Big Nick – Page 2 – Chris Bates

Genuine Jazz In July!

I’m definitely stealing that headline from some place I played at in the ’90’s. After a busy June filled with plenty of teaching, flying, general airport chaos, playing and even relaxing for a few days with family it looks like July is, dare I say, ‘heating up’, with some real fine music! Come on feel…

Trio music: the best format ever?

I have spent many hours in my car over the last couple of months driving to exotic locales like Evansville (pop. 412), International Falls and Grand Marais in northern Minnesota. What a fantastic way to see spring come in! From barren and grey to explosive greens in just a few weeks, it’s been such a…

Spring into Music

Lots to do. Lots going on. Perpetual motion continues. Sorry, but I’m totally not into promoting myself these days. Staying away from social media and the general insanity of our my-opinion-is-a-fact, yours- is-a-lie culture these days. Trying to sllllooooooowwwwww down and do what’s best for my family and my music. Still super happy to be…

March ’19 – Le update du Bates

Greetings everyone. Snow gotcha down? It’s definitely been a grind, and as I write this we’re are on the cusp of another ‘precipitation event’ and daylight savings time kicks in on the morrow. The good news is that spring is inevitable, so we’ll just have to ride out this winter like we always do here…

February 2019 Bates UPDATE

Well, folks we are already one month into 2019. I played some really fun shows in January including a joyfully ecstatic reunion with some of my Eau Claire friends, an intense and satisfying CD release party for Peter Kogan’s new album, a superset of dinner music with Dave Power and Dean Granros at Icehouse and…

Bates Update HOLIDAZZLER

The Thanks have been given and continue to be perpetuated by our own attitudes for gratitude! Continuous support from family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, and YOU; inspires me and fuels my musical life. Thank you!!!! Atlantis Quartet just returned from a two-day mini-tour that was super fun and rewarding. It’s such a rarity to get…

Octoberatesupdate!

October is upon us. Not much to share other than this run on sentence. Playing music is a fascinating and bizarre career path with many ups and downs that don’t always align with the norms of normalcy within the social construct of 9-5 concepts that dominate our societal systems based on one’s expected alignment within…

Summer’s going fast…. Bates Updates getting slower.

I’m sorry. Bates Updates have been sporadic at best. I will do better. (there is no try) -cb Here’s what’s up with September. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9-7, 8, 9 7pm All Ages TICKETS HERE Davina and the Vagabonds @ The Dakota Davina – the voice, the attitude, the energy and sincerity of a…

July already???? Dang.

Hey everyone! It’s been a whirlwind here in Batesland with summer in full effect and I’m already thru Jazz Camp teaching season as well as the Twin Cities Jazz Fest! Highlights from the last month include teaching the Minneapolis Public Schools JAM (Jazz Around Minneapolis) Camp and my annual week of combo and improv at…

I wish I MAY. I wish, I PLAY.

Hey everyone what’s happening?! I can only hope you are getting outside and enjoying this fantastic spring weather. It’s been a tremendous turnaround since we were deluged with that snowstorm a couple of weeks ago. This month I’m keeping it simple and focusing on making and presenting music. The work of play and the benefits…