In a world where the news cycle seems fueled by tragedy, staying positive can feel like an act of courage. Every day we are bombarded with stories that challenge our faith in humanity, our sense of peace, and sometimes even our hope. That’s why music matters more than ever.
Lately something unexpected happened in our home that stirred up a whole wave of memories and possibilities.
My wife Pat was cleaning out old files and recordings we had stored away for years when she came across a project we had worked on together more than twenty years ago. One evening she sat down and listened to it from beginning to end. Afterwards she came to me almost timidly and said, “I fell in love with these songs… and I hadn’t heard them in over twenty years. Would you ever consider releasing this music?”
The project was a collection of songs written by Ike Joseph, a songwriter I met years ago through my friend Eddie Montilla in Miami. Ike was part of that legendary Brill Building songwriting tradition, where songs were built on melody, and great lyrics.
I honestly hadn’t listened to these recordings in a very long time.
So I sat down quietly and pressed play.
And song after song, I found myself surprised, moved, and honestly amazed. The music didn’t feel trapped in another era. The songs felt timeless. Beautifully crafted. Honest. The kind of songs that somehow become even deeper with age.
Sadly Ike passed away before this music ever had the chance to fully find its audience, and for many reasons the recordings remained shelved all these years.
But now I’m wondering if maybe their time has finally come. I’ve been thinking about releasing one song each week digitally, no CDs, no big rollout, no hype, just letting the music arrive organically, one song at a time.
And hey I’d like to get your feedback!
Sometimes music waits patiently for the right moment and the right ears. This is truly one of those moments.
Last night the great Oscar Peterson was celebrated at Jazz at Lincoln Center. I wasn’t able to be there, but I know many of the artists who gathered to honor the life and legacy of that iconic musician. Just knowing that a room full of people came together to celebrate brilliance, swing, artistry, and soul gave me joy. Oscar Peterson’s music still speaks to us because true artistry never disappears. It keeps echoing through generations.
Living in New York City, I’m constantly reminded that music is alive everywhere. The jazz clubs are coming back, and new rooms are opening their doors to artists and audiences hungry for connection. Places like The Pocket Jazz Club, The Five Spot, The Jazz Club, and the new JazzCultural Theatre, owned and operated by Spike Wilner, who also shepherds Mezzrow and Smalls Jazz Club, are helping keep this music and this culture alive.
Live music really does bring people together in a way almost nothing else can. And for musicians, those nights in clubs, theaters, and little neighborhood rooms are still one of the main ways we survive and keep creating.
Whenever I go out to hear live music, I’m recharging my spirit, and reaffirming my connection with folks like you.
May you have a blessed, music filled Sunday.
TOUR DATES
June 20 - JUNETEENTH: 250 Years of Black Music, Gettysburg, the Majestic Theatre
June 22 & 23 - Rochester Jazz Festival, NY
June 26-28 - South Jazz Club, Philadelphia
July 3 - 12 - Umbria Jazz Festival, IT
July 17-19 - Birdland Jazz Club, NYC )
July 31 & Aug 1 - Int’l Black Theater Fest., Winston Salem, NC - Cross That River
Sept 5 - Sonoma Jazz Society, CA
Sept 10 - KCSM Radio on Studio 91 - 1:00 PM
Sept 10 - Piedmont Piano, Oakland, CA - 7 PM
Oct 17 - Queens Theater, NY
Dec 12 - Pinecrest Gardens, FL (Nat King Cole XMAS)
Dec 21-27 - Half Note Jazz Club, Athens, Greece, (Nat King Cole XMAS)
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.