As I write this I’m on my way to Los Angeles for the NAMM show, the World’s largest music industry trade show. I’ve always been curious about it and finally my homie Uriah Duffy has talked to me into it! Also in attendance repping Jazz Mafia will be Brandon Werlin. We’re going to be doing tons of networking as well as checking out new music technology and gear. We’ll be there through Sunday then I’m rushing back to SF to perform at the Undercover Tribute to Nick Drake’s Pink Moon. If you’re not familiar with the Undercover series, you should be! Our good friend and champion for Bay Area creative music Lyz Luke has put together a successful series that showcases approximately 10 bands each performing one song each from a classic/legendary record from the past. These shows are a unique event and the perfect way for listeners of different styles of music to hear about 50 of the Bay Area’s finest musicians all under one roof in a 3 hour time period!

This time around, it’s Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” album from 1971. Jazz Mafia will be performing the last song on the record “From the Morning”. For this one, I put together something different, featuring The Velvet Teen vocalist Judah Nagler on vox/guitar, Joe Bagale on drums and myself on bass and synth plus a very special secret surprise whoo hoo! I’ll also be playing for the first time on tuba with one of my favorite Bay Area bands Brass Menazerie doing the first song on the album, which is the title track. Crap, how am I gonna fit all those instruments in the car? Anyway, read below for the show info, hope you can make it.

On Thursday, Jan 26th, I’m excited about another collaboration we’re doing at the Boom Boom Room with the amazing Wil Blades on B3 Organ and clavinet. This time around, for the first time, we’re playing with ex-Charlie Hunter Drummer Simon Lott, who is super good. Mike Olmos and I will be doing our thing with them and it promises to be a night of much variety, heavy grooves and adventures into the Jazz/Funk Odyssey!

If you are curious about violinist Shaina Evoniuk’s current 4 month tour checkout her Blog HERE to read up on her adventures in China over the past few weeks. She’s doing some great stuff out there. Go SHAINA!

Jazz Mafia has been super busy in the studio, just finished horn tracks for a great band called Dead Winter Carpenters (featuring our friend Fiddlin’ Jenni!) and also some rockin Afro-Beat trombone stuff for Afro Massive. Our list of upcoming recording projects is long and we’re having a great time with all these opportunities. Time to get back to work!

See ya soon Mkay?