TOURING IN THREE
It is very hard today to put together good jazz gigs in a row but my agent, Christiane Stingl has cooked up a lovely five day run for John Crocker, Rossano Sportiello and myself beginning on the 7 October. Any fans in the South of Germany should try to make this show because it can’t happen often and both John and Rossano are world-class players. Rossano is doing very well in the US right now and this is a great achievement for a young Italian musician. He has to be heard to be believed, embodying many of the classic jazz piano stylists in one pair of hands.
AT HOME GIG
Mecky and I have been in the town of Grünwald for over a while now but I haven’t performed for the locals as yet. Until now that is. On October 16 I will bring the trio of Claus and Kuno into the Bürgerhaus to share the stage with the Wine and Roses Orchestra. Several pals play in this big band which is led by Bernhard Ullrich, an excellent clarinet player and ideal for the Goodman role.
We will alternate through the evening like one of those Thirties live radio broadcasts. There’ll be a big drum battle in Sing Sing Sing with my opposite number being Gregor Beck, a real swinger.
We are hoping lots of our followers will turn up and that jazz in Grünwald will become a major attraction in the Greater Munich area. Partly because I can go to gig on my bicycle.
DRUMMER MEETING
In November I will go to Salzgitter for the 20th Drummer Meeting. I have done this several times now and the first occasion was the first one I think. I was much younger, moustached, slimmer and didn’t need to take so many pills to stay alive. I have done the opening show quite often with various musicians but this year will be really good fun with HOOCHIE COOCHIE NIGHT band.
We will be amazed by Zoot Money, Albie Donnelly, Roy Herrington and Bolle Dieckmann plus the Salzy Pfeffergirls to bring a sporting house atmosphere to the Scheune.
There will also be a GREAT DRUM BOTTLE featuring myself and the wonderful instigator of the event, our genial genie, Ralli Lewitzki. Please note a BOTTLE is much friendlier than a BATTLE.
Check out the Drummer Meeting website for news of all the great drum names who will be there. I look forward to meeting many young drummers and helping you with your drumming. Book now to avoid sleeping behind the Guterbahnhof.