And we're back...
Was in beautiful Santa Rosa, Ca. this past weekend for our Opening Santa Rosa Pops Concert featuring the Four Freshmen. All I can say is....GREAT MUSIC!!!
The lovely Deirdre and I were accompanied on this trip by Martin and Judi Schwartz. Our exploits included dinner at Scoma's in Sausalito, walking in Armstrong Woods among the Redwood Forest, Wine Tasting at Kendall Jackson, more eating at Coppola's Rustic Restaurant and side trips to Healdsburg, Windsor and Downtown Santa Rosa. Sandwiched in between was a rehearsal and then the concert on Sunday afternoon.
Off to conduct the Fab 4 concert with the Columbus Symphony. Looking forward to returning to the Ohio Theater with a really amazing group of musicians. And I'll be wearing my finest Beatles clothing for this concert as well...Shea Stadium Jacket for the first half and Abbey Road Frock coat for the second. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.
Was also out in Glendora, Ca. for a Sinatra/Basie at the Sands concert with an amazing LA Big Band and singer Tony Babino. All the real charts and all the great music from the classic album by Frank and William Basie. Look for us in Wickenburg, Az in January for another one of these Tributes to these musical geniuses.
Have stopped watching and reading anything more about the Election. Can't wait until the voting is over so we can move on. The 24 hour news cycle is the worst thing to happen to the US since deregulating the airlines and Corn Syrup.
FACEBOOK...I'm on it but it seems to have jumped the Shark as well as a couple of other things. Some many ways to waste time these days. Has anyone ever gone to a concert as a result of a FB invite? And thanks for the Events invites from Australia. I'll be right over.
Interesting to see the excitement Barbra Streisand still creates whenever she performs. She can fill up Arenas on multiple nights, performing with a 60 piece Orchestra and amazing Production/Sound and Lighting..
So great that there's still someone out there singing well written music, live, with the ability to attract such a devoted and large audience. Not many of those left. In various degrees I guess Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, Cher and Bette Midler when they perform...Billy Joel and Elton John and the Rolling Stones. Sting. Bruce Springsteen. It's a mighty small club and she's the Prez.
Don't read any further unless you don't mind some overly sentimental musings about Life and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As I get older, I value certain things more than ever. Loyalty is maybe at the top of the list. Friends, enjoying what's really important in life. Chunkies. Real Coca Cola made with cane sugar (available at my local Stop and Shop from Mexico), and of course the lovely Deirdre and our family, extended and otherwise.
So many of my old friends have joined the Choir lately. Some big names and some not so big names...all will be missed and remind me that it's important not wait to do things we really want to do in life. You never know what's around the corner. Time waits for no one, especially if you're a drummer. And it's a drag deleting contacts from my iPhone.
Sentimental section over.
Things I'm Loving These Days...
NCIS
Person Of Interest
The San Francisco Giants
Jeff Hamilton//Peter Erskine
A good pair of drumsticks (tougher to find than a good reed, IMO)
Being able to download Music and Books anywhere in the World.
Loose shoes.
When all my music is returned quickly from Symphony Orchestras...intact.
A good agent.
Locally owned Businesses.
Independent Films.
What I'm Not Loving These Days...
Musicians, etc. not getting paid for all those downloads I love so much.
Reality TV
TV Talking Heads, no matter the Political persuasion. Why Al Sharpton is on the air is as much a mystery to me as Glenn Beck.
Commuting, although the Quiet Car is a big help.
Intersections with tourists bunched up so I can't get through.
Blaming Musicians for the failures of their Executive Directors and Boards to raise money. We play the music... We'll do anything we can to help you raise funds, but at some point it's up to you to do your job too.
Airline prices, which are going through the roof and beyond. And the service is worse than ever.
People who "reach out"
OK, that's all Folks.
See you next time...
Mike B
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Man, the time does fly when you're having fun. Last posted on Valentine's Day and here it is, almost the end of April already.
So glad the Winter was MILD. I really cannot stand cold and snow and ice and WIND anymore.
The Spring has exploded up in dear Old Balmville, with colors ranging from bright yellows to amazing pinks and purples on every tree in the neighborhood.
Was in Columbus, Ohio last month with the mighty Columbus Symphony. Great Orchestra. Opened for Johnny Mathis on Saturday night and then a Children's Concert about RHYTHMs OF THE WORLD on Sunday afternoon. So happy to see Mr. Mathis again. I worked with him many moons ago and he came right up and gave me a big hug right in front of the Orchestra, which was very nice. He still sounds amaze balls. Same keys as always and his arrangements are remain among my favorites of any act in the business. (Right up there with the Sinatra and Garland charts, IMO).
Also nice to reconnect with my cousin Jeff while in Ohio. Jeff is the World's biggest Ohio State fan and was on his way down to watch the Buckeyes (lose as it turns out) in New Orleans for the NCAA tourney. Had a nice lunch with him and his wife Mary and at this point in my life reconnecting with people from the same gene pool seems to be a good thing.
Off to Santa Rosa, Ca. for concert with the Santa Rosa Pops and RADIANCE, a tribute to the female singers of Motown and Memphis Soul. Always happy to see my Brother from another Mother, Tex Richardson, who did the charts and is playing piano. Tex is the absolute finest Man I know on the Planet...period. No contest.
Also coming up, concerts with the Long Beach Symphony Pops and the LA Jazz Institute Tribute to Gene Krupa and the Be Bop charts of the late forties band. Really looking forward to being back in LA for both of these...and the Greatest Musoids in the World.
Saw an article about Sean Hayes, of TV fame and other things, including his latest stint as Larry Fine in the new Three Stooges movie. He said that these days one must generate their own work/careers, etc. One can't afford to wait for the phone to ring. Truer words were never spoken. As Joe Cocuzzo said to me many years ago, "Michael, you've got to own your own store." Best advice I ever received. And mandatory for musicians these days. I only hope that while all the Music schools continue to graduate class after class of newly minted credentialed musicians, that they also prepared them for the reality of the Music business now and in the future.
Enjoying the playing of Jeff Hamilton and Peter Erskine more and more these days. So many drummers sound totally generic...a very clean version of whatever style they are playing, Peter and Hammer sound like themselves and continue to be an inspiration to me as I keep listening and stealing their best ideas!
Missing a lot of old friends these days. Wish I could still call Sol and Harvey and Gary and Nelson and a whole bunch of other folks, just to say hi and schmooze and laugh, like we used to.
I don't feel a day over 28, so no maudlin slide into Geezerhood for Berkowitz...I'm just saying...
The lovely Deirdre and I finally booked a few days by a Beach for a bit of a Holiday. So looking forward to getting to sit by some beautiful blue water and read a good book and enjoy each others company. Going on 23 years and still on our Honeymoon.
Still collecting great music and charts to play either in Big band or Orchestra. About to do some Enoch Light charts done by Dick Lieb of Classic Beatles. Also looks as if I'm going to be the owner of a nine piece book owned by Hal McKusick with charts by Mike Abene and other greats. I was in contact with Hal about this and then he was gone, all of a sudden. Looking forward to playing these with some NY Jazzers in the very near future.
Are there stars these days? If so, who are they? Why don't we have our own Leonard Bernsteins, Duke Ellingtons, Mile Davis', Buddy Richs'??? What's different these days?????? Or, am I wrong...
All right. Enough for now. Talk to you soon.
Mike Berkowitz
berkowitz66@msn.com
So glad the Winter was MILD. I really cannot stand cold and snow and ice and WIND anymore.
The Spring has exploded up in dear Old Balmville, with colors ranging from bright yellows to amazing pinks and purples on every tree in the neighborhood.
Was in Columbus, Ohio last month with the mighty Columbus Symphony. Great Orchestra. Opened for Johnny Mathis on Saturday night and then a Children's Concert about RHYTHMs OF THE WORLD on Sunday afternoon. So happy to see Mr. Mathis again. I worked with him many moons ago and he came right up and gave me a big hug right in front of the Orchestra, which was very nice. He still sounds amaze balls. Same keys as always and his arrangements are remain among my favorites of any act in the business. (Right up there with the Sinatra and Garland charts, IMO).
Also nice to reconnect with my cousin Jeff while in Ohio. Jeff is the World's biggest Ohio State fan and was on his way down to watch the Buckeyes (lose as it turns out) in New Orleans for the NCAA tourney. Had a nice lunch with him and his wife Mary and at this point in my life reconnecting with people from the same gene pool seems to be a good thing.
Off to Santa Rosa, Ca. for concert with the Santa Rosa Pops and RADIANCE, a tribute to the female singers of Motown and Memphis Soul. Always happy to see my Brother from another Mother, Tex Richardson, who did the charts and is playing piano. Tex is the absolute finest Man I know on the Planet...period. No contest.
Also coming up, concerts with the Long Beach Symphony Pops and the LA Jazz Institute Tribute to Gene Krupa and the Be Bop charts of the late forties band. Really looking forward to being back in LA for both of these...and the Greatest Musoids in the World.
Saw an article about Sean Hayes, of TV fame and other things, including his latest stint as Larry Fine in the new Three Stooges movie. He said that these days one must generate their own work/careers, etc. One can't afford to wait for the phone to ring. Truer words were never spoken. As Joe Cocuzzo said to me many years ago, "Michael, you've got to own your own store." Best advice I ever received. And mandatory for musicians these days. I only hope that while all the Music schools continue to graduate class after class of newly minted credentialed musicians, that they also prepared them for the reality of the Music business now and in the future.
Enjoying the playing of Jeff Hamilton and Peter Erskine more and more these days. So many drummers sound totally generic...a very clean version of whatever style they are playing, Peter and Hammer sound like themselves and continue to be an inspiration to me as I keep listening and stealing their best ideas!
Missing a lot of old friends these days. Wish I could still call Sol and Harvey and Gary and Nelson and a whole bunch of other folks, just to say hi and schmooze and laugh, like we used to.
I don't feel a day over 28, so no maudlin slide into Geezerhood for Berkowitz...I'm just saying...
The lovely Deirdre and I finally booked a few days by a Beach for a bit of a Holiday. So looking forward to getting to sit by some beautiful blue water and read a good book and enjoy each others company. Going on 23 years and still on our Honeymoon.
Still collecting great music and charts to play either in Big band or Orchestra. About to do some Enoch Light charts done by Dick Lieb of Classic Beatles. Also looks as if I'm going to be the owner of a nine piece book owned by Hal McKusick with charts by Mike Abene and other greats. I was in contact with Hal about this and then he was gone, all of a sudden. Looking forward to playing these with some NY Jazzers in the very near future.
Are there stars these days? If so, who are they? Why don't we have our own Leonard Bernsteins, Duke Ellingtons, Mile Davis', Buddy Richs'??? What's different these days?????? Or, am I wrong...
All right. Enough for now. Talk to you soon.
Mike Berkowitz
berkowitz66@msn.com
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Has it really been that long?
Howdy Friends,
Didn't realize it had been since last June that I had added to my list of observations, rants and musings about the state of all things. Might do this one in the style of Larry King writing for USA Today. So here goes:
Has anyone ever actually attended a Play, Concert or other Event as a result of a FaceBook invite? Plus, if your event is in Auckland, NZ tomorrow night, chances are I'm busy.
Speaking of FaceBook...How do they make all that money? Have you ever purchased anything from their ads?
Been to eBay lately? Me neither. Seems like years since there was anything of interest for me. Is that true or am I just jaded, tired and/or cranky at the moment?
Been doing some nice concerts. A series of Sinatra and Basie at the Sands Tributes in Buffalo, Rochester, NY...West Virginia, Pa. More to come. Fun to play that great music with a big band swinging in support of Tony Babino, a wonderful singer.
Sonny Payne was a great big band drummer. Played stupendously on the Sands album behind Sinatra. Interesting to hear his approach as compared to Irv Cottler, Alvin Stoller and the rest of the Sinatra drummers. Of course it is behind the Basie band, but man oh man, it's just heavenly.
Enjoying working with many Symphony Pops Orchestras this season. Just did a wonderful Hollywood program with the SW Florida Symphony in Ft. Myers, Fl. Coming up, Santa Rosa, Ca., Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, Long Beach and more.
Have decided to do some private teaching here in my home studio in Newburgh, NY. Snare drum technique, Drum Set...all styles. Coaching for auditions. Reading at all levels. Give a call at 646 387 4030 or email berkowitz66@msn.com
Just read the Jeff Hamilton article in the Feb issue of Modern Drummer. He makes some very good points about Jazz drumming and career. Jeff says that he's into doing mostly his own projects these days as that's what we should all be working towards in our own lives. It's like when Joe Cocuzzo told me years ago that I should "Own My Own Store." Meaning that the path to happiness and true fulfillment comes from charting your own course and playing and performing music that you love. So, I applaud Jeff and also want to say I think he's an amazing drummer, and I'm the first to admit that I watch his videos often and lift as much as I can for my own amazement.
Ludwig Weather Master heads are really good and the best heads to put on a Ludwig drum. Just found this out thanks to drum builder and all around good guy Tim Hermann and, after having replaced the heads on my Black Beauty with Weather masters, the drum now sounds Amazeballs!
Another bit of drum wisdom from the great Peter Erskine. Saw this on a Baseball cap he was wearing. "Your Drum Solo Doesn't Have To Change The World!" Just wonderful. He seems to be turning into our teacher, George Gaber more and more each day as far as his wisdom and sensible approach to great music making.
For some reason, I've been on an Al Jolson kick. Love hearing him sing and just saw some video from 1949 Soldier's Field that is new to me. YouTube is my favorite place in the World. To think that you can search for just about anything and see it instantaneously on whatever device you're using...Fantabulous. Plus, I love iTunes and being able to find just about any obscure recording and have it on my iPhone in under a minute. For concert research, it has made all the difference.
LinkedIn? I use it. Stock price just went through the roof. Thoughts? Has it made it easier for you to get in touch with people? How is it vs. FaceBook? Business vs. Social?
Enjoying the lack of snow this Winter in NY. Please let it continue to be mild as I have trips to Minnesota and Detroit in the coming weeks.
Biopsy? Buy-opsy? Bye Bye-opsy?
What's the deal with people not returning calls, emails, etc these days? Are you really that busy? If the answer is no, simply say so and let's get on with it.
Congrats to Zach on his engagement. Family wedding soon. Always fun to see who shows up.
Infanticipating?
Love watching Morning Joe, Chris Mathews/Hardball and Rachel Maddow. Might have to keep my SiriusXM subscription so I can continue to listen to MSNBC while in the car.
Now on my 4th MiniCooper. Love them but think it's time for a change when the lease is up. Maybe, maybe not.
Maestro Barry Levitt has a great line about Cabaret in NYC. (Not the show...the genre.) He says, "It's the same 10 dollars. I go to your show, you go to my show..." Damn shame that the Algonquin has decided to close the venue there...citing diminishing crowds as one reason. Cultural change? Fewer people wanting to hear obscure show tunes and their even more obscure verses or more to do with the economy?
Used to see any number of Jazz programs on cable...not to mention Soundies on TCM. They all seem to be gone.
Watched Michael Feinstein's latest show in PBS about the GAS. (Great American Songbook but I love that GAS is the shorthand.) Nice show, still trying to figure out why there was a section on weightlifting while watching a video of Liberace talking and singing and playing Irving Berlin.
Doing a Gene Krupa Tribute in LA in May. BeBop period of the band...Gerry Mulligan charts. Can't wait to work with my friends in LA again. Greatest musoids in the World. With all due respect.
Broadway...anyone doing an original Musical these days? Book of Mormon, thank you very much. So many revivals. And then the revisions of the revivals...why not do the show the way it was originally presented? Don't you think the Authors and Composers knew what they were doing? And why bring back trunk songs or songs thrown out of the show in Boston, Philly or Baltimo? I guess on this issue I'm like Mitt Romney...Severely Conservative. Also quit trying to fix Follies and Merrily. They are what they are. George Kaufman couldn't make Merrily work as a play. The backward in time thing is a cute idea when you're looking at your face in the mirror, shaving...just doesn't work. He found that out. Nice Overture though.
Oh, so much more to say but as Sam Levenson used to say...You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.
More to come.
Mike Berkowitz
Didn't realize it had been since last June that I had added to my list of observations, rants and musings about the state of all things. Might do this one in the style of Larry King writing for USA Today. So here goes:
Has anyone ever actually attended a Play, Concert or other Event as a result of a FaceBook invite? Plus, if your event is in Auckland, NZ tomorrow night, chances are I'm busy.
Speaking of FaceBook...How do they make all that money? Have you ever purchased anything from their ads?
Been to eBay lately? Me neither. Seems like years since there was anything of interest for me. Is that true or am I just jaded, tired and/or cranky at the moment?
Been doing some nice concerts. A series of Sinatra and Basie at the Sands Tributes in Buffalo, Rochester, NY...West Virginia, Pa. More to come. Fun to play that great music with a big band swinging in support of Tony Babino, a wonderful singer.
Sonny Payne was a great big band drummer. Played stupendously on the Sands album behind Sinatra. Interesting to hear his approach as compared to Irv Cottler, Alvin Stoller and the rest of the Sinatra drummers. Of course it is behind the Basie band, but man oh man, it's just heavenly.
Enjoying working with many Symphony Pops Orchestras this season. Just did a wonderful Hollywood program with the SW Florida Symphony in Ft. Myers, Fl. Coming up, Santa Rosa, Ca., Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, Long Beach and more.
Have decided to do some private teaching here in my home studio in Newburgh, NY. Snare drum technique, Drum Set...all styles. Coaching for auditions. Reading at all levels. Give a call at 646 387 4030 or email berkowitz66@msn.com
Just read the Jeff Hamilton article in the Feb issue of Modern Drummer. He makes some very good points about Jazz drumming and career. Jeff says that he's into doing mostly his own projects these days as that's what we should all be working towards in our own lives. It's like when Joe Cocuzzo told me years ago that I should "Own My Own Store." Meaning that the path to happiness and true fulfillment comes from charting your own course and playing and performing music that you love. So, I applaud Jeff and also want to say I think he's an amazing drummer, and I'm the first to admit that I watch his videos often and lift as much as I can for my own amazement.
Ludwig Weather Master heads are really good and the best heads to put on a Ludwig drum. Just found this out thanks to drum builder and all around good guy Tim Hermann and, after having replaced the heads on my Black Beauty with Weather masters, the drum now sounds Amazeballs!
Another bit of drum wisdom from the great Peter Erskine. Saw this on a Baseball cap he was wearing. "Your Drum Solo Doesn't Have To Change The World!" Just wonderful. He seems to be turning into our teacher, George Gaber more and more each day as far as his wisdom and sensible approach to great music making.
For some reason, I've been on an Al Jolson kick. Love hearing him sing and just saw some video from 1949 Soldier's Field that is new to me. YouTube is my favorite place in the World. To think that you can search for just about anything and see it instantaneously on whatever device you're using...Fantabulous. Plus, I love iTunes and being able to find just about any obscure recording and have it on my iPhone in under a minute. For concert research, it has made all the difference.
LinkedIn? I use it. Stock price just went through the roof. Thoughts? Has it made it easier for you to get in touch with people? How is it vs. FaceBook? Business vs. Social?
Enjoying the lack of snow this Winter in NY. Please let it continue to be mild as I have trips to Minnesota and Detroit in the coming weeks.
Biopsy? Buy-opsy? Bye Bye-opsy?
What's the deal with people not returning calls, emails, etc these days? Are you really that busy? If the answer is no, simply say so and let's get on with it.
Congrats to Zach on his engagement. Family wedding soon. Always fun to see who shows up.
Infanticipating?
Love watching Morning Joe, Chris Mathews/Hardball and Rachel Maddow. Might have to keep my SiriusXM subscription so I can continue to listen to MSNBC while in the car.
Now on my 4th MiniCooper. Love them but think it's time for a change when the lease is up. Maybe, maybe not.
Maestro Barry Levitt has a great line about Cabaret in NYC. (Not the show...the genre.) He says, "It's the same 10 dollars. I go to your show, you go to my show..." Damn shame that the Algonquin has decided to close the venue there...citing diminishing crowds as one reason. Cultural change? Fewer people wanting to hear obscure show tunes and their even more obscure verses or more to do with the economy?
Used to see any number of Jazz programs on cable...not to mention Soundies on TCM. They all seem to be gone.
Watched Michael Feinstein's latest show in PBS about the GAS. (Great American Songbook but I love that GAS is the shorthand.) Nice show, still trying to figure out why there was a section on weightlifting while watching a video of Liberace talking and singing and playing Irving Berlin.
Doing a Gene Krupa Tribute in LA in May. BeBop period of the band...Gerry Mulligan charts. Can't wait to work with my friends in LA again. Greatest musoids in the World. With all due respect.
Broadway...anyone doing an original Musical these days? Book of Mormon, thank you very much. So many revivals. And then the revisions of the revivals...why not do the show the way it was originally presented? Don't you think the Authors and Composers knew what they were doing? And why bring back trunk songs or songs thrown out of the show in Boston, Philly or Baltimo? I guess on this issue I'm like Mitt Romney...Severely Conservative. Also quit trying to fix Follies and Merrily. They are what they are. George Kaufman couldn't make Merrily work as a play. The backward in time thing is a cute idea when you're looking at your face in the mirror, shaving...just doesn't work. He found that out. Nice Overture though.
Oh, so much more to say but as Sam Levenson used to say...You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.
More to come.
Mike Berkowitz
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