Hi. I've had a very busy year and I am looking forward to a bit of "less crazy" time in July. Great things though. Megan Jeromes' new CD bloomers is great and I am excited to be playing in Dr. Don Cummings Backtalk Organ trio in the fall (more details later). Look forward to Mash Potato Masher CD release in the fall. After this year's work, it has become increasingly clear to me what I really want to do and what I like to do and I have a renewed vigour to work towards those goals.
Hi. It's been a while since I've checked in. I had a great Octet show on February 6th. It was a great artistic success with my new suite "Love Thus Far" receiving much acclaim. I am almost ready to record the Octet again. I would like to thank Peter Hum for the great article he wrote in the Citizen on February 4rth Marching to His Own Different Beat. Megan Jerome and I have recorded a new duo record that will be released on the 29th of April. Very exciting news is that the first gig for Mike Essoudry's Mash Potato Mashers was about as much fun as can possibly be had and I can't wait to do it again. Check the reverbnation widget for songs. I've also had some great gigs with Linsey Wellman down at Cafe Nostalgica on wednesdays this month. Come on out for the others this week and next.
I am pleased to announce that Mike Essoudry's Mash Potato Mashers is officially born. This will be a great Parade style marching band unique to Canada (I hope). Our first gig is happening Feb. 13th 2010. I will hopefully have music up shortly for a teaser.
There is a tonne of stuff going on right now. I have been practising alot of Clarinet and Xylophone for some movie gigs as well as the Rakestar show happening on the 27th of this month. It has been rewarding and challenging. I have started the preliminary steps for a short winter tour (February 6th at the N.A.C. 4th Stage is confirmed) and a more extensive summer tour for my Octet as well as composing new material for a second CD. My Parade Band Mike Essoudry's Mash Potato Mashers will be up and running soon and I'm really looking forward to that. I'll also be working on Megan Jerome's upcoming record which will be fantastic! Life is busy and great!
Today is my 40th Birthday and I am so lucky to be able to do what I do in the city where I live. I have alot of fun movies coming up in September and October and I am excited about getting a small tour rolling for my Octet (Date 1 is booked!). I am having a great time discovering a new circus sound on the drums and finding all kinds of fun applications particularly Megan Jerome's Circus Cabaret. Life is grand!
I am having a great summer with alot of great and wide ranging experiences. I had great times at Tedd Robinsons cottage in preparations for "The Reins", a dance piece involving Megan Jerome's wonderful music. I also had musically challenging times at the Chambermusic Festival. The marching at the Jazz Festival was very illuminating (new band coming soon) and I am looking forward to many more great projects and opportunities on the Horizon. See you soon.