Here we are on the cusp of another glorious MN spring. The snow melt is almost over and the crocuses and magnolias are getting set to bloom in my yard. Nature is doing it’s thing and we can only sit back and let it happen. So let’s embrace the spirit of change and celebrate the seasonal transformation with some NEW MUSIC!

On Monday, April 14th I’ll be releasing a new album and playing a CD release party with the Good Vibes trio down at Icehouse! My cohorts in this trio are Dave Hagedorn on vibes and Phil Hey on drums. The trio draws inspiration from the blues and swing in a way that is familiar, yet may seem new to those used to my collaborations with Atlantis Quartet or my own band Red 5. The new album contains 7 songs penned by jazz greats Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Kirkland, Karl Berger and David Berkman. The interplay, energy and joy of swing can be felt in these songs and paints a beautiful portrait of musical precision and passion. Partnering with Dave Hagedorn and Phil Hey has allowed me grow as a musician but also allows me to present these veteran players in new ways. Hagedorn’s virtuosic flights are supported nimbly and urged to new heights by the rhythm section. Hey is inventive and daring in his use of brushes and is even featured as a composer on the original ‘Marse’. You get to hear me leading the charge, soloing ferociously and holding down the bottom with aplomb. This trio is a new band made up of experienced players who have come together to have fun and connect directly with their audience. Collectively the trio burns with a group mindset that showcases the maturity, musicality and virtuosity of each member. The overall message here is positive. Make sure to check out the show details below and bring on the Good Vibes!

April Shows:

Wednesday April 9th
Fall of the House of Usher at Jazz Central.
8:30 pm  $5-10 donation.
FoTHoU is a world music slip-sync voodoo jazz band featuring: Chris Cunningham on gtr, Greg Schutte on drums, Elliot Wachs, Adrian Larkin, Jon Davis and Nelson Devereaux on saxophones. Special guests: Greg Reese voice, Park Evans gtr, Ivan Cunningham sax and Ruby Cunningham spoken word. V-Lo will have soups and dessert for you!

Friday and Saturday April 11th and 12th
Phil Aaron / Chris Bates duo at Icehouse
6:30-9:30 pm  FREE. Phil is one of my favorite pianists in town and we always have a super incredible time playing duo.

Monday April 14th
Good Vibes trio CD RELEASE Jazz Party Implosion at Icehouse!
9:30pm  21+  $10 cover gets you in and nets you the new album!!! Deals on wheels people! Come on now and check it out. Good Vibes will play two sets at 9:30 and 11pm. 

Tuesday April 22nd
Andrew Walesch American Songbook Series at Pioneer Place in St Cloud.
7:30pm Tickets available!
Andrew is a great young jazz singer with a gift for interpreting standards. Tonight’s show is all Jimmy Van Heusen tunes.

Friday April 25th
Atlantis Quartet plays The Bridge Series at Jazz Central
7:30pm $10 cover
Atlantis Quartet is one of the most treasured musical adventures I’ve had in my life. These guys just continually inspire me and challenge me to take the music farther than I ever imagined. Pete Hennig on drums. Zacc Harris on guitar. Brandon Wozniak on sax. Come out, pick up our new CD ‘Expansion’ and enjoy some of V-Lo’s tacos!!!

In addition to these shows this month I’m doing some recording with Pushing Chain. These guys are a stellar duo of Adam Moe on violin and vocals and Boyd Blomberg on guitar and vocals. JT and I are backing them up on some upcoming gigs in May so look out for some seriously great songs from these two new friends!

If you are unable to attend the CD release show you can get your copy of the Good Vibes album starting April 15th on iTunes and Amazon; locally at the Electric Fetus or directly through my website. It will also be streaming at Spotify, Bandcamp and most other major digital outlets.

Thanks for all your ongoing support and an extra special shout out to all the fans who attended the Good Vibes concert we held at Creation Audio last Sunday! Thanks to Steve Wiese for the facility and concept, Miles Hanson for recording, Gwen and Birch for the food and all of you for attending! It was truly a unique and special gig for myself, Phil and Dave. The energy and community surrounding us that day was awesome!

Thanks so much. Live music makes it happen!

XO – CB