August 18th, 2008 | FEELIN' LIKE A KID
My Brooklyn stoop is amazing.

First of all, I can park right in front of my building and I never have to move my car. What!?

You heard me.

Secondly, I sat outside this evening and for the first time was really able to take it all in (or at least most of it). What a great block! It really is a *neighborhood*, and as I was sitting on the stoop, some of the kids on the block were riding scooters, bikes (some with training wheels!), and tossing a football. I don't think any of them were older than nine, and a couple of them were open enough to talk to me and even offered to show me some tricks they were working on. It sure was nice to go there with them for a few moments....

Thirdly, I was happy to discover how friendly my neighbors are. I swear it was like I was back in the South! Never before have I said or nodded hello to passersby on the streets of New York and have them respond accordingly with any consistency. Well, tonight I did and EVERYONE obliged me. One older man even stopped and checked out the kids with me for a while. He chuckled, "You see something new everyday with kids, don't you?" before moving on.

Damn straight.

August 17th, 2008 | THE IDEA OF YOU
Wow. It's been just two weeks since I moved back to New York and already things are happening.That's not why I'm writing at the moment, however. What I really want to say is that one of the most inspiring songs I've heard in a long, long time is "The Idea Of You" from 'Live @ Fenway Park, Boston MA 07/08/06' by Dave Matthews Band. Holy s@#&!

It's the light and poetry that those guys are able to conjure live that does it. Not to mention that the chorus and what I'll call "the interlude" are just amazingly powerful. Carter Beauford's playing throughout is amazing, but the things he plays on this tune in particular (and into the outro of 'Satellite', for that matter), to me, says it all. What an amazing and inspiring musician he is!

Of course it wouldn't be appropriate to not mention the band's namesake, so here goes: Dave Matthews is something special. Not only that, he's completed a TON of work. In my humble opinion, the fact that he's composed so many (beautiful!) songs and come so far as a musician and vocalist is really moving. I've been listening to the same track ('The Idea Of You') for over an hour, and I still can't get enough! There's nothing like going out there and JUST PREACHING, and this man does it every--single--time. Absolutely amazing. He digs deep on 'Satellite', too, by the way.

To wrap things up, I'll end by saying that the band as a whole plays really great all over this album, but check out 'The Idea Of You' if you can.

April 11th, 2008 | 'EXPECTATIONS' AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Please help spread the word about my latest album, 'EXPECTATIONS'.

You can do so by clicking on the following link to ReverbNation and posting widgets and banners on your Myspace and Facebook pages as well as on your own personal websites and blogs.

Click Here

When a banner or widget is posted, it will help redirect music lovers to the sites where 'EXPECTATIONS' is currently being promoted. This, in turn, will hopefully inspire more people to do the same!

THANK YOU!

October 24th, 2007 | MILES
"We don't play to be seen. I'm addicted to music, not audiences."

-Miles Davis

Dig?

October 8th, 2007 | WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT?
In the interest of self preservation, it's a good idea to constantly take stock of the things that matter to us the most. About a year and a half ago I graduated from graduate school, and rather than staying in New York City for it's own sake (which is valid), I made the decision to leave so I could do what I had been training to do full-time, which is to perform, teach and compose music. Although I have been able to carve out a bit of a niche for myself up here in Charlottesville's Blue Ridge Mountains, I'm finding that it takes more than is outwardly available for me to stay inspired. It also seems like I've somehow managed to travel back in time, because everything is right where I left it, and everyone is talking about the same things. Sure, things do and always will, change. But basically they stay the same.

If you notice that during my stay in the city, I posted happenings and news events on a semi-regular basis, but since moving back to Virginia there have been relatively few. This is due in part to my being busy (I *am* earning a living doing what I do, and that feels great), but also, I think due to the lack of stimulation and inspiration. I was speaking with my friend Emre the other week about this exact thing (we were actually roommates in New York, and before that in Richmond), and the point he made was a very logical and down-to-earth one: in the city there are millions of minor events that happen everyday that peak your interest (i.e. stimulate your mind and emotions). When this happens several times over the period of one day, it kind of keeps you going during the course of whatever you're trying to achieve. But if you leave the city, there are fewer and fewer stimuli available, and this gradually has a backsliding effect on the mind as well as the soul. What I've come to learn is that you can never go back, and all things happen for a reason. The only answer is to live in the moment and constantly move forward.

Everything else is make-believe.

August 16th, 2007 | SUMMERTIME
Well, bar none it's been the busiest summer of my life, and I've never had it so good. So naturally, since it's been just over a year since moving back home to Good Ol' Virginny (that's an actual thing, btw), it's time to enter a period of reflection. As stated, things have never been better. I've played more gigs and taught more students than ever before, and it's by far been the most equitable year as long as I've been earning a living as a musician. So things couldn't be better, right?

Wrong.

Like the late, great Max Roach said: "You can't write the same book twice". Plus, I'm a different person today than I was yesterday [and so are you, dig?], and to thrive I need to be stimulated (read: inspired) by my environment, not brought down by it. I need to be *tested*, not let off the hook and handed a more comfortable life(style). I need to be surrounded by progressive, socially-concious citizens of all nations who "get it", not mired in the collective conciousness of 44,000 middle Americans.

I know, I sound cocky and alarmingly needy. But when I was living in New York, I experienced an awakening. An inner-shift. This life changing epiphany occurred while I was studying music (a life-long dream of mine) at Manhattan School of Music, during which time I fell unrequitedly in love with a girl (another dream of mine. Well, at least the falling in love part), while living in Manhattan (yet *another* life-long dream). Even though I was quote un-quote living the dream, I had reached a breaking point. My mind was crammed full of knowledge and my heart was being victimized on a daily basis. I just couldn't take it anymore.

And then it happened. In the midst of towering skyscrapers, speeding traffic, and millions of New Yorkers, everything suddenly became very clear. It was like my vantage point of life had totally changed. It seems almost as if I could stand back and watch things as they were happening, without placing any kind of mental label on anything. It was amazing, and I still inhabit this space to this day.

All of this may sound crazy, but it's doubtful that I was the only one that experienced such an awakening in New York that day. What's really crazy is moving to a small mountain-community and observing human behavior after having all of this happen.

It's times like these when I fall back on some sagely advice that my father onced offered me, and it can be applied to almost any situation in life: "Accept it or walk away."

Thanks, Dad.

April 23rd, 2007 | EXPECTATIONS (NEW CD)
Just a quick update on the status of 'Expectations':

This album has been in the works for awhile now, and I just wanted those of you who are interested to know that it is completely mixed and mastered and ready to go to the presses! As soon as the art work is complete it should be just a matter of time before it's released.

I'll definitely keep you posted.

Thanks!

December 21st, 2006 | CONGRATULATIONS!
It is very exciting to say that three of my private students were accepted into the Charlottesville District Band! They are Matthew Babineau on alto saxophone (Albemarle High School), as well as Min Su Kim and Eub Han on clarinets (Woodberry Forest School). A special mention also goes to Matthew who placed so high that he has been invited to audition for the Virginia All-State Band! Way to go guys!!!

October 6th, 2006 | HONORED BY ASCAP
I am very pleased to announce that for the second year in row I have been chosen as a recipient of the ASCAPLUS Awards program! This is a distribution award that is given to composers who have works registered at ASCAP.

In the Jazz & Popular Division, the ASCAPLUS Awards panel for 2006 was:
Peter Filichia, Peter Keepnews, Brian Mansfield, Melinda Newman and Pat Prescott.

I feel honored and inspired and validated all at once. Please keep checking in and listening, I'll try and keep it interesting.

September 12th, 2006 | I DONE MOVED...
Well, in the immortal words of my NYC sista Sherisse Rogers, I "done packed up [mah] s*** and moved on back to Virginia." It can't really be put any better than that, actually, because that's exactly what happened this past Saturday. After a brief holding pattern @ my folk's place, I finally moved into my new digs in Charlottesville. I must say, I like it. The location is great! And this might sound weird to some, but there's room to soar up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's just the energy of this place. One of those *intangibles* I was talking about (see 'PEACING OUT') earlier.
Things seem to be coming together on a professional level as well. In addition to playing some really great gigs, the calls for private instruction have started to tumble in. Hopefully by next week my teaching schedule will be all filled up and I'll be on my way (finally!!!).
Now watch. Because I wrote that I probably just jinxed myself. Oh well. It's not like I'm trying to hide it or anything. I could just erase it, but it wouldn't matter because I already put it out there. *Now* what should I do? Any ideas? Anyone?
Well, it's time to get busy(er), so until next time....

August 18th, 2006 | PEACING OUT
After graduating from the Master's program @ Manhattan School of Music and (literally) going straight to work @ an advertising company (big up to Louie Louie and the Chic Exhaust Street Team) the VERY NEXT DAY, I've decided to head to my other favorite city in America, Charlottesville, VA. For some reason I just 'click' with this place. It can't really be explained. Maybe that's why it's so intriguing. Who knows, really? Intangibles. THAT'S what makes a great place to live.
Then there's the music scene. It's been crackin' for a while now since DMB blew it off the map like 14 (?) years ago, and it's still getting bigger. They now have two (count 'em, two) state-of-the-art stadiums (one for football and one for basketball) that also double as rock venues for some of the biggest touring acts in the country. Add to that UVA (it's the *kids* that are into new music), Starr Hill Music Hall, the Paramount Theatre, the Satellite Ballroom, Gravity Lounge, Miller's and Fellini's, and you've gotchurself one fertile little music scene that can handle just about anything.
So, although NYC is great (it really *is* the center of the universe), I'm pretty excited about the move. Hopefully it will bring depth to what I do. Afer all, aligning one's inner purpose with one's outer purpose is what it's all about, right?
Peace, New York. I'll catch you soon 'cuz I'll be back mad more times.

January 3rd, 2006 | HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy 2006, everybody! I hope 2005 was as good to you as it was to me. Funny thing, for the first time in like 10 years I didn't have a NYE gig. As much as I could have used the bread, it was kind of nice. I just stayed in by myself @ my parent's house in Virginia, watching TV. I've decided that staying in is the new going out. That's mine, but if anybody wants to use it you're welcome to it.
On a side note, I was on "Late Night with David Letterman" last night. Not playing or anything, just taking part in a "New Year's Resolutions" sketch. The film crew randomly stopped me @ Columbus Circle and tried to get me to use a hula hoop with my shirt off. It was waaay too cold for that, so they had me stick around and (on camera) asked me what my New Year's resolution was. My real answer was pretty lame, so they fed me the line: "I think I'd like to spend more time with my grandmother." Then it cut to a shot of me standing next to a little old lady, and there's this really long awkward silence. Pretty funny. I almost busted out laughing when we were shooting it, but I didn't.
Anyway, that's what's up of late. Hope all is well and let's take care of one another in 2006.

October 6th, 2005 | STEPHEN HONORED BY ASCAP!
I just found out that I have been selected for an award from the ASCAPLUS Awards program for the 2005-2006 distribution year. The award will be distributed early next year. Hooray for *me*!

September 28th, 2005 | JUST GOOD NEWS
Last year I had the good fortune to teach and perform @ two pretty progressive (and now award-winning) schools in New York City; Fieldston Lower (www.ecfs.org) in the Bronx and the Manhattan New School P.S. 290 (www.manhattannewschool.org) on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I just found out that *both* of these schools received the "Blackboard Award" by Manhattan Media for being "Outstanding Elementary Schools for 2005" and, proud as I am, I thought I'd share some of my experiences with you. At Fieldston Lower I took part in the school's production of Stephen Sondheim's (who, incidentally, attended Fieldston as a child) "Merrily We Roll Along". The talent of the cast, all of whom were between fourteen and seventeen years of age, was amazing. These kids really did a fantastic job! The one thing that sticks out in my mind about this experience was the fact that sitting next to me in the orchestra pit was a senior @ Fieldston who was playing flute and piccolo like a seasoned professional. I mean he *really* was just playing the mess out of the music. When I asked him if he was going to music school, he said no he was going to enter the theater department @ NYU. As it turns out, he had already been acting for quite sometime because he played the part of the boy genius in the movie "Magnolia", which also starred Tom Cruise and Albert Finney!
P.S. 290 is where I spent the bulk of my time, though. Every Wednesday from 10 AM until 1 PM I taught flute to fourth and fifith graders, and they ended up teaching me just as much (if not more) as I taught them. We ended the year with a recital where we played the "Hogwart's Theme" from the "Harry Potter" movies and then munched on cookies while we checked out the other student musicians. We all had a blast and I'm looking forward to resuming my teaching duties through the Outreach Program @ Manhattan School of Music this October.
In addition to all of this, today @ MSM there was a special masterclass by Francois Louis. Francois makes fine saxophone ligatures, handmade mouthpieces and reeds. He also is the inventor of what he calls the "aulochrome". The aulochrome is "a new polyphonic and chromatic woodwind instrument" that "resembles two soprano saxophone bodies and uses a revolutionary mechanism" blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Look, if you're a saxophone geek like me and want to know more, just visit www.aulochrome.com and get your freak on. I did get to ride the elevator down with him though, and he was telling me that he just spent a few days hanging out with Joe Lovano (!) and that he was soon heading back to Brussels with the prototype, which luckliy I got to check out first hand @ the masterclass.
Ahh, autumn in New York....



That's right, I just wrote that.

September 25th, 2005 | BACK TO WORK
Well, it's been three weeks since the start of my second year of the Master's Program @ Manhattan School of Music. It's pretty intense, but things just keep getting better! In addition to the fine professors I studied with last year, I've been able to add composition and arranging with Michael Patterson, advanced improvisation and piano with Garry Dial (if you don't know about this guy, "google" him or something because he's amazing!), and studio techniques with Richard Sussman. It's quite an honor and a pleasure to spend so much time in an environment that's so musically focused. Crazy, mind-bending, emotionally taxing and way too time consuming, but amazing at the same time. Make sense?
I've also been checking out Ray Charles alot lately. "The Genius Of..." and "What'd I Say" are two that I keep coming back to. I just wish they'd release "Modern Sounds in Country and Western", because what I've heard of it is great.
Well, the witching hour is upon me and I've gotta get some sleep. Long day @ the office tomorrow (today, @ this point).
Keep it real.

September 11th, 2005 | REMEMBER...
I'll always remember where I was on the morning of Tuesday September 11, 2001. I was up early, on my way to the University of Richmond to take part in a Jazz Appreciation course. Before ending the class, the professor told everyone that terrorists had attacked the WTC in downtown Manhattan. I listened to the radio all the way home, and when I got there I watched TV for the rest of the day. For the rest of the week, actually. I just couldn't stop staring at the burning towers and the huge clouds of dust and debris filling the streets, people screaming and running for their lives. It's still hard to believe. And now we have *this*. I'm confident that it won't stand much longer.
Not so much in remembrance of, but completely coincidentally, I updated the website today. The layout and color looks alot better (I think), and I added a picture and started adding names to the news/email list. I keep hoping for the day when I can organize a professional photo shoot and get some more pics up here. While I'm at it, why don't I just record another album and have some more music as well? Hmmm....

September 1st, 2005 | SAY A PRAYER...MAKE A DONATION...DO *SOME*THING!
In case you haven't heard, Hurricane Katrina has left all of New Orleans, Louisiana (and most of the Gulf Coast) under water, hundreds of people dead, and even more people homeless. We're on the verge of losing a vital part of American history and culture here, as New Orleans was the birthplace of jazz music, among other things. Louis Armstrong was born there, Jelly Roll Morton claims he invented jazz there (in a whorehouse, no less), and Sidney Bechet probably *killed* a brother or two there (I heard he was a pretty tenacious cat). The Meters, Professor Longhair, Doctor John, the Marsalis family, Harry Connick Jr., the Neville Brothers, King Oliver, Kid Ory, Baby Dodds and many, many more all called New Orleans home. Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (where else can you hear so many great bands for $20 a day?), the list goes on. Please keep those less fortunate than you in your hearts and prayers and do all that you can. It'll make you feel good, promise.
God bless us all.
*visit www.salvationarmyusa.org to find out how to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

August 28th, 2005 | BACK TO THE APPLE!
Finally, off the cruise ship! It might *sound* nice to tour the Carribean all summer long, getting paid to play music and hang out on the beach (actually the beach part *was* pretty nice), but the truth of the matter is that the gig was strictly about the paper, nothing more (and considering the cost of living in New York City these days, not that much). That's too bad, too, because there's some pretty amazing musicians out there (my friend Vladimir, who plays trombone, helped me chang the way I play saxophone, so I'm breathing properly) who get zero respect from the corporate community. It was one of the most insulting gigs I've ever had to play, and the conditions under which the musicians are expected to perform are ludicrous. That's all the energy I'm going to waste on that. I'm back in the city and getting ready for my final year of graduate studies @ Manhattan School of Music www.msmnyc.edu. I've already met some really great people who just happen to be really great musicians as well. I'm totally psyched (even though for the second year in a row I didn't make any of the Jazz Orchestras) and looking forward to what the future holds for me, for music, and for the world. Onward and upward!

July 4th, 2005 | CARNIVAL CHAOS ON THE HIGH SEAS
It's been awhile since I've posted anything because A) I've been waiting for some cool things to happen to me and B) the internet aboard the ship is sketchy at best. With that said, Happy 4th of July! I'm currently in Key West at a little place with free wi-fi called the Coffee Plantation. Stop on by and have a $5 iced coffee if you're ever in the area. I can't complain though, I *am* using their internet for free.
Let's see, this may be a long one since it's been over a month and a half since I left NYC for the summer. First, I went down to Virginia and visited my parents for like three weeks, and I've got to tell you, there's nothing quite like sitting on the back porch listening to the birds singing and looking out over the James River after spending six months straight in Manhattan. It's absolutely beautiful.
When I'm home I always make it a point to meet up with my good friend and legendary trumpeter, John D'earth. It's always a pleasure to play and talk with this guy, so try linking to his sight from my links page if you'd like to know more. After that, my friend Patrick Smith came to Virginia Beach while touring with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and I was lucky enough to get schooled New Orleans-style when I sat in with them. Their guitarist, Jamie Mclean, is also a pretty cool guy. DDBB are a bunch of sweet guys who *really* like to party. All of 'em. Check them out if they're in your area.
Soon it was time for me shape up, ship out, and shove off, and that's exactly what I did. For just shy of a month now I've been employed as a showband musician aboard the MS Celebration. Not exactly the career path I want to follow, but it's cool for now because I get to spend my days exercising, practicing, and oh yeah, drinking rum drinks out of coconuts served by a Bahamian who calls himself "Ricky Ricardo" while balancing a box full of coconuts and alcohol on his head as he strolls along the beach, making friends and a pocket full of cash. Big up to Ricky for keeping it real.
That's about it for now. I've gained a lot of perspective in the past months, and I know now that I'm more ready than ever to get back to the city and start making things happen for myself. I can't wait! In the mean time, enjoy the freedom of Independence day and don't grab any burnt sparklers on the wrong end. Peace (?).

April 26th, 2005 | NOTHING NEW, REALLY...
I can't believe it's been a month since I posted anything. Dang!
Well, actually I can because I haven't been up to much except practicing (and watching Napolen Dynamite like a million times). See, I have no life ouside of music school right now. Who new graduate work at MSM would be so demanding? Gosh!
I guess the coolest thing that's happened to me lately was this saxophone reed I got a couple of weeks ago. I think it was one of the best reeds I've ever played. Right out of the box it was perfect. Perfect! I love it when that happens! I feel flippin' invincible!
Of course the rest of the box sucked and I've been trying find one that plays even a little for like two weeks or something, but hey, life wouldn't be as sweet without the sour, now would it?
Oh yeah, and I saw Wynton Marsalis @ Columbus Circle today around 5 PM. That was pretty cool. He's one well-dressed millionaire trumpet player! I guess he was headed to his big office in what I like to call "Jazz @ the Mall". If you've ever been to the AOL Time-Warner building you know what I mean. I wonder if he cares that there's a lot of Saudi money invested in that place. You know, the 9-11 Saudis? I'd get on my soapbox right now if I hadn't had dinner @ the Whole Foods in the basement.
Well, gotta go now. Be careful out there and hopefully I'll see ya'll @ a show or something sometime soon. Peace.

March 26th, 2005 | SWEET, SWEET RELIEF!
So, I'm not going to lie. I've been feeling pretty down lately. Just *filled* with heartache, negative energy and bad vibes.
Thank God for my friend and drummer Mark Micklethwait. See, Mark had his graduate recital last night, and it just so happened to feature saxophonist Joel Frahm. Talk abot a force for positivity! This guy is an amazing musician *and* a great person (which makes all the difference).
Anyway, there was a hang after the recital and cats was playing!!! Lucky for me I got to play alongside Joel as well as some other outstanding musicians, and lo and behold, I could feel all the stress and negativity just melting away. I became "in-tune" with life. It could of been the alcohol, but I think it was more just the vibe in the room and the general feeling of happiness and well-being that was being created by these incredible musicians. It was great.
So, the lesson I learned last night was that no matter how tired or stressed-out or however you're feeling, take the time to make the hang. It's just as important as practicing or composing or whatever it is that you're striving for. To complete the puzzle you have to have all the pieces, you know? You never know what might happen or who you might befriend.

March 16th, 2005 | IT'S ALL WHO (and what) YOU KNOW, YA DIG?
Okay, I was having dinner with my sister tonight (well, yesterday @ this point) and who should call me but my friend and trombonist extrordinaire Alvin Walker. "We need a tenor player," he says. "I'm all over it," I replied.
So I haul uptown, grab my horn and then race back downtown for the gig. I show up for the last tune of the first set (a blues in F) and the leader, a trumpet player, comes over and says "Blow!" Just like that. So I jump in head first and do my best. I manage to not get banged up too badly, and the set ends. Now, here's the thing: the leader introduces himself as Valerie Ponomerov. Valerie Ponomerov!!! As in Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Valerie Ponomerov!!!
Great. Now I'm nervous. I don't know why, but I am. So I'm nursing my free whiskey and trying to calm down when who walks in the door?
Barry Harris!!! As in the pianist, living legend, boys with Thelonious Monk, Hank Mobley, and every other major figure in jazz, ever, Barry Harris!!! And guess who's hanging with him? Just guess? Bill Lee!!! As in jazz bassist, Spike Lee's dad, Bill Lee!!!
Well as if I wasn't nervous already, I *definitely* was now. As my friend Tatum Greenblatt said, "Well, the bulls*@! factor just went right out the window." Really?
So the second set comes and goes and everything is cool. Afterward, Bill came over and I got to shake his hand. You know, the great thing was that he was just as grateful and as humble as he could be. If you ask me, we need a lot more of that in the world, and I guess it just came as a pleasant reminder to check myself. I feel *so* fortunate to have the opportunity to study and play music.
I hope that anyone who reads this will learn a little something and decide to take a step back every know and then. Recognize.

March 10th, 2005 | WHEW!
Sorry for the delay between posts, but I've been pretty busy with school work lately. Here's what's up:
Just finished up a string of gigs around NYC and I'm whipped! Had a weeklong run of Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" at Fieldston School up on 242nd Street last week, followed by a quick hit with my new band, NOISE, (which was absolutely incredible, by the way) on Tuesday @ Galapagos Art Space in the Willy-B section of Brooklyn, and finally a chamber jazz performance @ Manhattan School of Music's Greenfield Hall featuring clarinetist David Krakauer on Wednesday.
After all this, of course I had an improvisation mid-term today on *no* sleep (which I completely bombed, but what can ya do?) topped off by the fact that the bell of my saxophone got creased somehow. Makes me wanna hollar! Instead I think I'll just catch up on some much overdue ZZZ's.
Thanks for checking in and be sure to take care of one another. Taker easy.

January 25th, 2005 | STILL WANNA BE IN THE BUSINESS?
I am currently enrolled in the Masters Program @ New York City's Manhattan School of Music. Continuing my studies is great, and during the first semester I was lucky enough to study/collaborate with saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Dave Liebman, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, pianists Phil Markowitz, Gerard D'Angelo and Joan Stiles, and Ornette Coleman guitarist Chris Rosenberg.

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