Russ Spiegel Calendar and Information

Big News!

2012-01-30T22:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Music Fans!

The Big News is: It's official! We have just launched our Kickstarter project, Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge" plays the music of the Deep Brooklyn Suite. Whether you want to contribute or not, please take a look. Comments happily accepted!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/RuzzToneProductions/russ-spiegels-uncommon-knowledge-the-deep-brooklyn-0
We are planning on recording in March. Stay tuned.....

Also not-so-little news: I am now am somebody! See my new listing on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Spiegel

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Gigs this Month:

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra celebrating Leap Day back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the great Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and the exceptionally talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer:
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, Steve Smythe, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Scott Reeves, Sara Jacovino, Chris Stover Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer .
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Sundays 12-3pm it's solo jazz guitar at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie in Greenpoint:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Keep Swingin'
Russ

Happy New Ears - 2012!

2012-01-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings Friends and Fans,

It's a new year and and I hope you all have great prospects and projects ahead of you for 2012. For me, there are lots of promising developments - just waiting for some things to come together. If you will indulge me, here is what is on the table (in no particular order):
- The publisher of Jazzwise http://jazzwise.com/ (Britain's largest jazz publisher) wants to make my original big band charts available for sale and distribution in Europe. I have also submitted a proposal for a guitar book to them. More on that later.
- Speaking of Europe: I am waiting to hear if I will be doing more big band and jazz guitar workshops in Germany. A tour there is also pending.
- My goal for this year is to record (and hopefully release) at least two original recordings: one of my quintet, "Uncommon Knowledge" (performing Jan. 18th at the Zinc bar - see below) the songs of my Deep Brooklyn Suite, and the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, with new songs and arrangements and featuring the great Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica as well as the fantastic vocalist Tammy Scheffer. Anyone interested in helping get either of these projects off the ground, I would love to hear from you.
- The documentary film which I did the music for, "Building Bridges" by filmmaker Anand Kamalakar, will be screening this month at the Beacon School in Manhattan. I am still waiting for the date and time. I am waiting to hear about more film scoring projects for this year, including at least one feature.
- My essay, "First Takes on a Musical Life" will be released as part of anthology by Dan Thompson. Expected release date is this fall. More on this when I have more information.
- I have cleared the first hurdle to begin my DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Jazz Studies at the Manhattan School of Music. The audition process continues in March. Depending on the results of my audition, I hope to get funding to get a further degree. And I'll need it - MSM costs $35,000 a year. No money, no study.
- Also at the same time I have sent out applications for music professorships to a number of universities across the country. Right now waiting to hear back with hopefully good news.

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Upcoming Gigs:

Wednesday, Jan. 18th, 7-9pm: I'll be performing with my fantastic quintet, Uncommon Knowledge, performing pieces from my Deep Brooklyn Suite, which is a series of musical impressions about Brooklyn. Stylistically, the music features elements of Jazz, Rock, and Brazilian music, and showcases some of New York’s finest musicians:
Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge"
Russ Spiegel - guitar/ comp
Tim Amacost - reeds
Mike Eckroth - piano
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10pm I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Sundays 12-3pm it's solo jazz guitar at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie in Greenpoint:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Wishing all of you all the best for this new year,
Russ

Last Post for 2011

2011-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Music Fans,

The year is winding down but it's been a great 2011 with lots of wonderful events.

Right now I'm in a holding pattern of sorts, waiting for some exciting things to happen - whether I gain a professorship, start working on my doctorate, get further film score commissions, etc. - this all remains to be determined in the coming year.

In the meantime, I'm still a busy boy with lots of gigs to finish off the year:

Fridays & Saturdays, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz in duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

I will also be performing at Il Porto on New Years Eve, 8pm-midnight in quartet featuring the wonderful trumpeter/vocalist Dennis Jeter. Make sure to reserve your seats now!

**Update: A new gig every Sunday!!!
Sundays 12-3pm it's solo jazz guitar at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie in Greenpoint:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

Wednesday, Dec. 21st 7-9pm (one set only) it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the beautiful and extremely talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer:
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Craig Yaremko, Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Russ Nolan, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Nick Finzer, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Rachel Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guest vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Thanksgiving Update

2011-11-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings Music Fans!

I hope you are all well and gearing up for the Thanksgiving festivities. I am spending another turkey day up with my friends Carl & Amanda Clements in Amherst, Massachusetts. We just returned from a refreshing walk along the Fort River. Always nice to breathe fresh air.

My European sojourn was a blast. I had an amazing time all along my stops in Frankfurt, Nürnberg, Würzburg, and Istanbul. My workshop with the student big band of the Würzburg Musikhochschule was not only a great experience, the band played fantastic! Here's a shot from the performance.

So - here are my upcoming performances:

Friday, Nov. 25, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with the amazing Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Saturday, Nov. 26, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

**Update: This gig is now every Sunday!!!
Sunday, Nov. 27, 12-3pm it's a new brunch gig at a wonderful new wine bar/creperie:
Wyne a Bit Wine Bar & Creperie
200 Franklin St.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11122
(718) 389-7171
www.brooklynwinebar.com/

And in December, it's the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra back at the Zinc Bar. We'll be featuring the beautiful and extremely talented Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer:
Wednesday, Dec. 21st 7-9pm (one set only)
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Craig Yaremko, Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Russ Nolan, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Miki Hirose, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Nick Finzer, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neumann (drums); Rogerio Boccato (perc)
Featuring Special Guest vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Update from Germany

2011-10-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

Busy times! I arrived in Germany a week ago, saw some old friends, had a concert in Hanau and then jetted off to visit Istanbul for five days. While I was there I stopped by the Nardis jazz club in the Galata district of the city and ended up jamming with jazz legend Dusko Goykovich. I arrived back in Frankfurt, Germany, on Wednesday came down to Würzburg to do a performance with the Polish singer Sylwia Bialas and on this coming Monday and Tuesday I will be working with the big band at the Musikhochschule here in Würzburg before heading back to NYC on the 27th.

----------------------

Monday, Oct. 24: Workshop with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band

Tuesday, Oct 25: Workshop and Concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band
Hofstallstraße 6
97070 Würzburg, Germany

0931 32187-0
www.hfm-wuerzburg.de/

Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29, 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with the amazing Israeli singer Tammy Scheffer at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Latest News

2011-09-14T07:04:00.001-07:00

Greetings All!

I am presently spending time in the town of Auburn, NY, playing in the band for the musical The Marvelous Wonderettes. A quaint spot along the Fingerlakes, lots of green, rolling hills, historic places and lots of fresh air, this is a nice break from city life.

---------------------------

Upcoming events:

Wednesday, Sept. 28th, 7-9pm: I'll be performing with my fantastic quintet, Uncommon Knowledge, performing pieces from my Deep Brooklyn Suite, which is a series of musical impressions about Brooklyn. Stylistically, the music features elements of Jazz, Rock, and Brazilian music, and showcases some of New York’s finest musical talent:

Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge"
Russ Spiegel - guitar/ comp
Tim Amacost - reeds
Mike Eckroth - piano
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

-----------------------

In October I'm headed back to Germany to do a workshop and concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band as well as a number of other gigs, plus a side trip to Istanbul to visit the birthplace of my father. Here is my present gig itinerary:

Friday, Oct. 14: The Russ Spiegel Trio
Jazzkeller Hanau
Philippsruher Allee 22
63450 Hanau, Germany

06181 259965

www.jazzkeller-hanau.de/

Thursday, Oct. 20: The Sylwia Bialas Group
Vinothek Tiepolo
Hotel Dortmunder Hof/Vinothek Tiepolo/Weinfaß
Innerer Graben 22
D - 97070 Würzburg
www.Vinothektieopolo.de

Monday, Oct. 24: Workshop with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band

Tuesday, Oct 25: Workshop and Concert with the Würzburg Musikhochschule Big Band
Hofstallstraße 6
97070 Würzburg, Germany

0931 32187-0
www.hfm-wuerzburg.de/

----------------------

And, as always: Every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Big Update!

2011-08-04T07:29:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends, Fans, and Family,

Big happenings since the last update!

The past Monday I had the honor and privilege of working with master singer Mr. Tony Bennett as part of his band for the upcoming season premiere of the hit TV show "Blue Bloods" (which also features Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg). Mr. Bennett was gracious and the consumate professional. This acting thing certainly has its perks....

Also on the film/music front: My short film, Das Boots, will be screening at the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival as part of the short comedy lineup on Sunday, Aug. 21st at 3pm. But get there early, I will be performing before the show with my jazz trio from 2-3pm. This is all happening at:

St. Francis College Theater
180 Remsen St.
Brooklyn NY 11201
For tickets & info: http://parkslopefilms.com/The_Art_Of_Brooklyn/Welcome.html
Don't forget to check the Das Boots website: www.dasbootsmovie.com

___________________

Our recent gig of the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra at the Zinc Bar was a tremendous success! We had a very nice crowd and I received a request from the club the very next day for a repeat performance. So, the next date of the RSJO again featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens, the wonderful Israeli vocalist Tammy Scheffer will be:

Wednesday, Aug. 31st 7-9pm (one set only)
Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Justin Wood, Alejandro Aviles, Jake Saslow, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, David Smith, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Andy Hunter, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Eric Halvorson (drums); Todd Isler (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

_______________

Don't forget: This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965

_________________

Mid-September I'm off to New York's Finger Lakes to the town of Auburn to play in the pit band for the musical, The Marvelous Wonderettes. More info here:

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse
17 William Street
Auburn, NY 13021
(315) 255-1305
www.merry-go-round.com‎

_______________

And finally - in October I'm headed back to Germany to do a workshop and concert with the Wurzburg Musikhochschule Big Band as well as a number of other gigs. I'm delighted as always to return to my second homeland. It should be a blast!!!

Keep Swinging!
Russ

Upcoming Concert of the RSJO - Latin Time!

2011-07-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, July 27th, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be back performing live at the Zinc Bar in Manhattan, featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens, the wonderful Israeli vocalist Tammy Scheffer, along with jazz greats Duane Eubanks, Tim Armacost and Mike Eckroth, among many others. This one-set performance begins at 7pm and costs only $10.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Justin Wood, Craig Yaremko, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Nick Finzer, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm:Mike Eckroth (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neuman (drums); Todd Isler (perc)
Featuring Special Guests Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica and vocalist Tammy Scheffer.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

-----------------

This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-------------------

Also - as mentioned in my last post:

My short film, "Das Boots" was recently accepted into the Art of Brooklyn Festival and will be shown August 21st. More info coming. Here are some links:

www.dasbootsmovie.com
www.theartofbrooklyn.com

I was recently contracted to compose the music for Anand Kamalakar's documentary, "Building Bridges." The story follows students from Beacon High School in Manhattan as they raise money and then travel to India to perform a blend of classical Indian and Western dance. The 28 students and their minders experience "globalization firsthand" as they learn the vast differences and similarities between these two cultures. On June 30 I went into the studio to record the soundtrack with some very capable musicians. The film should be completed in the next few weeks. I will post when I hear about a screening.

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Update - July 1, 2011

2011-07-01T15:06:00.001-07:00

Greetings All,

Been awhile since I added anything to this here blog. Here's the latest:

My short film, "Das Boots" was recently accepted into the Art of Brooklyn Festival and will be shown August 21st. More info coming. Here are some links:

www.dasbootsmovie.com
www.theartofbrooklyn.com

Also on the film front: I was recently contracted to compose the music for Anand Kamalakar's documentary, "Building Bridges." The story follows students from Beacon High School in Manhattan as they raise money and then travel to India to perform a blend of classical Indian and Western dance. The 28 students and their minders experience "globalization firsthand" as they learn the vast differences and similarities between these two cultures. On June 30 I went into the studio to record the soundtrack with some very capable musicians and am now in the process of mixing the music.

-------------------

Upcoming Gigs:

On Wednesday, July 27th, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be back performing live at the Zinc Bar in Manhattan, featuring the amazing chromatic harmonica player, Hendrik Meurkens. This one-set performance begins at 7pm and costs only $10.

The RSJO is:
Reeds: Justin Wood, Craig Yaremko, Tim Armacost, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, Duane Eubanks
Trombones: Sara Jacovino, Alex Asher, Matthew McDonald, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (piano); Yoshi Waki (bass); Scott Neuman (drums)
Featuring Special Guest Hendrik Meurkens on chromatic harmonica.
Russ Spiegel is the composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Zinc Bar
82 West 3rd Street (btw Thompson & Sullivan)
Greenwich Village New York NY 10012
tel. 212-477-ZINC (9462)
www.zincbar.com

Also - This and every Friday and Saturday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Keep Swinging!
Russ

Update from Germany

2011-05-07T03:59:00.001-07:00

It's not always easy keeping up with one's blog and I've been neglectful as of late. My trip out to North Carolina was a blast - Jim Ketch is an inspired, and inspiring head of the jazz department over at UNC Chapel Hill and I treasured the opportunity to work with him and his students on a concert of my big band music. While there, I also taught a Jazz Guitar Master Class under the auspices of Billy Stewart and spent an hour talking about some of my arranging and composing techniques with the students of Stephen Anderson's class. I also ran into Branford Marsalis and had an opportunity to introduce myself and say hello.

This Wednesday I arrived in Frankfurt, Germany and on Thursday performed in trio in Wurzburg and last night (Friday) in Hanau. It's been amazing being back where I lived for almost 20 years. I've been catching up with old friends, making some new ones, and basically enjoying the change of pace. I'm off to Nuremberg on Monday where I will be hanging out for a week of rest and relaxation - and a gig or two. It's been a busy first half of the year. Going to try to enjoy some down time before I return to the New York grind May 16th.

Keep swinging,
Russ

Latest News: Gig Update

2011-04-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Music Lovers,

As mentioned in my previous post I am very happy to mention that this Sunday I will be flying down to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where I will be an Aebersold Guest Artist. The university big band will be performing a concert of my big band music with yours truly as Special Guest and I will also be giving master classes in Jazz Guitar and Jazz Composition and Arranging as well as working with the jazz ensembles there.

The first two weeks of May I will also be taking a trip back to my second homeland - Germany - where I will be performing at the Hanau Jazzkeller on May 6th, with hopefully more to follow.

_________________________

Upcoming Gigs:

Thursday, April 14th, 6:30-8:30pm - it's "Attack of the Russes" as I will be playing a private event in duo with saxophonist Russ Nolan in Manhattan. Wish you all could be there.

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

NEW!!! Saturday, April 16th, April 30th, May 21st & May 28th, 1-4pm: I'll be playing a jazz brunch with my trio at a wonderful new cafe in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, called Milk & Roses. Specializing in paninis, wonderful coffee, not to mention a nice selection of beer & wine, this cozy spot is a great place to recover from your Friday night debauches.
Milk & Roses
1110 Manhattan Avenue
NY 11222-1034
(718) 389-0160

Also, this Saturday, April 16th, 8-11pm I'll be performing with vocalist Nikita Washington at the upscale L'Escale restaurant in Greenwich, Ct.
L'Escale
500 Steamboat Rd
Greenwich CT
www.lescalerestaurant.com

Tuesday, April 19th, 7:30pm: I will be performing a concert of my music with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Jazz Band as part of the Aebersold Guest Artist Series.
Hill Hall Auditorium
145 E Cameron Ave
Chapel Hill
North Carolina 27514

Keep Swinging,
Russ

Exciting News!

2011-04-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends and Music Lovers,

I have neglected to mention in my previous posts that April 17-20th I will be flown down to the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina where I will be an Aebersold Guest Artist. The university big band will be performing a concert of my big band music with yours truly as Special Guest and I will also be giving master classes in Jazz Guitar and Jazz Composition and Arranging as well as working with the jazz ensembles there. It is a real honor and I feel humbled (but not too much!) before my task.

A further positive development is I recently worked with director David Capurso on his short film, "I am Julia" scoring the music for this movie. He and his business partner John Ramaine have landed financing for a feature film and have asked me to provide the score music. As a matter of fact, one of my big band pieces, "Undertow" has not only been chosen as the theme song, but has become the inspiration for the title of the movie, which will also be called, "Undertow." I am very flattered, as you can imagine.

As to travel - the first two weeks of May I will also be taking a trip back to my second homeland - Germany - where I will be performing at the Hanau Jazzkeller on May 6th, with hopefully more to follow.

_________________________

Upcoming Gigs:

Tuesday, April 5th, 8:30pm-12:30am: I'll be appearing with my buddy for many years, the fantastic alto saxophonist Derrick James in quartet at the venerable Showman's up in Harlem. Get ready for some good time swinging organ jazz.
Showman's
375 W 125th St
New York, NY 10027
(212) 864-8941

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Tuesday, April 19th, 7:30pm: I will be performing a concert of my music with the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Jazz Band as part of the Aebersold Guest Artist Series.
Hill Hall Auditorium
145 E Cameron Ave
Chapel Hill
North Carolina 27514

Gig Post March 16, 2011

2011-03-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends and Music Lovers,

I wanted to hip you to some upcoming gigs....

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

On Sunday, March 20th I have a double hit:
12-4pm I'll be playing a jazz brunch in trio at Le Bateau Ivre in Manhattan with bassist Jim Whitney and drummer Scott Neuman.
Le Bateau Ivre
230 E. 51st St. (betw. 2nd/3rd Aves.)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 583-0579
http://www.lebateauivrenyc.com/

And 7-10pm I'll be performing the music from my Deep Brooklyn Suite with my quintet Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge" at Puppets Jazz Bar:
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - saxes
Mike Eckroth - piano
Jim Whitney - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Puppets Jazz Bar
481 5th Avenue
NY 11215
(718) 499-2622
http://www.puppetsjazz.com/schedules/03-mar.html

Finally, the weekends of March 24th-27th and April 1st-3rd I'll be playing guitar in the musical "Suessical" at
Richard Perry Theater at Poly Prep Country Day School
http://www.zvents.com/z/brooklyn-ny/seussical-the-musical--events--170060445

All the best and look forward to seeing you!
Russ

Gig Update Feb. 9, 2011

2011-02-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Music Fans,

The next few days I'll be playing a number of fun gigs. Here's the info:

On Thursday, Feb. 10th, from 7:30-10:30pm: A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef, delicious fish and wonderful salads at Amber Steak House. They also have a full bar so no one will go thirsty.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Ian Rapien: tenor & soprano sax
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with a bassist at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Also - Valentine's Day, Monday, Feb. 14th I'll be performing at Il Porto in duo to celebrate the Day of Love 7-11pm. Make your reservations now!

And finally, on Thursday, Feb. 17th, 7-10pm I'll be performing with Swedish flautist Elsa Nilsson at Tutuma Social Club.

Elsa Nilsson Quartet:
Elsa Nilsson: flutes and compositions
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Yuka Tadano: bass
Cody Rahn: Drums

Tutuma Social Club
164 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022
(646) 300-0305
www.tutumasocialclub.com

Stay tuned for more updates....

Gig Update Jan. 29. 2011

2011-01-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 31st - The next performance of the 17-piece Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Show time is 9pm and 10:30pm. We will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band - $5 is suggested, but no one will complain if that tenner jumps out of your pocket.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra
Russ Spiegel - compositions, arrangements, guitar
Reeds - Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Dan Pratt, Dave Noland, Paul Nedzela
Trumpets - Colin Brigstocke, David Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - John Knight, Sara Jacovino, Barry Cooper, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm - Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz duo with a bassist at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Sunday, Feb. 5th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with the Justin Wood quartet. Great American food with an African American touch.

Cornerstone Restaurant
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Feb. 10th, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef, delicious fish and wonderful salads at Amber Steak House. They also have a full bar so no one will go thirsty.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Ian Rapien: tenor & soprano sax
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

Stay tuned for more news....

Happy New Year - New Gigs

2011-01-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

A great big Happy New Year to all of you reading this. This year promises to bring some new projects, new concerts and new travels and of course I send out my wishes to all of you that you have a fulfilling and successful 2010.

Two more important dates:

-On Tuesday, Jan. 18th, 8:30-10:30pm I will be presenting the music of my new quintet at the wonderful Puppets Jazz Bar in Park Slope, Brooklyn. New Compositions and arrangements played by some of New York's finest musicians and all you have to do is show up and hopefully stick some nice green bills in the tip bucket.

Russ Spiegel's "Uncommon Knowledge":
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - tenor sax
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Puppets Jazz Bar
481 5th Avenue
NY 11215
(718) 499-2622

Monday, January 31st - The next performance of the 17-piece Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Show time is 9pm and we will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band - $5 is suggested, but no one will complain if that tenner jumps out of your pocket.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra
Russ Spiegel - comp, arr, guit
Reeds - Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Dan Pratt, Dave Noland, Terry Goss
Trumpets - Colin Brigstocke, David Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - John Knight, Sara Jacovino, Barry Cooper, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm - Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

Also, as usual - -This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Stay tuned for more news....

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs, Gigs

2010-11-30T12:44:00.000-08:00

This time I have four gigs in a row so I hope you can make it out to one or the other, or maybe two, or even three! Whoever makes all four will get a special prize!

___________________________________________________

-A brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef at Amber Steak House.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Justin Wood: alto sax & flute
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

-This and every Friday evening 7:30-10:30pm I am playing dinner jazz with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Saturday, Dec. 4th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with the Justin Wood trio. Great American food with an African American touch.
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

And finally -

-On Sunday, Dec. 5th, 7-9pm I will be presenting the music of my new quintet at the wonderful Cafe Orwell in Bushwick. New Compositions played by some of New York's finest musicians and all you have to do is show up and hopefully stick some nice green bills in the tip bucket.

The Russ Spiegel Group:
Russ Spiegel - guitar & compositions
Tim Armacost - tenor sax
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Cafe Orwell

247 Varet St
(between White St & Bogart St)
Brooklyn, NY 11206

(347) 294-4759
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-orwell-brooklyn

Nearest Transit: Morgan Ave (L)

Hope to see you all there!
Russ

New Gigs!

2010-11-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Hello All,

First and foremost, I am very happy to report that Das Boots did exceptionally well at the Big Apple Film Festival. Lots of laughs and a great response at the end put my mind at ease as to whether this venture was worth it. My thanks again to all involved.

------------------------------------------

Latest Gigs:
-This and every Friday evening 7-10pm I am playing dinner jazz with bassist Kevin Thomas at:
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Saturday, Nov. 20th, I'll be playing a jazz brunch from 12-3pm at the wonderful Cornerstone Restaurant in Ft. Greene Brooklyn with Fumi Tomita on bass and Chris Benham on drums. Great American food with an African American touch.
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 643-4216
www.thebrooklyncornerstone.com

-Sunday, Nov. 28th, from 10pm-1am I'll be working off some of those pounds of turkey and stuffing along with bassist Fumi Tomita at drummer Brian Woodruff's Sunday night jam session at Blackbirds in Astoria, Queens. All you jazzbo's bring yer axes to this relaxed session.
Blackbirds

41-19 30th Ave
Astoria, NY 11103

(718) 943-6899

www.blackbirdsbar.com

-And finally, a brand new gig at a brand new restaurant. Yes, Greenpoint, Brooklyn has its own steakhouse! On Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7:30-10:30pm I'll be bringing in a jazz quartet to help you digest the generous portions of high-grade beef at Amber Steak House.

The Russ Spiegel Quartet:
Justin Wood: alto sax & flute
Russ Spiegel: guitar
Fumi Tomita: bass
Brian Fishler: drums

Amber Steak House
119 Nassau Ave.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, 11222
(718) 389-3757
www.ambersteak.com

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Keep swinging,
Russ

Latest Gigs

2010-10-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

The next performance of the RSJO will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Monday, October 11th. Show time is 9pm and we will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band - $5 is suggested, but no one will complain if that tenner jumps out of your pocket.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra
Russ Spiegel - comp, arr, guit
Reeds - Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Dan Pratt, Dave Noland, Terry Goss
Trumpets - Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Duane Eubanks, Jason Colby
Trombones - Scott Reeves, Sara Jacovino, Alex Asher, Barry Cooper
Rhythm - Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

I will be making a rare small band appearance this coming Sunday, Oct. 17th at the Brooklyn Lyceum. Featuring some of the top musicians around, there will be plenty of musical fireworks as we play through originals and arrangements from yours truly.

The Russ Spiegel Group
Dan Pratt - reeds
Russ Spiegel - guit, comp
Mike Eckroth - keys
Gary Wang - bass
Scott Neuman - drums

Tix are $10, sets at 9pm & 10:30pm

Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 857-4816
www.brooklynlyceum.com/

Also up: This and every Friday evening 7-10pm I am playing dinner jazz at
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

_____________

Also of note - my short film, "Das Boots" was accepted into the Big Apple Film Festival and will be showing at the Tribeca Cinemas Thursday evening, Nov. 4th as part of the program starting at 8:30pm. Come out & show your support (& wish us luck, too!).

Hope to see you!

Upcoming Performances

2010-09-16T02:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Music Lovers,

First of all, I would like to report that the concert of the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra at the Iridium jazz club here in NYC was one of the smokingest shows I have ever played. The band was ridiculously tight and everyone played with energy and verve. I received a lot of compliments on our performance. Which brings me to:

The next performance of the RSJO will be at the Tea Lounge in Park Slope, Brooklyn, on Monday, October 11th. Show time is 9pm and we will be playing two sets, finishing around 11:30pm or so. I have to give a shout-out to JC Sanford, who curates the "Size Matters" Monday night big band hit at the Tea Lounge. Thanks to him, you can hear some of the top young big bands in the city for the price of a cup of coffee. Oh yeah, bring some cash to tip the band.

Tea Lounge
837 Union Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215-1308
(718) 789-2762
www.tealoungeny.com/

I will also be doing a rare trio hit at the lovely LIC Bar in Long Island City this coming Wednesday, September 15th. It's only one set from 8pm-8:45 so get there early if you want to catch us. I'll be playing with the inimitable Sam Minaya on bass (we first played together when I was doing a show out in Pasadena, CA, a while back) and Brian Fishler on drums.

LIC Bar
45-58 Vernon Blvd
Queens, New York 11101
(718) 786-5400
www.licbar.com/

Also up: This and every Friday evening 7-10pm I am playing dinner jazz at
Il Porto Pizzeria Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
ilportobrooklyn.com/

Don't forget to keep up with my latest column over at Earbits.com:
Notes of a Jazz Survivor

Be well, everyone.

RSJO Concert, Movie Completed, Other News

2010-08-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Music Fans,

I am very pleased to announce that the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be performing at one of New York's finest Jazz Venues. We will play at the Iridium Jazz Club on Tuesday, September 7th, with sets at 8 and 10pm. Make your reservations early.

The RSJO is:
Russ Spiegel: Composer, Arranger, Guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile

Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, David Smith
Trombones: Alex Jeun, Andy Hunter, Jack Davis, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
Special Guest - Vocalist Dennis Jeter

Iridium Jazz Club
1650 Broadway
New York, 10020
(212) 582-2121
www.iridiumjazzclub.com/

------------------

On another front, I am pleased to announce that my short movie, "Das Boots" is finished and is already submitted to a number of festivals here in the US and around the globe. I have no idea how it will do but I am very pleased with how it came out and I am sending a huge "THANK YOU" to all those involved in the project. I am trying to arrange a screening now for cast, crew & supporters. DVDs will go out to all involved after the film's premiere, hopefully at one of the bigger festivals. In the meantime, you can find out a little bit about it at IMDb: Das Boots

---------------

For those of you who have been following this site, you are probably aware that I recently began writing a weekly column entitled, "Notes of a Jazz Survivor" for the website earbits.com. Well, I guess there's nothing like putting it out there to see what the world thinks of what you are doing. This past week I received an email from Dan Thompson, who is a professor of ethnomusicology over at Columbia University. Dan is also a writer and he is putting together an anthology of musicians writing about music and asked me to contribute an article to this work. Imagine my surprise and satisfaction of being asked to include my musings along with those of Grammy, Pulitzer and National Book Award winning writers and musicians! More on this later, but do check out earbits.com for all my writings.

Keep Groovin'
Russ

Latest Blogs at Earbits.com

2010-07-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ever since Yotam & Joey over at Earbits.com asked me to contribute a column to their online site, I've been regularly posting every Tuesday. Here are the links to my latest offerings:

The Mentor

The Gig

Bizarreville

And my first foray into product reviews:
Russ Spiegel's For Gearheads Only

Keep Swinging!
Russ

New Blog at earbits.com

2010-07-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've started a new blog over earbits.com. It's entitled, "Notes from a Jazz Survivor." Here's the link and my first blog!

http://earbits.com/online_radio/notes-of-a-jazz-survivor-i-welcome-to-jazz-reality/

Notes of a Jazz Survivor I – Welcome to Jazz Reality

Posted by Russ Spiegel on June 29th, 2010

Hi there and welcome to my new series, “Notes of a Jazz Survivor.” As someone who has been surviving as a jazz musician for over 20 years now, I was delighted to be asked by Yotam and Joey over at earbits.com to share some of my thoughts, experiences and insights into what it takes to “survive” as a performing musician in an environment of rising costs, low wages and diminishing performance and recording opportunities.

Welcome to Jazz Reality

Sorry to start with a downer, but probably the first thing I wanted to touch base on with all of you is that, to be in this for the long haul, it is necessary to understand the situation you find yourself in. Our present situation puts us in a place that was probably hard, if not impossible, to conceive those 20 years ago when the musicians of my generation decided to make a go of it in the music world. At that time, there were still record stores and successful jazz record labels, travel was relatively inexpensive (especially overseas), and few people had heard of sampling (though synthesizers and drum machines had already started putting “real” musicians out of business, or conversely, were challenging them to get a handle on the new technology).

And, actually, things weren’t that much better back then. I remember when I was at The Berklee College of Music in Boston back around 1987-88. Pat Metheny was spending part of the year in the city and someone had the great idea to invite him over to their house and talk about music and his experiences, and on whatever else he felt like speaking. Pat actually agreed and with a bunch of mostly guitar players each pitching in ten bucks, there we were with Pat Metheny giving us a very personal interview.

I remember Pat discussing how he got started, how he was turned on to jazz at a very young age and how obsessed he became with playing the guitar. I was impressed how open and friendly he was, but what I took away from that day was when he compared the state of jazz from when he started to the present situation (the late ‘80s). He mentioned that when he began touring, there were jazz clubs pretty much all over the country and it was possible to “barnstorm” (his word) from place to place and fairly traverse the country playing his music. Now, he said, many clubs had closed, gas and hotels were more expensive, and the only thing that hadn’t changed was the pay for musicians.

Well, I took that information to heart and decided then and there to make a move and head over to Europe and try to make it there. I ended up staying for 13 years and never regretted my decision. And since I came back and settled into New York City, I found that all those things he mentioned were more true than ever, and that things, as I intimated above, have gotten even more complicated in terms of trying to survive as a jazz musician in this country. I plan to touch on many aspects of this in the weeks and months to come. Stay tuned and keep playing.

I welcome all comments and critiques and if anyone would like to share their experiences and ideas on this subject, feel free to contact me at russ@russguitar.com. I can’t promise a response to every email, but I will at least try.

–

Russ Spiegel
www.russguitar.com
russ@russguitar.com

Russ Spiegel was born in Los Angeles, and raised in Santa Monica, California. He studied Composition, Arranging and Guitar Performance at the Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship, and went on to get his Masters degree in Jazz Performance at the City College of New York. Russ is a commissioned composer who has released several CDs, written music for film, TV, and musicals, toured Europe and Asia, and much more.

New Gigs

2010-06-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

-Friday, June 11th, 7-10pm: My longstanding restaurant gig is now a duo with a great roster of New York's finest double bassists. This week - bassist Carlo DeRosa:
Il Porto Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant, 37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY. http://www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Saturday, June 12th, 7-10pm: ...and they have added Saturdays as well! This week - bassist Chris Higgins:
Il Porto Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant, 37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY. http://www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

And don't forget to add to your calendar:
-Tuesday, September 7th, 8-12pm: The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra - Live at Iridium!
That's right! This 17-man strong big band which plays my arrangements and compositions will be performing at one of New York's premier jazz clubs. Hope you can make this historic occasion.

Russ Spiegel: Leader, Composer, Arranger, Guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, David Smith, Andy Gravish
Trombones: Michael Boscarino, Jack Davis, Andy Hunter, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
And Special Guest: Dennis Jeter on vocals
Iridium Jazz Club, 1650 Broadway at 51st St., New York, NY 10020
www.iridiumjazzclub.com

New Interview

2010-06-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this great interview with the guys at earbits.com

http://earbits.com/online_radio/russ-spiegels-band-is-bigger-than-yours/

Russ Spiegel’s Band Is Bigger Than Yours

Posted by Joey Flores on June 2nd, 2010

By far one of the biggest channels shaping up here at earbits is our jazz station. We’ve got close to 100 great artists already on board and we’re adding more every day. One of the exciting artists we’ll be featuring is The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra. Led by Russ Spiegel, a killer composer, arranger, and guitar player, this 17-piece Jazz Big Band knocks out famous tunes by Duke Ellington, Paul Weston and more, using Russ’s original arrangements, as well as some high-energy originals composed by Spiegel himself. You can check it out on their latest album, Transplants, available on CDBaby.

I’ve had the pleasure of playing with Russ in my band, The Capitalist Hippie Complex, a 9-piece group playing funky jazz hip hop. If that doesn’t speak to the diversity of Russ’s guitar playing, and his ability to jump into any musical situation, I don’t know what does. Since composing and arranging for and producing a big band is such a different animal than other types of jazz (or just about any other group in general), I thought we’d focus our interview on that.

***

earbits: Hey Russ, thanks for chatting with us today. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it looks like Transplants is your first studio album producing a Big Band. What led to focusing on Big Band Jazz and do you think you’ll keep your focus on big bands for awhile?

Russ Spiegel: Hi Joey, it’s great to have the opportunity to speak with you. Yeah, that was a nice time with CHC – I really enjoyed playing with you guys. Really cool, fun music and musicians!

Many years ago (too many, I’m afraid to say) I was living in Germany and touring with one of that country’s top jazz artists, the organist Barbara Dennerlein. I was living in Frankfurt and was very much a part of the jazz scene there. I had relocated there in 1988 after studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was funny to call Germany home, but that is where my parents had moved after my father was offered a job with the Department of Defense. I had gone there while still in high school and had even done some college there. After my time at Berklee I was pretty broke so I went “home” to see how I would do in Europe – Berklee had a real name there and there was still the bonus of being an American in Germany.

Frankfurt is a communication center for the region in Germany called Hesse and they have TV and radio studios based in the city. They even have their own radio big band and I often went to their concerts. At one concert I attended there was a guest artist – a guitarist – and neither the arrangements nor the playing really knocked me out. I said to myself, “I can do that” and took my knowledge of arranging techniques I had learned at Berklee and wrote my first big band chart, appropriately titled “Number One.” When it was finished, I offered it to the Hessische Rundfunk Bigband (as the radio big band is called). They bought the chart, I made a nice chunk of change, and went straight on to my second chart, “Kangaroo,” which they also bought.

A couple of months went by and then I didn’t hear anything else from the radio station and went on the road with Barbara. I spoke with the saxophone player in the band as I was a little frustrated because I had never gotten to actually hear my charts performed (I had just given them the parts and the score). He suggested I form my own group if I want to hear my music. When I got back I made some phone calls, got some help from some of the local musicians, found a gig at the local jazz club and suddenly I was leading a big band. Now I didn’t have enough charts for an evening and realized I had better get writing.

After a couple of years I got a lot of notoriety as this crazy American running a big band in Frankfurt. I had a good number of charts written and a steady once-a-month gig with an established core group of local musicians. Later on the city gave me a cash award for my efforts in jazz, and my band was a featured performer at the German Jazz Festival in Frankfurt in 1999.

As to the question as to whether I will keep my focus on big band writing in the future, I would have to say that composing and arranging for big band is something I have found that I can do well. I believe I have an individual voice in this genre and it helps making my way in the world of jazz. I have begun giving workshops and seminars as well as getting requests for my charts and have been invited to be a guest artist at various high schools and colleges around the country. It’s all very rewarding professionally, but it’s not usually enough to keep putting bread on the table. Running a working big band is very labor-intensive and usually doesn’t pay off financially, and besides, I’m not the kind of guy who just likes to do one thing. I freelance doing gigs in various formations – from solo to big band – plus teaching, and the occasional commission to write or arrange. I also have developed an interest in film and have written and produced my first short film, which I will be doing the score to, as well as finding myself acting in the movies and TV, generally as a musician or an extra. Nevertheless, I would say big band writing and arranging is the thing I excel at. I’ve been very fortunate to have a great group of musicians here in New York who are willing to perform for ridiculously low pay just because they believe in this project and have fun playing my music.

earbits: Tell us a little about composing and arranging pieces for a big band. I imagine its easy to muddy the sound with so many instruments, but your music is punchy, clean and very well arranged. How do you make sure to leave space and keep things dynamic in your big band compositions?

Russ Spiegel: Thanks for the compliment. When I got into writing for big band one of the first things I did was get some books on orchestration. I made it a point to ask brass and reed players what was too high, or too low, what required too much breath, etc. I discovered musicians really appreciated good horizontal, melodic lines in their parts. I already had a strong grounding in harmony and at Berklee I had taken a class called “Chord Scales for Arranging” which was extremely helpful. I was also interested in Indian music so I had been looking into rhythmical concepts. Also, being a guitar player with absolutely no keyboard chops forced me to imagine a lot of the music in my mind’s eye. I discovered I could actually “hear” voicings and the sound of instruments in my head and found that this and my imagination all gave me insights into the music making process. It probably didn’t hurt that I come from a musical family and had been hearing all kinds of music since I was very young. Now this may sound funny to you, but I am actually a lazy guy. I would sit around and let the music run around in my head until I would know where to go next, then (and especially as I was writing music by hand) I would write just enough to get through the passage I had been working on. I definitely work using the concept, “Less is more”.

earbits: Is this an evolution of sorts, I mean, do you like composing and producing big band music more so than the smaller jazz ensembles you’ve had in the past?

Russ Spiegel: It is obviously a more involved process. Both require a strong compositional ability. I have found that, over the years, I do prefer music that is more “organized.” I think I have written and/or played so many “head charts” that I begin to miss things such as thematic development, and the harmonic richness of the larger group. Of course, there is more room for interplay in a smaller group but I do try to encourage that in my big band. That being said, in comparison to a small band, producing a big band is a bit of a nightmare as it requires a lot more time, patience and money to get a good sounding recording.

earbits: What was it like recording a 17-piece band? Where did you do it and how long did it take?

Russ Spiegel: It was a phenomenal experience! We recorded at Systems Two in Brooklyn. I can’t imagine a better place to record a big band. They have a huge main room, lots of isolation booths, great backline and all the microphones you could wish for. The place is state-of-the-art and they really managed to get the sound of the band down quickly. I had already done a number of projects with my engineer Jon Rosenberg – I recorded my first CD Monky with him way back in 1997 and I actually recorded my Steeplechase album Chimera with him a week or two later – and managed to record the entire nine tracks, plus some outtakes, in about 6 hours! I was as amazed as everyone else. Of course I only had so much money, so time was an issue, but the band was well-rehearsed and we had just done a couple of gigs. Everything really came together that day. I am extremely proud of the results and feel blessed to have had such amazing, experienced musicians working with me.

Once I had the basic tracks, it became an issue of editing, adding some overdubs – mostly me, as I couldn’t conduct the band and also fully concentrate on my parts – then mixing everything down. That was a long, and expensive process. I did it piece-by-piece whenever I had any money. The whole process ended up taking about three years and well over $10,000. I really didn’t want to compromise on the sound and felt this recording was going to be my calling card. I am truly proud of the results and I feel this was money well-spent.

earbits: Agreed. The album sounds terrific. Is there anything else about the Big Band experience that you want to share with our audience or aspiring composers out there?

Russ Spiegel: If that’s what you want to do, stick with your dream. Just keep in mind that it is a very time- and cost-intensive venture. Trying to find a gig for your group, especially a paying one, is a real challenge. Coordinating musicians, rehearsals, etc. will certainly also test one’s organizational skills. I think most young composers start off writing for their high school or college big bands. The challenge is to keep this up once one is forced to make a living. Financially, I’m probably pretty deep in the red, at least in the short term, in following this direction. On the other hand, it has given me an incredible amount of satisfaction standing in front of and leading 17 burning musicians playing their asses off on music that I have written and composed. I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.

earbits: Okay, last question, and it’s a random one. I just noticed on your blog that you were on the TV show 30 Rock, probably my all-time favorite show. Did I miss you? What part did you play, or are you talking about having music featured? I have to check it out!

Russ Spiegel: Joey, you know life sometimes throws you some interesting curves. A few years ago while I was in grad school I was asked by a friend to help out teaching some kids to play guitar for a movie these people were making. It was a fun little summer thing that ended up becoming the pilot for the hit Nickelodeon TV show, “The Naked Brothers Band.” Before I knew it, I had become one of the music instructors for that show. It ran for three years and during that time I got interested in acting. I ended up doing a role in one of the show’s epdisodes (“Been There, Rocked That”) and then got cast as a band member in the movie, “What Happens in Vegas…” That led to various background roles in a bunch of TV shows and movies, and that has turned into an income source allowing me to keep surviving as a musician in New York.

I have so far been on two episodes of 30 Rock, by the way: on “Black Light Attack” I am watching a basketball game sitting directly behind Alec Baldwin, so I’m very visible. On this season’s finale, “I Do Do” I’m part of the band in the wedding scene. I’m the blur playing guitar.

earbits: Haha! I will have to re-watch those episodes. To think, from leading an amazing Big Band to being the backing band for Tina Fey – now that is diversity. Thanks, Russ!

Russ Spiegel: Always a pleasure, Joey.

Joey Flores
CEO, earbits.com
joey@earbits.com
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyjflores
Twitter: @earbits

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Latest News, Gigs, etc.

2010-05-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

It's been a busy time with lots of projects keeping your blogger occupied:

-I was in Amherst last weekend interviewing for the position of Lecturer of Jazz at UMass. It's a tough call, but I am one of four finalists. Keep your fingers crossed.

-My short movie "Das Boots" (formerly "The Misunderstanding") is now in a rough cut version. I will be going to view it with my director this Wednesday (tomorrow as of this writing). Very exciting stuff. Hopefully, Karlyn (our editor) will also be able to make us a short trailer so I can put the movie up to try to raise the funds to finish the project, which I wrote, produced and will be doing the music for. Stand by for more on this.

-The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra has a real New York gig coming up - the RSJO will be appearing Tuesday, Sept. 7th at the Iridium jazz club in midtown Manhattan. Make sure to put the date in your books.

-On the acting side, it's been all TV shows so far this year: 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Mildred Pierce (an HBO mini-series starring Kate Winslet) and next week I'll be doing 5 days on Rescue Me.

And lots of gigs this week:

-Tonight, Tuesday, May 11th, 8-11pm: I'll be performing in duo with bassist Mark Wade:

Claret Wine Bar

4602 Skillman Avenue . Sunnyside . Queens . 718-937-7411

http://www.claretwinebar.com/

-Thursday, May 13th, 6-9pm: I'll be playing solo jazz guitar at:

Cranky*s Cafe

48-19 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109, Tel. 347.738.4921

http://www.crankyscafe.com/

-Friday, May 14th, 7-10pm: my longstanding restaurant gig is now a duo with bassist Kevin Thomas:

Il Porto Brick Oven Pizzeria & Restaurant, 37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY.

http://www.ilportobrooklyn.com/

-Saturday, May 15th, 8-12pm: I'll be at the lovely upscale Provençal restaurant L'Escale playing in duo with pianist Deanna Witlowski:
L'Escale
500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT‎ - (203) 661-4600‎
http://www.lescalerestaurant.com/

As always, feel free to contact me. It's great to get feedback.

Yours truly,

Russ

Latest Gigs, Other News

2010-01-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Greetings Music & Arts Lovers,

Lots going on as we get into the New Year. I will be heading out to California for some gigs in the LA area and will be in Sacramento doing a workshop and concert with the Rio Tinto High School Jazz Band, under the leadership of Josh Murray. I'll also be joining recently repatriated trombonist John Knight's quartet for an evening of original music at the Gershwin Hotel.

More exciting yet, I had written a screenplay for a movie short a couple of years ago. Through my good friend and major supporter Stu Deutsch, I made friends with director David Capurso. David and I have been developing the script and will be shooting my movie on the 23rd and 24th of this month, starring, among others, Gene Farber, who has worked on 24, Lie to Me, Virtuality, and many other productions. I am truly awed and amazed this is happening! If anyone wants more information on this project, or would like to contribute to its completion, please contact me at russ@russguitar.com

Here the latest gigs:

-Thursday, Jan. 14, 8pm: The John Knight/Russ Spiegel Quartet, feat. Aidan Carroll and Ross Pederson

@ Gershwin Hotel, 27th & 5th Aves., NYC.

-Friday, Jan. 15, 7pm: solo guitar @ Il Porto, 37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY.

-Wednesday, Jan. 20, 8pm: The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra feat. Hilary Gardner @ Gershwin Hotel, 27th & 5th Aves., NYC.

-Friday, Jan. 22, 7pm: Solo guitar @ Il Porto, 37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave., Brooklyn, NY.

-Friday, Jan. 29, 8pm: The Russ Spiegel Trio @ The Foundry on Melrose, 7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046

-Saturday, Jan. 30, 8pm: The Russ Spiegel/Nick Mancini Quintet feat. John Tegmeyer @ Rosalie & Alvas, 1417 W 8th St., San Pedro, CA 90732.

-Thursday, Feb. 4: Workshop and concert with The Rio Tinto High School Big Band, Sacramento, CA.

-Sunday, Feb. 7: The Russ Spiegel/Nick Mancini Quintet feat. John Tegmeyer @ The Lighthouse, 30 Pier Avenue

Hermosa Beach, CA 90254-3760

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, indeedy, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra is starting the New Year this Wednesday, Jan. 20th at the Gershwin Hotel in Manhattan. Great music, great venue - the Gershwin is not only one of the up and coming music venues in New York, but is also a very cool room, with modern art and a plush interior. There is also a cafe inside now with wine & beer.

Sets are at 8 & 9:30pm. Entrance is $10. Come for the first set and stay for the second free. Take off your shoes & shake your thing!

Russ Spiegel: Composer, Arranger, Guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile

Trumpets: Albert Leusink, Tatum Greenblatt, Miki Hirose, tba
Trombones: Scott Reeves, John Knight, Kevin Cerovich, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
Special Guest - Vocalist Hilary Gardner

Personally one of my favorite singers, Hilary Gardner, with her sparkling tone, crisp rhythmic assurance and interpretive finesse, is fast becoming known as one of New York's most compelling young vocalists.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently voted as one of the Top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year by Michael Valentine, Music Director for WDNA 88.9 FM, "Transplants" comprises nine energetic and magnificently performed Big Band Jazz pieces, all arranged and produced by Russ Spiegel. In addition to six original compositions written by Russ, Transplants includes songs by legendary composers Duke Ellington, Ray Noble and Paul Weston.

“There is a little something for everyone to like on Transplants, and it is clear that
Spiegel is a composer we will be hearing more great things from in the future.”
Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.Net

The 17-man strong Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra consists of some of New York's most talented musicians, and between the scintillating arrangements, stellar compositions and amazing musicianship there is something for everyone.

"If you are truly wise, you will transplant this disc from your favorite online CD store, directly into your music collection."
Dan McIntosh, indie-music.com

The Gershwin Hotel is located at:
7 East 27th Street in New York City
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

------------------------------------------

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is -Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant(known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

Next RSJO This Wednesday - Last time this year!

2009-12-14T08:11:00.000-08:00

Greetings Music Lovers,

Yes, indeedy, the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra is at it again this Wednesday, Dec. 16th at the Gershwin Hotel in Manhattan. Great music, great venue - the Gershwin is not only one of the up and coming music venues in New York, but is also a very cool room, with modern art and a plush interior. There is also now a cafe inside which supposedly now has wine & beer.

Sets are at 8 & 9:30pm. Entrance is $10. Come for the first set and stay for the second free. Take off your shoes & shake your thing!

Russ Spiegel: Composer, Arranger, Guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Ole Mathisen, Paul Nedzela

Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, John Trombetta, Andy Gravish, Miki Hirose
Trombones: Andy Hunter, John Knight, Kevin Cerovich, Brandon Moodie
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Eric Halvorson (dr)
Special Guest - Scott Reeves: valve trombone & compositions/arrangements

Scott Reeves is a trombonist, alto flugelhornist, composer, arranger, author, and college jazz educator. A Chicago native, he attended Indiana University where he received his B.M. in trombone and his M.M. in jazz studies. His teachers have included David Baker, Woody Shaw, Kenny Werner, Thomas Beversdorf, and Lewis Van Haney. He currently teaches at The City College of New York, CUNY, where he holds the rank of Associate Professor, and is also on the faculty of the Juilliard School of Music. (http://www.creativejazz.com/)
------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently voted as one of the Top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year by Michael Valentine, Music Director for WDNA 88.9 FM, "Transplants" comprises nine energetic and magnificently performed Big Band Jazz pieces, all arranged and produced by Russ Spiegel. In addition to six original compositions written by Russ, Transplants includes songs by legendary composers Duke Ellington, Ray Noble and Paul Weston.

“There is a little something for everyone to like on Transplants, and it is clear that
Spiegel is a composer we will be hearing more great things from in the future.”
Brad Walseth, JazzChicago.Net

The 17-man strong Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra consists of some of New York's most talented musicians, and between the scintillating arrangements, stellar compositions and amazing musicianship there is something for everyone.

"If you are truly wise, you will transplant this disc from your favorite online CD store, directly into your music collection."
Dan McIntosh, indie-music.com

The Gershwin Hotel is located at:
7 East 27th Street in New York City
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

------------------------------------------

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is - Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant(known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

The RSJO This Wednesday, Nov. 18th at the Gershwin

2009-11-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at it again over at the Gershwin Hotel, Wednesday, Nov. 18th at the usual times 8 and 9:30pm. This time around we will be featuring the usual assortment of fantastic New York musicians that make this such an exciting band to listen to and work with.

Russ Spiegel: leader, composer, arranger, guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Russ Nolan, Mark Small, Frank Basile
Trumpets: David Smith, Albert Leusink, Roger Lent, Rich Nichols

Trombones: Isrea Butler, Jack Davis, Alex Jeun, Brandon Moodie
Piano: Art Hirahara; Bass: Joris Teepe; Drums: Eric Halvorson

As always, showtimes are 8 and 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 (less than a buck a musician, only in New York!). Come for the first set, stay for the second. The Gershwin just opened up a restaurant so there's even more of a reason to hang out!

7 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016-8700
(212) 545-8000

www.gershwinhotel.com

New Gigs - Next RSJO concert Wed.., Nov. 18th

2009-11-08T14:12:00.001-08:00

I will be hosting a new Jazz Jam Session this Monday, Nov. 9th at one of Greenpoint's newest venues. The place is called Berry Park and specializes in German brews.

Musicians, bring your axes.

Monday, Nov. 9th, 9-12pm
at BERRY PARK
4 Berry St. @ N. 14th
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 782-2829, www.berryparkbk.com

Hosted by:
Russ Spiegel: guitar
with
Javier Moreno: bass
Ross Pederson: drums

--------------

This Tuesday, Nov. 10th I will start a new gig playing solo guitar at a wonderful Argentine bar/restaurant in Williamsburg called The Flying Cow. Come for the music, stay for the food, or vice versa.

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 8-11pm

at THE FLYING COW

2 Hope St. (Roebling St. between Metropolitan & Grand)

Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 387-7111

http://the-flyingcow.com/

-----------------------

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is -Friday, Nov. 13th, 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

Il Porto Restaurant
37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

-----------------------------

And next week the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be at it again over at the Gershwin Hotel, Wednesday, Nov. 18th at the usual times 8 and 9:30pm. This time around we will be featuring the usual assortment of fantastic New York musicians that make this such an exciting band to listen to and work with.

Russ Spiegel: leader, composer, arranger, guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, David Smith
Trombones: Isrea Butler, Jack Davis, Alex Jeun, Brandon Moodie
Piano: Art Hirahara; Bass: Joris Teepe; Drums: Eric Halvorson

As always, showtimes are 8 and 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 (less than a buck a musician, only in New York!). Come for the first set, stay for the second. The Gershwin just opened up a restaurant so there's even more of a reason to hang out!

7 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016-8700
(212) 545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

Off to Europe, New CD Review

2009-09-15T12:45:00.001-07:00

Hello Music Lovers,

Just a little note that I am off to Europe for a series of gigs with my comrade in arms, saxophonist Carl Clements, playing music from our Sundar Shor project.

"Sundar Shor" means "beautiful noise" in Hindi and represents Carl's and my interest in North Indian classical music combined with modern jazz. I am honored to work with Carl, as he has been studying the bansuri, which is the Indian seven-hole bamboo flute, for well over 20 years with his teacher in India and has become so proficient on this instrument that he can even play jazz on it!

We will be playing a series of concerts in and around Frankfurt, Germany and then off to Nuremberg for our last show. For more info on the gigs, please go to:

www.myspace.com/sundarshor

I'll be back in the US the beginning of October, gigging, teaching and starting as an instructor for the New York Jazz Academy (http://nyjazzacademy.com/).

The next RSJO gig at the Gershwin Hotel will be on Wednesday, October 14th. Set times as always will be 8 & 9:30pm.

-------------------------------------------------------

The RSJO just received another glowing review, this time by journalist Edward Blanco in All About Jazz. Here's the link:

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34095

Keep Swinging!

Russ

Just in - check out this interview at Ucombo.com

2009-09-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed on Ucombo.com. Here's the interview:

http://www.ucombo.com/reviews/tag/the-russ-spiegel-jazz-orchestra/

Hope to see a bunch of you at the RSJO gig Thursday.

Keep swinging,

Russ

New Gigs + RSJO Concert Thursday, Sept. 10th

2009-09-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

As often happens in the life of us freelance musicians a couple of last-minute gigs just came in:

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is - Friday, Sept. 4th, 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

On Saturday, Sept. 5th I'll playing in duo with bassist Dan Loomis 9pm-midnight at the Campbell Apartment, located 15 Vanderbilt (inside Grand Central Station).

The Campbell Apartment - Jazz Age cocktails, music and atmosphere provide a calm before the station.

15 Vanderbilt Ave (at Between 42nd Street and 43rd Street)
New York, NY 10017

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11351464/new_york_ny/the_campbell_apartment.html

Monday, Sept. 7th The Russ Spiegel Trio will be hitting it 8-10pm at Vox Pop in Brooklyn.

Russ Spiegel: guitar

Dan Loomis: bass

Ross Pederson: drums

VoxPop

1022 Cortelyou Rd
Brooklyn, NY 11218-5302
(718) 940-2084

http://www.voxpopnet.net/

------------------------------------------------------------

The next RSJO concert will be at the Gershwin Hotel Thursday, September 10th at the usual times 8 and 9:30pm. This time around we will be featuring the fantastic trumpeter Jim Rotondi(http://www.jimrotondi.com/) plus the usual assortment of fantastic New York musicians that make this such an exciting band to listen to and work with.

Russ Spiegel: leader, composer, arranger, guitar
Special Guest - Jim Rotondi: trumpet & flugelhorn
Reeds: Alejandro Aviles, Justin Wood, Tim Armacost, Dan Pratt, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, James Smith, Andy Gravish, Steve Smythe
Trombones: Andy Hunter, Dave Gibson, Alex Jeun, Brandon Moodie
Piano: Reiner Boehm; Bass: Kevin Thomas; Drums: Chris Benham

As always, showtimes are 8 and 9:30pm. Tickets are $15 (less than a buck a musician, only in New York!). Come for the first set, stay for the second. The Gershwin just opened up a restaurant but they are still trying to get their liquor license so it's BYOB.

7 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016-8700
(212) 545-8000

www.gershwinhotel.com

RSJO Concert, More News, etc...

2009-09-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra recording Transplants is garnering a lot of airplay and press coverage. The reviews have been universally positive and I have even started to get some requests from high schools & colleges around the country to provide them with copies of my arrangements.

The next RSJO concert will be at the Gershwin Hotel Thursday, September 10th at the usual times 8 and 9:30pm. This time around we will be featuring the fantastic trumpeter Jim Rotondi (http://www.jimrotondi.com/) plus the usual assortment of fantastic New York musicians that make this such an exciting band to listen to and work with.

7 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016-8700
(212) 545-8000

www.gershwinhotel.com

------------------------------------------------------------------

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is - Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

------------------------------------------------------------------

Latest Airplay List:

KUAZ 89.1 FM—Tucson, AZ

KASU 91.9 FM—Jonesboro, AR

KCHO 91.7FM—Chico, CA

KJAZZ, Los Angeles, CA

Jazz88 KSDS 88.3 FM--San Diego, CA

WWUH 92.3 FM -- Hartford, CT.

WRTC 89.3 FM—Hartford, CT

WUFT 89.1 FM -- Gainesville, FL

WDNA 89.9FM, Miami Florida

WUCF.FM 89.9, Orlando Florida

WKMS 91.3 FM—Murray, KY

WGBH 89.7 FM—Boston, MA

WNMC 90.7 FM --Traverse City MI

WBGO 88.3FM – Newark, NJ

WFDU 89.1 FM--Teaneck, NJ

WNYH 740 AM "The Global Mix", Queens, NY

WGMC 90.1 FM—Rochester, NY

WAER 88.3 FM—Syracuse, NY

KLCC 89.7 FM—Eugene, OR

WMCE 88.5 FM—Erie, PA

WDUQ 95.5 FM-Pittsburgh, PA

WVIA FM 89.9 -- Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania -- The George Graham Show

WVYA FM 89.9 -- Williamsport, Pennsylvania -- The George Graham Show

KNTU 88.1 FM—Denton, TX

WOMM 95.9 -- Burlington, Vermont

WCJZ FM 107.5 – Charlottesville, Virginia

RCV 99 FM – Lille, France

Jazz Spaces 94.1 FM Radio 2, Macedonia

Jazz.com -- Luxembourg

HR2 - Frankfurt, Germany

Gigs this week, The RSJO, Radio Play

2009-07-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

Hey Music Lovers,

I'll be at my usual Friday gig: "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is - Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

This Sunday, August 2nd I'll be doing a Jazz Brunch at Le Bateau Ivre from 12-4pm.

Awesome French food & of course great jazz!

Russ Spiegel: guitar

Dan Loomis: bass

Ross Pederson: drums

230 E 51st St
New York, NY 10022-6571
(212) 583-0579

www.lebateauivrenyc.com

---------------------------------------------------------

The next Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra concert will be at the Gershwin Hotel on August 11th. This time we will feature the talented vocalist Dennis Jeter on a number of specially arranged big band tunes.

As always, showtimes are 8 and 9:30pm. Tickets are $15 (less than a buck a musician, only in New York!). Come for the first set, stay for the second. The Gershwin is still trying to get its liquor license so it's BYOB.

7 E 27th St
New York, NY 10016-8700
(212) 545-8000

www.gershwinhotel.com

--------------------------------------------------------

The RSJO CD: Transplants has been getting lots of radio play. Check out this list of stations who have or are airing the CD, it's a pretty awesome list:

KUAZ 89.1 FM—Tucson, AZ

KCHO 91.7FM—Chico, CA

KJAZZ, Los Angeles, CA

Jazz88 KSDS 88.3 FM--San Diego, CA

WWUH 92.3 FM -- Hartford, CT.

WRTC 89.3 FM—Hartford, CT

WUFT 89.1 FM -- Gainesville, FL

WUCF.FM 89.9, Orlando Florida

WGBH 89.7 FM—Boston, MA

WNMC 90.7 FM --Traverse City MI

WBGO 88.3FM – Newark, NJ

WFDU 89.1 FM--Teaneck, NJ

WNYH 740 AM "The Global Mix", Queens, NY

WGMC 90.1 FM—Rochester, NY

WAER 88.3 FM—Syracuse, NY

KLCC 89.7 FM—Eugene, OR

WMCE 88.5 FM—Erie, PA

WDUQ 95.5 FM-Pittsburgh, PA

WVIA FM 89.9 -- Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania -- The George Graham Show

WVYA FM 89.9 -- Williamsport, Pennsylvania -- The George Graham Show

KNTU 88.1 FM—Denton, TX

WOMM 95.9 -- Burlington, Vermont

WCJZ FM 107.5 – Charlottesville, Virginia

HR2 - Frankfurt, Germany

RCV 99 FM – Lille, France

Jazz Spaces 94.1 FM Radio 2, Macedonia

Jazz.com -- Luxembourg

Latest Upcoming Gigs

2009-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

More News on The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra front: The response was enthusiastic about our last gig at the Gershwin Hotel and my thanks to all of you who made it out for the show. Our next monthly gig there will feature master of the chromatic harmonica and Brazilian music specialist Hendrik Meurkens Tuesday, July 14th, (Bastille Day for all you Frenchies) playing two sets 8-9pm & 9:30-10:30pm. The price is is $15, which, with 17 musicians in the band comes to less than a buck a musician - the best deal in NYC! Plus, if you come to the first set, you can stay for the second!

Special Guest: Hendrik Meurkens: chromatic harmonica
The Gershwin Hotel is located at: 7 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am "O solo mio" - solo jazz guitar, that is - Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios. Hope to see you there.
37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

So, you think you're an actor?

2009-06-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, let's put it this way: I keep getting work.

- I just recently got called & auditioned for a NY Lotto MegaMillions commercial. We'll see if I get a callback.

- I will be appearing as the banjo player in the Eddie Cantor band for Martin Scorcese's new movie/TV pilot "Boardwalk Empire." We film Monday.

- I am also going to be playing part of a film crew in the upcoming Roger Michell film "Morning Glory" starting this Sunday.

- I recently played a Hot Dog Vendor in "Sorcerer's Apprentice" starring Nicholas Cage.

- & yours truly is in the band for the wedding scene in the upcoming Kristen Bell/Josh Duhamel Disney Film, "When in Rome..."

Apart from that, I am presently working on music for two movie shorts, "Waterfront Access" by Floanne Ankah (working in conjunction with my buddy Joe Savastano), and "The Haircut" by Elena Shpak.

Who said it's in Hollywood that dreams are made?...

The Latest + Gigs

2009-06-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

It's starting to get hot here in NYC - and I don't just mean the weather (heh, heh).

Ok, maybe that's a tired line, but I've got a whole lot cooking right now.:

-The CD, The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, Transplants is starting to get nationwide radio play, with songs from the album being heard from San Diego to Boston and beyond to France, Germany and Macedonia!

-My interview on ArtistFirst.com is now available to listen to and download: http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Special_2009-05-21_Russ_Spiegel.mp3

-I received a commission to write a series of songs for drummer & Michigan native Corey Cook for his New York quartet. www.myspace.com/coreycookensemble

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra is back! After the great response from our last gig we are going to be starting a monthly gig over at the Gershwin Hotel beginning Tuesday, June 16th, playing two sets 8-9pm & 9:30-10:30pm. The price is is $15, which, with 17 musicians in the band comes to less than a buck a musician - the best deal in NYC! Plus, if you come to the first set, you can stay for the second!

The Band:
Russ Spiegel: compositions, arrangements, guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Arun Luthra, Dan Pratt, Andrew Hadro
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, Philip Dizak, James Smith, Roger Lent
Trombones: Michael Boscarino, Jack Davis, Andy Hunter, Darrell Hendricks
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Gary Wang (b), Chris Benham (dr)
The Gershwin Hotel is located at: 7 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

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I have a new regular gig Thursdays, from 7-10pm at a great Greenpoint restaurant called Lamb & Jaffy. The chef Michael DiPrima makes some killin' food, the atmosphere is great, and the garden is total bliss.

Solo Jazz Guitar @ Lamb & Jaffy

1073 Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (between Eagle & Dupont), Brooklyn, New York 11222

(718) 389-3638

Come on up to Washington Heights for a Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

A Whole Lot of Gigs...& More!

2009-05-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hey All,

It's starting to get hot here in NYC - and I don't just mean the weather (heh, heh).

Ok, maybe that's a tired line, but I've got a whole lot cooking right now.:

-My interview on ArtistFirst.com is now available to listen to and download: http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Special_2009-05-21_Russ_Spiegel.mp3

-I received a commission to write a series of songs for drummer & Michigan native Corey Cook for his New York quartet. www.myspace.com/coreycookensemble

Plus, apart from my usual regular gigs, I have a couple of highlights for you to check out:

Sunday, June 7th at 3:00 pm I'll be playing in duo with vocalist Michelle Samuels @

The Great Neck House

65 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck, New York 11024

Cost: free

http://www.greatneckparks.org/sundays_at_3.htm

The temperature at Great Neck House will soar when this sultry New York City Jazz singer comes to town. Ms. Samuels is a graduate of NYU who has been playing clubs in the city in support of her debut album, "Across a Crowded Room." Joined by Russ Spiegel on guitar, she specializes in the standards. This promises to be a special show.

http://michellesamuels.com/home.html

The Band:
Russ Spiegel: compositions, arrangements, guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Arun Luthra, Lucas Pino, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, Kenny Lavender, James Smith, David Smith
Trombones: Michael Boscarino, Jack Davis, John Yao, Max Siegel
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
The Gershwin Hotel is located at: 7 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

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I have a new regular gig starting this Thursday, June 4th, from 7-10pm at a great Greenpoint restaurant called Lamb & Jaffy. The chef Michael DiPrima makes some killin' food, the atmosphere is great, and the garden is total bliss.

Solo Jazz Guitar @ Lamb & Jaffy

1073 Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (between Eagle & Dupont), Brooklyn, New York 11222

(718) 389-3638

PLUS: My usual regular gigs:

Come on up to Washington Heights for a Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Gigs This Week

2009-05-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Come on up to Washington Heights for a Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Upcoming Radio Interviews

2009-05-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

Some things are moving for my recent release, The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra: Transplants. I have been receiving some very nice reviews both here and abroad. Check out the following links:

JazzChicago.net: http://www.jazzchicago.net/reviews/2009/RussSpiegelTransplants.html

Midwest Record: http://www.midwestrecord.com/

Jazz.com: http://www.jazz.com/music/2009/5/12/russ-spiegel-the-rub

Agas-Schmitz (in German): http://www.agas-schmitz.com/html/in_focus.html

I am also going to be doing interviews on the following sites:

-Thursday, May 21st at 10pm on ArtistFirst.com: http://artistfirst.com/

-Saturday, May 23rd at 10am on WFDU (Fairleigh Dickinson University, 89.1 in New Jersey): http://alpha.fdu.edu/wfdu/wfdufm/home.html

Best wishes,

Russ

Latest Gigs - Week of May 11-17th

2009-05-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

This Saturday evening I am performing with the Reggie Quinerly Quartet at Langan's: 150

The Jazz is Hot and the Food is Fabulous. Reggie Quinerly and his group liven up the mood on Saturday nights and at Sunday brunch. It’s why people Linger at Langan’s. On Saturday night the jazz cooks from 9 pm till 12:30 pm. There is no cover charge.

W. 47th St. (between 6th & 7th Aves)

New York, New York 10036

http://www.langans.com/

Come on up for a Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Latest Gigs

2009-04-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

I am "O solo mio" Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios. Hope to see you there.
37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

I am playing Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

April 7th is the CD Release Party for the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra

2009-03-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be performing live at The Gershwin Hotel in NYC on Tuesday April 7th, 2009 to celebrate the release of their new CD “Transplants”.

"Transplants" comprises nine energetic and magnificently performed Big Band Jazz pieces, all arranged and produced by Russ Spiegel. In addition to six original compositions written by Russ, "Transplants" includes songs by legendary composers Duke Ellington, Ray Noble and Paul Weston.

The 17-man strong Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra consists of some of New York's most talented musicians, and between the scintillating arrangements, stellar compositions and amazing musicianship there is something for everyone.

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch one of New York’s most electrifying live bands before the start of their world tour in support of “Transplants”.

The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra will be playing two sets at 8pm and 9:30pm, and tickets are $15-come for the first show & stay for the second.

The Band:
Russ Spiegel: compositions, arrangements, guitar
Reeds: Rob Wilkerson, Alejandro Aviles, Arun Luthra, Lucas Pino, Frank Basile
Trumpets: Colin Brigstocke, Kenny Lavender, James Smith, David Smith
Trombones: Michael Boscarino, Jack Davis, John Yao, Max Siegel
Rhythm: Art Hirahara (p), Yoshi Waki (b), Chris Benham (dr)
& Special Guest: Dennis Jeter (voc)

The Gershwin Hotel is located at: 7 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-545-8000
www.gershwinhotel.com

For more information about The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra please visit:
www.russguitar.com

Contact:
Janet Castiel
Redwood Entertainment Inc.
Phone: (212)543-9998
info@redwoodentertainment.com

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As always I am "O solo mio" Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios. Hope to see you there.
37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

I am playing Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

New CD Update & More

2009-03-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce my recording - The Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra: Transplants - is now available. This project has taken almost 3 years and more money than I care to admit but I am proud of the results: 9 songs performed by a 17-man strong band, 6 originals, 3 vocal tracks, and all arrangements by yours truly. The new date for release and CD release party is set for 8pm and 9:30pm (two shows) Tuesday, April 7th at the Gershwin Hotel located at 27th St. & Madison Ave. in New York City. Cost is $15.

In March, I have two exciting performances coming up:
On March 17th, at 7:30pm I'll be performing with my Indian/Jazz band Sundar Shor at Elebash Hall at the CUNY Grad Center. This is a very exciting project and features the amazing Carl Clements on saxes and bansuri - the Indian bamboo flute. Carl is probably one of the only musicians in the world playing jazz on this instrument. The band will be augmented by Gary Wang on bass, Adrian D'Souza on drums and Narendra Budhakar on tabla. To hear some of our music go to www.myspace.com/sundarshor

On March 19th I'll be playing with my trio at the Bar Next Door (underneath La Lanterna) at McDougal St. & 3rd St. in Greenwich Village. The BND is one of the most vibrant locales in the city presenting cutting edge jazz in a cozy, convivial setting. Three shows between 8:00 and 11:30pm. $10 cover for all night.

I am "O solo mio" Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios. Hope to see you there.
37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

And, as always, I am playing Jazz Brunch every Sunday 12-3pm - guitar/bass duo at: Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

New Regular Gig Friday Nights

2009-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

That's right! Starting this week I am "O solo mio" Friday evenings 7-10pm at Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!). Located directly across from the entrance to Steiner Studios. Hope to see you there.

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

---------------------------------

Also don't forget Sundays:

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Solo Jazz Guitar for Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

That's right, Russ is "O solo mio" this Saturday evening 7:30-11pm at
Il Porto Restaurant (known for its wood burning brick oven pizza!)

37 Washington Avenue at Flushing Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 624-2965
www.ilportobrooklyn.com

Gig This Sunday, Jan. 18th

2009-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Now accepting New Students

2009-01-09T19:46:00.000-08:00

As we have finished work this season for the Nickelodeon TV show "The Naked Brothers Band" I now have time to dedicate to teaching privately again and am now accepting applications for new students. Please email me at www.russ@russguitar.com if you are interested and are in the NY area.

GIg this Sunday, Dec. 21st

2008-12-21T07:40:00.001-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

3 New & Exciting Gigs Dec. 14th & 15th

2008-12-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Dec. 14:

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

5-8pm: Trio Jazz w/ bassist Fumi Tomita, Brian Fishler on drums.
t.b.d. Bar - Corner of Franklin & Green Sts. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (G Train to Greenpoint Ave.) http://nymag.com/listings/bar/t-b-d/
There will be a jam session to celebrate my friends Stu Deutsch's and Domingos Fialho's birthday.

Monday, Dec. 15th:

7-9pm: Sundar Shor @ VoxPop
Address: 1022 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn 718 940 2084
http://www.voxpopnet.net/

Carl Clements: saxes, bansuri (Indian bamboo flute)
Russ Spiegel: acoustic guitar
Jim Whitney: bass
Narendra Budhakar: tabla

Sundar Shor means "Beautiful Noise" in Hindi and is a project of saxophonist and bansuri-player Carl Clements and myself. This past December/January we were in India performing a series of gigs for the American Center based in Mumbai as well as some other performances.

Gig This Sunday, Dec. 7th

2008-12-02T20:54:00.001-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Gig This Sunday, Nov. 23rd

2008-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

Two Gigs this Sunday, Nov. 16

2008-11-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
www.jessesplace.net

6:30-8:15pm: Duo Jazz - with multi-reed player Carl Clements
68 Jay St. Bar - Jay St. & Water St., Dumbo, Brooklyn (F Train to York St.)
http://www.68jaystreetbar.com/

Two Gigs this Sunday, Nov. 9th

2008-11-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan. www.jessesplace.net

4-7pm: Trio Jazz w/ bassist Fumi Tomita, Brian Fishler on drums
t.b.d. Bar - Corner of Franklin & Green Sts. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (G Train to Greenpoint Ave.) http://nymag.com/listings/bar/t-b-d/

Two Gigs This Sunday, Nov. 2nd

2008-10-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Mark Hagan at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
www.jessesplace.net

6:30-8:15pm: Duo Jazz - with multi-reed player Carl Clements
68 Jay St. Bar - Jay St. & Water St., Dumbo, Brooklyn (F Train to York St.)
There will be a gallery opening for artist Amanda Barrow so this will be a great event.

Jazz Brunch This Sunday, Oct. 26

2008-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan.

Two more gigs this Sunday, October 19

2008-10-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan.

6:30-8:15pm: Duo Jazz - with multi-reed player Carl Clements
68 Jay St. Bar - Jay St. & Water St., Dumbo, Brooklyn (F Train to York St.)

Two Gigs This Sunday

2008-10-12T05:51:00.000-07:00

12-3pm: Jazz Brunch - Duo with bassist Fumi Tomita at:
Jesse's Place - 181st & Pinehurst (A Train to 181st) in Washington Heights, Manhattan.

4-7pm: Trio Jazz w/ bassist Fumi Tomita, Eric Halvorson on drums
t.b.d. Bar - Corner of Franklin & Green Sts. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (G Train to Greenpoint Ave.)

WELCOME!!!

2008-10-08T20:53:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone and welcome to my blog space. This will list my gigs and other projects I am working on in conjunction with my newly launched website www.russguitar.com

Russ Spiegel Calendar and Information

Big News!

Happy New Ears - 2012!

Last Post for 2011

Thanksgiving Update

Update from Germany

Latest News

Big Update!

Upcoming Concert of the RSJO - Latin Time!

Update - July 1, 2011

Update from Germany

Latest News: Gig Update

Exciting News!

Gig Post March 16, 2011

Gig Update Feb. 9, 2011

Gig Update Jan. 29. 2011

Happy New Year - New Gigs

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs, Gigs

New Gigs!

Latest Gigs

Upcoming Performances

RSJO Concert, Movie Completed, Other News

Latest Blogs at Earbits.com

New Blog at earbits.com

Notes of a Jazz Survivor I – Welcome to Jazz Reality

New Gigs

New Interview

Russ Spiegel’s Band Is Bigger Than Yours

Latest News, Gigs, etc.

Latest Gigs, Other News

Next RSJO This Wednesday - Last time this year!

The RSJO This Wednesday, Nov. 18th at the Gershwin

New Gigs - Next RSJO concert Wed.., Nov. 18th

Monday, Nov. 9th, 9-12pm at BERRY PARK4 Berry St. @ N. 14thBrooklyn, NY 11211(718) 782-2829, www.berryparkbk.com

Hosted by:Russ Spiegel: guitarwithJavier Moreno: bassRoss Pederson: drums

Off to Europe, New CD Review

Just in - check out this interview at Ucombo.com

New Gigs + RSJO Concert Thursday, Sept. 10th

RSJO Concert, More News, etc...

Gigs this week, The RSJO, Radio Play

Latest Upcoming Gigs

So, you think you're an actor?

The Latest + Gigs

A Whole Lot of Gigs...& More!

Gigs This Week

Upcoming Radio Interviews

Latest Gigs - Week of May 11-17th

Latest Gigs

April 7th is the CD Release Party for the Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra

New CD Update & More

New Regular Gig Friday Nights

Solo Jazz Guitar for Valentine's Day

Gig This Sunday, Jan. 18th

Now accepting New Students

GIg this Sunday, Dec. 21st

3 New & Exciting Gigs Dec. 14th & 15th

Gig This Sunday, Dec. 7th

Gig This Sunday, Nov. 23rd

Two Gigs this Sunday, Nov. 16

Two Gigs this Sunday, Nov. 9th

Two Gigs This Sunday, Nov. 2nd

Jazz Brunch This Sunday, Oct. 26

Two more gigs this Sunday, October 19

Two Gigs This Sunday

WELCOME!!!

Monday, Nov. 9th, 9-12pm
at BERRY PARK
4 Berry St. @ N. 14th
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 782-2829, www.berryparkbk.com

Hosted by:
Russ Spiegel: guitar
with
Javier Moreno: bass
Ross Pederson: drums