Before moving into 2011 it seems fitting to look back at 2010. Originally was just going to write this down for myself, but figured I would post to the blog since it has been awhile. Was a good mix of musical projects, gigs, teaching and outdoor activities this year. Each year brings new challenges, a clean slate of sorts to build upon the experiences of the previous one. I’m looking forward to finishing the long overdue Go By Train CD, perhaps working on an Upper Left Trio one and who knows, maybe some more triathlons this summer.

The Duo Chronicles project that John Nastos and I embarked on in 2009 was to record a song a week, for one year ended September 1st. We managed to make it all the way through, and all weeks are available online for posterity. www.duochronicles.com

In February, the PDX Jazz Festival has become an annual happening. Got to see an interesting concert, a duo with accordionist Frode Haltli and saxophonist Trygve Seim from Norway. An unusual combination perhaps, but interesting sonically nonetheless. Duo Chronicles played at the Riverplace Hotel and Go By Train did a night at the Rogue Ale House, which was pretty loud of course.

Gracie and the Atom, a show written by McKinley had a good run at Artists Rep. Theater here in Portland, in May. Interesting show that combined physics and Catholic is a serious yet humorous way. I was fortunate to be involved as the music director and played keyboards as well co-writing some of the music. The band was great, which made going to work easy, even if we did have to wear ties.

Prior to this 2010 I had always been interested in trying a triathlon, so made it a goal to try one and ended up doing a few. There are different distances, but triathlons consist of swimming, biking and running in that order. I grew up swimming for fun, but had never swam long distances. So on advice from another triathlete, started swimming with Masters program at Mt. Hood Community College. It really helped a lot, although I have a ways to go. In the past having problems with my ears plugging up I was a bit concerned, but didn’t have any problems fortunately, just trying to convince myself to jump into cold water was the real problem.

After training during the spring, the first event was the Blue Lake Triathlon, Olympic distance. This was typical wet, cold, Portland in June weather but made it through and even managed to get the wetsuit off and on by myself ok. Did three more throughout the summer and then in September, took a trip down to California to do the Pacific Grove Triathlon. Finished in a little under three hours, and was a good one to wrap up the season.

Among other gigs, Upper Left Trio did one of jazz concerts at the McMenamins Mission Theater in July.

In August, for the fifth time was on faculty for the Mel Brown Jazz Workshop at Western Oregon University. Was nice to get out of town for the week and be in an environment where everyone was immersed in music. From there went to Montreal, Canada to visit for a week. They have a great public bike system which was impressive and easy to use. A good way to see the city.

I grew up hiking in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but it had been many years since being in the Siouxon area. There used to be a fire lookout up on the peak before they were phased out. Anyways, did a long one day hike in hot weather, from the valley floor to the top and back. Started too late in the day and ended up finishing the last part in the dark with flashlights. Ran out of water too, haven’t been that thirsty in a long time.

In the Fall, school started again and the teaching kept me pretty busy. Worked on vocalist Jessie Marquez’s new CD which will be out in February of 2011. Co-wrote some of songs, played keyboards and did some horn and string arrangements, which was fun. She has a great voice and graceful presence on stage. All the musicians involved sounded great and working with engineer, Bob Stark is always a pleasure too.

Bon Voyage 2010…