Greetings, and hoping everyone had a safe & happy summer and wishing everyone the best for the remainder of the year! Much time has passed since my last entry and, as one would expect, a lot has transpired.
First, as you can see from the picture, Natalia is growing leaps and bounds (the photo is from July so imagine even more changes) and has become a delightful, beautiful, and precious little girl. So much personality! Like her mother, she has a keen sense of humor and is always ready to entertain. Unlike her father, she has yet to embrace the afternoon nap (see photo as I'm trying - unsuccessfully - to get her to join me). She also has made several friends in the neighborhood and already seems to have her "crew" in place. They have a secret handshake that I'm hoping she'll share with me.
Beth, as beautiful and talented as ever, is in the process of finishing up a script for a pilot that she and her partner are developing. If the laughs emanating from the room where they work are any indication, it's sure to be very funny. Aside from that, Beth has embraced motherhood in a remarkable way. I can't believe the joy I feel from watching the two of them hang out together.
On the musical front, my schedule is peppered with a nice variety of work. Last month saw the premier performance of my band at the world famous Baked Potato in Studio City, California. It was the official CD release party for my album Ritual. All my expectations were exceeded as the band played brilliantly to a packed house full of what turned out to be a very appreciative audience. It came on the heels of some very nice reviews from bassists Darryl Jones, Jimmy Haslip, the website ContemporaryJazz.com [Rob Young], and the latest issue of Jazz Improv Magazine. Here's hoping the momentum continues as we approach the new year. Additionally, there's gigs with Connie Stevens, Carlos Cuevas Trio, The Dave Hill Band, The San Gabriel Seven, The Buddy Childers Big Band, The Bill Fulton Band, The Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra, and vocalist Bernie Meisinger. Session work includes new releases from vocalist Christina Linhardt and guitarist James Moody. I also subbed on the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, which provided a real kick in the ass if only for the reasonthat I never felt so much pressure playing a two-beat for 90 minutes in my life!
On that note, I will humbly sign off as classical bassist Gary Karr sends me off to the practice room, tail between my legs.
As a former employer of mine likes to sing..."I wish you love".
--Adam
