarity around these parts.
Fast forward to the "Blizzard of 2010". 25+ inches officially. Oh my...

Yes, hand shoveled again. And now I feel like an old man...
Click here for an even better photo slide show of the blizzard.
(apologies again to Tower Of Power)

UPDATE 2/11/10: Another blizzard with 12+ inches yesterday, this time with massive, deep drifts. I got it cleared but am too tired to take any more photos or video. Just imagine the photos above with heaps more snow and bigger mounds about the driveway. Craziness.
(Gig last night scuttled but I should be able to make my 2/13 show).

Charlie Hunter

Went out to see Charlie Hunter fronting his current trio last night with Pete and Dave, my mates from The Larks. The venue was the NightCat in Easton, MD - a very intimate, acoustical setting.

For those unfamiliar with Mr. Hunter he plays a unique custom stringed instrument. The bottom three strings are bass and the top four strings are guitar. To say that he has mastered it would be an understatement. Click Charlie's picture for a better look >>>

I decided to blog about this because of his latest project which features a horn section of two trombones and a trumpet. Utilizing brass is a first for Charlie. It's a very creative and enjoyable listen (he's currently touring with 1/3 of the horn section). I'm holding the new CD in the picture below but it got cut off at the bottom.

You're Still a Young Man

12+ inches of snow last night on Delmarva...

...hand shoveled.

(apologies to Tower Of Power)

The Note

Bullbuckers recently played a show at The Note in West Chester, PA
A kind fan took a few photos and posted them:

Bullbuckers (Jan 02 2010)

They're pretty nice shots - big cheers to Greg.
I made this blog post just so I could save the link somewhere!

Theatre of the Living Arts

Photo slide show from the Bullbuckers performance in Philadelphia on December 21, opening for The Slackers


Our show was delayed by one day, courtesy of the giant snowstorm that rolled up the East Coast that weekend. Still, quite a few people came out. Good times.

Twenty years ago...

Newspaper clipping of me that I decided to scan before it totally disintegrated (note the date - click image to enlarge).
The Shore Jazz All-Stars included Lenny Grazier, Bill Nelson and Jackie Mofitt. Lenny and Bill are long deceased; 'survivors' from an earlier jazz era. I learned a lot from them.


This is a photo of me with Lenny and Jackie at another festival a couple of years later (I think - not really sure of the date on this one).

And from Summer '88- Shore Jazz All-Stars in concert at the OC Boardwalk (Jackie is hidden behind my flugelhorn):