Bates Update FALL 2020

Wow. It’s just wow. So many things have changed, and shifted, and generally gone askew that I will just say; Here we are. We’re still here. Getting up everyday and working on the work that needs to be worked on. For me that’s still music but not at the pace or intensity that it once…

Read More

Bates Update Artist In Residence Edition

Hello! Needless to say, is it a very incredible(!!!????) time to be a human being on planet earth? I really do hope that all of you are staying healthy and balanced during this situation. I have been overwhelmed at times, so I’m right here with you. I am not going to spend any time here pontificating…

Read More

March into Music

Is it really almost spring? Time is flying by so fast and the world seems to be getting even faster every day! I know I’ve touched on this topic before but it does seem to be a dominant feeling out in the world so it deserves our attention. We have unprecedented access to information and…

Read More

February Update

Hey everyone! Winter is cruising along and I hope this message finds you healthy and happy! There are many shows in this first 10 days of February. It is certainly a lot to keep together both musically and promotionally. I hope that instead of seeing this and saying ‘ope’ he plays so much, we’ll catch…

Read More

2020 Bulletin

OK – In typical fashion, for many freelancers and creative types, my January is somewhat slow. I’m working on a bunch of ‘stuff’ and ‘things’ in the background here that will be manifesting themselves over this coming year. I am definitely looking forward to sharing those plans with you but I’m not quite ready to…

Read More

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Greetings and salutations all you true believers (no matter what you believe in)! It has been a fantastic year from a learning, growing, and playing perspective. Every gig has allowed me to explore new avenues of musical expression, fresh compositional approaches and the intricacies human interactions. On the home front my Dad, my brothers, my…

Read More

November 2019: Updated

How are you doing? I’m good. It’s my birthday month and as usual, I’m in a reflective mood. I’ve had a pretty dang good year on the music side of things and overall my family and friends are healthy. That is a win in my opinion and I’m super thankful for it. I’ve had the…

Read More

August Update

Greetings and salutations all you fine people! Happy to report that music is still really fun to play, listen to, and experience! I’ve done extensive testing on this theory (conducting numerous interviews with lay people and known experts) and the conclusion is that even if you don’t connect with a song or performance immediately there…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More