News and thoughts by Pianist Dan Cray
and the Dan Cray Trio.
. . .
7.11.2007
Summer News
Things have been busy and I'm excited about our performances and concerts this Summer. I just recently returned from the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta where I participated in the International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music for three weeks. It was inspiring to be around so many talented musicians and to learn and play with guys like Steve Cardenas, Scott Colley and Vincente Archer. I also picked up some ideas from drummer Han Bennink to make Greg's drum solos more of an event. Check it out here!
On a darker note, my alma mater Northwestern has decided to cancel its Jazz Studies Program. I know many of you support the university both financially and otherwise. Please reconsider. If you'd like to be heard, check out Friendsof NUjazz .com which provides the whole story along with the contact info of the relevant powers that be. You can read my letter to Dean Montgomery here.
Summer Trio Gigs We're playing a lot of gigs as a group this Summer capped off by a performance with Marc Courtney Johnson at the Chicago Jazz Festival on September 2 at 1PM.
Tuesdays at Pops for Champagne in Chicago through August from 9PM-12AM . This has turned into a really fun hang, with a great audience, excellent piano and a lot of talented musicians hanging out and sitting in. No cover if you get there before 9. INFO Wednesdays at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago Beginning July 11 through the end of August from 5:00-8:30 PM. We're happy to be playing here for the first time as a group. INFO Thursdays at Avenue M in Chicago from 7:00-10:00 PM. This is an exce llent restaurant occupying the space of the former Como. Champagne is half price every Thursday. INFO
As always, you can still hear the group at The Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7:30-11:30. I'm also there on most Saturdays in a duo setting with either Geof Bradfield or Clark Sommers. INFO
