It seems like a day doesn’t go by where a crack about the life of a musician is made- usually with some sort of sarcasm, or worse- cynicism.  I thought I’d write about one of the good points today:  travel.  

Sometimes it’s playing-sometimes it’s teaching, but me and the trombone have hit 49 of the 50 states here in the USA.  Hawaii is the lone hold-out, but hopefully that will change soon.  One of the best parts about this travel perk is meeting and connecting with music lovers, fellow musicians, students and future collaborators. Here are a couple of serious cats out there that I have worked with. I have a feeling that if these guys were in New York, they would be leading their bands around town and creating a local buzz.

I met saxophonist and composer Jason Hainsworth during my short stint at Florida State University, where he was completing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies.  He earned the respect of the students and faculty with his professionalism and writing which was at once fresh, swinging and exciting.  After I began my career in NYC, Jason invited me to Broward College (where he is Director of Jazz Studies) in Ft. Lauderdale FL. to perform as a guest artist with his band.  Although his program proves that he is an inspirational educator, he possesses a singular talent as a composer and arranger.  After much discussion, he set to work and wrote the music for his first album, “Kaleidoscope” which released during March 2009.  Jason accepts new commissions for all types of ensembles, and is always honing his craft.

I must admit, Exotica music hadn’t made its way into my album collection until the fall of 2008.  Bostonite-Bostonus-or Bostonian Randy Wong single-handedly remedied this problem.  Educated at Harvard, Carnegie Mellon and New England Conservatory, Wong was more than prepared for his introductory lecture on the music of Arthur Lyman and Martin Denny - two stalwarts of Exotica stylings.  Not content to just speak- and himself an excellent acoustic bassist and composer, Randy started his own Exotica band/world/culture/pathos named WAITIKI. After three highly-successful albums with his quartet, he has expanded this group to a seven-piece group that- well, grooves HARD.  I wish there was a way that I could explain everything that Randy does, but it’s impossible.  There is no proverbial nutshell in the world that is large enough to house this ultra-talented, multi-threat and sleep-deprived bass player.  And he’s a nice guy too. 

Then there ’s Dave Camwell whom I met during a tour of the Carribean- an excellent classical and pop saxophonist currently based in Iowa. Dave is also a talented educator, and serves as the Assistant Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Simpson College. I know for a fact that he doesn’t have much “down-time”, because Dave is always working on a project or three. Check out his interesting work with contemporary classical music and his burning pop tracks. Dave is equally comfortable in the studio, and has assisted in my projects from over 1700 miles away! Away from the horn, he has a lovely wife oboist Jill Camwell and a brand-new baby boy, Harry.

Mike

There are some spectacular projects coming out in the next few months- especially the DG All-Star Big Band release on Half Note, along with WAITIKI 7’s debut, and the next release from the Curtis Brothers Quartet. I enjoy being a sideman, especially as a listener and participant with these great musicians. Please check them out.

I have been playing my Rath R4 trombone for over two years, and I’m liking it more and more. The wonderful guys in Huddersfield, England (Mick and Nicola Rath) and Woodbridge, NJ (Steve Dillon of Dillon Music) have a great thing happening- bringing these fine instruments to the US for distribution. I’ve gotten quite a few emails about Rath trombones- if you happen to be a trombonist and are considering them, feel free to ask me anything. I check my email daily.

My most recent project has been the launch of D Clef Records this spring. After working for a few small jazz labels (now unfortunately defunct), I felt disappointed that my productions were unable to reach a larger audience. With DCR, I have a dedicated staff including writers, engineers and musicians that give 110% towards the production and promotion of their projects. I produce the artists with their musical vision as the top priority, and everybody enjoys the process and the product. Check with the DCR website often for news updates- our first release is currently available: Thomas Barber’s Janus Bloc SNOW ROAD is a dynamic ensemble featuring Claudio Roditi, Nasheet Waits, Tim Collins, Stacy Dillard, Lauren Sevian, Sharel Cassity, Adam Birnbaum, Linda Oh and many others.

Hope to see and/or hear from you soon.

Mike