It’s been quite some time since I had to chance to update the blog, so there’s plenty to report.  Most recently, just returned from a week on the road in the Midwest with the new trio Ballister, featuring myself, Fred Lonberg-Holm on cello, and Paal Nilssen-Love on drums.  The band had only done one previous gig, back in June of 2010 at the Hideout, which we recorded for release.  With a quick turnaround, we were able to get this out as our debut cd “Bastard String” which arrived a bit late from the manufacturer, but still in time for the second gig of the tour.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with Fred regularly over the years in the Vandermark Five, and plenty of other projects, but getting the chance to play with Paal every night was really special.  Although we’ve known in each other for years, and have played in some one-off contexts, as well as Ken Vandermark’s Territory Band, doing a tour was really fantastic. Hopefully more will come of the group in the next year – we recorded our last trip of the tour for another possible release, so keep your eyes out.

Also in the recent past – the Vandermark Five played it’s last gig ever at a festival in Morelia, Mexico on November 17th.  Ken’s decided to discontinue the band, so a group that has become somewhat of an institution on the Chicago jazz scene has disappeared.  It was an interesting way to end, outdoors at a courtyard in a 17th century building, with about 700 people there to watch.  Who knew that Mexican teenage girls were so interested in free jazz?? We signed autographs for about 20 minutes after the concert!

After these whirlwind back-to-back trips, I returned just in time for Thanksgiving, and finished this run of gigs sitting in with both Rabid Rabbit and Yakuza at the Empty Bottle on Friday, November 26th.  I’ve been getting asked by friends in these bands to sit in more regularly, which is a blast – some great dark music, and some of my favorite bartenders in town make up both of these bands.  Hopefully will have a chance to keep doing this……

In other upcoming news – new records recorded with The Rempis Percussion Quartet for March release on 482 Music (Montreal Parade) with Construction Party (w/Bostonians Forbes Graham, Pandelis Karayorgis, and Luther Gray) for release on Not Two, and with Wheelhouse (w/Nate McBride and Jason Adasiewicz) for an unknown label….

Also working on another duo tour with Frank Rosaly in Europe during March/April of 2011.  Let me know if you’d like to present the group!