Spring Has Sprung

5/8/06, 4:40pm - Nearly five months have passed since my last entry and I feel it's time to put pen to paper (so to speak).

Speaking of time passing; guess who's 5 months old on the 13th? Yup, our little Natalia! Cute as ever and now expressing herself - short of actual words - in every way, including that patented smile of hers that simply brightens every room she's in. The love I have for that little girl is beyond description. As for mommy, she's back in the thick of things with a new show she's developing and, by all appearances, it looks like "Half & Half" will be returning for another season as well. Lots on her plate and she's embracing it with a renewed enthusiasm.

And daddy? Daddy is proud to announce - finally! - the release of his long-awaited new album Ritual. Ten all-new, all-original tunes that span a variety of musical genres; jazz, fusion, Brazilian, ballads...all tied together by yours truly on acoustic & electric basses. Where can you get it, you say? Well, I'm glad you asked! Go to my brand new website: www.adamcohenmusic.net

Also on the music front, I recently returned from a brief stint with Connie Stevens, playing shows in Portland, OR and Houston TX. It was great fun and I enjoyed both the musicianship and comraderie of my bandmates. Connie, at 63, is lovely as ever and simply a delight to work with.

Well, I hear the baby crying so I'll sign off for now and return in much sooner fashion for my next entry.

Until next time...
--Adam

2005: What a year!

1/5, 5:11am: So, 2005...Did much happen for me? All I can say is, what a year!

To recap:

By this time last year I had just received news that I had been offered the bass chair on the Engelbert tour after filling in last-minute the month before (12/04) for a week in Malaysia. You know, just the craziness of being flown to Malaysia for a week should’ve given me a clue I was in for an eventful year.

Fast-forward to April and I’m awakened out of a dead sleep by my wide-eyed girlfriend bearing the news that we’re going to have a baby. “Holy shit!” would have been my natural response but, instead - already mindful of being the sensitive partner - I hugged her and said something I’m sure Dr. Phil would have approved of.

In September, Beth and I moved into our dream apartment. With my humble belongings and Beth’s (what can only be described as Streisandian in its copiousness), we moved our stuff into our new place and began the seemingly endless task of unpacking. We are now quite comfortably settled in and Beth has even allowed me some closet space in the baby’s room.

In December, well, it was the grandest way to cap off what has been perhaps the best year of my life…little Natalia Vicki Cohen entered the world at 12:24pm at 7lbs., 6oz. There is nothing I can ever do to top that creation! All I can say is that I had the best co-writer I could ever ask for. Baby, here’s to a lifetime of comedy & drama with our little girl in the starring role!

And, though I’m beginning to feel like it’s the Santa Monica Blvd. Project (you‘d have to be an Angeleno to understand), I’m in the final stage of launching my second greatest creation; my new album “Ritual”. I think I can safely anticipate a February release.

Armed with a beautiful and supportive family, my terrific father healthy and proud of his new granddaughter, and a boat-load of diapers, I am ready for ‘06. Here’s to making it happy, healthy, prosperous, and satisfying for all!

Happy New Year!

--Adam

The Phantom Of The Opera Is Here!

11/19 - 10:20am: So much going on and decided it was time to pay a visit to Bassikly Speaking again. Now that I'm off the road, I feel less compelled to jot down my thoughts here. But I enjoy it and I know that someday it will be a gas to go back and read where my head (my life!) was at when I wrote this stuff.

Played a private function last night at The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The evening's affair was The Crown Jewel Gala. Essentially, a room full of yentas wearing tiaras and dragging their poor husbands behind them to feast on excellent food and make a fuss over each other and everything around them. I've decided that this is something for Beth & I to aspire to. I've ordered a custom tiara for her. It's got a special holder and drinking tube for her Diet Coke so she can go hands-free and I figured I'd go for the real thing with diamonds & jewels and the whole bit. By the time I pay it off we'll be at the right age to attend. The music of the evening was fairly typical fair; standards/bossa novas during dinner, classic rock/R&B/disco for the revelers to dance to. I hadn't played my electric bass for a while so it was fun to strap on the "plank" and churn out rousing renditions of "YMCA", "I Will Survive", and "Honky Tonk Woman'. (Hmmm, suddenly the 2-hour sound checks with Engelbert don't seem so bad). The featured entertainment of the evening however was not us but rather an excellent performer who sang a medley of show tunes dressed as the phantom from Phantom of the Opera. Little did they know that underneath the white mask was yours truly trying to diversify and make some extra bucks for Natalia's college fund. All kidding aside, the guy was great and killed an hour while we ate our "bandwiches" and cookies.

On the home front, Beth had a lovely baby shower with all her close friends from L.A. in attendance as well as the Aunties (my aunts, Sandy & Adrianne), and my Dad's lady friend Minnie. I wasn't there, but it looked like quite a party. Gifts from L.A. to N.Y. have been arriving and Natalia's room is going to be a beautiful, comfortable room filled with lots of love. (Mom, I miss you and wish you were around to see all this.)

Work-wise, the calendar is filling up nicely with gigs ranging from guitar/bass duos to a 7-piece horn band. I'm enjoying the diversity and the challenges that many of the situations present. I have to confess tofeeling a little rusty. I've been getting back into a practice routine again but it's nothing like getting out there and just doing it. As the great guitarist John Abercrombie so astutely said "If I wanted to play by myself I'd just get a couple of cut-out dolls - a Chick Corea or Herbie Hancock doll - sit in my house and pretend I'm playing with them. But I like making music with people; that's what it's all about". Amen to that! I'd only add that I enjoy playing music for people as well. How satisfying to make that connection!

So, that's it for now. My website is officially up - www.adamcohenmusic.net - and I'll be adding audio clips of my music as well as other albums I've played on very soon. Please stop by and say hi.

Until next time,
--Adam

 

The Final Curtain

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

The Changing Time Pub

10/8, 1:56am: Just played our first night at the Westbury Music Fair. What a fucking circus (pardon the pun). Whatever it was that the audience had come expecting to see, I’m pretty sure tonight’s bloodbath wasn’t it. I won’t go into details but I believe two words are in order here; very sad.

To wash it all away, Ron (trumpet), Dave (guitar), Jeremy (trombone), and I decided to take in one of the local watering holes. Though Dave & Jeremy seemed to fade fairly quickly, Ron and I had a great time talking and observing how different the scene was from what we know of L.A. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the charm and substance of the people and places of New York has already placed its spell on me. I know it might sound crazy but hearing that NY accent just sends me. We had two women bartenders with hair from 1977 who sounded like the chick on King of Queens and I was in heaven. Nobody said “I’m like” this or that. Nobody gave a shit and a shake whether or not they had on the latest fashion. Everyone spoke in a no-nonsense, direct, warm, and genuine way. My God, I thought there had been something wrong with ME all these years!

When we decided to call it a night, we had the bartender call us a cab. To my surprise, it was a white guy who spoke english. Not only that, but he seemed to be a local who had been doing the cabbie gig for some time. He regaled us with stories of how he’d recently turned 50 but was trying not to succumb to talking and acting like his old man did at that age. The depth of the conversation quickly swam towards the shallow end when the subject turned to women of different ethnicities and he told us of an Indian gal he knew who was in NY studying medicine and had “great jugs”. I laughed all the way back to the hotel.

Well, my three scotches are beginning to work on me, so I better go. I’ve got ESPN, HBO, and CNN waiting for my remote. And how about the baseball playoffs?! I’ve been relishing very moment of every game. And, by the way, it’s heartwarming to see everyone here in their Yankee garb. People talk about sports -- and particularly, baseball -- around here, knowledgeably and passionately. So refreshing.

Until next time...go Yankees!
--Adam

Early October

10/3, 9:30am: Never take anything for granted. An oft-used phrase that we’ve all heard before. How quickly we embrace it when confronted with the unexpected and how quickly we forget when things get comfortable.

I can’t think of a time in my life when positive events in my personal & professional life have been in such contrast with what I see in the world around me. To say this has been a good year for me would be accurate but perhaps an understatement. I’ve met a terrific woman with whom I have planted the seeds -- some would say literally -- for a wonderful future. My father is in good health and enjoys a happy and satisfying life well into his 70’s. And, of course, the tour with Mr. H; a musical & personal experience that has sometimes been magical and always been memorable.

The events of the last few months in our nation and our world are inescapable. Parts of our country have endured unbelievable devastation and hardship. Entire populations displaced with really nowhere to go and no foreseeable relief in the near future. Our soldiers fight an increasingly deadly war with any sense of resolution becoming more and more evasive. Overseas, in an area in which we had been scheduled to perform during our tour of Asia (and which was subsequently canceled -- thankfully), terrorism has reared its ugly head and innocent people have been killed. It disturbs me how quickly I seem to “move on” now. Has the regularity, the callous disregard for human life, the viciousness of these events become so easy to digest? I sit here in my hotel room in a cocoon of clean sheets and bottled water and wonder if I’m missing something.

One nagging thought; where is the outpouring of sympathy from the rest of the world following the horrible one-two punch of the hurricanes here in America?

On a lighter note, the new additions to the EH band have been quite positive. Our new conductor & pianist, Anne Shuttlesworth, has brought a delightful presence and strong direction to the proceedings. Dave Hill, who I’ve mentioned in previous entries, is not only a fine guitarist but also a very good friend and I’m glad he’s joined up with the tour. Ron King, another buddy from L.A., has finally solidified the trumpet chair and is a welcome addition both musically & personally to the band.

With the filming of a concert video set for two weeks from now in Canada, new tunes have begun creeping into the show. It’s always refreshing for a musician to be presented with new material but I believe Engelbert is stretching himself stylistically as well, and that’s been exciting. When you get to see firsthand a performer of Engelbert’s caliber reaching for something different, you not only want to pull your weight to help him get there, you delight in his success.

I’ve learned so much about life and about myself this year. Though I’m not always so, I’ve learned the value of patience (my bandmates will know how I’ve developed this attribute). I’ve discovered that being a strong, loving, compassionate human being is a 24 hour responsibility and that living your life with dignity is a challenging but honorable goal. Finally, I have come to realize that when the day is done, our character is not defined by our talents, but by how we interact with the people and the world around us. I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it.

Until next time...
--Adam

Movin' On Up! (to the West Side)

9/21, 10:48pm: The lovely lady and I are embarking on our first plane ride together! We’re on a flight to the Big Apple as I write this. On top of the excitement of traveling together is the joy of being in business class. Beth used some of her accumulated miles to upgrade us and, to my eyes, I can see very little difference between where we’re sitting and first class. Way to go Beth! I have a feeling that inside of mommy’s belly Natalia is happy too.

The last few weeks have brought changes both personally and professionally. On the personal side, Beth & I have finally gotten into our dream pad. It’s a 3 bedroom apartment that we were waiting to become available for some time. Without getting into details as to the nature of the delay, suffice to say, it was well worth the wait. Aside from the sheer pleasure I get from waking each morning next to Beth, I would say the best feature of the apartment is the downstairs basement (now officially called “The Bassment”). It’s a rather large room that was converted by the previous occupants into a kind of family room, replete with wet-bar, bathroom, central air, and plenty of storage space. It’s my dream music room! By this time next month, I hope to have most things in place to have it look & feel like the perfect jamming/practice space I imagine it to be.

Of course the place wouldn’t truly be a home without a room for little Natalia. Natalia, who we’ve now determined will greet the world on December 19th, has a room of her own with lots of space for toys and clothes and all her stuff. Beth and myself will be frantically hitting the stores to get it ready come mid-November. Right now, I truly don’t know where to begin.

On the professional side of things, I’m taking steps to get my album project completed. I recently finished the second of two photo shoots, both of which proved to be fruitful in providing the images and moods I wanted to convey. Billy Hulting, my good friend and associate producer, has been lovingly poring over the recorded material in the quest for the ultimate mix. I couldn’t ask for more caring or discerning ears. Once that hurdle is jumped, it’s off to my friend Paul Tavenner’s (yes, another buddy) studio for mastering. Finally, the graphics, packaging, and manufacturing, and yours truly will have crossed the finish line with this thing! My first album, recorded in 1994, took two days to record and was in my hand ready to be heard by all a month later. Between Billy’s and my touring schedule, my latest  (and only 2nd) album has been in the making for over two years! I don’t think I’m being overly confidant when I say that I think it will be worth the wait.

Also, on the musical front (particularly the E-Hump front), there are once again new faces in the band. I won’t dwell on the issues -- good or bad -- surrounding such frequent and sometimes unexpected changes, and just say how glad I am to still be part of what has been for me a wonderful experience both musically & personally.

On a final note, I spotted Quincy Jones sitting a few rows up in first class. Dammit, where’s my new CD when I need it!?

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam