dan's words and deeds

CD Release Party September 22!

2008-09-04T12:31:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to announce that our new CD "Over Here Over Heard" is finally finished! We'll be doing our CD release party on Monday September 22nd @ the new Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Sets are at 8 & 10, and the cover is $10. INFO

The CD is currently available for purchase at CDBABY in both physical form and DRM free high quality MP3.

If you're a prisoner of Apple/itunes, you can find it HERE.

Hope to see you on the 22nd!

-Dan

Idlewild Jazz Festival and Other Gigs This Week

2008-07-28T00:16:00.003-05:00

I hope you're enjoying your Summer! We have a bunch of fun gigs this week, including appearances in South Bend and at the Idlewild Jazz Festival in Michigan. Hope to see you soon. .

Tuesday July 29: Pops for Champagne in Chicago from 9:00 PM -12:00 AM with Clark Sommers and Greg Wyser-Pratte. We've had a great time at Pops this month--Clark is back in town for the finale. INFO

Thursday July 31: Lake Forest Day in Lake Forest IL, 6:30-8:30. Dan Cray Trio with the Derrick Stout Orchestra. INFO

Friday August 1: Dan Cray Trio at Trio's Jazz Club in South Bend, IN. We're looking forward to playing at this great new club in South Bend for the first time. INFO

Saturday August 2: Idlewild Jazz Festival, Idlewild Michigan. Dan Cray Trio at 4:30 PM, and the Dan Cray Trio with Detroit vocalist and headliner Shahida Nurullah at 8:00 PM. INFO We're honored to be playing at this historic festival in Idlewild. If you're unfamiliar with the history of Idlewild in relation to the civil rights movement, the Chicago Tribune did a great feature on it, which you can read here. Robin Eubanks and Eric Alexander will also be appearing at the festival.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer, and stay tuned for more info about the new CD!

Spring News and a Conversation With Punky

2008-04-16T14:09:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you well after a long and brutal winter. I can't tell you how happy I am to see the sun shining (at least for a few hours a day) and the White Sox starting off the season on the right foot! We've been busy mixing the live recording from last November, and hopefully it will be out within the next few months. We also recorded vocalist Marc Courtney Johnson's latest album in January and are getting ready to work with another talented singer from Indiana, Randy Kelly, on his new album next week. Clark is doing quite well in NY if you've been wondering. He'll be back in town playing with us this Friday and next weekend at the Rhythm Room, so be sure to come out and say hi!

Here's our schedule for the next few months:

Wednesdays from 7PM-11PM @ Pete Miller's in Wheeling INFO

Fridays from 7PM-11PM @ The Rhythm Room Century Theatres Evanston. INFO

I'm also playing most Saturdays at The Rhythm Room from 7:00-11:00PM in a duo setting, usually featuring Geof Bradfield on saxophone. (Clark will be playing with me on Saturday April 19th). Be sure to check the website for the updated schedule.

Finally, a Moment of Zen for you, as John Stewart would say. As you may remember, my song "Good Bye" was featured on the TV show Gossip Girl a few months back, and judging from the Myspace and itunes action it actually made some kind of impression on our impressionable youth. But the experience has also given me an inside look at teen culture and language, and it's an eye-opener. Here's a transcript of my Myspace conversation with a girl who goes by the name iitSz Punkii. From what I can tell, this translates to either "I is Punky" or "It's Punky." Punky to me is Jim McMahon, as in "the punky QB known as McMahon," so I guess 20 years later, it's hip to be punky again! Anyway, this is heavy on a bunch of different levels.

------------------- Original Message -----------------
iitSz Punkii: hey im wondering if it was your song that i heard on one of my favorite shows the other day..i tried 2 look 4 it but ur version is the goodbye instumental i guess..umm i was wondering if u could do me a favor by putting up the normal version and leting me know if im rght about that song...pleae get back 2 me..thankyou...

Dan: Hey there-- If you're talking about "Gossip Girl," this is the right song. No words yet! It's a jazz instrumental--you can check it out on itunes too. Thanks--

iitSz Punkii: OH MY GOD!!LOLZ I REALLY LIKE THAT SONG!!WELL UMM WHEN WILL U B ABLE 2 PUT IT UP??U KNOW WIT THE WORDS?PLZ LET ME KNOW.THANK U!

Dan: Hey iitSz Punkii,There are no words! It is what it is. . . Best, Dan

iitSz Punkii: fine but u dont have 2 b a jerk about it..well it suckz without the words so u may as well delete ur whole pg...=]...
----------------- Original Message -----------------

Any budding lyricists out there? Let's create some "normal" music together. . .Hope to see you soon!

Dan

Northwestern Announces New Music Building!

2008-02-19T17:27:00.002-06:00

After many years of practicing in a converted 19th Century dorm, NU students will finally have real practice rooms, and hopefully nice pianos as well. The $90 million building should be ready in 2012.
Amen!

RIP Oscar Peterson

2007-12-24T15:19:00.000-06:00

One of my all time favorite pianists passed away today. I listened to Oscar almost non stop in high school, and I think his records had a lot to do with my initial attraction to Jazz music. I still haven't heard anyone swing harder. . .what a force!

I only got to hear him live once, and it was after his stroke, but it was still a memorable night. I remember waiting around after the concert in hopes of meeting him, but had to settle for sending back the liner notes to a box set in hopes of a signature. He was nice enough to oblige, even personalizing a message to me, which was quite a memento for a kid. I'm jealous of those of you who got to hear him at the London House in an intimate setting--that must have been amazing!

If you've never really checked out Oscar, look for the box set "Exclusively For My Friends," a series of recordings he did for the MPS label. They were recorded at a studio in the Black Forest of Germany, and include many live takes for a small group of friends as well as his first solo album. The rhythm section features either Ray Brown or Sam Jones on bass, and Ed Thigpen, Bobby Durham and Louis Hayes on drums. All in all, it's some of the best and most swinging jazz trio music I've heard. Put on the track In a Mellotone (Check it out here on Rhapsody) and I think you'll agree.

December News

2007-12-17T13:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays! Thanks to those of you who made it out for our live recording at Pops last month--we're currently sorting through the tracks, and hope to have something out by the Spring. Recording live presented quite a few challenges, but I'm really happy overall with how things turned out and the enthusiastic response from many of you.

In other news, Clark has decided to move to New York in January. It's been a long run of playing multiple gigs a week together while forming a group concept, and things will be really different without him around. But we're going to try to keep the group alive as best we can with less frequent local gigs and more gigs out of town.

Our run at Pops for Champagne will be ending after tomorrow night, so please come out and hang, say goodbye to Clark, sit in if you're a musician, etc. We're there from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

If you're looking for something to do on New Year's, I'll be at Timo Restaurant with Mike Allemana and Lorin Cohen. Adding to the theme of loss and woe, Timo will be closing after the gig. Owner John Bubala, in addition to being a wonderful chef and a great guy, has been a strong supporter of the local jazz scene for many years. We're definitely going to miss him and Timo. We're on from 10-1, and reservations for the late seating begin at 9:30. INFO

As always, you can still hear the group at the Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7-11.

Finally, a bit of good news. . .The TV show Gossip Girl, airing Wednesdays on the CW network (formerly the WB), has formally asked to use my song "Good Morning.Good Bye" for a scene that will air January 9th. I've never seen the show so I can't really tell you too much about it, but apparently it's big with the kids. I was just talking with bass player Eddie DeHaas about the complete lack of jazz on TV, so it's nice to see someone thinking outside the box for once. The show airs at 9/8c.
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Thanks for your support this year, and all the best for a healthy and happy New Year!

NU Ressurects Jazz Studies Program

2007-12-10T14:31:00.001-06:00

Jazz Studies at Northwestern was resurrected with the announcement that saxophonist Victor Goines, recently at Julliard, would be taking over the program. This is some shocking news, as I thought for sure the program was dead and buried. It remains to be seen whether a viable program can be built at NU given the vehement opposition displayed by some of the traditionalists there, but this is certainly encouraging.

Live Recording!

2007-10-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

The Trio has decided to try something new for our fourth record--a live recording! We'd love for you to be a part of it.

Here's the deal: Monday November 5th and Tuesday November 6th at Pops For Champagne in Chicago. We'll be playing from 8:00-12:00, with sets at 8, 9:30, and 11. We'd like to minimize the disruptions, so we ask that you stay for an entire set if at all possible. There's a $10 suggested donation at the door, and there will also be specials on CDs and drinks. Please feel free to invite anyone you like--the more music lovers the better!

Thanks for your continued support, and I hope to see you at Pops. . .

Summer News

2007-07-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

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

Hope to see you soon!

Dan

Northwestern Cuts Its Jazz Studies Program--An Open Letter to Dean Montgomery

2007-05-19T00:41:00.000-05:00

Dear Dr. Montgomery,

As someone who helped to build the Jazz Studies Program at Northwestern into a degree program during the 1990’s, I am dismayed to hear of its imminent demise. My history with Northwestern dates to my high school years when I took part in the National High School Music Institute for two summers. Based on my overwhelmingly positive experience, and the support and guidance of Mike Kocour and Don Owens, I decided to pursue both music and history at NU. The other option was to forgo music altogether. My career and life are a testament to the fact that I made the right decision.

My first two years of classical piano lessons at NU were valuable to be sure, but music really came alive for me when I fashioned an Ad-hoc degree in Jazz Studies with administrative support and put all of my energy into learning this complex and emotionally visceral music. Since graduation, I’ve made a living primarily by performing rather than teaching. I’ve proudly represented Northwestern at international festivals and competitions, most notably at the American Pianists Association, an historically classical organization that proudly gives jazz an equal amount of support. Not a week goes by that someone at a gig doesn’t ask me where I went to school. Usually, my response is followed by “Northwestern—great music school, right?” What should I tell these people now, Dr. Montgomery?

The decision to cut the Jazz Studies Program reflects a provincial attitude more appropriate for the middle of the last century. There is no debate that Jazz is a viable art form, and in fact is America’s only native art form. There is also no debate that elite music schools consider this to be true! One need only look to Julliard and Eastman, both of which Northwestern begs to compare itself to. Each features an independent Jazz Studies Program, with a full curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Northwestern already faces a significant handicap compared to these schools because its main facility is a 19th century dorm with no soundproofing and terrible pianos. Why compound this misery by showcasing for the world that your spirit is equally handicapped—corrupted by a narrow, outdated, and ultimately uncreative mindset?

Why would any creative person ever come to such a place? How can I honestly recommend Northwestern to the talented kids and their parents who I come across so frequently in the course of my career?

I urge you not only to reconsider this short-sighted and self-destructive decision, but also to reflect on who the real life ambassadors for the school are. Brad Haak, the other “failed” classical pianist in my freshman class just directed the music for Elton John’s musical Lestat on Broadway. I’m sure Northwestern was prominently mentioned in his bio.

Sincerely,
Dan Cray
BM, BA Northwestern class of 1999
www.dancray.com

Stunning Indictment

2007-04-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

So what happens when a virtuoso takes 45 min. to play in the subway with his $3.5 million dollar instrument? Does anyone care? Check out this recent article from the Washington Post!

Spring Newsletter

2007-03-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

I'd like to start by thanking all of you who made it out to the PianoForte and Cabin Fever gigs this month. The reception at both venues was really positive, and I was happy to meet some new friends in addition to seeing a lot of familiar faces. If you missed the Piano Forte concert, it will be broadcast in its entirety on WDCB (available on the web too!) on a Sunday night near the end of April. I'll let you know when I have the exact date and time.

In other news, we were surprised and flattered to be personally chosen by Michael Keaton for a small featured part in his new movie "The Merry Gentleman" which is currently filming here in Chicago. We're performing in a couple of scenes at a corporate Christmas party as a hitman lurks outside ready to take out one of the executives. (I was kind of hoping Clark could be taken out with him, but no such luck!) In addition to seeing firsthand how tedious shooting a movie can be (12 hours for maybe 3 min. of footage), I was really struck by how nice everyone on the set was. There wasn't a hint of attitude or negativity from anyone there, and the crew especially kept us in good spirts. All in all, it was a blast and probably a once in a lifetime thing for us--if all goes well, the movie will probably be out sometime early next year.

Spring Trio Gigs

The Trio will be performing every Tuesday through April from 9PM-1AM at the new Pops for Champagne in Chicago. This has turned into a really fun hang, with a great audience and a lot great of musicians hanging out and sitting in. INFO

As always, you can still hear the group at The Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7-11. I'm also there on most Saturdays in a duo setting with talented folks like Geof Bradfield, Clark Sommers and Dennis Carroll. INFO

Hope to see you soon!

Why The Critics ARE To Blame For The Joyce Hatto Fiasco

2007-03-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

For those who haven't heard about this, the story is HERE.

Howard Reich wrote in today's Chicago Tribune that the critics responsible for Ms. Hatto's fame should not be held accountable, claiming "The critics who applauded Hatto's alleged recordings indeed were recognizing great performances by estimable artists. They were doing, in fact, precisely what critics are supposed to do: discern artistic excellence."

This is all well and good, but completely misses the point. You would have to be an idiot not to recognize the brilliance of the recordings! As Mr. Reich knows from experience, being a classical pianist is perhaps the most hopeless career choice a musician can make. Countless thousands pass through music schools annually with no jobs available save to go back to academia and begin the cycle all over again. The select few rise to the level of superstar performer, and many others (still a small fraction of the total) make estimable recordings. The real question, then, is why was Joyce Hatto singled out for praise rather than many of the virtually unknown pianists she stole from? Could it be because she was a recluse dying of cancer who had not been seen performing in public for almost 30 years? Oh, perish the thought! Critics don't care about life stories, only "artistic excellence!" Hah.

Perhaps there is another, darker motivation involved: the desire to be the one who discovers "the next big thing." The role of critic as Kingmaker is quite prevalent, and one often hopelessly at odds with discerning "artistic excellence." What better way for a critic to be known then by championing the cause of someone few people have ever heard of? Thus we get lines like this: "Her legacy is a discography that in quantity, musical range and consistent quality has been equaled by few pianists in history," from critic Jeremy Nicholas of the London Guardian and "Joyce Hatto must be the greatest living pianist that almost no one has ever heard of," from critic Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe. The key words here are "history" and "no one has ever heard of." By invoking history, the critic sets himself above and beyond, giving praise where none before existed. Here finally is his raison d'etre!

Indeed, this scandal exposes the tendency of many critics to espouse their beliefs independent of any true research or questioning. Did it not occur to anyone why earlier live reviews weren't overly positive? Or why earlier collaborators didn't make any notice of a supposed genius in their midst? Or how it was possible in the first place for a sick old woman to create flawless masterpieces of nearly the entire classical piano canon?

Unfortunately, a critic with both humility and remedial investigative skills is a rare commodity indeed. We see it in the jazz community all the time. Why is it so difficult for critics to ask questions? Why do many critics assume the genius players deserving of great attention (say, 5 articles within 6 months) must have some sort popular acclaim? Doesn't it make more sense to search out players who consistently have a plethora of musicians in the audience hanging on every turn of phrase? This seems obvious, of course, but we live in a bizarro world where someone can garner over the top accolades without having any knowledge of swing, jazz harmony, or real jazz feel, let alone the respect of his peers. Perhaps the answer lies with the fact that you can't make someone a king if he has already been crowned!

Last night I stopped by Pete Miller's in Evanston to see one of the only true jazz geniuses in Chicago, Ron Perrillo. Gathered about the stage, at midnight on a Saturday night, were almost 20 musicians, including several of the most talented artists in the city. Every once in a while one would exhale and give a knowing look to his friend. For me, that look came when Ron grabbed onto one plaintive note of the horn player's solo with his comping, re-harmonized it, and played a complementary descending figure that was so perfect it was staggering. This is unteachable. This is genius. It's also virtually ignored by the jazz establishment in town, who throw an odd bone to Ron every once in a while, but save their prime space for hothead egoists posturing about the stage.

Critics most certainly are responsible for their unverified praise of Joyce Hatto and anyone else who turns out to be a fraud. If they want the praise and self-satisfaction when they throw a dart and hit on the right person, they must also accept the consequences when the King turns out to be a pauper.

Someone actually yelled "Freebird" at the Keith Jarrett Concert

2007-02-18T20:02:00.000-06:00

There's really no hope for those of us who don't complain about the inadequacies of the European Steinway in playing the blues!

Eldee Young

2007-02-15T01:04:00.000-06:00

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Eldee today. I had the pleasure of playing with him on several occasions at the Fairmont Hotel a few years ago. He had a ton of energy and was the consumate entertainer. He also told some of the best stories I've ever heard. . .truly a unique cat.

The Real Deal

2007-02-14T13:34:00.000-06:00

Winter Update

2007-02-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

It's been a tough couple weeks; first Barbaro the horse, and now Anna Nicole Smith. America grieves. Fortunately, there's good music to help you forget all about it!

The Trio will be performing every Tuesday through March from 9PM-1AM at the new Pops for Champagne in Chicago. We've been joined on several occasions recently by great musicans like Kyle Asche, Geof Bradfield, and Scott Burns. Come check out the new place! INFO

As always, you can still hear the group at The Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7-11. INFO

In March, there are a couple of really exciting opportunities for both myself and the Trio.

Saturday March 10, Jazz Salon at PianoForte Chicago, 3PM
This is a solo piano recital series that features the Fazioli piano, one of the best pianos in the world. PianoForte is located in the Fine Arts Building at 410 South Michigan. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance. Seating is limited. INFO/TICKETS

Sunday March 18, Cabin Fever Jazz Series, 4PM
We're really excited to perform again for this excellent series at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Our 2005 concert sold out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! INFO/TICKETS

Hope to see you soon!

Argh

2007-02-05T15:38:00.000-06:00

Well, the score was pretty much right. . .Grossman needs to take some dance classes or something. . .

Da Bears

2007-02-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

Why is everyone so down on the Bears? You heard it here--

Bears 28
Colts 17

Go Bears!!!

December News And Holiday CD Sale!

2006-12-11T00:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays! Thanks to those of you who made it out to hear us at the Skokie Theater last month. It's truly a beautiful venue, and I think it has a lot of potential as a serious performance space. If you missed us, I hope you can make it out to. . .

The new Pops For Champagne! Pops is now open at the corner of State and Ohio. You may have seen us playing there on Metromix the TV show--if not, it's quite a bit different from the old Sheffield location. I'll say no more. . .we're there on Tuesdays from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. INFO

As always, you can still hear the group at the Rhythm Room in Evanston every Friday from 7-11.

HOLIDAY SALE!

Dan Cray Trio CDs Are On Sale For $10 +S/H Thru December Only At www.dancray.com!!
Click Below To Purchase The Best Last Minute Gift!

All 3 CDs are now available for purchase on my website with credit card, paypal, or Google Checkout. Transactions are handled safely and securely by either Paypal or Google Checkout. (You do not need a Paypal account to pay by credit card thru Paypal. Google Checkout requires a Google Checkout Account)
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All the best for a healthy and happy New Year!

Dan

November News

2006-11-15T12:33:00.000-06:00

Tickets are still available for our performance Saturday November 25th at the newly renovated Skokie Theatre!

The concert starts at 8:00 PM and tickets are $20. INFO
This is a great opportunity to check out our new material in a listener friendly environment.

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Pops for Champagne Re-Opening This Month!

It looks like Pops will be open by the end of the month at the new location on the corner of State and Ohio. The Trio will be playing on Tuesdays beginning November 28 from 9:00 PM-1:00 AM. The date could still change depending on the final grand opening date, but everything looks good right now. The new Pops will have the jazz downstairs in a dedicated music space, which will hopefully keep the lame loud ones upstairs. Clark and I had a chance to check out the new space, and I think it will be a great addition to the jazz scene downtown. INFO

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Hope to see you all soon!

-Dan

October News

2006-10-02T14:12:00.000-05:00

October Newsletter

Thanks for all of your continued support. There are a couple opportunities coming up to hear the Trio in more of a concert setting and with a great piano--we hope you can make it out!

Saturday October 7th at So Tish Decorative Arts Gallery and Midday Cafe in La Grange, IL: Sets at 7:30 and 9:30
INFO

Saturday November 25th at the newly renovated Skokie Theatre. Concert at 8:00 PM. INFO
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CDs Now Available For Credit Card Purchase!
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CDs are now available for purchase on my website with credit card or paypal. All transactions are handled safely and securely by Paypal!

Upcoming Performances

2006-08-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let you know about a few gigs the Trio is doing out in the western suburbs. I grew up in Glen Ellyn, and old friends are always asking when we'll be playing there. Now's the time--

Sunday August 27 at WDCB's Eclectic Picnic: 12:00-1:00 at Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn. Free. INFO

Saturday October 7 at So Tish Decorative Arts Gallery and Midday Cafe in La Grange. Sets at 7:30 and 9:30. INFO

As always, you can still hear us every Friday at the Rhythm Room in Evanston. A lot of fans have been coming out lately, and it definitely makes a difference in the energy. Thank you.

Take care,

Dan

The End Of Jazz On WBEZ

2006-04-07T23:02:00.000-05:00

This is a copy of an email I got from someone who works at WBEZ. Anyone who loves jazz in Chicago should be outraged. . . .

I'm letting as many music people know that WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio announced yesterday that they are planning to phase out jazz and all music programming by the end of this year. The music director was let go, but five music hosts are still employed, and still trying to do compelling shows for the rest of this year. Just want to get the word out so that if musicians and music people choose to react, they at least have the info.

There is a comment forum at www.chicagopublicradio.org. Contact information is also on the web site and feedback can be directed to general manager and program director.

WBEZ Best of 2005 and Farewell to Pops

2005-12-28T12:30:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone,

One more Wednesday at Pops For Champagne--come ring in the New Year a little early! Thanks to all of you who have made it a point to come out and check out what we've been working on these past few months, especially our peers. It's been overwhelming.

In other news, "Save Us" has been named one of the best CD's of 2005 by WBEZ in Chicago. John Goldman's CD "In Walked Pierre," which also features the Trio, was similarly honored. Be sure to tune in weeknights at 91.5 for your chance to pick up a free copy of each CD.

May the New Year brings health and happiness to all of you--

Dan