Great Things about 2012

There were some tough news stories towards the end of last year. That’s no reason not to appreciate the great things from 2012. Here are a few things I really appreciated. Thank you.

Obama, Reelected.

That we’re not looking at Mitt Romney is a blessing. Mitt’s son now tells us that Mitt didn’t actually want to run or serve, so, a blessing for all of us.

Marathons, The Ryan Adjustment.

In case you missed it, the Republican vice presidential candidate gave a rough estimate of his marathon time that was about an hour faster than the truth. As a marathoner who failed to break my goal of four hours this year (look out 2013!) I really appreciated that, and have consistently applied said adjustment ever since.

Jazzshares.org

Based on the farm share model, where stakeholders ensure the success of the farm by pre-paying for vegetables, our members purchase jazz shares to provide a way to produce concerts with minimal institutional support. A grassroots, all-volunteer organization, we are a community of music lovers in Western Massachusetts dedicated to the continued vitality of the music. By pooling resources, energy and know-how, shareholders are creating an infrastructure able to bring world-class improvisers to our region. These shareholders are Jazz Pioneers.

FONT Music @10

Festival of New Trumpet Music celebrates ten years of activity with commissions and performances around New York. Festival opened with Stephanie Richards’ performance at the carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Thankfully it was before Hurricane Sandy, shown here. FONT Music will continue in September of 2013.

Banff Center for the Arts.

As a part of my final season, The Banff Center invited me to compose a final piece for the closing concert. Pathways was recorded by Joe Ferla at the center, and will be released in 2013 on Greenleaf Music. It features Greg Tardy, Josh Roseman, Uri Caine, Linda Oh, and Clarence Penn. On one track we are joined by Aoife O’Donovan.

Joe Ferla.

Joe joined me for another project this year and outdid himself with the sound. It is most evident on the vinyl edition of Be Still. My new Qunitet also recorded with Joe, and the record will be out in March, entitled Time Travel.

Royal Academy of Music.

Thrilled to be a part of the program at the Royal Academy in London where I will again serve in the Kenny Wheeler Chair in 2013. View shows

Key and Peele.

Start at the first season and go from there. These guys are the best.

Texts From Hillary


“Guys, if you’re going to play Well You Needn’t at least check out the Monk changes.”

McKayla Maroney is not impressed. Tough out there. We’re going to make 2013 better for sure.

Matt Ulery

Not just because he made a beautiful record for Greenleaf. Matt brought a lot of dedication and heart to the scene, both live and on record, and he is destined for bigger things. Check him out.

Aoife O’Donovan.

Denver bassist Greg Garrison brought together a great group including Matt Flinner and John Gunther this year. Thanks to Greg I met Aoife and her music. She brought me a lot of inspiration this year and we will be continuing live shows in 2013.