Newsletter - August 31 

Happy final day of August!

It feels Philadelphia witnessed three seasons in August: Spring, Summer, Fall, Summer again, then Spring again. It's hardly been a month since my last newsletter, but it feels much longer. 

The Philly Tribute to Amy Winehouse traveled to The Fillmore Silver Spring, Maryland. Their house was packed with a 500+ audience reliving Amy's musical legacy; sure affirmation that the band was expertly enthralled. Next week, Thursday, September 6 we return to Philly at Union Transfer. Celebrate the brilliance of Amy Winehouse’s seminal album, Back to Black as well as songs from Frank and elsewhere. Our 5-piece rhythm section, 3-piece horn section, and 6 singers range from jazz, soul, folk, theatre, neo-soul, folk, rock, and motown players from bands including York Street Hustle, Red 40 & The Last Groovement, and You Do You. Tickets available here.

My next album, The Nook, will be will be released on Tuesday, September 18, 2018! The Nook is a full length straight-ahead jazz album that harks back to Miles Davis' first great quintet. John Swana, veteran Philadelphia trumpeter, guest appears on valve trombone. Preview a couple tracks at my website. If you like what you hear, the full album is available for pre-sale at bandcamp. Want to hear it live? The release show is confirmed for Wednesday, October 3 at Chris' Jazz Cafe. Mark your calendars; more info coming soon. 

Nearly two years ago I gathered the Philly Phatness horn section to record horns for Mitski. Her recent album, Be The Cowboy, was finally released August 17. It's received widespread critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The New York Times among others. I play trumpet and mellophone on "Why Didn't You Stop Me?" "A Pearl," Remember My Name," and "Me & My Husband." The horns are masterly folded into the songs' arrangements; blink and you might miss them. 

September's schedule features a smattering of public performances with the John Byrne Band and You Do You. Both of which are producing new material for eventual album releases. I'm staying busy; you stay tuned!

VT

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