Just stopping by to quickly wish anybody reading a very Happy New Year! I’ll be back with more news shortly (things are about to get shaken up here on the site) as I have time to write it, in between shows – I’m in London playing the Rat Pack in the West End for a few weeks.
During the month of July, I’m home in New York; firmly ensconced in the usual routine of practising, teaching and playing rehearsals and gigs in and around the city. One exception, that takes me a little further afield, is a gig on July 10th up in Springfield, MA. On this occasion, I’ll be playing Lead Trumpet with Kendrick Oliver’s New Life Jazz Orchestra for their performance at the Hoop City Jazz and Art Festival. If you’re in the area, I hope to see you there – details are on my Schedule page.
Looking back to June, I had a great trip back to the UK, visiting family and friends and doing some playing and teaching. One highlight while I was there was resurrecting the “Quarter To Four” band at Grimsby Jazz. We had a great time playing and it was so nice to see so many old friends, both on and off the bandstand. I made a reference recording of the evening and have posted a couple of samples in my Soundcloud account – they are linked elsewhere on the site.
Just before I left for the UK, I spent a chop-bursting evening at the Tea Lounge in Brooklyn, attempting to play the lead book with The Chase Experiment. Bandleader Jackie Coleman has painstakingly transcribed much of the music of Chase; the iconic Trumpet-section-led Jazz/Rock group devised by former Woody Herman lead trumpet, Bill Chase. I’ve enjoyed that music for a long time and playing it gave me a new appreciation for what a monstrous player he was!
Upon my return to New York, I played with the Nathan Parker Smith Large Ensemble for the Jazz Vespers service at St Peter’s Church. Nathan has written some great, if slightly unconventional, music and it was tremendous fun to play something a bit different. I look forward to playing with them again soon.
Hope you’re having a great summer.
BD
June sees a welcome return to the UK, the first since my emigration to the States. I’m very much looking forward to seeing family and friends. I’ll be predominately based in Cleethorpes, at my parents’ place, from June 7-14 but am open to offers, if anybody finds they could use me for a gig elsewhere.
The one gig I do have on the books is at Grimsby Jazz in Thursday, June 9th. We will be reprising the so-called “Quarter to Four” band that proved so successful a few summers ago. So called because of a last minute mix up, on the day of a supposed Grimsby Jazz gig with a different band; the replacement group was finally settled at 3:45pm! It will be a great pleasure to play with Pat McCarthy (guitar), Piero Tucci (piano/saxes) and Tony Burkill (tenor sax) again. Rounding out the band this time will be Ken Marley (bass) and John Perry (drums). It promises to be a good night!
There are some lesson spots available, while I’m in the UK. I will likely be visiting friends in Leeds on Sunday, June 12th and can be elsewhere as the situation dictates. Please check the Teaching page for details and drop me a line if you’re interested. Skype lessons are always available, as well, as when I’m in NYC. However, the smaller time difference may make them more viable for interested students in Europe – I know that can make scheduling a headache sometimes.
On the subject of lessons, I must offer my apologies for the current absence of the Store on my site. If you would like to organize a lesson, please drop me a line and I can send you a PayPal link to prepay your Skype (or in-person) lesson. The store will be fixed shortly.
Enjoy your summer!
BD
It has come to my attention that there are some problems with the Store, here on the site. It has been effectively ruined by a recent software upgrade. While I figure out how to fix it, I’ve temporarily had to remove the Store pages.
If you are interested in booking a lesson or buying a copy of the Gansch and Roses CD “Resal” (2 copies left right now!), please send an email via the Contact page. I’ll get back to you at my earliest opportunity.
Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for looking in!
Bryan
Following a brief absence, while we dealt with some technical problems, the BryanDavis.info Store is now back online. Products include Lessons, sheet music of trumpet exercises and, while stocks last, the latest CD by Gansch & Roses – “Resal”.
