11/1, 11:40am: Said goodbye to my friends & colleagues - as well as Engelbert himself - on the EH tour last month. With so many great memories and the wonderful friendships I formed during the past year, it was a departure that was laced with mixed emotions. While I am extremely excited about this new chapter I am embarking on in my life, I am also going to miss the warmth and comraderie I had come to know on the road. Nevertheless, I move forward with eyes wide open and expectations at an all-time high.
The night I arrived home from Toronto I was right back in it with a gig that evening with jazz singer Bernie Meisinger. The upright bass has become my true love and though it had been several weeks since we’d made music together, and despite feeling a bit unfamiliar, it felt good to play it again. Fast forward to now and we’re back to feeling like old friends.
I had been concerned that it would take a while for work to start coming in - not sure how well the news of my return home had traveled - but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how things have developed. Among the usual assortment of casuals - or as they say on the east coast; “club dates”, though neither is accurate - is a couple of nice dates I am very excited about. Later this month I’ll be working with Carlos Cuevas who is a fine pianist & composer. Carlos works within the trio format and has a terrific album out that showcases his many interesting compositions. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Also are some dates with guitarist Ron Anthony. Ron has worked with George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, and many other jazz luminaries. Playing with Ron is always a chance to learn and have some fun. I believe we’ll be in a trio format as well. I’m excited about making music with him. Also on the schedule is some dates with vocalist Bernie Meisinger (lots of great standards!), the 17th Anniversary Show for Chick Singer Night/L.A., and some private functions that will no doubt put me back together with some old acquaintances.
Finally, two very important projects in my life are in the final stages of completion. With only a little over a month to go, Beth and I will soon be blessed with the arrival of little Natalia Cohen. I have never been more excited and more unsure of what lies ahead about anything in my life! Thank goodness I have a terrific partner, a wonderful family, and great friends. I love you all. Also in the home stretch is the production of my new album “Ritual”. Final mixes are done and the project is currently in the hands of the very capable Paul Tavenner for mastering. Doing the graphics and design is a fellow from New York who specializes in jazz artists and has worked on albums from Hiram Bullock, Bob James, Larry Carlton, and Marcus Miller, among others. I think it’s safe to say the project is in good hands.
Finally, stay tuned for the arrival of my new website! Right now it’s “under construction” (web jargon which really means I don’t have a damn thing to put on it). But the domain name has been locked in, so please keep your eyes open for news on the upcoming:
www.AdamCohenMusic.net !So, to quote a familiar tune, as I face the “final curtain” on my days with the Humpy Tour, a new one rises up on fresh challenges and experiences.
Okay, music fans…stay tuned!
Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam
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