Late Monday night, and now home. I had 3 sets yesterday (counting my solo set), and by early evening, we were having dinner at the airport (the San Luis Obispo airport restaurant is a pleasant surprise. I'll hope to eat there again). We began our "red-eye" excursion around 9pmPT, and ended in Phila around 7amET. This is the second time I've tried this, and it hasn't worked for me either time (I feel sick most of the rest of the day). The only good thing is being home with my family at night, and being able to put both of my younger children to bed. Makes a dad happy. Yesterday was a happy day too, in a different way. My solo set was well received, and another small step forward for me. The Midiri Brothers band had a good weekend, with good camaraderie among the guys. The rhythm section seems to be making it's own mark, as we continue to solidify around a melodic groove. Back in Ca. in 2 weeks. Now, back in the groove here.

Another long day. We did, though, find an opportunity to grab the (obligatory) bowl of clam chowder between sets. This has been a good festival, on all counts, really. There does seem to be some serious interest in my solo set tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes. Also had some opportunity to talk at some length with a few attendees. This festival circuit is, in large measure, a subculture realm that goes and spins off on it's own. It's still a good opportunity for me right now, I feel, to connect with more people. So far, so good.

Deep breath, and look around. I'm in Pismo(!), and we have completed our fist evening (it is now very late on Friday night). Was effectively home for just over 2 days, with lots to take care of (most important of which was to try to spend some meaningful time with each in my family). Played a gig in Downtown Wilmington (De) w/ Vessa. Successful and much fun, but insured that I would get not much more than 2 hours sleep (I was about average for the band). Plow ahead, and become increasingly silly. That was our MO tonite. Lots of love with the crowd, and the connections with individual "fans" are showing them selves more openly. it's encouraging, and cool.

The day just goes and goes, and I wind up posting in the middle of the night. anyway, the festival is now over, and Gary and I are "tidying up". Today, we played our hymn sets, to an enthusiastic audience, starting in a church in Ketchum that participates in the festival each year by inviting us (and another band for the early service) for jazz worship. If it wasn't so late, I could go on about the experience. the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood, I learned, studied personally under Brian Mclaren. i knew though that something was up when he used the words missional, existential, and story early in the service. A very good message, and a good morning. We eventually got to the "finale", and, although only a brief band selection, I was able to be heard by some of the other musicians (who were waiting their turn), as rapports continue to develop. One final "afterglow" set, and here we are. Final note: THANK YOU to Paul and Liz Midiri for letting me use their laptop this weekend, as i lost the power cord to mine on the way out here. Next week, mine can be the community laptop.

Late now on Saturday night. Today the playing was a little less "on" overall, but we still went over very well. Tried more videotaping today, but as all the venues (I tried recording in) had picture window backdrops (of some fashion), it's all washed out. I still, though, will post 2 toons from the Sun Valley pianorama later this week. I'm very happy with the playing. Got to sit in (actually fill in) briefly on another set this morning - continuing to move toward becoming a known presence on this scene. This festival really takes care of the musicians - the food is too good (no, wait a minute, I didn't really mean that)! I'll be afraid to get on the scale when I get home. I'm also getting spoiled by regular doses of Starbucks coffee (also provided to the musicians, along with lots of booze and liquor, which I pass on). Life is tough sometimes.

Really late on Friday evening. Today was stimulating on multiple levels. Just spent the last hour (or two?) in deep (but wholly navigable) discussion with Gary (it's apparently how we wind down to sleep when we room together). Cool. So was the playing today. 2 excellent sets, all things considered. Yes, only 2 for the band. Everyone else in the band had been given additional opportunities today in alternative settings (big band, mixed band combos, etc). Once I'm in this realm longer (and those who construct these things become more aware), I'll get these opportunities as well. Even so, I would desire the band be put to more use (as it often is - today being somewhat of an anomaly). I'm enjoying the rapport, both on and off stage. I'm growing in my understanding that there are more global things to appreciate about this band - visible more clearly when stepping back and adjusting/changing the lens. As I've said before; I've arrived back on the scene at an exciting time. Now, I need to quell my enthusiasm, and get some sleep (I never told you how late it really is, and we'll leave it that way).

The last of 3 posts tonight (Thurs.). The radio broadcast went really well, and the capacity crowd was very responsive (Joe played his #$@ off). I've discovered that the Denny Farrell "live" broadcast (on Thursday night, featuring the Midiri band) should be available (best as I can figure out) from sometime tomorrow, perhaps in the evening at http://www.staytunednetworks.com/dennyfarrell.html
and remain available for a week. I'll try it out, and let you know what gives. Hope you can hear it.

Let it snow? Today (photo taken at night) has been terriffic, to my tastes. Snowing litely all day, but not really cold, probably because the air remains dry. Most of us walked around comfortable with just our sport jackets during the day. it's been Beautiful.

Okay then, now what do I do?
Encountered this immediately upon walking in to a performance venue today (Thurs). I ignored the sign. No one complained.

Just finished my half-hour "pianorama" set. Just a minute to check in before the truck (transporting the band and the vibes) pulls around to take us to the next venue. I think I got some nice video. I can't post it from here, however, as my current (antiquated and inefficient) system requires me to send the feed first to my DVD recorder (at home). Maybe I can throw something up next week during the two days I am home (good grief!). Also, maybe by then I'll catch my breath (not quite as elevated as Mammoth, but close)! Will check in later.

Now, I'm jealous, I can't do that with my piano! Now that's dedication! Okay, Gary is watching television at the same time, but he's practicing more than I am (having no piano in my room)! It's a little after 11pm Wed. nite in Sun Valley, and we're settling in. We have a busy schedule starting at 11am tomorrow. Jim had a set tonite already. I'll have a pianorama set tomorrow afternoon also, which I'll try to videotape. Will check back then.

Okay, here we go; another festival, another airport morning. So far, so good. This will be my first trip to the Sun Valley festival. I hear it's beautiful; like Mammoth. Also, I'm now learning, we'll be pretty busy (and that's a good thing). Apparently, I have a pianorama(matic-roni-riffic-osocpy) set tomorrow, as well as a radio broadcast for the band - then off we go! I've also learned that it's possible I won't have an internet connection, even with my wireless card (cell phone service is spotty there). If you don't hear from me again soon, you'll know why. I've had a lot of fun playing/gigging over the recent days - and am looking forward to more.

Just a brief check-in (way too) late on Thursday night. Last night (Wednesday), we had our first full meeting (of all the participants - almost) for our Christmas show : "Do You Hear What I Hear", at the Prince theatre in Chestertown. It is fair to say that we are all "jazzed"; especially after a little informal music making that immediately brought home (to all of us) the "magic potion" that is the 6 of us: John, Karen, Melissa, Barb, Tim, and me. We've just started preparing, and I can already say, with sincerity: don't miss this show (Dec 14,15,16)!

The dialogue on youtube - referenced 2 posts ago - continues. As it does, I was inspired to launch again. Here's some of what goes thru my mind:

"I think that jazz education has helped to push pianists into a "combo" - or, I would say, "rhythm section" box. When more contemporary guys, say, Bill Evans, play solo, it still often largely resembles what they would play in a rhythm section. Not to say that's wrong, just a little foreign to me. Some months ago I bought the Bill Evans/Tony Bennett recording "Together Again". Great as it is, I am still getting used to the largely un(self)accompanied piano solos. An aside - I really like Bill Evans when he was with Miles - that rhythm section made him swing (perhaps we should just close that can of worms I just opened)! Anyway, when I was introduced to jazz in the 70's, it was the jazz of 40 years prior, specifically, the Benny Goodman Trio, Teddy Wilson was the first pianist I really paid attention to, then it broadened out, but not before I was first grounded in stride, and (it's essence) self-accompaniment. My challenge thereafter was - I had to learn how to make space for other players, as I became accustomed to filling it all. It now serves me very well, as it is second nature to weave in and out of whatever space is appropriated to me. The walking bass lines came out of developing a melodic stride approach, and my bent on melodic line and leading, rather than harmonic density (back to Bill Evans - master of both!). It kind of bothers me that I don't see everyone else (especially young kids influenced by rock) taking the same approach to bass lines; that of another melodic opportunity. Therefore, soloing over a left hand walking bass is nothing other than polyphony, in my view. A cute anecdote about the disappearance of adventure in the left hand of jazz pianists in the '50s (as it was told to me): At that time, Louis Armstrong began using some young be-bop guys in his band, and frustrated by the Bud Powell/minimalist left hand thing, he mused: "Sometimes I think I should only pay the piano player half a salary"!

I'm glad for these opportunuties to organize my thoughts.

As I continue down the road of presenting myself as a solo player, one name (among others who are better known) periodically comes up - Dave McKenna. If he is new to you, then check this out:



He, like me (but me in a much smaller universe), is known for his left hand bass. I am coming to realize that, like him - although I can play just fine in ryhthm sections - playing solo is my real bag. Aw, it's all fun!

The you tube channel continues to reach new people, generate kind comments, and stimulate interesting dialogue. Here's a wonderful comment I received a few months ago:

"Joe Holt is my favorite piano player of recent years. He "plays with passion - wooing the piano instead of punishing it" as some modern players are accustomed to doing. The piano is to Joe, a sensuous musical companion that mirrors his musical imagination and various interpretive moods. In his "love affair " with the keyboard, you will seldom hear the same song played the same way twice. When you listen to Joe, listen with your heart."

Most of the comments, however, are directed toward a particular toon, and some are more analytical. Here's one from a recent post:

"Nice playing Joe. Great bass lines and swing feel throughout. I especially liked the block chords and some of those altered voicings. Five stars. "

Now I have new friends, and as we communicate, I can take in new things, and sharpen my own thoughts. Here are some of my words in an e-mail reply (to the gentleman above, who is a good "modern jazz" player who also posts on you tube), commenting on attitudes toward differing stylistic approaches:

"There are still occasions (though, thankfully, it seems, less than before) where guys in these different places will be condescending to others (fundamentalism isn't just for religions, it seems). From where I sit, it seems that "modern" (though as a bass player friend pointed out - modern jazz?, no - it's all old!") approaches incorporate the analysis, and then teach it up front in jazz education. This to me, can create both great music, and a potential disconnect. I happen to be one of those guys who "came up" in the '70s, hanging with, and influenced by the old big band era guys (and thankfully, I was in the pipeline before they were - now almost completely - gone). I tried, hard, in the early '80s in study (the only jazz lessons I've had) with a top tier guy, to shift my approach, only to finally understand that you don't re-invent the wheel - and - "modern" condescending guys (not you) aside, it's all legit; the dart just hits the board at a different place. Rod Dixon, a black operatic tenor (of the "3 Mo' Tenors") says something (among much else) that really resonates with me: "When it's all over and they go home, the people don't remember what you sang (played, for us), they do remember how you made them feel"."

I'm enjoying the conversation.

Last week was intense. Sorry for not checking in. My sleep patterns are all fouled up now (and it's way later on Monday night then I should be up) - it was bound to happen. I will enjoy the easier pace of the next couple of weeks, and am already looking ahead (and forward) to the r&r component of next year's jazz cruise. The end piece of last week was my (first, and hopefully not last) duo gig with Dan Tobias last night. Not one to waste an opportunity to spin a plate, I've already posted a clip on youtube (forget the link, just go to my channel page and find it!), and others will dribble out later. The "radar" with Danny was pretty strong, and even a little akin to Joe Midiri and myself (a unique set of circumstances there resulting in a strong musical rapport). last night hit my 2 biggest comfort zones: solo piano jazz, and accompanying. I'll look forward to more adventures with Danny.