Jamming with Joe Hertenstein

December 3rd, 2007

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing some songs with a very talented and kind gentleman by the name of Joe Hertenstein (www.myspace.com/joehertenstein). Joe is a drummer from Germany and is just finishing his first year in the Jazz Studies Masters Program at Queens College.

This was the first time I’ve played any of my music with a drummer, and I have to say it was a really exciting and inspirational day. Joe had some great ideas to share with regards to the kind of rhythms that might work and also had some valuable insight into how I can tighten up and improve some of the tunes. We’re a long ways from being tight, but I think there’s a nice seed planted here which I intend to nurture.

Most important of the insights was that I need to get the core players (me, drums, bass) set up to play at least 3-4 gigs together before recording. I hadn’t considered that, but I see that he’s absolutely right. There are a lot of nuances to work out, and nothing improves a band like playing live.

Joe goes back to Germany for Christmas and doesn’t return until the beginning of February. So, if I’m going to make this work I’ll need to push recording to March. However, that still gives me enough time to finish the record and have it duplicated for my June deadline. I’ll just need to make sure I’ve got the packaging all ready to go before then.

I’m going to talk to some folks about scheduling a 4 week residency at one of the NYC venues to tighten things up. I’m also going to see about scheduling a show or two on long island for the same time period.

The second important insight in getting this CD done properly is to create lead sheets for the musicians. I need to have lead sheets with demo cds for the musicians before Christmas. I’ll be working on this while Mr. Hertenstein is searching out an upright bassist to complete the trio.

That’s all for now… Thanks for listening!

PS. Thanks Joe… You’re a cool cat.