Lookin' good on the Red Carpet with Dan, Jeremy, Claudia, Liz, Seth & Larry!
It was a whirlwind of a weekend in LA - celebrating with family and friends, performing, reconnecting with colleagues, making new musical connections and hearing amazing music and stories. Besides feeling just a bit tuckered, I've returned inspired, rejuvenated, and rarin’ to go.
Watching the great bluesman Bobby Rush at age 83 win his first Grammy after more than 300 albums; hearing stories about David Bowie, in failing health, recording his final album with his band while never losing his sense of humor; witnessing the pure exuberance and pride of Hawaiian artist Kalani Pe’a during his acceptance speech: to be in the company of these artists is truly humbling. It drives me to work harder and get better in every aspect of our music making.
Grateful thanks to the Recording Academy for honoring and spotlighting the stellar work that the music business produces each year, for setting the bar high and for challenging each artist to sail clear past it; I know that your work has inspired mine.
NOMINEES CONCERT!
"One Day by the Riverside" video by our drummer, Larry Eagle. Thanks LE!
Weeee... photo by Brian McCarthy
The gang's all here... Big CONGRATS to these stellar artists! Photo by Brian McCarthy
The amazing Marty Rifkin sat in with us on pedal steel guitar. What a pleasure!
Thanks to KC Mancebo, Regina Kelland, Beth Blenz Clucas & more for organizing the annual Children’s Nominees benefit concert and luncheon to benefit the Symphony Jazz Orchestra’s music in the schools program. Jamming with the other nominees and connecting with the amazing kidcommunity was a highlight of our trip.
Warm thanks for all your good vibes and sweet wishes: we sure felt them! Big congrats to our buddy, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo for his GRAMMY win for Best Children’s Album for Infinity Plus One, and admiration and love to Frances England, Recess Monkey and the Okee Dokee Brothers for their beautiful GRAMMY nominated albums for children and families. Just a couple more congratulations: to see Ted Nash’s “Presidential Suite” in Best Large Jazz Ensemble & White Sun’s “White Sun II” in the New Age category win awards was a joy… check 'em out!
Nail-biting time... some mighty fine music here, folks.
ENTOURAGE!
The Lil' Band was well represented over the weekend - our tribe totaled around 26 peeps! How lucky I was to share this experience with family and friends. Thank you for making the trip. You made it all the more sweeter.
THE RED CARPET
Rapper Rick Ross liked my jacket! I like his bling!
Note to self: don't be AFTER Carrie Underwood on the paparazzi photographer's line. All the lenses follow her and you hear, "the Little Band that what...," "Brady who?..."
Cee-Lo...! I was gonna wear that.
"Hello, it's me. I was wondering..." Gettin' cheeky with Adele!
We're still walking on sunshine, feeling golden and thankful for this experience. Thanks for being there with us.
